Frank Zappa

[QuantumJo]

But asking around about him didn't get me anywhere... since all I've been hearing is how disgusting of a man he is, and that the only thing he ever accomplished was making the first double disc album ever made. If there's more to it than that, I'd really appreciate someone telling me. Any idea where to start?

Pick up a copy of The Real Frank Zappa Book by Frank Zappa with Peter Occhiogrossso. 1989 POSEIDON PRESS. This will clear up allot of the myth associated with him. I found it to be easy reading, very informative and humorous.
As for his music follow rickandrole's lead.
The first Eff Zee LP I listened to in its entirety was Bongo Fury. The Muffin man left an indelible impression on my brain. From that day forward I acquired as much Eff Zee as I could. Not all of it was an enjoyable experience for me, but the stuff that was is some of my favorite music to listen to.