Straight Records

In the 1960s, music was experiencing a major shift as rock n’ roll was becoming more experimental, psychedelic, and countercultural. This was the perfect climate for an artist like Frank Zappa, who was known for his unconventional approach to rock music. With a desire to showcase his own unique sound, Zappa created his own record label called Straight Records in 1969.

Straight Records was established as a subsidiary of Bizarre Records, which was owned by Zappa’s manager Herb Cohen. However, Zappa had complete control over the creative decisions made for Straight Records. In fact, he used the label as a platform to promote his own music, as well as the music of other artists that he believed in.

Throughout its brief existence, which lasted from 1969 to 1974, Straight Records released some of the most groundbreaking and eclectic albums in rock history. From the avant-garde soundscapes of Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band to the politically charged folk-rock of Alice Cooper, Straight Records was an edgy and unpredictable label that refused to play by the rules.

One of the most iconic albums released on Straight Records was Trout Mask Replica, the third album by Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band. Produced by Zappa himself, the album is regarded as one of the most challenging and innovative works in the history of rock music. It is a complex and experimental album that blends blues, jazz, and avant-garde music in a way that had never been heard before.

Another notable album released on Straight Records was Alice Cooper’s debut album, Pretties for You, which was released in 1969. Even though it was far from a commercial success, the album showcased Alice Cooper’s intense stage presence and distinctive sound, which would later become the foundation for his successful career as a shock rocker.

Other notable artists that were signed to Straight Records included The GTOs, Wild Man Fischer, Tim Buckley, and Little Feat. Each artist on the label had their own unique style and vision, but they all shared a common thread of experimentalism and boundary-pushing.

Despite the label’s artistic success, Straight Records faced numerous legal battles that ultimately led to its demise. In 1972, Zappa sued his former manager Herb Cohen for allegedly mismanaging the label’s finances. The lawsuit drained the label’s resources and led to Zappa’s eventual departure from the label in 1974.

Even though Straight Records had a short existence, its impact on the music world cannot be denied. The label’s willingness to take risks and embrace experimentalism paved the way for countless artists in the decades that followed. From punk rock to indie rock to avant-garde jazz, the legacy of Straight Records lives on in the diverse and eclectic sounds of modern music.

In conclusion, Straight Records was a pioneering and audacious label that embodied the countercultural spirit of the 1960s. Its brief existence may have been plagued by legal troubles, but its impact on the music world continues to be felt to this day. Thanks to the visionary leadership of Frank Zappa, Straight Records remains an enduring symbol of creativity, innovation, and artistic freedom.