My top 10 reasons (of many) why I love Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band's 1969 "Trout Mask Replica" masterpiece. Composer Samuel Andreyev's channel: / temporalfissure
Hey Jeff, you got me watching this a second time..that’s the least I could do! Finding new things to hear in a 50 plus year old album speaks volumes mate... adios.
i had this on 8 track. i was driving across America in an Opel Cadet, the windows down, one hand on the wheel singing. i had a saxophone to play too... i got pulled over in Texas. i was told to put both hands on the wheel, the horn in the trunk and get out of the state..... i got to see Frank and Don a few times.... THANK YOU !!!...rockettebob in reno
That may well be true, but I've never experimented with drugs to find out, haha! I can say that TMR is an amazing listen, from start to finish, without any assistance.
Trout Mask Replica is fascinating because it takes an ungodly amount of skill to play music made by a man as insane as Captain Beefheart, the fact that there are live recordings of the Magic Band playing some of these songs in concert shows how hard they worked on it, and the fact that you can find a plethora of hilarious one liners in this album makes it an experience that will leave the listener feeling like they were on another planet entirely.
I agree. This album is SO brilliant that for a while it literally ruined my ability to appreciate any other recordings.....they all paled in comparison to the brilliance here.
Back when in Southern California there was a chain of record stores named Wallach's Music City. They had listening booths, and my friends and I took TMR into one. We all liked his previous albums but only I liked what I was hearing in that booth. I memorized every note in my mind. Went around singing the songs to myself. I had to buy a second copy about 30 to 40 years ago because I wore out my first one. A monumental album. One of a kind and absolutely essential.
Excellent!! I love hearing stories like this about such marvelous albums...I mean works of art...like Trout Mask Replica. I'll never forget when my high school friend played it for me in 1978 and I was instantly drawn to it also, Ed. I borrowed it from my friend and kept for the rest of the school year, haha!
Thanks, John!! I kept wondering, "what can I possibly say in a 'review' that would do any justice to the masterpiece that is this album?" and eventually just decided to post a list of reasons why I love it so much. It seemed to work better that way. Thanks again! Jeff
@@CalicoSilver btw....to help support your (valid) contention that none of the tracks are "freeform" XTC (one of my favourite bands) did a very good re-run of Ella Guru....note for note!
Thanks. Yes this is one great album. I feel sorry for the many who can’t seem to enjoy how great it is, but I can understand where they’re coming from. I just listened to the whole album a few days ago. So good.
I used to work at a record store, played Trout while the owner was away. It was a great experience, supreme anti ambient music, everybody had to react to it.
A timeless masterpiece for sure, Varlam. I believe that anyone can enjoy this album given the effort, but so few even bother trying....I mean, really trying. But then again, like I said in the video, it all depends on one's appreciation of such adventurous and exploratory fusion of genres, combined with a sense of humor also, haha!
@@CalicoSilver Both are albums the average listener who never heard it before would turn off immediately. But if you spend enough time trying to "get it.".You eventually come away liking them.
Hey Jeff, Very enjoyable hearing you go through this. In hindsight I'm realizing this album was a rite of passage here in a way....for one who's always been into the odd winding path. It took many listens, really like many efforts to decipher a foreign test before I had the voila moment....Having said that, it's been quite a few years since sitting down with it, and you're really prompting me to do it again! I suppose what I like about the album most is what I do about all my favorite music...is that it's transportive, atmospheric, and has an immediacy. I'd agree, Don pretty much existed in his own time-frame, especially with this. Will definitely give it a headphones listen. And noted on that book. I brought the John French book with me on vacation, and just couldn't get through it. Thanks for sharing this. -Carm
Great video Jeff, I remember reading the Mike Barnes book very well. I still have it but should go back to it. Whenever I hear TMR, I'm always reminded of a year I spent doing a deadly office job in Leeds, and every morning I had a bus ride into town so would listen to the album on my Sony Walkman. I can still see myself walking from the bus station along the rush-hour pavement towards the office, with all this crazy stuff in my headphones. I also took the tape with me on holiday to Greece and listened to it there non-stop for a week. Just for the record, I do think the album is a little over-long and slightly over-stays its welcome. But that's a minor quibble. My favourite sequence on the whole record is at the start of Pena where Vliet and the other guy are trying to get the 'Fast and bulbous' monologue onto tape, and they keep cracking up because it's clearly so ridiculous, yet they HAVE to deliver it with maximum conviction.
