Safe As Milk

There were some quite annoying sequences that got repeated over and over for a long period of time. That definitely sullied my opinion some. This isn't my style. When the instrumentals got interesting, the vocals were annoying. So it just kinda missed for me.

Not sure I could think of a worse name for a band

Not as abrasive as Trout Mask Replica (still to come in the 1,001) and better than expected. Not sure if I’ve ever heard this before.

Not super impressed with this one, I started at three stars but became less interested the more I listened to it. It’s fine I guess, 2 stars (barely)

Good album - a little dated, but far more accessible than later albums (still don’t get Trout Mask Replica). Well worth a second listen for sure.

To be honest I hadn’t really listened to much, if any, Captain Beefheart before this. There were some good songs on here intermixed with a few real clunkers. I am not a fan of 60-70s experimental music in the style of psychedelic or “acid” anything really adjacent to that and some the songs on this album I could categorize as “that”. But there really were some nice blues or soul inspired songs that really resonated with me.

Weird 70s

Weird 70’s vibe

Interesting album.

Pretty fun

I mean I don’t know if this is good music or not but it sounds cool as hell even if it also sounds abrasive and terrible. Not as epic or insane as trout mask replica but an awesome debut.

3.5

I liked This album a lot! The only other thing I had heard by Captain Beefheart was Trout mask replica, which I think is ass. This album was really good though! It kinda reminded me of The Stones in some areas, way more experimental though.

1.5

Can’t lie, shit rips

Encore du rock des années 70 un peu granuleux un peu unky... "I'm Glad" est sympathique mais le reste on s'ENNUIE.

Never heard him before! I'm sort of familiar with Frank Zappa so I've heard Beefheart's name but never listened to this, quite unique! Some of the later tracks dragged on a bit but overall a pretty good and weird 60s rock, I'm going with 4 stars

This took a few listens to get into. Honestly, if it wasn't for Captain Beefheart being such a critics' darling then I probably wouldn't have bothered. The more I listened however, the more it started to click. Perhaps it's a sign that to do this properly, you need to do an album every few days rather than daily. I can't imagine that Limp Bizkit improves with each listen though!

I have nothing to say. I listened. It was unremarkable.

It was pretty decent.

Experimenting a lot and having fun, way back.

Wow this is… not good. Weird =/= good

Idk man it reeeeeally dragged on and it is so all over the place. The songs are short so sometimes by the time I registered that it’s a new song and got the hang of it, the song ends and another song plays.

Love the names, but too long and didn’t care much for the end

This was funky, ranging from unpleasant listening to interesting and cool. Given that it came out in 1967, I can see how it would have been revolutionary and led the way towards how modern music sounds. However, I wouldn’t choose to listen again.

Wonderfully deranged. I did not know they groove this hard. Now I can see why so many of my faves love this.

Hmm. Not sure at all

Really quite enjoyed this one. Nice to have something a bit different and something I probably wouldn’t have seemed out outside of this list. Some interesting songs in here and the variety helped keep the attention.

A fun listen with plenty of eccentric and weird music going on.

And there was me thinking I didn’t much care for Beefheart. Haven’t listened in years and suspect I was thinking of Trout Mask (albeit I know I’ve listened to this). Anyway’s this is great, the Magic Band on top form with totally the type of psyched up blues that’s up my street. The Cap’n can be a bit hit or miss, but it’s more hit on this one. Some absolutely banging tunes in the middle section. Electricity to Plastic Factory, are the dogs. Babette Baboon indeed.

Captain Beefheart's second album in this project. I was very skeptical, since I found *Trout Mask Replica* pretty confusing. In contrast, I was able to listen to this album. However, I won't be listening to it again anytime soon. I don't understand this music, and I don't like it. 3/5

TBC

nah

Eccentric and quirky, but not really my thing

Weird and strange but also fun at points. Won’t be returning to listen again likely but I’m not so off put by this.

All time favourite

Not for me. Bit too experimental for my taste. Dropout Boogie lived up to its name and did like another couple of songs but I can’t see myself returning to this one

The Grateful Dead’s worst album, which is not on this list, is better than this slop. MI6, you win again.

This was a truly wild experience, and I honestly wasn't prepared for how delightfully weird it turned out to be. I'd heard all the stories about Captain Beefheart's weird stuff later on, but Safe As Milk is actually pretty easy to get into, even though it's super off the wall. It's a wild, crazy ride that's like a fever dream, a mix of a nightmare and a playground, but it never goes totally crazy. It's got that gritty blues and soulful R&B at its core, but then it gets all warped with psychedelic stuff and Ry Cooder's amazing guitar playing. The best parts are the songs that shouldn't go together but somehow work, like the smooth "I'm Glad" next to the creepy "Electricity". Beefheart's voice is insane, this intense, rumbling thing, like a stoned Wolfman Jack leading a band that's super tight despite all the weird time signatures. It's this unique blend of blues that feels like the link between old roots music and when punk started. Whether it's the catchy "Abba Zaba" or the rocking "Dropout Boogie", this album is a masterpiece of experimental 60s rock that left me totally confused and hooked.

8/10… proto punk / blues rock / *1967 👂

Pretty good blues record. I enjoyed the distorted guitars. Favourite Track(s): Electricity Least Favourite Track(s): Autumn's Child

Showing the dullards how to be a suburban white kid playing the blues.

I was kinda wary of this one since I heard such bad things about Trout Mask Replica, but this kinda blew me away with how good it was! It’s funky, it’s blusey, the guitars go hard, and his voice was a bit gravelly but good for the style of music. It’s surprisingly approachable, with enough experimental stuff sprinkled in to satisfy the snobs. It’s not perfect, but it’s a fun, quick (31 mins) listen that I really enjoyed. Really solid 4/5

I knew who Ry Cooder was but never put it together that he was in this band! Love the late 60’s vibe they put out!

Reminds me of some Fripp league of gentlemen guitar stuff from the 80s. Interesting. Oddly spiritual. When you walk while listening to it around the city you notice things you may not have before.

