In my musical development years Captain Beefheart was a shadowy figure in my peripheral vision. For a long time I only knew of him through his association with Frank Zappa. A school chum of Frank’s, the Captain (aka Don Van Vliet) reportedly had a somewhat volatile friendship with Frank. They shared some similar, albeit odd, musical tastes and eventually Beefheart landed on Zappa’s record label (Straight Records) where he was given complete artistic freedom to create. In true Zappa fashion, the label focused on avant-garde and unusual acts which I assume means Beefheart felt right at home.
Following their debut and sophomore releases (“Safe as Milk” and “Strictly Personal”) on other labels, Captain Beefheart & The Magic Band released “Trout Mask Replica” in June 1969. Considered a landmark work of experimental music, TMR has been cited as being a key influence of alternative rock and post-punk genres. With elements of free jazz and blues, the record also draws from everything from folk music to sea chanties. The band cut the basic double-record tracks in six hours and Zappa and some of his band mates lent a hand.
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Don Van Vliet (born Don Glen Vliet; January 15, 1941 – December 17, 2010) was an American musician, singer-songwriter, artist and poet known by the stage name Captain Beefheart. His musical work..
Don Van Vliet (born Don Glen Vliet; January 15, 1941 – December 17, 2010) was an American musician, singer-songwriter, artist and poet known by the stage name Captain Beefheart. His musical work..
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