That's great to hear. Thanks for sharing your experience with this masterful album. Even after 45 or so years of listening to it, I hear new things every time to this day. Cheers. Jeff
I love this record and i completely agree! I compare this record to Bitches Brew from Miles Davis in that the first time i heard it i just just hated it. But their was something in it that was so intriguing that i just couldnt stop listening to it. It took me about 2 or 3 months to start appreciating it. I remember after about 5 hours of listening to it constantly i felt, after getting to know the melodies and the different sounds going on, to a point that i could sing them, i was practically sweating from the intensity of it hahahah. But at least i struggled through that initial introduction and i was left with an album that i would listen to and appreciate for the rest of my life. Wonderful video as always Jeff!!!!
Jeff...this has been a hard album for me to get into..Now you have made this great video and I have to give it another try..not sure whether to say thanks or not but great video, my friend👍👍❤️❤️Glen
Would you believe that’s one of the very things I watched...when I started up on RU-vid. The Samuel Andreyev’s interviews with the magic band members!. I believe the last one was with Mark Boston...(insightful to say the least)..Thank you Jeff for reaffirming on how remarkable, quirky, eccentric, individualistic and truely unique this album really is..and continues to be!
I bought the double LP new back in '69; it still sounds like it was recorded 50 years from now! ( I have to admit, I have a special place in my heart for "The Buggy Boogie Woogie" from the other great album - you know which one!
Yes this album seems to be destined to always be "ahead of its time", that's for sure. Thanks for your comment! (and yes, I love "Decals" also). Cheers! Jeff
My dive into Captain Beefheart hasn't been too deep so far. I have TMR and The Dust Blows Forward collection, and have read John French's book and enjoyed it. My introduction to Beefheart was a cover story on him in one of the first issues of Rolling Stone I read. Shortly afterwards, I checked out the Decals album from the local library. At 10 or 11 years old, I didn't know what to make of it. When I listen to TMR, I usually listen to about one side per sitting. This seems to work for me. Even in my limited Beefheart experience, I understand and agree with your comments about the album. Well done!
Thanks, Stephen! (haha, not that this applies to you, so don't take it that way, but I'll bet there are a LOT of other TMR-owners who know side 1 like the back of their hand but don't know much about the rest of the album, haha, and understandably so)
beefheart 101....thanx professor jeff.....when i first got this album back in the 60's, it stayed on my turntable for the next few years and then clear spot came along and kind of replaced trout as my favorite beefheart...that was until ice cream for crow ended it all and then to this day, became my favorite beefheart l.p.....there's just something about the self-awareness he puts into the music...he never phoned it in., and it was still fun and intelligent at the same time....well done good sir....peace and beef always.....rocky
Yep, Rocky, I’m hearing from folks who also kept TMR on the turntable for a long time like we did. It is definitely an album that prompts a bit of obsession in those music enthusiasts who enjoy a rewarding challenge.
100% agreement all the way! I still have the battered vinyl copy on Straight that I bought in a secondhand record shop in Brighton in the late 1970s. Nothing comes close - the most important and my favourite rock LP ever. (If we can call it rock - term used broadly!) Thanks for a really great rundown and appreciation.
I agree with your statement that it would be possible to do a University course on TMR. Not because it is necessarily 'highbrow' but because it intersects with so many other artforms; perhaps Art School? There is all the things that influenced Don, and were channelled into the album. Then there are all the musicians and bands who were influenced by him, particularly in the post-punk era. Probably like me they grew up listening to John Peel (in the UK) who loved Don. In America you have Pere Ubu or Tom Waits or James Chance/White who all owe something to the Trout Mask philosophy - to name but a few. The obvious contender in the UK would be The Fall whose whole MO was to use the TMR blueprint, although Mark Smith rarely admitted the fact. So, yes, there's a course to be had. I know I'd take it!