60’s Rock ⭐️Electricity

Hate the name, music was okay

6.9

expected this to be older, but this is their debut. never assume anything when it comes to CB&HMB is the lesson here I guess.

I’m glad I’m doing this project, because it has allowed me to be more studied about what I like versus what I respect. This album is Louisiana blues, 50s soul & R&B, 60s rock and just about everything else they could throw in works. There’s even a track that sounds like the roots of what will become punk. I respect it, but I don’t really like it. 3⭐️

Interesting album. Odd sound, but very enjoyable. One of the reasons I joined this group to find new music. This album is as old as I am, and it’s new … to me. Lots of great tracks led by Yellow Brick Road. 4/5

I like the raspy voice and old timey instrumentals start of album is incredible

milk isnt safe for lactose-intolerant people but im not one of them so i like this album!

Safe As Milk is a pretty weird and wacky album but it actually handles that pretty well. I can definitely admit that this is an album that absolutely belongs on this list as it seems to have influenced quite a bit of other artists with one notable one being Tom Waits who sited Captain Beefheart as a major influence. The album itself has this large psych-rock style on it much like a lot of it's other contemporaries with this one definitely being as weird as a lot of the others but not doing anything too differently from them. I guess one unique thing i will say about it is that little sample from the beginning of Yellow Brick Road which i thought was an ad at first. Definitely a good album but i can't justify giving it higher than 3 stars. Best Song: Sure Nuff 'N Yes I Do Worst Song: Zig Zag Wanderer

I have not listened to this in a long time. A mix of different rock types of the time, interesting on wilder songs but plenty standard. 3 Heard before? Yes Owned: Yes 52/222 (23%) Will I get: Already have

Surprisingly good, considering how much I despised the other Captain Beefheart album. And they said I'd like that other album the more I heard it, and honestly, it was pretty true. Maybe that prepped me more for his music but this genuinely is a blast. It's bluesier than I expected. It also has some inspired moments in it, like the driving bass and drum riff in Electricity which is flat out awesome. Even his flat out bad singing is far less distracting this time, even borderline essential to the vibe. The aforementioned Electricity, Yellow Brick Road, Abba Zaba, and Sure 'Nuff 'n' Yes, I Do are my favorites. Shocked I'm about to rate this so well after our first encounter, but this album was awesome.

古灵精怪的，不错

😍😍😍😍😍😍

Enjoyed it! not something I'll be putting on anytime soon, but glad to have experienced the album.

Just the right amount of weird. A truly fascinating record.

1960s acid/blues rock, kinda. I don't know much about Captain Beefheart or the Magic Band, but the Captain and Frank Zappa were friends and frequent collaborators. Some of this album is pretty good, but overall, it was just OK. I can only imagine how different this must have sounded in 1967. Albums like this are why I do this list. I probably would have never listened to this otherwise.

Parts of this are fun and parts of this are tracks that I skipped after listening to 15 seconds. And it sounded how normal this sounds compared to what I remember off of trout mask replica, like this sounds like it could be the box tops or something

I thought Zig Zag Wanderer and Yellow Brick Road were fun, although not sure they were actually good. Instrumentals at the back-end we're awful.

only counting the first 12 tracks

Too much beef, not enough heart.

Love me a little Beefheart. It's hard to express how out there this album was when it was recorded in 1967. Brilliant debut.

Delta blues prison boyfriend vibes. Similar to other rock faves; doors, stones, dire straights… but weird and unhinged

Brilliant

Different

Some of the vocals really pissed me off

Weird, wacky, but doesn’t quite click with me. Possibly the best band name of all time though

I'm going to have to take back some mean things I said about Captain Beefheart. Sure 'Nuff 'n' Yes, I Do is a decent kick off to their debut album. This is pretty straight forward 60s psychedelic blues rock. I like this better than I thought I would so far. Spoke too soon. Meyer Hawthorne heard I'm Glad and knew what he wanted to do with his life. There's no internal consistency to the songs on this album. Acid rock, blues rock, blue-eyed soul...and I'm five songs into a 19 song album. I'm Glad is a good song though, I'd listen to an album of songs like it. Electricity sounds like a Dr. John song. These guys are all over the place. Definitely very similar to Dr. John. It's hard to know if they just made every kind of popular music at the time or if they were the influence on so many bands because Where There's Woman could be a Santana or War song.

I don’t really know what to say… Sounds like typical 60-s band. Good songs… Unfortunately, I never listen to lyrics and I don’t recognize most of it.

Delta Blues reinterpreted as part of the late 60s California psychedelic scene. There's a healthy amount of Dadaist absurdity and the excellent guitar playing of a young Ry Cooder. If that doesn't excite you, there are a good number of earworm hits mixed in. "Yellow Brick Road", "Abba Zaba", and "Electricity" are all standout tracks. If you continue on with the bonus tracks, the title track is also excellent but it does get a bit cluttered and unfocused by the end. All in all, a fantastic debut that was ahead of its time.

I kinda liked this, which I didn’t really expect. I didn’t need an hour and ten minutes of it, but it was pretty decent. And I have to imagine that it was pretty weird at its release; for 1967 or whenever this came out, I have to imagine that it was considered pretty out there. The singer sounds pretty gruff, and the music was a little all over the place. By today’s standards, this is pretty tame and listenable. For the 60s, this was probably a little shocking. So, overlong, a little weird, pretty listenable…a high 3 stars for me. 7/10

This was surprisingly very average. I was expecting a little more.

ok i was kind of vibing

Low grade 60s British album. Not worth listening to really

It hasn’t even been three entire weeks since I had to contend with fucking Trout Mask Replica but okay here we go again I guess 😭 -> oh actually that was like... basically normal. Maybe kind of boring, even

que puto raro que guauy

Heard worse but it does not really stick and his vocie get pretty annoying at times. "i'm glad" was pretty decent so it's a good addition to "1001 decent albums that you might want to listen to before you die".

Like a fever dream. Favourite track: I'm Glad

It's alright. It's pretty standard 60's psychedelicish music to me. Maybe there is some history I'm missing. I'd never even heard of them until I got to the list. So I'm betting they are someone's favorite band. It's alright. Nothing that made me want to listen to more of them.

