TROUT MASK REPLICA

Whilst there is absolutely no doubting the sheer sonic vision imposed upon this unique oddity of an album by it's genre-hopping creator, there is one rather large problem with this otherwise impressively singular release: it's virtually un-listenable. As an exercise in sheer, mind-boggling musical innovation 'Trout Mask Relica' surely goes down as one of rock music's most iconic 'art-house' albums, a swirling cacophony of ideas shot through with endless instrumental creativity. However, those on the lookout for entertainment, and in the end my friends that is what music is really about, are advised to steer clear of this multi-coloured bout of sonic insanity. Released in 1969, this is the album most people associate with Captain Beefheart, though better representations of his unique talents can be found on his superb debut 'Safe As Milk' and it's acid blues follow- up 'Strictly Personel'. Alongside virtually anything by The Residents, Zappa's less coherent moments and the zany psych-rock eccentricity of Tim Smith's Cardiacs, 'Trout Mas Replica' ranks as one of the most bizarre moments in the history of rock 'n' roll. Beware.

STEFAN TURNER, STOKE NEWINGTON, 2012