So true. Not only because of the wide range of influences but because of the ingenuity of the music itself. So the course could either be musicological or musical. I've explored The Fall a few times over these last few years and am interested. I've been intrigued by what I've heard. Thanks for your comments! Jeff
@@CalicoSilver Musicological or musical? Perhaps the former for Beefheart's creative output which might incorporate his artwork as well as lyrics. As you indicated there is a lot of mythmakng about how Don set about composing his songs. He wasn't a 'muso' like Zappa so relied heavily on the various magic bands to respond to his wand of inspiration (as you say John French helped put meat on bones). Trout Mask was allegedly banged out on a piano prior to rehearsing. Also, Don would sometimes whistle the melody lines for his musicians to learn. It has been said that The Captain was a hard taskmaster. Ry Cooder allegedly said it was like being in the Third Reich! Don's methodology seems to be completely at odds with Zappa's. Both control freaks but in different ways. But that's genius for you!
@@neckercube1257 Yes indeed. “Captain Beefheart” was/were a band(s), and not just Don. I was humorously reminded of this fact when I was making a video listing my favorite albums in order of artist name and someone chuckled at my having filed “Captain Beefheart” under “B” for “Beefheart”, haha!
Thanks! Haha you might be surprised if you knew just how crammed I am in that tight corner when I make these videos, haha! Thanks again for your comment. Jeff
Really good review I've never sat down and listen to the whole album primarily because I don't own it..lol. But it is one that I've wanted to get for a while now. Stay safe
Thanks, Rod. Yes it is a classic for sure. Still "ahead of its time", which says a lot about our current "time" when a 50 year old album is still "ahead of its time". Oh well.
Yes!! Great review Jeff, I've been trying to get a grasp on this album. You've pointed aspects of this album that I never considered. I often think of the velvets first album when I contemplate the importance of Trout. Neither people bought these albums when they were first released. But, those that did never saw music the same way again. I think of Miles Davis in parts of this album. The best art always makes you work. And TMR does that. TMR was also an integral influence on Tom Waites. A huge favorite of mine. If you listen to Rain Dogs or Sawfish Trombone, it's impossible to miss the influence of TMR.
I connected immediately with TMR, and am happy to say that my appreciation for it has only grown over the decades. Tom Waits is an artist I've never yet taken the time sufficient to know whether I'd like him much or not. I once had his Nighthawks At The Diner album but that is all I've ever owned. Not sure if I'd ever warm up to his voice or not.....which is strange coming from a Beefheart/Reed/Dylan/Young/Newman/Cave/et al. fan, I know! Haha.
Another brilliant overview John French is one of the unsung heroes of rock history. He made it happen There’s also philosophy: the dust blows forward and the dust blows back. Do you have the Grow Fins box it has the band working through most of it jbthe house
Thanks, James. No I didn't buy the Grow Fins box set, unfortunately, and now it is very expensive. So I will locate some mp3 files or a place to stream it, because I'd like to hear it, yes. Thanks for the reminder.
I really enjoyed this review! I've only just discovered this crazy thing. I grew up listening to alot of experimental music, such as Mr Bungle, Fantomas, Lightning bolt. So going into this i thought it was very enjoyable. I'm 23 years old and its hard to share this album around with alot of people
Thanks, James, for your comment. I am always happy to hear from other instant-recognizers of this album's mastery. A true one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Cheers! Jeff
When I first heard this Album I thought it was a piss take but when you listen to it a few times the penny dropped and you realize it is a masterpiece you either GET it or you don,t GET it there is no middle ground some shrewd guy once said. Trout Mask Replica is the record you put on at party,s to get rid of the people who shouldn,t be there
Thanks, David. Yes, I know exactly what you mean. I actually feel sorry for the many listeners who do not connect with this album because, as you wrote, those of us who do connect with it are greatly rewarded by this masterpiece unlike any other album. What a treat. Thanks again. Cheers! Jeff
My mother graduated from high school in the same class as captain Beefheart and Frank Zappa so I have been a fan for many many years as I am 64 now. It may seem at first that all the instruments are playing gibberish to confuse the listener. When you break it down and focus on one instrument during a particular listen, you will find that there is indeed harmony hiding in there. Your brain is not programmed to go all those directions at one time. That’s why it takes more than one listen for your mind to catch up to what your ears are hearing.