This actually wasn't as weird as I was expecting it to be. It's kind of a blend of all sorts of old rock/blues/soul. It hops from one genre to the next. I much preferred the tracks where the weird stage persona/voice doesn't make an appearance. Its always kinda there, and I get that that's his whole thing. Eh, at least it's unique. The range of vocals over the whole album is pretty wide. It's over the top but at least he sells it, and the band is good. This one's a tough rate - I appreciate what's laid down here, but is it something I'd listen to a lot? It's eccentric and catchy in a lot of places, but doesn't 100% gel with me all the time. 3/5

Not my cup of tea

Ok. Pluss for theremin

Okay man. Sure. That can be an album.

I would have said mercifully short if it didn't feel like 3 hours long instead of 33 minutes. Music not bad, but come on. Probably an acquired taste.

This was pretty original and I’m sure “alternative” of the time. Probably at least +/- 1 after a couple relistens.

Honestly way more normal than I was expecting. Pretty much a standard 60s blues rock album. Nothing like what little I’ve heard from Trout Mask Replica

I still haven't listened to THAT Caption Beefheart album(you know which one), and this just happens to be my first album from this glorious, magical band. The quality, and production is terrible(yes, even for the 1960s). There are only two standout songs, and the rest come off as classic Blues Rock. Nothing too special here, but nothing terrible either. Favorite Track: "Yellow Brick Road".

get me out of here

Weird and fun, but also slightly unsettling at times.

Lite långt men många härligt bråkiga detaljer. En svag fyra kan det nog nå upp till.

Faller mig helt i smak! Är ju en sucker för sent 60tal, förvånas över att jag inte lyssnat mer på detta. Tycker det är bra variation stämningsmässigt men de experimentella låtarna är liiite för goofy. Svag 4a

Trodde av någon anledning att det här skulle vara väldigt töntigt, men det är det ju inte! Snarare lide ball. Tyckte det kändes väl långdraget och märkligt vid första lyssningen men insåg att det bara var en omärkt deluxeutgåva som slunkit igenom i smyg. Vid andra varvet, av bara själva originalskivan, är det tajt! Kul!

Rått flum och skitig soul som tilltalar mig. Man hör att de polat med Zappa och att Tom waits inte hatar det här. 3a? 4a?

Helt missat den här nissen! Visste därmed inte vad som väntade när man satte på. Kanske det album från 60taletdipåg som jag gillat minst hittills, men det är inte dåligt för det! Ganska intressant, men inget som jag kände direkt "WOW" för.

ok! upp och ner!

Håller sig för det mesta på rätt sida dadatrams, vilket inte alltid är fallet med C. B och polaren Zappa. Blaha första lyssningen men andra lyssningen blommar den ut. Vad gör egentligen "I'm Glad" här? Smäktande och bra. Ja, ert är väl bara att skatta och vara glad, skratta sig lycklig, inte dra alla över samma kant och dela ut en klassisk STARK TREA™

A nice listen, it has some good lyrics and imagery being created with them. Very 60s audio styles which is to be expected

Well, a step up from Trout Mask Replica, actually can listen to it

204/1089 Having heard about the reputation of Trout Mask Replica, I was a bit disappointed that this album was so normal. It’s a fine 60s boyband pop album but doesn’t particularly interest or excite memaybe i need to return to this in the future knowing what to expect 24/100

Weird. Very 60’s. Didn’t like the singer’s voice.

More straightforward than I was expecting, athough still experimental. Must have been a crazy listen in 1966!

None of the albums on the list so far made me go "I must listen to that again" but this one did. Picking up the 50th anniversary release on my way home from work for the third listen.

Fun listen! The songs and the vocals are stylistically varied and often kind of weird, so you don't know what's coming next. The lead guitar work is great throughout, and I enjoyed focusing on that.

This was so dumb that I was convinced I must be listening to the wrong album. Unsure why it was made.

I respect the weirdness of this, but I just... didn't like the sound. Bluesy rock doesn't click for me. So this is a 2 for my taste, but they do seem like an interesting band.

Yet to reach its fullest potential

I appreciate this crooked blues.

This was a rollercoaster. My feelings ranged from weirded out and delighted to bored almost from song to song.

Ok. Wierd one but I did like it most of the time. I felt that the second half of the album could've been left out as it just turned the wierdness to 11 and that didn't work for me. I did dig the grooves and the first half of the album so I give this a 2,5/5 (rounding up to 3).

This is a fairly normal album by Beefheart standards. And a good way into his / their sound. I miss the weirdness at times, especially with tracks such as I'm Glad, but it's a solid, coherent album without any jump scares, so good for working to.

This is a far more acceptable introduction to the Good Captain. I've always struggled with Trout Mask, going back decades now. I should really just give up on it. Safe As Milk is... safe. It's also very bluesy without all the out of tune wanderings. The bass is a bloody beast throughout. It feels as though it's anchored to the ground. I've still no idea what it's all about. I like some mystique in my music, just not the Trout Mask level of madness.

Sometimes okay to listen to, sometimes a little irritating.

I'm ill, so I've not been able to finish this one. I've heard about Trout Mask Replica (haven't listened to it yet) and how out there it is, so I was expecting something experimental or something like that. This was more conventional Blues/Garage Rock that was pretty good and fun to listen to. I didn't think it was anything groundbreaking, and the length is a bit of an issue. A high 3

Really enjoyed it. Great energy, great musicianship, and I kinda dig his vocals.

"Zig Zag Wanderer" is an absolute jam, and so is "I'm Glad". I thoroughly enjoyed this album and can see the influences and sounds from this era~

A good band that hired the local beggar of the neighborhood to do the vocals.

Çoğu şarkılarını sevdim ya aslında diğerlerine benziyor gibi ama bir şey farklı??

Trotz einiger interessanter Momente – etwa der eigenwilligen Stimme von Beefheart und der rohen Energie der Band – wirkt das Album insgesamt unausgereift. Die Produktion ist dünn, die Songs schwanken zwischen ambitioniert und unausgegoren, und die Mischung aus Blues-Riffs und psychedelischen Ideen bleibt oft holprig.

