TROUT MASK REPLICA

If you listen to this album with only "music" perspective in your mind, you will definitely end up with something really bad about this controversial album by Captain Beefheart. Why? Because this is not just music, it's a product of art as the leader is not just a musician but a visual artist. There is barely catchy melody you might expect in any typical song-orientated music as this is more towards an expression of art instead of crafting beautiful notes into a musical composition. This is an art product where the disharmony has become a harmony. It's perfectly understood that harmony is a very subjective definition which differs from one person to another. I remember vividly when I was teenager playing Yes "Relayer", I received complaint from my friend as they said that the music has no harmony. But I disagreed with him and telling him that Yes "Relayer" has a powerful harmony. The music is harmony or not has become a tough debate from one person to another.

So why do we need to appreciate this kind of "Trout Mask Replica" album by Captain Beefheart (Don Van Vliet)? Two reasons: First, the album is quite original in which the influence from other band can hardly be identified except the fact that Don was a childhood friend of Frank Zappa. You can categorize some passages as jazz style while other passages are rock'n'roll or blues or in fact avant garde. You might find similar vein with some passages of King Crimson's Island or Lark's Tounge in Aspic albums. If you are open mind and have a willingness to explore, this is an album worth appreciating. Second, there are so many unexpected things happen from one passage to another without any pattern that you can predict. This is becoming a "joy" in itself because the thing that previously you say as "no harmony" it will become "harmony" when you play the album repeatedly.

Overall, I consider this as an excellent addition to any prog music collection. Please do not expect something "symphonic" here. But if you can enjoy Frank Zappa, Thinking Plague, Phish,you might be able to enjoy this album. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW (i-Rock! Music Community)