Back to the basics, Baby!!!!
While Harvey Dog has been reveling in music fresh to his ears, we must not forget to pay tribute to 3 of the greatest of all-time.
Captain Beefheart....George Clinton....Kevin Coyne. Today I'll write about the Captain with a discography, shorthand rating, my (quick) opinion and some links to further explore the Captain for those still unfamiliar with this genius.
***
CAPTAIN BEEFHEART
***
Introduction: The Captain was a childhood friend of another fav, Frank Zappa, in Cali Cali California...drank a lot of Pepsi...listened to classic blues masters...considered a prodigy as a kid by sculptor Augustinio Rodriguez...listen to "Lost in a Whirlpool" from the late 50s and you can see he was already setting up his template...fucking amazing....played the blues in the mid-60s...started his musical path...quit the music biz in 1982...painted full-time...more respected...fuck the music biz! A TRUE fucking musical genius! And artist!!
I am listening to "Lick My Decals Off, Baby" right now and it is a crime against humanity that this title is not currently in print. Oh...people download illegally???? Imagine that!!!
Bah!!! Anyway, the Captain has left us a musical legacy to enjoy...dissect...live with...fondle...breathe...explore the valleys and canyons of our cobweb infested mind...yours isn't? Good for you. Let's explore the Captain's music.
***
Discography:
Safe as Milk (1967) *** More bluesy, somewhat more trad (for Beef). Never really got into it, but it's ok. Tentative 1st steps.
Strictly Personal (1968) ??? Just got this and it's been a long time since I've heard it. We'll see. This one divides fans.
Trout Mask Replica (1969) ***** Classic. So original that it will still be original even after it is no longer original. Got me?
Lick My Decals Off, Baby (1970) ***** Easier to digest than Trout, yet still "out there". If you know what I mean. And I know I don't. And you do. And we are all dummies and I love ya!!!! Baby!!!!
The Spotlight Kid (1972) **** A dark heavy blues album. Even the Guru loves "I'm Gonna Booglarize You Baby". It's also one of my favs. And Santa Claus makes an appearance!
Clear Spot (1972) **** A great combo of complexities and straightforward songs that find the Captain nearing the end of his first brilliant era.
Unconditionally Guaranteed (1974) ***1/2 Yes. It's more mainstream. Yes. You could even say he "sold out". Yet...I like it. Maybe cause it was the first Captain I ever got. On 8 track!!! In the USA!!! I was around 14 so it was a nice intro to the Captain's world.
Bluejeans and Moonbeams (1974) ** OK. I admit it. This is the weakest Beefer I've heard. A couple of ok songs, but...blech.
Shiny Beast: Bat Chain Puller (1978) **** A great comeback and the beginning of the second, and unfortunately, last brilliant era of the Cap.
Doc at the Radar Station (1980) ***** An absolute masterpiece. His 3rd best ever after Trout and Lick.
Ice Cream for Crow (1982) ***1/2 The last one and a nice way to end his music career. His voice sounds a bit shot (those nasty cigs), but the music is awesome and his lyrics always intrigue me.
***
Miscellaneous (comps, archival releases, etc.)
Mirror Man (circa 1967) **1/2 Never got into this one. Interesting and worthwhile, but don't listen to it much.
Grow Fins 1965-1982 (1999) ***** I willingly paid $140 Cdn for this and would do so again. A real treat for fans. Unreleased Beefheart??? Where do I sign up!!!
Dust Blows Forward 1966-1982 (1999) **** An excellent comp. Glad to finally have "Hard Workin' Man" from the movie "Blue Collar". Thought it was a good movie too.
I'm Going To Do What I Want To Do: Live 1978 (2000) ***** Got this from Rhino Handmade and it's a great recording of a great live performer during a great creative period. What's not to love?
Railroadism 1966-1981 (2003) ***** I reviewed this previously. Suffice it to say...more unreleased ('til now) live Beefer. Gotta love it!
***
Web Sites and a book!
Captain Beefheart Radar Station - Awesome! The Best! So good it's right next door in my permanent links.
Home Page Replica - Not as active anymore, but still tons of info on the great man.
Electricity - Not updated much, but again...tons of info on the Beef man.
United Mutations - a Zappa site with its own very nice Beefheart page.
Mike Barnes: "The Biography" (2002) - The Captain deserves a much BIGGER and DEEPER book than this, however...I found this to be an excellent read and I'm just thankful that someone spent the time and energy into writing a biography of Mr. Van Vliet. The link is to Amazon, and they have some reviews and samples of the book, and the price is a lot cheaper than what I paid for it. Full price hardcover for $44.95 cdn. It was worth it to me.
***
Go and listen to Captain Beefheart. Now!!! Go!!! It will make you a much better human being. Thank you for your time.
***
No comments:
Post a Comment