Who knew Captain Beefheart had it in him to make a somewhat normal album? Yes, the man responsible for one of the most legendary avant-garde albums in music history had relatively humble beginnings... relatively. Quite frankly, this album is still a little weird, but in a way that I'm sure is much more palatable for most listeners. Whereas Trout Mask Replica is utter insanity with a hint of bluesiness, Safe as Milk is more like blues rock with a hint of mild insanity. Does that make it better than Trout Mask Replica? Kinda, I think? Admittedly, Safe as Milk isn't nearly as interesting of an album, but interesting doesn't always mean good. I think Safe as Milk is probably a better album, but Trout Mask Replica is a better artistic statement, I guess. It's something like that. It helps that Safe as Milk is only about half as long as Trout Mask Replica, so it's not nearly as daunting of a listen. I need to stop comparing this thing to the other album and assess it on its own. Safe as Milk is a pretty decent blues rock album. It's got some solid musical moments, though it's not the flashiest album on the planet. Captain Beefheart's vocals are where the quirkiness of the album are most apparent. The writing is fairly abstract, I think. Everything is done fairly well, though I don't think anything is done spectacularly. It's good, but I think you can do better with other blues rock albums and even other experimental rock albums. Still, I do feel positively about it, even if I'm unsure of its must-listen status. 3/5.

Pretty good, fairly quirky. I think this is before he got really out there. Interesting bio.

the back half dragged on a bit too much for me. love the band name

it's a bit grating sometimes but im a fan

Genius, a singular stomp, Dali blues, a wonderful album

Brilliant album!

This is at its core a really solid R&B/garage rock album, albeit with some pretty wacky lyrics and avant-garde influences, most notably on ‘Electricity’ and ‘Autumn’s Child’. However, most of its twelve songs are short, punchy, high-energy and riff-driven (and catchy!), especially the opening three tracks, ‘Yellow Brick Road’, and ‘Plastic Factory’. The notable exception, ‘I’m Glad’, is a genuinely beautiful, soulful ballad, and probably my pick of the bunch. Captain Beefheart’s voice was remarkable, and his gritty, bluesy vocals sound great throughout. I like this more with each listen. FYI, go for the mono mix over stereo.

Weird. But I listened to the whole thing. I was never into Captain Beefheart - thought he was a Frank Zappa wanna be, and never came close. This did get better near the end of the album, but I'm not going to go back and try to find 'the good stuff'.

Beefy

Cooler und fetziger Sound :) Hat mir gefallen

ganz ok

This was not my cup of tea. Kind of hard to describe. I didn't really like the old tiney shouty bluesness of it all

My desk is set up very close to the old stereo equipment in my room. I end up being about 1 meter away from the nearest speaker so when I listen to something while I work, I really listen. This sounded great despite the damage I did to my ear. 3.5

Fun and interesting. Reminds me of a cross between The Monkees and Cat Stevens.

na

Didn’t know what to expect - eclectic mix.

I really liked the beginning, but the ending songs are a bit too experimental for me

I can see this influencing Tom Waits.

The accessible face of Beefheart. Not going to lie - I struggle with so much else - but here I can get on board.

Just okay not really for me. 4.1/10

Ja det var väl bra. Lite långt men nice bakgrundsmusik. När Kent började spela jag bar ”oj vad bra låt” i början och sen oooops…. Mjölkpropaganda?

Hørt om dette bandet, men aldri gitt det et forsøk. Rock, typ blues. Fremstår rimelig eksperimentelt til å være fra 60-tallet. Hoppende rytmer med intense vokaler. Har litt vansker med å få ordentlig tak på dette albumet, til tross for totalt fire lytt. Ikke alle sangene som er superbra, men det generelle nivået holder til en solid treer. Det er utvilsomt et kult album. Top 3: Abba Zaba, Zig Zag Wanderer, Autumn’s Child

Rockin'

Don't get it.

I liked this. Not nearly as insane as Trout Mask. This was just cool, heavier, fringe kind of rock.

Já tinha ouvido falar do captain Beefheart por conta de Frank zappa. O álbum é diferente, bem experimental.

This feels simultaneously a lot more accessible than Beefheart's later work and much more experimental and boundary-pushing than other contemporary music (of 1967!!!). The psychadelica of the late 60s and early 70s got pretty dreary pretty quickly but this is authentically bonkers at times. I don't really like it that much, but I appreciate it. The stuff that sounds more conventional also sounds heavily sarcastic and mocking to me, which is fine, Beefheart is obviously not a big fan of the mainstream and neither am I. But this was a pleasant surprise after how much I hated Trout Mask Replica, although the more aggressively weird instumental tracks from Safe As Milk onward began to wear thin for me.

Some cool stuff, a bit too goofy for a 4. But close

I really enjoyed half the album; rated lower than the previous one.

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background My only previous exposure to Captain Beefheart was the infamous Trout Mask Replica....so I wasn't expecting to enjoy this....but I did! A twisted take on the blues that drags in some spots (I did not enjoy some of the slower numbers) but was otherwise a delight.

I mean, it sounds like all the other random mid sixties rock albums.

What is this

Pleasant and goofy at its best - some funny vocal deliveries are probably the highlight. For as large as the Trout Mask Replica legend looms large (still haven’t had that one yet), this is pretty normative. I don’t know, I think there are better, more impactful listening experiences if you really want a late 60’s psych rock record. Of which there are aplenty on this list

Good southern, western feel. Reminds me of the 60s. Dropout Boogie got a smoker voice to it. Soulful songs there. First few songs were really good, ladder songs were not as good and just instrumental for the most part.

Fantastic set of songs that are much more accessible compared to Trout Mask Replica. There is still great musicianship and weirdness to be found here. Beefheart’s growl really works with the bluesy style.

This was a weird listen. Interesting but disjointed. Not for me

Liked this much more than I was expecting. Ry Cooder's great.

