Safe As Milk

I actually had a great time listening to this one

Great 60s music.

Lo escuchare mas veces

Way more blues based than I thought and had no idea Ry Cooder was part of this band. This is why we listen (3.5/5)

This was weird as hell and I'm glad that it was on the list. 3.8.

Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 5/5

Strange but super interesting to listen to, after hearing about this band and a certain album that was made I thought all of it would be unlistenable, however this was actually quite fun

A ton of fun, been meaning to listen to Beefheart for a while. It was much less weird than I was expecting but this was the debut. Very excited to go through the rest of their stuff. Rating: 4.4

This was fun. I liked the experimentation and mix of genres. The sound is a bit dated but in a good way.

Very good

I was expecting a more cliché brand of psychedelic rock, so was pleasantly surprised by the blend of styles. Because of that element of surprise, rounding up from a 3.5.

This is the best of psychedelic rock without the need of Zappa. And actually psychedelic rock. Think about it. I think they could've trimmed some songs a bit with some ending after two minutes only to repeat themselves. Feels sometimes dragged out unnecessarily.

Never heard of any of these people. Enjoyed the album. The bluesier parts felt more timeless than the of-its-time psychedelic stuff. If I had a gripe, it was a little too long.

Pretty sweet record. Super catchy! Reminds me of a rawer Brothers. 7/10

Усім любителям психоделічної музики минулого та сьогодення імʼя Капітана Біфгарта давно знайоме. Але для тих хто тільки відкриває для себе цей «досі невідомий світ» - цей дебютний альбом стане унікальний містком між доступною мелодійністю та сміливими експериментами, які згодом стануть візитівкою гурту. На відміну від радикального хаосу їхнього культового Trout Mask Replica (1969), цей альбом зберігає відносну стриманість, балансуючи на межі між традиційною структурою та психоделічними пошуками. Саме в цій напрузі між контролем і свободою криється його магія. Фундамент Safe As Milk - це блюз та R&B, щедро приправлені психоделією та фолковими мотивами, а хрипкий вокал Капітана Біфгарта що коливається між блюзовою глибиною та «сюрреалістичною дивакуватістю» надає пісням особливого шарму, коли не до кінця розумієш «якого біса тут взагалі відбувається». Значну роль в цьому поєднанні відіграє й слайд-гітара, що створює міцний зв’язок з блюзовим корінням, але водночас натякає на щось нове й незвичайне. Загалом альбом є дуже різноманітним : від дитячої простоти Yellow Brick Road до саркастичного Dropout Boogie, від соулової ніжності I’m Glad до психоделічної симфонії Autumn’s Child. Особливо виділяється Electricity- трек, з химерними ритмами, що вже говорить нам чого варто очікувати від майбутньої творчості гурту. Safe As Milk звучить сиро, але водночас продумано. Це альбом, який намагається бути частиною музичної сцени 60-х, але вже несе в собі зерна «бунтарства», які проростуть у наступних роботах Біфгарта. Як я вже казав, він доступний, але при цьому не поступається унікальністю, пропонуючи слухачеві зануритися в світ, де блюз та сюрреалізм зливаються в єдине ціле.

Really good blues rock. The album starts off stronger than it ends. Far more accessible than other Captain Beefheart projects. 7/10

Starts strong, goes even stronger, but then fizzles slightly near the end of side 2. I actually preferred some of the demo tracks to the last few tracks of the album. An extremely strong four stars.

Wow! What a great album. I really should have listened to more of Captain Beefheart when I was younger. It's certainly more accessible than TMR, but still off enough to make it stand out from most 1960's artists. This will certainly be getting a few more listens in future.

This album is FAR better than Trout Mask Replica. I understand this was his first album and he hadn’t “found his sound” yet. If critics want to lie to themselves and dress up the turd that is Trout Mask, go for it I guess. There are actual songs throughout this album…many of them are good. Is it perfect? No, but at least I can enjoy it. This record reminds me Gris-Gris by Dr. John…another cool discovery on this project. They both have a swampy New Orleans psychedelic vibe that I’m finding I truly love.

