Ebet Roberts/Redferns Cult rocker Captain Beefheart didn't exactly inspire…
Captain Beefheart Dead at 69
- Posted on Dec 17th 2010 4:55PM by Benjy Eisen
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
The Captain, mostly remembered today as an icon from a certain time and place in American history, had command over an impressive four-and-a-half octave range. And while he had a vast working knowledge of a seemingly incongruous mix of genres -- from acid jazz to modern classical -- which he employed in his own blend of rock 'n' roll, truth be told, his unique fusion is best remembered as being, simply, true psychedelia.
Captain Beefheart will also forever remain loosely associated with Frank Zappa, whom he met as a teenager living with his family in the Mojave Desert. It was in that geographic location where he formed the Magic Band in 1964 -- his backing group, which would undergo many transformations in the years that followed. With their commercially challenging, though blues-based, sound, Captain Beefheart & the Magic Band would have several ill-fated dealings with record labels and releases, several of which left Beefheart disillusioned and, temporarily, unwilling to continue making music. He always returned, however, with an even more uncompromising vision.
In 1982, Beefheart retired from making music permanently, despite having attained near-mythical status among a certain demographic of music fan. His often underwhelming album sales in no way reflected the magnitude of his influence, however Beefheart spent most of the 1980s focused on his artwork, which was his original talent and love as a child.
Reissues, anthologies, covers and legend kept interest in Captain Beefheart very much alive and relevant in the years since, and his influence remains today, as felt and witnessed via a number of experimental artists from a variety of genres.
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citizenterryk
do us all a favor and keep your cutesy valley-boy comments to yourself...and CLEAN YOUR ROOM!!!!
January 05 2011 at 6:49 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
The Legendary Danny O\\\\\\\'Doul
THE HEART OF BEEF
By: The Legendary Danny O’Doul
I heard the Wolf a’ howlin’ through the night
A full and swollen moon fired up too bright
In dessert skies the shade of human flesh
Fresh from a bite
Stupid stars to dumb to twinkle
A half-drunk Martian starts to tinkle
On isolated South Mojave Drive
Watercolors splitter splatter
But, wait, there’s more – doesn’t matter
Send an SASE…X
Serve me roast breast of T-Rex
And play you magic band of sick outsider chumps
Do my whimsy bidding – take your lumps!
Swell with pride like little boys with mumps
Then bitch and moan like silly puppet grumps
Watch out, I’ll paint you
I hear “I’ll saint you genius sculpture man…
Your fish may stink, but as it ages
Worth an alchemist’s high wages…
The ‘BEST THING SINCE SLICED MEATS,’
And ‘TERRIYAKI HEART OF BEEF’!â€
Ice cream cow,
Ice cream cow
Safe as milk
Sandpaper silk
While I bilk and milk this fine demise
IT’S ALL MINE
Like stale pork rinds
On which Ella and old Willie dine
Breaks like this you JUST CAN’T BUYS!
(C) Copyright 2010, The Legendary Danny O’Doul
12/24/2010
Big Tujunga Tribe
Another great American treasure slips away-his own glimpse of life and art shared-but mostly unknown. Born in and of the Avante Garde, lived his art,and was just maybe the most Hip of all the great Hipsters. "MY LOVE FAILS NO BIRDS" BRAVO! REJOICE HE WAS HERE.
December 19 2010 at 1:24 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Phantom
He was one of the good guys; he was always willing to impart advice and help people in a tough business. He was approachable by anybody.
When I knew him, his side project was an attempt to encourage a really gifted female vocalist to become more professsional about her career; she really had an astounding voice. He wanted to give the world so much, even if it wasn't his.
He will be missed by many.
oscar
It's unfortunate that such an innovative person had to pass, but at least there's an extensive catalog of music we'll forever enjoy. Many musicians today have influences of Captain in their music without realizing it... R.I.P.
December 18 2010 at 3:05 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
marc
from an era passed those days will never be again...look at the music of today.
December 18 2010 at 2:54 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
chinesebluesman
The good Captain was a true visionary--genius is the ability to think beyond conventional thought, and his art and music reflected this. Most people are not aware of Captain Beefheart because his music wasn't suited for "Top 40" or "American Idol" or whatever--though I'm sure that Don could have made commercial music if he wanted to, such as "Too Much Time", "My Head is My Only House Unless It Rains", and "Her Eyes are a Blue Million Miles" on the "Clear Spot" album, which is so good that it also includes stuff like "Big Eyed Beans from Venus". Alas, some people will never "get it". So rest, good Doctor, thank you for your pearls of wisdom and cacophonous brand of blues-rock, and as for me, "Lick My Decals Off, Baby"!
December 18 2010 at 2:36 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Hobbyguy
Sun Zoom Spark, and too soon gone. Most of his music is still ahead of its time and I love to listen to the music inside the music. Thanks DVV, you will be missed.
December 18 2010 at 12:50 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Michael Mathews
What an incredible talent. Saw him perform live on several occassions. Most notible: Halloween night in Buffalo, New York around 1977(?). His Q&A session at Syracuse Univeristy to a packed auditorium with Zappa during their Bongo Fury tour was also a one-of-a-kind event/performance. There will never be another Beefheart. It was musical magic.
December 18 2010 at 12:31 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
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