Hippie nonsense

Blues rock that doesn't take itself seriously, like Zappa and the Mothers of Invention (3.5)

Some shit Drew would like

Album Review 047 Safe As Milk by Captain Beefheart And His Magic Band (1967) Rating 4.5/5 Safe As Milk is Captain Beefheart’s debut and, whilst being fairly unconventional in rhythms, instrumentation and lyrics/vocals, it is his most accessible album. It’s also one of the best Psych/Garage albums ever recorded is a must-have for any fan of the genre.

This was a strange album. I might have to come back to it cuz I really didn’t know what I was expecting.

A strange mix of country and hard rock. But I kind of liked it.

Favorite songs: I'm Glad, Abba Zaba

As I have yet to listen to Trout Mask Replica, I can't speak too much on my opinion of Captain Beefheart, except that I am extremely wary. This album was a pleasant surprise. Heavily bluesy and reflective of influence from mid-to-late-60s psychedelic rock. Interestingly, it kind of lacks uniqueness in that regard. So many of Beefheart's contemporaries sound a lot like this, ranging from CCR to The Doors to The Who to everyone in between. Whatever the case, it's fun, it's lighthearted, and I kind of dig it. The album's Wikipedia article says that "Beefheart later said the label dropped them after hearing the song 'Electricity' and declaring it 'too negative'." Which is an extremely strange remark. Electricity is one of the jauntiest tunes on the record, and the lyrics are pretty much nonsense. (Record labels are delusional.) In fact, a lot of lyrics on the record are nonsense, as demonstrated by the questionable Abba Zaba: "Babbette baboon abba zaba zoom / Two shadows at noon abba zaba zoom / Gonna zaba her soon / Babbette baboon abba zaba zoom". Call On Me is a standout, owing to its catchy melody, excellent basswork, and subtle use of horns that fades in and out as the music calls for it. Dropout Boogie sounds a little too much like You Really Got Me, and Mr Beefy won't distract me with the schmancy time signature changes. This song already existed in 1966 in a better form. But Autumn's Child is probably the worst track here, because it combines nonsensicla lyrics with similarly nonsensical musicianship. That weird buzzy/theremin instrument is just not necessary, and the lack of percussion for most of the song means there's nowhere to anchor yourself onto. 3/5 Key tracks: Sure 'Nuff 'n' Yes I Do, Call On Me, Yellow Brick Road

2.5

Delta blues and late 60's rock. Not bad but there are better examples of both on this list.

A definite classic. Don the band at the height of their powers - both accessible and weird

You see beef, you know it’s going to be weird

Another questionable inclusion. Fave track: Call On Me

Delightfully weird. 3.5/5

Más accesible que Trout Mask Replica, de hecho es el que más escucho. Aquí está todo y suena igual de marciano y peligroso.

Somebody get me a horse and a real cowboy.

Enjoyed the first half of the album - got a bit bored re instrumental stuff towards the end

Really not my thing

Very odd. Some of it was really fun and enjoyable to listen to. Others were okay & dragged on a bit.

Surprisingly enjoyable

I like it!! Solid 3.5/5 !

10/10 Best songs: Sure 'Nuff 'n' Yes, I Do, Zig Zag Wanderer, I'm Glad, Abba Zaba What a fascinating album. It's somewhere between rock, blues, and avant-garde/psychedelica, pushing the boundaries between music and sound at some points (Dropout Boogie, Electricity). Every song is radically different, showing a real grasp of music and an interest in experimentation. This really can't be considered an "easy" album, but in terms of art, it's really, really good. Based on the surprisingly low rating on this site, I'd guess that most listeners aren't very interested in experimental or "weird" music. If you have an open mind, then this album is definitely for you. Personally? I love it.

pior que achei bacana d+

blues r&b mei experimental né. achei o trout mask replica bem mais legal e interessante, mas esse aqui não eh ruim não. i'm glad e electricity são BEM boas hein

I like this so much than later Captain Beefheart, but I can't say that I'm excited about playing this album again.

Some good, some bad, and definitely some ugly

Interesting music from the 60's. Some cool riffs. Can see how it was influential. A bit too manic for my taste.

Overall: 8/10 I had a friend in high school who was obsessed with any music that came out in the 60s, and I specifically remember him being fond of Captain Beefheart. I heard all the horror stories from him about how insane this band was, and he made me never want to listen to them at all. I've since heard even more horror stories about how crazy Trout Mask Replica is, and seeing that it was in this list scared me a bit. This album, however, is nothing to be scared of. This is just folk rock, but a little bit silly. If anything, I could easily see this as a precursor to bands like Ween and Butthole Surfers. There's nothing especially strange on this album that would be enough to turn anybody off from it. In fact, if you can enjoy Beefheart's vocals then you're likely gonna have a great time, just as I did. His band truly sounds magical at times. His vocals actually remind me of Tom Waits at times. I'm still a little worried about Trout Mask Replica, but at least I got to hear what they sounded like before that monster was released. Fav Song: Plastic Factory

Solid blues rock that retains the weird Beefheart edge. Proves he could make listenable music when he wanted to.

Maan i loved this so much. I miss iconic shit like fast n bulbous, but this one is one of the best records from 67 that's for sure.

Blues to start. I’m not the biggest fan of this right off the bat. Listening to the mono version just because the panning is obnoxious. The rest of the album feels like this too. Very stones-like and the stones aren’t fantastic. They’re passable with a few good songs.

Generic 60’s experimental bullshit mixed with just generic 60’s okay shit.

This was great. I didn't expect this to be so much more accessible than Trout Mask Replica. That's not to say I didn't love Trout Mask Replica. Because I did. But this was good too .

I don’t really like country but this is very upbeat and makes me wanna dance!

Gear: ZMF Bokeh Closed Artwork: 🐟👁️📸 Production (Mono/Stereo Mix): 🔊🔇👎/🔊🔊🆗 Music: 🌀🌊💆 Rating: 🥛🥛🥛(🥛)/5

I enjoyed this record. Much more approachable thank some of their other work.