Exactly! It doesn't take more than a few listens by a musically aware person to realize that there is intentional structure and sophistication in this music. And you are right - it is fun to hone in on one instrument at a time to focus on it, and then back out to hear how another instrument is related to that first one, and then back out to hear how another instrument.....and on and on. It is a masterpiece of an album and a work of art. Period. Thanks for your comment, JG Reber. Much appreciated. Jeff
I should pick up that book. I like Trout Mask, but not as much as some of the other ones. I remember when a friend down the hall in the dorm picked it up, and he and his roommate would listen to it and laugh at some of the lyrics.
It’s one of the greatest albums ever made. I’m 41 and I’ve been listening to it since the late 90s. I liked it as soon as I heard it, because I thought it was hilarious 😂 I’m also a musician myself and I’ve listened to the album so many times that I know the songs of by heart. It is true that the more you listen to it and get to know the songs, the more enjoyable it is. As for crazy music, another one worth checking out is an album called “Torture garden” by Naked city, featuring jazz musician John Zorn.
I also came across this in '78 when I was 15 - it remains my favourite album. I wore out a few copies. Stranger is that John French (Dumbo) is not credited on the sleeve but appears only under a bridge in the photos. Andy why is the 'TROUT MASK" actually a CARP? Decals has 2 guitars because Eliot Ingber (winged eel fingerling) had joined and Alex st Clair (snoufer) also rejoined
Nice to see this. I think the album was easier to digest in its original vinyl form. You could focus on a side until you "got it," then move on. This is how I did it. With the CD, you lose the concept of each of the sides having opening cuts that sort of set the mood. Example: "Orange Claw Hammer" kicks off side four and it's the first of a slate of tunes that are both more personal and sometimes more sad. In other words, side four started with a tale of a father reuniting w/his daughter, but ended with a songs about a father mourning his son. Very effective.
Barksdale AFB 1986, base library, I took Zappa’s “One Size Fits All” and Beefheart’s “Safe as Milk” back to the barracks. Both were introductory records. So I searched out all I could find from both. TMR stands above it all in my book. Thanks for your interesting video and recommendations.
Hi Dan. The TMR band performed only one gig in LA shortly after the album came out. Apparently they were also offered a time slot to play at Woodstock but Vliet turned it down (didn't like the "hippy" scene, he said). Jeff Cotton left the band soon after that LA gig, I think. But here are some links of some videotaped performances (1969-1972 or so) of a few of the TMR tracks: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-zAoPhVn4y1Q.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-TzXUzW9wpok.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-icBmdtyx2Fc.html
@@klausrain111 Master artists are rarely clever businessmen.....and this fact creates a vacuum that is unfortunately filled by unscrupulous opportunistic managers/agents/etc..
l enjoy what can be called avant garde , far out , weird ( call it what you will) music from Ornette Coleman to Henry Cow and have owned "Trout Mask " for years . l still can,t figure it out or get into it but after watching your video will make another attempt and give it another listen .
