August 8, 2006 by A.S. Van Dorston

I was browsing AMG ’s massive, unreliable listings (why aren’t The Cure deluxe reissues listed for today?) and was surprised to find the entire Beefheart catalog on Virgin TV (what’s the TV about?) was reissued today. I investigated and it’s true, six remastered albums, including a live album from 1974.

I’d be curious to hear from anyone regarding how they sound. Shiny Beast was the best sounding to me, while Ice Cream For Crow sounded weak and brittle. I’m not that excited about the ‘74 live, because that was during his career lowpoint. Wasn’t the band just a bunch of hack backup musicians?

Unconditionally Guaranteed (1974)
If this album was done by any other artist, it would be considered a lost treasure. It’s odd hearing such straightforward melodies and lyrics coming from the Captain, but I like it.

Bluejeans & Moonbeams (1974)
This was supposedly scraps from the sessions of the previous album. I’m afraid to hear this.

Live In London (Drury Lane 1974)

Shiny Beast (Bat Chain Puller) (1978)
They really blew an excellent opportunity to include a bonus disc from the original 1976 sessions to justify the album’s subtitle. As it is, I still love its relatively glossy, elastic production, even the odd “Love Lies” and “Harry Irene.” “The Floppy Boot Stomp” and “Tropical Hot Dog Night” (slyly referenced by PJ Harvey in “Meet Ze Monster”) are two of Beefheart’s most joyous, playful songs, while “Bat Chain Puller” is sheer genius.

Doc At The Radar Station (1980)
The new Magic Band at its peak, this could compete with Lick My Decals Off, Baby(1970) and Clear Spot as the most focused, consistent album. Beefheart and band are on fire here, perhaps stepping up the intensity in reaction to punk—“Hot Head,” “Sue Egypt,” and “Making Love to A Vampire With a Monkey On My Knee” are highlights. Definitely more prickly and less accessible than prior albums.

Ice Cream For Crow (1982)
This has a singular, autumnal tone that’s appropriate as Beefheart’s last album. Beefheart at his least tuneful but most melancholy. It features some great guitar playing by Gary Lucas. Too bad it didn’t include the fabulous video for the title track. It does include the bonus track “Light Reflected Off The Oceans Of The Moon.”

Posted in: Reissues, Reviews