A classic, much better than Trout Mask Replica

Solid album. Really enjoyed the bluesy stuff. Lending credence to my thought 1967 may be the best year of recorded music. More accessible and enjoyable than their other album on the list. I'm a little surprised that neither Ry Cooder or Taj Mahal has a record here.

This only gets a 2 because the instrumental tracks weren't bad. The songs with vocals were just obnoxious.

ass.

I liked it enough!

As a whole I think this is a good album. At first I just liked the bluesy feel but then it got more experimental and that was also pretty good. Not a new favorite or anything but I like what they did.

Another triple blind! I honestly liked this album more than I expected. Its influences on bands like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones felt palpable. Songs were also fairly fun. Great inclusion

I went into this prepared for something terrible, because I really dont like trout mask replica by beef heart, but this was actually some nice pleasant music! they can do it!

this got less and less charming as the album went on

👺

This was real good, and I was surprised to hear a lot of what sounded like Primus in both zany composition but also in guitar and bass tone and playing style. 4/5

Great album. I really like it a lot, and hadn't heard it previously. I've only really listened to Trout Mask Replica, and I do enjoy that album, but this one is the right kind of weird for me to revisit over and over. I like it a lot. 4.5/5

Pretty off-kilter stuff that feels like it led to butthole surfers later. I liked it fine.

Very odd

iconic genius

Certifiably strange, but also kind of … intriguing?

Weird, fun

yeah

Up until this album I always thought Captain Beefheart was a Frank Zappa alter ego. Apparently they did play together at times. Anyway, this album is great. Beefheart's unique vocal delivery makes every song interesting. I can't wait for Trout Mask Replica...

для любителей блюза.

You're kidding yourself if you think this is worth listening to.

i spose i can see why this was crazy to listen to 60 years ago, but it doesn't do anything for me

Beefy

its safer than trout mask replica and more listenable, hence the title. 3/5

A wonderfully weird take on delta blues, plus some other stuff intermixed because, why not? The transition between “Dropout Boogie” and “I’m Glad” caused me to check to see if Tidal had glitched (again) and sent me to another record. The instrumentation is fantastic throughout the record. Beefheart (Vliet) was high school friends with Zappa and you can certainly hear some similarities on tracks. Hare to tell who was influencing whom, probably reciprocal. Not nearly as far out as later releases, the album is an easier listen, yet you can still see the early gestation of the notoriously experimental releases that will follow. I had a great time with this one. Note to others: The mono version is 33 minutes long because it does not include the bonus tracks. I suggest sticking to that one, at least for the first couple of listens.

Never heard of this or any of these songs but I enjoyed it. Nothing life changing but it didn't need to be. Favorite Songs: I'm Glad, Autumn's Child

An absurd and intriguing album. For the time period, it’s certainly better than a lot of the psychedelic stuff that’s so boring it puts you to sleep. I think my biggest gripe is that the album is just a bit too long overall. It’s fun for a while to have songs of varying styles and intensities, but eventual it wore thin for me and I was ready for it to be over. Still, it was nice to hear something different and experience something new.

No thanks

Enjoyed the stranger parts of it, hated the faux Chicago blues.

Cool

Gross

Good, but not my thing.

I don't understand what it means to be safe as milk. I don't understand a lot of things about this album. But I did enjoy it. Favorite track: "Electricity"

"Trout Mask Replica" traumatized my group but it's still on my 'to listen' list, so I approached this with extreme skepticism, but it was not bad at all.

went into this with a scowl on my face after troutmask and was pleasantly surprised to discover some actual songs on here instead of noisy dicking around. it's still mostly the kind of 60s rock that drives me up the wall, but it is at least a listenable album.

accidentally waded into the bonus tracks on this one (mistake) but fine-to-pleasant overall

Second star is for not being Trout Mask Replica

A good album, I liked Dropout Boogie and Abba Zabba the most.

I know this album pretty well and I’ve played it plenty of times over the years. I got into the album after reading that PJ Harvey (who I love) is a massive fan of Captain Beefheart and of this album in particular. I really like it. It’s such an eclectic mix of styles but particularly based on Delta blues which I always enjoy. The rhythms and percussion is really mixed though and bits far from being ’just’ a blues album. The lyrics are very “other” and often amusing in a weird way. Beefheart’s voice is expressive and sometimes comical. It’s very much a product (and a contributor to the feel) of the mid to late 1960s but it was surely an oddity even for its time. Listening now, it’s clear how the album (Beefheart’s debut) influenced concurrent and later musicians, and in my mind the album and the band form part of an eccentric grouping including the likes of Dr John, Frank Zappa, the Velvet Underground, the Modern Lovers and a good chunk of what later became punk rock. The best tracks for me are the more blues-oriented ones, particularly Korn Ring Finger.

I've heard of Captain Beefheart over the years but never heard any of their music. It's difficult to pin a style on this. Best I could come up with is Blues mixed with some Rolling Stones and The Kinks, but even that's not close. Musically it's not a bad album but I just found lots of the vocals, e.g. Electricity, and lyrics, e.g. Abba Zaba, a bit too weird. There was a lot of weird music in the 60's so perhaps this shouldn't be surprising.

Very unique but has some great highlights 3.5*

Liked this one more than I expected to. Only knew the opening track from its multiple covers on the Lawless soundtrack (thanks Nick Cave). Solid album all the way through.

Okay ... so this is either an acquired taste, or something where you had to have been there to get it. I love lots of 60s experimental music, but this I just don't get!

I’m Glad I listened to this.

PK, bbut it doessn't hold up

Better than the other Beefheart album as a "one listen and done" thing, but too much to take in all at once.

Excellent

Is milk all that safe? I always like to do a sniff test. Somewhat obscure 70s rock, as bizarre in places as the band name.

Weird

interesting, not my fave

Na primeira nota já estava curtindo. Adoro esse rock blues clássico dos anos 60. Ele começa bem forte, mas vai perdendo a força aos poucos. Na medida que começa a ficar mais alternativo e experimental, sacrifica musicalidade desnecessariamente. Melhor do álbum: "Sure 'Nuff'n'Yes, I Do". Pior do álbum: "Electricity".

