Rnk Zappa Beef Heart Austin 1975

xxx Essential Captain Beefheart And His Magic Ring Songs
John Tabacco 1 Year Agone

Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band: A Primer

Art-rock composer, verbal prankster, growling blues vocalist and abstruse painter Captain Beefheart aka Don Van Vliet put together the Magic Band dorsum in the early lx'southward and proceeded to release a serial of idiosyncratic albums from 1967 – 1982. In 1968 producer Bob Krasnow released Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band'due south album Strictly Personal on his own Blue Thumb label. Van Vliet, dissatisfied with the tape, took his woes to old high school friend and fan, Frank Zappa. Zappa offered him a record bargain on his newly formed label Straight Records and complete artistic command over the projection. He also produced, engineered, and edited it for him.

The final results were the Captain's beginning major piece of work, Trout Mask Replica. To this day it is his almost influential recording and in 2006 it was accustomed into the Us National Recording Registry. Other than his guest appearance every bit gritty vocalizer on Zappa'south rocker "Willie The Pimp" from FZ'southward classic Hot Rats album (1969), Van Vliet and Zappa wouldn't work together on a projection until 1975 when he passed the audition to go on tour with Zappa and The Mothers. A distilled outcome of which is imprinted on the first-class album Bongo Fury. Though Frank and Don would take an on again, off again relationship through out their respective careers they seemed to have concluded up on skillful terms. According to Gail Zappa, Don would initiate many phone calls to Frank and reminisce for hours soon before Frank Zappa succumbed to cancer in 1993.

All the same, Beefheart'southward presence in mainstream music and global popularity still remains a pretty small niche. But in the realm of contemporary music he has influenced and inspired such well known acts as: XTC, The Ramones, Kurt Cobain, Tom Waits, The Residents, The Blood-red Hot Chili Peppers, David Byrne of Talking Heads, Public Image Ltd, Blondie, Devo, The B-52s, The White Stripes, PJ Harvey and Simpsons cartoonist Matt Groening. Even Lennon and McCartney, filmmakers David Lynch and Woody Allen were admirers.

Though he and his married woman lived in a trailer domicile in the Mojave Desert for decades Van Vliet had more financial success with the auctioning of his paintings than his music. He stopped recording in 1983. Sadly, Don Van Vliet died at the historic period of 69 of multiple sclerosis on Dec 17, 2010. His wife Jan Van Vliet survived him. If you would like to become into more depth about Captain Beefheart (he was real graphic symbol) you might want to watch these videos: The BBC'due south 1997 The Creative person Formerly Known every bit Captain Beefheart narrated by John Peel, and the 2006 independent production Captain Beefheart: Under Review.

I was fortunate to meet Don Van Vliet backstage in 1980 after an astonishing concert him and the Magic Ring gave at The Beacon in NYC. At first I was introduced to his amazing drummer Robert Arthur Williams and I naturally asked him how he came upwards with his intricate drum parts (expertly replicated like on the record). He told me in a nonchalant tone, "The Captain sings them to me". Well, that made me laugh and padded down the nervousness I was feeling as I edged my way to the Captain. As I drew closer to him I noticed his eyes seemed to be an alien shade of grayness. I stuck out my paw to shake hullo and though he was looking at the stairwell he immediately grabbed it and said in very soft-spoken vocalisation, "You lot know, there are no steps made in nature". I simply awkwardly chuckled like an idiot spellbound past the fact that somehow I had the honor of coming together this musical genius. I did not see that coming when I woke up that morning time.

Though only xl years former at the time he appeared to me as a frail, aboriginal sage but not of this world. I sheepishly mumbled for an autograph or something and he drew on his white pad in black ballpoint pen, a line. He then signed information technology and added a copyright symbol to it. I thanked him and he was suddenly escorted up the stairwell. Damn, I had then many questions to ask him but I judge a line drawn by the man himself told me everything I needed to know.

The following list (ughh!) is not a "best of" list but more a possible primer into discovering the musical universe of Don Van Vliet aka Captain Beefheart. I know, I know, I left out a lot of corking tracks but I'thou hoping to inspire, non alienate the uninitiated to check out the Captain's oeuvre with these more accessible songs, (the word "accessible" being loosely used here). In lodge of release:

Metallic Man Has Won His Wings (from The Mystery Disc by Frank Zappa)

Captain Beefheart and Frank Zappa were in a band called the Soots in 1963 and 1964. During that time, they recorded the blues shuffle "Metal Man Has Won His Wings." The lyrics were derived from a comic book pinned to a bulletin board. The Captain just rattled them off as the band played this live in another room.

