Captain Beefheart – Now Playing (Rhino)

Captain Beefheart created the strangest music to ever come out of the rock genre: with lyrics seemingly strewn together at random, backed by music that is purposely wild and unpredictable.  Nonetheless, Rhino has attempted to collect 10 of Don Van Vliet’s more “accessible” tracks (a rather impossible task…).

The set opens with the funky guitar of “I’m Gonna Booglarize You Baby,” with Beefheart growling and moaning.  That’s followed “Her Eyes Are a Blue Million Miles,” which sets into a groove, the guitars are hypnotic, downright jangly. “The Smithsonian Institute Blues (Or the Big Dig),” with its crazy marimba, starts out fairly straight before veering into a tempo that speeds up and slows down.

“My Head is My Only House Unless It Rains” is decidedly gentle, reminding me of Danny Kirwan-era Fleetwood Mac, although Beefheart’s lyrics are as obtuse as ever.  “Click Clack” features a repetitive groove, blues harp and slide guitar, but the tempo is maddening in its 1, 2 insistence.  

Marvel at the twin guitar attack on “Low Yo Yo Stuff,” and here he’s really channeling something evil as he growls.  “Too Much Time,” with its slinky guitar, and horns, comes off like a lost Al Green track.  That is, until he starts talking about eating sardines. 

“Lick My Decals Off, Baby”  is more typical Beefheart – I’m actually amazed at how the band stays together as the tempo careens up and down at will.

In listening to these tracks, the musicianship is incredible.  Especially the two guitars, panned left and right – to hear how each compliment each other, despite the madness. 

There’s never been a collection quite like this – summing up some of Captain Beefheart’s most palatable moments.  Obviously, there’s so much more strangeness to explore, if you dare.  The album comes in red transparent vinyl. –Tony Peters