Don Van Vliet ( aka Captain Beefheart) released this hidden gem in music in 1969.  This album followed suit with his others and never really achieved mainstream success but it was incredibly influential for it’s sales many list it as a high influence and an encouragement of freedom in their music. It also gained the 58th slot in The Rolling Stone 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list.

At first listen, you’d really think quite strangely of the album with it’s Delta Blues psychedelic influences but it is a truly great listen. In terms of tracks it’s really an album you listen to all the way through. the lyrics are, in all songs, absurd and up for interpretation. Real freak-out stuff. Like, in Pena his love of the words “Fast and Bulbous” appears for the second time in the album quite humorously. And then the legendary tracks like Ella Guru and Dachau Blues who hundreds have claimed to be there inspiration, such as Tom Waits.

It is really a great listen and the songs are short even though there is about 28 of them. There isn’t a whole lot to say on this one it really just has to be heard to be understood. Hard to find but, if you have an hour or so to spare it is well worth a listen. A great achievement, my favourite Beefheart and the best album I’ve heard in a long time. The critics reception was fantastic but the sales were unfortunately low. An absolute must hear beyond any shadow of  a doubt. Probably one of the greatest albums of the Century.