Beefheart's "Bat Chain Puller" to finally see release

[Bubba McBubba]

BAT CHAIN PULLER!

BAT CHAIN PULLER!!!

BAT CHAIN PULLER!!!!!!!

Say it softly, and it's like snowing...

Article here

[Cockney Rebel]

*swoon*

[bluebastard]

My only complaint: Why would they put it out only on CD? I would think most people interested in Beefheart would buy it on vinyl because no one buys CDs anymore.

[Bubba McBubba]

My only complaint: Why would they put it out only on CD? I would think most people interested in Beefheart would buy it on vinyl because no one buys CDs anymore.

Could not agree more.

But I have an even bigger beef (*ahem*) about this release and that is it is only available from the Zappa on-line store.  They're charging $20 for a CD, and then at least $5 more to ship and then they charge tax.  Jeez.

[Rutschman Robert]

Hey can ye get this copy online "Paid or Free" any thing if yes than please Share its link with us

[bluebastard]

$25 for one CD (not including taxes) is beyond ridiculous. I think that's an outrageous price for a new piece of vinyl as well.

And labels wonder why people so readily pirate music.

[Bubba McBubba]

$25 for one CD (not including taxes) is beyond ridiculous. I think that's an outrageous price for a new piece of vinyl as well.

And labels wonder why people so readily pirate music.

No kidding.  And adding insult to wallet injury, I received the following e-mail today:

Dear Friends,

Thank you very much for ordering Captain Beefheart's Bat Chain Puller!

This is to let you know that the manufacturing of this release has been delayed.  We hope to be shipping the week of 13 February (maybe sooner).  We are really looking forward to you having this wonderment in your anxious ears!

xxx,

the barfies

[Bubba McBubba]

At long last, my copy arrived in the mail today.  I thought it would just keep getting delayed ad nauseum, and the seller's stated policy is that money will not be refunded for any reason.  You would have thought I had learned my lesson a long time ago, when I waited over a year for my copy of Prince's "Crystal Ball" to arrive.

Fortunately, I did not have to wait anywhere near that long for "Bat Chain Puller", though I know there are a great many people out there who have been waiting for this since it was originally slated for release in 1976.

Once it arrived, my first impression was to be underwhelmed by an exceptionally stark front cover.  It's the same artwork that was on the pre-order page, which I assumed was only temp art.

My impression improved when I found the case holds a very thick booklet containing extensive essays by John French and Denny Walley.  These well-written essays cover the recording of the album, as well as finally revealing the complete story behind its aborted release.  Both essays also include anecdotes from all periods of their association with The Captain.  Rounding out the package is a brief, rambling and deeply personal reminiscence from Gail Zappa.

But what about the album itself?  It is always hard for me to objectively critique Beefheart, as I have a lifelong love/hate relationship with his alleged masterpiece "Trout Mask Replica".  It was only after his death that I discovered his highly enjoyable (yet still fairly challenging) "commercial" albums "The Spotlight Kid" and "Clear Spot".

"Bat Chain Puller" mostly straddles a line between his more challenging work and that which is more accessible.  The title track that opens the set is swampy, syrupy blues akin to "I Want to Booglarize You".  Then there's the seemingly interminable 4 minutes and 27 seconds of "Brick Bats", which recall the "Lick My Decals Off, Baby" era, and which I do not intend to subject myself to again.  Many of the other tracks walk an uneasy line between these extremes.

But what most surprises me about this set is the sound quality, which is simply stunning.  Even when I was cringing in response to some deeply discordant abominations, I was amazed at the clarity of each painful squawk and bleat.  Next thing you know, I'll get audited by the IRS and I'll praise them for their number-crunching prowess.

Not sure if was worth the total of $26, but I am just glad to have this finally see release and in a nicely done package, to boot (or to floppy boot, if you will).