I don't think weird 60's psychedelic stuff is my thing. It's fine, but as much as I love later 80s versions (Robyn Hitchcock, etc). This and Zappa, etc don't quite get me there.

It’s a good listen but not really sure it needs to be on this list. It’s basically slightly demented blues rock featuring Captain Beefheart’s enjoyable Howlin’ Wolf style vocals.

A little more accessible than Trout Mask Replica but still weird enough to annoy.

I wanted to like it, but it didnt work for me

It’s fun and grimy and bluesy, and sounds precisely like the kind of music someone named Captain Beefheart would write. I’m not sure what it is that I love about this, but I do love it. It was an era where people were writing goofy shit, and it was cool. It’s far from a perfect album, but it far exceeded my expectations.

Not my thing. But funky

I liked I'm Glad, didn't really click with me otherwise

Talented parodist

Started very nice. The first four songs fine. But then it just got worse. Don't really know how to vote for that ... but it'll be a 3

Great album. There’s a real mix of mid to late 60’s sounds here. Sometimes it’s straight blues in the vein of The Rolling Stones or the Animals, there’s a Motown song on here, there psychedelic rock, there’s some country rock too. The album has a frenetic energy - the playing is loose, on the verge of out of control. It reminds me of the Stooges in that way. I enjoyed basically every song.

Decent in places but generally a bit bizarre and experimental for me

This lacks a lot of what made Trout Mask Replica so unique. Without the weird avant-garde instrumentation this is just a kinda generic blues rock album. It's not bad, but I don't think it really stands out. It just feels like a lesser Zappa album. There are still some things to enjoy though, I like the weird synths that appear sporadically. High 3.

Beefheart takes the blues template and pushes it in different directions through these songs. I'm sure the hippies and other adventurnauts took notice. Rocketing ahead to the now, it's less thrilling than it might've been. Then again, even Zappa-level weirdness of the era rarely holds my attention. And yet, while the production and recording quality signal its source in time, I'm more charmed by, and interested in, it than a lot of the popular music on this list from the 1960s — and I certainly find this album more enjoyable than Trout Mask Replica. Post-album review note: The spirit of Beefheart is alive and well in 2025, if we understand the impulse as the unruly mix of avant-garde structure, anti-commercial stubbornness, mythmaking, humor as a weapon, and a kind of self-authored cosmology. So while this album may be dressed in the trappings of its era (as I either roll my eyes or point/laugh), it is important as a potential line of flight and cultural response. Maybe the next time you hear billy woods/Armand Hammer, Mr. Bungle, Black Midi, Moor Mother, JPEGMAFIA, Yves Tumor or even Zeal & Ardor, you can ask yourself: is this just a more sophisticated or synced-to-the-moment spiritual successor to ol' Captain Beefheart? It's the kind of thing that makes you want to continue to blow the dust off these old records and connect them to now.

First album I ever got of Beefheart was Trout Mask Replica. Which was fucking awful. The second album I got was this one, which was great. Going to ding it a point for I'm Glad though.

Grosse découverte !! Un groove un peu bluesy alternatif et très créatif, d'excellentes rythmiques et rif -> je vibe de ouf ! Trois morceaux ont pour l'instant rejoint ma golden playlist : Abba Zaba, Autumn's Child, et I'm glad.

The original psychedelic blues band, with great originality, vocally unique, and a surprising amount of propulsion in its rhythm section. The extended jams are noisy and somewhat enervating, but undeniably innovative for their time

It started off okay but at some point, I actively wanted it all to stop listening. I got to the bonus tracks and didn't even bother with them...

The nicest thing I can say about this one is it’s probably not the worst album on the list so far

EE-LEEEEEC-TRIII-CIII-TYYYYYYYYY!!

2,7 - Dem Album geht leider ziemlich schnell die Puste aus und dümpelt dann nur noch vor sich hin. Aber für die ersten 5 Lieder lohnt es sich schon. Highlights: Sure 'Nuff 'N Yes, I Do; Zig Zag Wanderer

I didn't hate this, which is better than I expected. In fact, a lot of the instrumental stuff was pretty fun. Some of the weird-for-the-sake-of-it songs didn't hit for me, but a couple did for whatever reason.

The Captain’s debut album is a lot less experimental than his other works, opting for a more blues/50’s R&B sound. While I prefer the oddities on Trout Mask more the straightforward approach works pretty well for Captain Beefhart as well with Van Vliets’ gruff voice suiting the styles well. The best stuff in here is when they get weird with it though. 7/10 Favorite tracks- “Dropout Boogie” “Electricity” “Abba Zabba”

This is a very interesting sound. I think I like the first song a lot. Great guitar. Wish it was longer honestly. Zig zag has Beatles vibes, and love the name. Fun, old school song. Good songwriting. Call on me is pretty good, kind of jazzy/throwing sounds together. Dropout boogie is another fantastic title. Song itself is weird. Not bad but weird. Really cool that they were making these sounds in the 60s. Love the piano. I like “I’m glad” a lot too. Interesting listening to these 60s band and hearing the Beatles influence all over. You could tell me that was Beatles and I’d believe it. Electricity is 🔥🔥. Opening, production lyrics all so good. There’s never been a bad song with yellow brick road in the title, all I gotta say abt that. That’s three great signs in a row, this is a quality album. ABBA zaba is another interesting one, I like the music alot. Kinda just shouting into the mic tho. Sweet solo. Plastic factory is pretty good, nothing special. I like the switch in the middle. When there’s woman sounds like a whole new band/singer. Great range. I like grown so ugly as well, the background tracks have been so good across all songs. Mix of Beatles and Dylan. Autumn’s child is fine but a bit underwhelming as the closer. Doesn’t ruin the album by any means. This was really cohesive and a lot of good songs. Would recommend. 3.4 stars

It was surprisingly good in parts and not so surprisingly a grind in other parts. All together it’s alright I guess

I’m coming back for more

Damn, that wasn’t great. Probably a 2 but I’m rounding up for a legendary human.

idk the captain may be magic tho. All-in-one

Some interesting moments, but some moments that needed to be skipped.

