Thanks to all for your suggestions, and many special thanks to Ellis Dee; that’s really an extensive and detailed overview you gave us, I’ll see when I get time to work all through it.
Of the often mentioned albums so far, I already own and like Hot Rats, Apostrophe, Overnite Sensation, Zoot Allures and Sheik Yerbouti. Additionally, I now listened to One Size Fits All (which I really liked) and Just Another Band From L.A (which maybe I have to hear again, it didn’t quite click the first time). I have much more to work through, but now I got great guidance to find my way through the Zappa cosmos. Thanks again.
Hint: Billy The Mountain has many great moments but can be a bit of a slog. For now, skip BTM and focus on the rest of the album. After that clicks, you might find BTM more engaging and easier to appreciate. Howard and Mark are amazing on this album.