Safe As Milk is a strange beast. It’s not an album that gets under your skin right away, but it has a glint in its eye and a crooked kind of energy that keeps pulling you back. Not because everything works – but because something feels different. It’s blues, it’s psychedelic rock, and it’s pure nonsense. But somehow it all holds together. My favorite tracks are “Zig Zag Wanderer,” “Dropout Boogie,” “Yellow Brick Road,” and the bizarre “Abba Zaba” – songs that balance the catchy with the completely chaotic in a wonderfully reckless way. Captain Beefheart’s voice is an experience in itself – rough, theatrical, and never boring. When he steps back, as in the more instrumental sections, the album loses some of its soul and starts to feel a bit monotonous. But that just makes the vocal-driven songs come alive even more. This isn’t a top 100 album for me, but it’s one I’m genuinely glad to know. It stands out – bold enough to be silly and artistic at the same time. Not everything hits the mark, but when it does, it’s like getting a crooked smile from a man with a guitar and a wild idea. 4/5

Truly safer than Beefheart's 1969 masterpiece, Safe as Milk is still unlike anything you've heard before: 'High voltage man kisses night to bring the light to those who need to hide their shadow deed'; 'Song before song before song blues / Babbette baboon abba zaba zoom.' Weirdness ever rules the day here, but listenability is hardly an obstacle you'll need to overcome. The same can't be said about Trout Mask Replica. My favorite tracks, the R&B-inspired 'I'm Glad' and the somehow catchy 'Electricity,' are permanent achievements. Finally, however, the debut is a mere tuneup for his far more virtuosic, erudite, and satisfying masterwork. A first step in the evolution of our foremost musicologist. 'Harvest moon be nimble.'

Day509 - i wasn’t expecting straight up blues then r&b from the captain. all in all i really enjoyed it

One of my biggest fears came true… I enjoyed a Captain Beefheart album.

I will not include the CD bonus tracks in this review. Captain Beefheart & his Magic Band are a group that I started listening to within the past year. In fact, I already heard two tracks from their debut right here, "Zig Zag Wanderer" and "Electricity". Don Van Vilet, the man who would assume the on-stage persona of Captain Beefheart, started as a young sculpting apprentice. However, his parents never financially supported his pursuit of such a career due to pre-conceived notions of artists as being "queer". Don would become so bitter that he abandoned art until he turned 23. He and his family moved during his teenage years to the Mojave Desert area, where he developed his taste in music from the blues and jazz musicians who were popular around this time. Don made friends with the members of local bands, one of whom was Frank Zappa. Through frequent collaborations with Zappa, Don started getting comfortable performing at small clubs and venues. He was invited to front the first iteration of the Magic Band by guitarist Alex St. Clair and assumed the role of Captain Beefheart. After a few other lineup changes and going through a few labels with their demos, the band was able to record and release their debut, Safe as Milk. Right from the get-go, the Magic Band wore their influences on their sleeve with this record, particularly the Delta blues that Don and the rest grew into, while taking the style into a more garage rock direction. It does get abrasive and esoteric in places, with the grainy production quality, John French's well-accented percussion, the twin guitar complement of Alex and Ry Cooder, and the occasional use of theremin by Sam Hoffman on "Electricity" and "Autumn's Child". Of course, the standout player would be Don as Captain Beefheart, able to croon and howl like the big-name blues musicians while stretching his voice to higher registers that weren't thought of back in 1967. There were even moments where he sang gravelly on tracks like "Dropout Boogie" and "Electricity", which were probably alien for the time but pretty cool to find all these years later. If anything, the band played it "safe" on Safe as Milk and could've gone a little weirder. Yeah, this is the group's debut album, where they were getting their foot in the door by keeping themselves rooted in the Delta blues with little variations. There's potential for growth here in distinguishing themselves from their influences, which I'm sure has been explored in the rest of their catalog. All in all, this was a solid debut from Captain Beefheart & his Magic Band. I'd be interested to hear how they turned out a little later down the line.

