The Official Captain Beefheart Thread

Chives · 08-28-2012, 06:12 PM

I realize, as I try and find more experimental music, one of the reasons I like Beefheart's music so much. It feels earthy and organic, even though it's often manic. A lot of recommended experimental acts I've listen to lose that feeling, so I end up liking them considerably less. Just a thought.

Last night I got a vinyl copy of the Mirror Man Sessions, which is basically the Mirror Man album plus some bonus tracks from the same sessions. Those extra tracks are pretty cool, though! Definitely less focus on lyrics and more on jamming, which isn't my preference but it's always cool to hear something different.

Hopefully next Beefheart purchase will be Strictly Personal. Shame that the album has never received a proper vinyl reissue...

stillunusual · 08-29-2012, 01:37 PM

I'm going to see the Magic band next month in Liverpool - can't wait....

The Magic Band at The Zanzibar Club (Liverpool) on 29 Sep 2012

Howard the Duck · 08-29-2012, 11:30 PM

might have to order Grow Fins online

Flyingpig437 · 09-01-2012, 03:51 PM

Put Clear spot on last night...twice on the trot which i hardly ever do with albums.

gunnels · 09-01-2012, 09:52 PM

I love the silliness that is Trout Mask Replica, and I'd like to hear more work like that, but I've heard he's fairly diverse and his back catalog is pretty large. Where would you guys recommend I go from here?
I tried Safe as Milk around the same time I did TMR, but didn't much care for it.

Chives · 09-01-2012, 10:46 PM

I'd say that if you like Trout Mask Replica, you should just move on to the follow-up album Lick My Decals Off, Baby. It lacks some of the silliness that you mentioned you enjoyed about TMR but makes up for it by streamlining the Beef's sound. Musically, it's as good as anything on TMR, and I know a number of people that say it's even better.

Howard the Duck · 09-02-2012, 02:45 AM

^^Lick My Decals Off is my fave Beefheart, actually

just love the multi-layering

Flyingpig437 · 09-02-2012, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chives

I'd say that if you like Trout Mask Replica, you should just move on to the follow-up album Lick My Decals Off, Baby. It lacks some of the silliness that you mentioned you enjoyed about TMR but makes up for it by streamlining the Beef's sound. Musically, it's as good as anything on TMR, and I know a number of people that say it's even better.

I've heard people say that too. I don't see it myself and sometimes play it again and again to try and see something in it but I just don't find any of the songs as good as even the ones on TMR I don't like very much. I'll just have to keep trying to get into it because I'm sure after I familiarize myself with it more I'll 'get it'.

Chives · 09-03-2012, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Howard the Duck

^^Lick My Decals Off is my fave Beefheart, actually

just love the multi-layering

It's a fantastic sounding album. I never feel like any of the instruments get muddled or lost. The songs are lean, too, which is something I enjoy. Songs that go on too long are a problem I have with a few of his later works...although nothing too bad. That said...I still prefer Doc at the Radar Station to Decals.

Also, if you're into bootlegs, there is a high quality instrumental version of all the Lick My Decals Off, Baby album floating around. It's very cool, although perhaps only a novelty given how important Don's voice is to his songs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyingpig437

I've heard people say that too. I don't see it myself and sometimes play it again and again to try and see something in it but I just don't find any of the songs as good as even the ones on TMR I don't like very much. I'll just have to keep trying to get into it because I'm sure after I familiarize myself with it more I'll 'get it'.

If it's not your cup of tea, you could try his later albums that follow in the same experimental styling, such as Shiny Beast (Bat Chain Puller) or Doc at the Radar Station.

Howard the Duck · 09-03-2012, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chives

It's a fantastic sounding album. I never feel like any of the instruments get muddled or lost. The songs are lean, too, which is something I enjoy. Songs that go on too long are a problem I have with a few of his later works...although nothing too bad. That said...I still prefer Doc at the Radar Station to Decals.

Also, if you're into bootlegs, there is a high quality instrumental version of all the Lick My Decals Off, Baby album floating around. It's very cool, although perhaps only a novelty given how important Don's voice is to his songs.

i love Doc, but the second side is just not very interesting

and uh no, not really interested when Don is not singing

08-28-2012, 06:12 PM	#141 (permalink)
Chives Music Addict Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 299	I realize, as I try and find more experimental music, one of the reasons I like Beefheart's music so much. It feels earthy and organic, even though it's often manic. A lot of recommended experimental acts I've listen to lose that feeling, so I end up liking them considerably less. Just a thought. Last night I got a vinyl copy of the Mirror Man Sessions, which is basically the Mirror Man album plus some bonus tracks from the same sessions. Those extra tracks are pretty cool, though! Definitely less focus on lyrics and more on jamming, which isn't my preference but it's always cool to hear something different. Hopefully next Beefheart purchase will be Strictly Personal. Shame that the album has never received a proper vinyl reissue... __________________ [My last.fm] [My Tumblr]

08-29-2012, 01:37 PM	#142 (permalink)
stillunusual Music Addict Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 85	I'm going to see the Magic band next month in Liverpool - can't wait.... The Magic Band at The Zanzibar Club (Liverpool) on 29 Sep 2012 __________________ my last.fm profile ~ 48 hours of my favourite tracks ~ my flickr ~ my tumblr

09-01-2012, 03:51 PM	#144 (permalink)
Flyingpig437 Music Addict Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 534	Put Clear spot on last night...twice on the trot which i hardly ever do with albums. __________________ Proper music for proper people!!!

09-01-2012, 10:46 PM	#146 (permalink)
Chives Music Addict Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 299	I'd say that if you like Trout Mask Replica, you should just move on to the follow-up album Lick My Decals Off, Baby. It lacks some of the silliness that you mentioned you enjoyed about TMR but makes up for it by streamlining the Beef's sound. Musically, it's as good as anything on TMR, and I know a number of people that say it's even better. __________________ [My last.fm] [My Tumblr]