We like what we like and that is perfectly fine. I hope you end up liking it, but it is all subjective. There are so many artists and albums I am supposed to like, given my tastes, but I just never connect with them. I've stopped worrying about it. Haha! Thanks for your comment and best wishes to you. Jeff
Yes I grew up in Antelope Valley I know all about Dans Vanvliet Drumble Acca John French played in a band here called rattlesnake snakes and eggs Drumbo so I know the specifics about this album because John French was in the band as the drummer I’ve talked with John fresh extensively about how this album was made
@@CalicoSilver Yeah he used to be in a band here in our valley called rattlesnakes and eggs and John Thomas was in the band course John Thomas now he’s a studio musician he’s played with all a lot of bands and so I John French came here to the antelope valley college and he gave a speech about Captain Beefheart and Don Vanvliet and I learned a lot about that and I went to his house in Quartz Hill and we’re getting along for a while but then it kind of changed because when he was with captain Beefheart make a Trout mask replica all the people in the band eventually became kind of fairly religious and Christian because Don Vanvleet was a Rather like a cult he was a hard-core dictator in the band and so they all as talented as they were they eventually kind of became on the religious side So when I met John he was giving a speech for the historical Society of the inland valley college and I met him there and have been several years since he was with the band within the band rattlesnakes rattle snakes and eggs and so I kind of was talking to him for a while but then I wasn’t that much of the religious stuff and he was so i think I accidentally insulted him and then we got out of contact with each other
Haha, yeah a LOT of people have claimed to my face that I only like this album because it makes me feel inferior to them, or some such nonsense. That is why I made that joke. I will never understand the kind of reverse snobbery of people who can never accept that we find something actually rewarding in things that they don't. Haha! Cheers! Jeff
Great ❤ have you seen the interviews to the original members here on RU-vid? Samuel andreyev is the creator. Thanks for all this beefheart content ❤❤❤ all right I've heard right now that you are quoting samuel eheh
It's warming on me I have owned it for years,I bought it due to Zappa connection on first listen I was "what the Dickens is this" now the same but with enjoyment. Lol
Thanks! Haha, well ol' Beefheart kinda brought it on with the decision on clothes and related adornment paraphernalia, I suppose. But as for the music, I hear nothing "freaky" in it, and I am sure it was to the music that he was referring when it came to his rumoured complaint that Zappa was presenting the band as "freaks".
I agree 100%. And he will always be "ahead of his time" because the rest of humanity is slipping backward and not moving forward. We'll never see another album like TMReplica.
When I have played this album to friends that have never heard it before the result is always the same. They think it is rubbish improvised and messing about. i tell them that the band rehearsed to such a point that they would play it exactly the same every time and nailed it first time when recording it. They still do not get it but at least they admit to the quality of the musicianship.
It's entirely possible that the world will catch up to The Captain about 500 years from now. But not likely. (Decals and Clear Spot will help.) Ironically enough, i didn't buy my first copy. In 1970 a friend of mine gave it to me because he couldn't get into it. Another irony is that I actually lived in Woodland Hills (the town in the Valley where the Magic Band practiced playing Trout Mask. I lived just east of the Ventura Freeway, and the Trout Mask house is a few miles west of the freeway).
Thanks for your comment, Richie. Wow, you live in a great place, it seems. I wish I lived out west....or could afford to, that is. I love it out there. As for your comment about Trout Mask one day being appreciated......well, I honestly doubt that humanity has much time left where art and those who create it will continue to matter. I have almost zero confidence that the world we live in now, one where there is still a percentage (albeit small) of humanity that still values and takes pride in art and intelligence and creativity, etc., will be around for much longer, relatively speaking. I could go on and on, but I think you maybe get my drift. I really think the world we've enjoyed is on its last leg. Sorry for the negative response but that is my honest opinion. Cheers (haha!), Jeff
@@CalicoSilver You are probably correct on the near-term prospects for humanity. I often feel like the character in the movie Budapest Hotel of which it is said, "He was trying to adapt to a world that died before he as born." I have always said that it would take a number of centuries until the Captain was truly appreciated, but after the last few years my confidence has also been shaken. Perhaps it will take longer for mankind to emerge from the coming Dark Ages, but like Medieval Monks we can keep the beauty of what the Captain created alive!
I've always thought that using Ella Guru played repetitively would be effective for deprogramming religious cult members. I still and will always love Veterans Day Poppy the most off this piece of history.