Diddy Wah Diddy (single 1966)

This is a pretty direct but heavy distorted bass rock cover of Bo Diddley'south archetype released in 1966; the recording of which nonetheless sounds quite current. A&1000 Records who signed The Magic Band at the fourth dimension wanted to make the Captain into some sort of Mick Jagger. Information technology didn't work.

Selected tracks from the anthology Trout Mask Replica (1969):

Pachuco Cadaver

I remember hearing this abstract song on a radio testify Zappa and Beefheart syndicated in 1975. I laughed my donkey off. Its rhythmic drive is so bizarrely funky and the lyrics so twisted. I was immediately a fan.

Ella Guru

This bizarre tune with the bouncy rhythm and cartoon sounding vocals is actually pretty catchy. I don't know who Ella is but she sure sounds young. XTC did an amazing replica of this piece in a tribute anthology to the Van Vliet.

Neon Meate Dream Of An Octafish

What can I say? This is what information technology might sound like if you lived in a pool vacuum hose. Astonishing and it doesn't take that stale later on taste.

Pena

Music from the insane asylum. You need to hear information technology but and so you lot tin say y'all heard it. Somehow The Captain taught the band to pull this off. "Fast 'northward bulbous. Bulbous also tapered… That's right."

Pilus Pie Bake one & ii.

1 of the few instrumentals found on T.M.R. and a rewarding listen. Zoot Horn Rollo a gifted guitarist, capable bass player Rocket Morton and the virtuoso drummer Drumbo really shine here as they tackle the Captain's intricate rhythms and microscopic melodies along with Beefheart's Ornette Coleman blazon sax playing. There is a articulate course here only information technology'southward twisted. Not only that, the stop part of Bake one has The Helm talking to some kids out in the yard as he's recording a bush!

Moonlight On Vermont

This swampy blues with heavy distorted guitar spouts lyrics that are typical of Van Vliet's talent for surreal imagery and non sequiturs. He sings it with the religious fervor of a mad evangelist. The phrase "Gimme dat old time religion" takes on a whole other pregnant here.

From the album Lick My Decals Off Me Baby (1970):

Smithsonian Constitute Blues

Clever wordplay surrounds this short slice that is a deconstruction of the blues grade. In spots the marimba is reminiscent of Frank Zappa but is rendered even more idiosyncratic with Beefheart's Howling Wolf vocals.

From the album Spotlight Kid (1972):

Click Clack

This is a direct-ahead dejection piece that sounds like its rhythm is derived from a train. Mesmerizing. The bones intervals of the groove always remind me of Led Zeppelin'south "Misty Mount Hop."

I'm Gonna Booglarize You Baby

The funky echoing guitar rhythm, slide guitar stabs and sleazy hullo-chapeau beat plod on supported past the low grumble of the electric bass. Beefheart raps and growls in a sexy low register. This is the Captain's contribution to disco but in a good way.

Selected tracks from the anthology Clear Spot (1972):

Crazy Lilliputian Thing

An ultra funky number that might get you hot and up on the trip the light fantastic toe floor (your kitchen floor in this instance). Imagine this in a guild? Worlds have turned on such thoughts. Ex-Mother Art Tripp lays down the unstoppable groove. Easy to comprehend.

Big Eyed Beans From Venus

Almost a staple on underground 70's FM radio. Beefheart's growl is majestic through out. Zoot Horn Rollo plays a ripping slide guitar with sustain from hell. The build upwards is brilliantly supported with jangling mandolins. Esoteric declarations grow and I'thou in agreement even though I don't know why.

Her Eyes Are A Bluish 1000000 Miles

A tender, cute carol with a soft American Indian experience. Yep, I said carol. The Captain had information technology in him from fourth dimension to time to show off his tender side lyrically and vocally. This piece was used in the movie The Big Labowski. Joan Osborne recorded a great version of this song.

My Head Is My But House Unless It Rains

Yet another ballad, this one cuddled with mellow marimba rolls and subtle electric guitar parts. Beefheart sings of longing and loneliness. Not what yous would await from the Captain but there it is. The Tubes practice a very constructed version of this on their album 1977 album Now.