Some bangers! But very inconsistent

not my favorite in the capt beef catalogue

Interessant, en del lettere at lytte end den sidste vi havde med dem men stadig ret excentrisk

Aldrig hørt den her før, forventede noget a la Trout Mask Replica men den er godt nok noget mere easy listening! Lyder som Tom Waits før Tom Waits. Virkelig fed faktisk.

Really nice! First half was much easier to listen to and second half got experimental, without ever being Trout Mask Replica.

Funky stuff. Its just about ok.

6/10 Favorite: Sure ‘Nuff ‘n’ Yes, I Do

Better than expected, but I’d set a pretty low bar going in.

Heard the name but doing if I ever listened to before. I feel like I would've remembered this strangeness. The album was a bit bizarre but I enjoyed it. Im not sure I'll intentionally listen again, but I wasn't upset with the experiment

Fun album!!

once in a while somebody should rip the fabric of the universe just a little bit music: appreciated. (⌐■_■)

Not nearly as compelling as his more psychotic work, but a lot more compelling than any other psych rock in the list. I think all the psych rock on the list should be dropped except for this one, and Os Mutantes.

Clearly early blues rock here but there's something more interesting and weird underneath the surface. I'm sure I've heard I'm Glad before. Electricity has a keyboard stomp to it that's reminiscent of Led Zeppelin, especially with the slide guitar stuff on top. I'm reminded of Frank Zappa as well. I liked it enough but I don't know that I need to listen to it again.

"Safe as Milk" is the debut studio album by American music group Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band. Blues rock, garage rock, rhythm & blues, acid rock and folk rock are the Wiki-listed genres. The band had released singles on the A&M label and proposed their debut to A&M who thought it was too unconventional and dropped the band. The band turned to Bob Krasnow who signed them to Kama Sutra Records' subsidiary label Buddah. Band leader Captain Beefheart (Don Van Vliet-lead vocals, harmonica, marimba) had reformed the band for the album which included Alex St. Clair Snouffer (guitar, vocals, bass), a 20-year old Ry Cooder (guitar, slide guitar, bass, percussion), Jerry Handley (bass, vocals) and John French (drums, percussion, vocals). The album did not chart but later had an impact in the UK due its radio play by John Peel. Retrospective reviews cite this album as an avant-garde pop masterpiece. The album opens with "Sure 'Nuff 'n Yes I Do." A bluesy slide guitar. Van Vliet with howling, grunting and yelping vocals as he channels the delta blues. The band fully comes in and adds the funk. They band takes sort of a let turn on the next song "Zig Zag Wanderer" and goes more 60's garage rock. Van Vliet with muddled vocals as he references Zig Zag rolling papers. Echoing backing vocals. The first side closes with the psychedelic "Electricity." There's a lot going on here: garage, psychedelic and slide guitars, a thumping bass, evil lead vocals, various vocal noises and, of course, a distorted theremin. The weirdness continues and crests at "Abba Zaba," a song named after a candy bar and about two proto-humans creating the human race...Yep! Chanting, marimbas, heavy percussion and a psychedelic guitar. Oh, and a bass jam. The album closes with "Autumn's Child." A psychedelic guitar in the forefront. A start-stop beat and pace. Most of the group is singing with Van Vliet emotionally yelling as he uses autumnal imagery to compare to a lost love. And they bring back the theremin! Yes! This album takes you on a musical ride: delta blues, garage rock, psychedelic, Byrds-esque, Zappa-esque, country and even doo-wop. Van Vliet vocals can be rough, deep, gruff, yelping and even very normal and good in one song. The lyrics are all the over place too being personal, non-sensical, observation and even philosophical. The band can play and the added vibraphone, horns and theremin are creatively placed. There's a whimsical wackiness that I quite like in this album. Van Vliet would take that weirdness to another level a few years later in "Trout Mask Replica." But on this album, I found the different styles and quality of songs very listenable and recommend this for any 60's music fan.

Don't love it. Bluesier than I was expecting and definitely less weird, but not enough to put me over the top and say anything too kind about it.

the Captain hasn't quite found his groove yet, which means this is almost inarguably more listenable than Trout Mask Replica. it's still abrasive and strange but it's not really complex or esoteric enough to be an object of fascination or as rewarding on repeat listens as TMR (to me, at least). it's definitely catchier and more, um, traditionally musical, but it's stuck in a weird middle ground where it's too off putting to be in constant rotation but not out there enough to merit me sitting down and focusing my attention on it

At points this feels like 60s Top 40 radio on acid, at others it feels like appropriation, but it was at a time where the intent of the appropriation was clearly from a place of respect. A lot of contemporary artists make more sense when listening to this record. Not if my generation, but I get it; maybe not all the way, but I can appreciate this record’s cultural significance. Boomer dad’s fave basement jams.

Interesting. I had heard of Captain Beefheart before but never stopped to listen. It does make for something of a challenge to listen to. The mashup of different influences seem to demand more from a listener than just passive experience, to be properly appreciated. That said, I came away with a general sense of satisfaction and curiosity; I'll have to listen again more attentively the next time.

Odd but not as odd as its reputation

First five tracks or so are more accessible and conventional than expected (my main point of reference being Trout Mask Replica). Does get more freaky on side two, albeit still with crisp and precise musicianship. Just a solid, enjoyable record.

Fun

My first Captain Beafheart album, very solid and I like the bluesy rock nature of it.

I agree with the user who mentioned in their review that drugs would have helped while listening to this album lol. I like blues rocks/R&B but this wasn't for me. I found it to be pretty unpleasant to listen to most of the time. I liked the theremin. I just listened to the original 33 minute album, not the bonus tracks that would have made it longer than an hour. Guess I should brace myself for when I get Trout Mask Replica from what I've read so far.

Kinda weird, mostly fun

The second Beefheart album I have ever listened to and it’s a whole lot more fun than Trout Mask. Whacky but not as…

Weird but not as weird as Trout mask replica so does that make it better?