Captain Beefheart

Captain Beefheart was the pseudonym of Don Van Vliet during his musical career, which lasted from the 1960s to the 1980s.

Born Don Glen Vliet in California on 15 January 1941, he now pursues a career as a painter. His musical style is a kind of mixture of blues and surrealism.

With vocal mannerisms showing the avowed influence of Howlin' Wolf, he also played bluesy harmonica and bizarre soprano saxophone, but the jagged and complex rhythmic arrangements in which he dictatorially drilled his band are his most notable musical contribution.

Discography

Safe as Milk (1967) Strictly Personal (1968) Trout Mask Replica (1969) Lick My Decals Off, Baby (1970) Mirror Man (1971) The Spotlight Kid (1972)

Clear Spot (1972) Unconditionally Guaranteed (1974) Bluejeans & Moonbeams (1974) Shiny Beast (Bat Chain Puller) (1978) Doc at the Radar Station (1980) Ice Cream for Crow (1982)

The two 1974 albums, and attempt to 'go commercial', were later disowned by the musician.