Too Much Fourth dimension

A happy, straightforward melody with a conventional hook orchestrated with soulful female background singers and R&B horns. The pop lyrics are clearly understandable on first listen. Out of character for the Captain simply who cares? A skillful vocal is a expert vocal.

From the anthology Bluejeans and Moonbeams (1974):

Party Of Special Things To Exercise

A relatively easy melody to groove to; Beefheart's bluesy vocals carry the sly lyrical content. Though this anthology and its sister disc Unconditionally Guaranteed are considered Beefheart's weakest in his catalog there resides a few fairly accessible bluesy tunes lurking therein that seemed to be geared for commercial mainstream. Dubious A&R decisions no uncertainty.

From the album Bongo Fury (1975):

Sam Was A Showing Scalp Flat Top

Zappa and the Mothers riffing off of surreal beat poetry recited live at the Armadillo in Austin Texas by the Captain. Spontaneous, angular music executed to perfection and sung with confidence. Throw in a little Louie Louie for adept measure and you have something highly original.

Selected tracks from the anthology Shiny Animate being (Bat Chain Puller) (1978):

The Floppy Boot Stomp

The Devil went down to bizarro Georgia. A foot stomping morality tale hoedown that kicks ass!

Harry Irene

A melancholy piece of work that would fit nicely in a 30'south playlist except for the absurdly humorous lyrics. Memorable still, plenty so that even my xc year old female parent from time to time sings the chorus. Beefheart's skill equally a whistler shines.

Tropical Hot Dog Dark

"Like stepping out of a triangle into striped light"! Well, that sort of sums it up. In some other reality (mainly mine) this blushing, uplifting piece would have been a hit. The guitar parts and the trombone riff are definite ear worms.

Suction Prints

There are two instrumentals on this album. Both are groovy. This one in item rages on similar a wild elephant. Ex-Zappa alumni Bruce Fowler wails on trombone. The class is clear enough to easily assimilate if you're in the mood for Jurassic abandonment.

Candle Mambo

A sweet mambo love letter to that someone special. Beefheart's sincere crooning highlights this catchy, tender piece supported by Latin rhythms, tasty marimba and air trombone.

Selected tracks from the album Doctor at The Radar Station (1980):

Run Paint Run

A boisterous, tribal number that is bizarrely hooky. I'm not sure what the Helm is singing about here but I'm in! Again, Bruce Fowler'due south trombone excels.

Ashtray Heart

This rhythmically contorted number (Devo fans unite) is perfect for that abusive human relationship you might observe yourself in. Delivered with pathos and swagger, it was performed live on Sat Dark Live in 1980.

Dirty Blue Cistron

The song opens up with an heady mess of funky guitar rhythms and slick jerky drum patterns. A scrap of finish and get and then the skilful musicians sustain the sweaty craziness through out equally the Captain screams about a girl who is not bad but genetically mean. Serious stuff.

A Carrot Is As Close As A Rabbit Ever Gets To A Diamond

Long championship for a 1:38 instrumental featuring only electric guitar and keyboard. Speech inflected rhythms (Beefheart obviously sang information technology to the musicians) in this innocent, child similar work. The major seventh ending volition melt your heart. The Meridian Arts Ensemble recorded a squeamish brass arrangement of this on their album Prime Height.

Phone

The Captain delivers a feverishly insane vocal on this piece written most the plastic horn devil: The telephone. Sort of like Pena function two merely more accessible if such a thing is possible.

From the album Ice Cream For Crow (1982):

The title track Ice Cream For Crow. This bluesy-based number is pretty straightforward only anything that Beefheart puts his vocalism on takes it to an alternate level of comprehension. A video of this song was made and I think was even played on MTV back in 1982. Imagine that?

The Past Sure Is Tense

More clever word play from Beefheart. This manic number is delivered with the Captain'southward passionate understanding of something he thinks we should sympathize. Though what that something is, is not specially articulate but somehow information technology makes sense subconsciously. It doesn't take much of melody just the groove is infectious.

81 Poop Hatch

Don Van Vliet reads i of his almost inventive, surreal observations acapella. The homo had a manner with words that produced vivid landscape images (like his paintings) that seemed to be viewed from an adult child's perspective. They could often leave an indelible stain in our minds and a resigned cautiousness in our hearts. Though his singular phonation is missed he still sounds fresh in the 21st century.

Captain Beefheart Shorthand: John Tabacco Athenaeum

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