It's a widely known fact that Don Van Vliet, aka Captain Beefheart, has influenced many of the most respected artists of today. Like Tom Waits, The Clash, Kurt Cobain, Sonic Youth and PJ Harvey, to name a few. It seems that nowadays Beefheart is starting to gain the respect he duly deserves but somehow it feels unfair he never became hugely popular in terms of record sales - although it's quite understandable, too. His music is way too eccentric to appeal to big audiences. Apparently old Captain's quite a character as well, with a persona as erratic as his music.
Beefheart retired from music in the early 80's to concentrate on painting and what do you know - he turned out to be talented in that as well, says the almighty Interweb. Not too much is known about Beefheart or what he's up to nowadays but it's been rumored that he's suffering from MS. If it is true, and considering his high age (70 next January, apparently), it's quite possible that the world will truly pay attention to one of it's most original musicians after he's gone. Which is still too little too late, if you ask me. So here's a novel idea: how about giving the man some credit now? Maybe all those musicians who've praised him could at least throw him a proper 70th birthday party or something.
So next time you're listening to recent Tom Waits albums it might be fitting to spare a thought for Captain Beefheart as well. Or compare this "Dropout Boogie" to PJ Harvey's song "I Think I'm A Mother". Once you begin to hear the echo of Beefheart's music it's never gonna stop.
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