Fun fun fun

Wow, what a fun ride this one was! I love how eccentric and whimsical the songs are without being too far-out. Electricity and Abba Zaba were especially surreal. I also really liked Zig Zag Wanderer and Autumn's Child.

3.5/5.0: Very Good

This is almost the ultimate border of creativity.

Honestly I love this. Beefheart had been challenging for me in the past but for whatever reason this hits the spot right now. Puts a lot of the Nuggets material to shame.

Very good album. I'm Glad and Where There's Women are standout tracks. Can hear the Ry Cooder influence on this one.

I /just/ listened to Trout Mask Replica, so the timing of this is excellent. I like this much more - this isn't a review of TMR, but this is unquestionably the better album if we were comparing. It's almost incomparable, and I only am as both are Beefheart albums, but where Trout... is lauded as maybe the better 'art' I think this is where the Captain's talents are maybe better placed. This is very accessible, varied and interesting - big fan!

Yeah I just listened to it twice in a row. While it’s not a perfect album, it probably my favourite one so far. The stand out track for me was “Zig Zag Wanderer.”

I never really had much interest in checking out Captain Beefheart, mostly because of the Zappa association, but I think maybe I shouldn’t have been so reticent. Make no mistake, this is still weirdo rock, but it’s for grimey weirdos, not uptight, self-important weirdos like Frank Zappa is.

listened to again the blues content is solid (the bonus tracks on the version i listened to were much more experimental and less enjoyable)

I never thought that Blues rock needed versions that included "avant-garde" or "experimental", but here we are. And I gotta say, it's not bad at all - from what I know, Captain Beefheart was a bit of a dick, but the music here is definitely worth a relisten. I don't know how this plays into the larger CBahMB oeuvre, but I'm interested in picking up some more of their stuff.

This is the most accessible Captain Beefheart album, with some quite remarkable moments. It dips a little here and there, especially with the maybe comical (?) “I’m Glad.” But the first two tracks should be enough to draw you in and keep you on the lookout for more weird greatness.

Listening to this album put me on edge. It is great music, but I almost am side-eyed the entire time. It's like someone told Captain Beefheart in advanced music composition class that he didn't understand Rock and Roll, and he made an album as a counter argument. While it isn't great rock and roll, it is a fabulous approximation by someone who clearly knows his craft well. Kind of like Mozart being asked to play something for the king, and Mozart playing down to him. It isn't arrogant or patronizing. Quite the opposite. It's like you're listening to a musical craftsman who you get the feeling could do so much more, if the occasion called for it. In so many ways it is refreshing and inspiring. Even if it feels a bit self aware, Captain delivers a tight, fun, provocative album of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Not mired in excess but with the discipline of someone very much in control and in touch with their craft!

I feel like this needs some time to process. I had no idea what to expect. I like all the different elements, they somehow work together to make a cohesive album. Interesting. I’ll be coming back to this one

The weirdness and experimentation which this album present makes this a very interesting experience. Loved how you can both enjoy the songs for both being rocks jams or beceause how weird they are. My main complain about this album would be the production. I'm aware that this album is from 1967, but sometimes it feels messy, to the point where makes things hard to understand.

My only experience of Captain Beefheart is from Trout Mask Replica which I gave a 1. So I wasn't thrilled to see yet another of their albums pop up I was so shocked though because I weirdly quite liked this one! Totally different sounds but still kinda odd. I liked it 4 ⭐️

Весело. Лучшая песня - Zig Zag Wanderer.

Zig zag wanderer is one of my new favorite songs

Always appreciate the weirdness of Captain Beefheart.

Had this on in the background while working and honestly enjoyed it a lot more than I expected. Its delightfully crusty and, in a sense, warm in tone. I could see the vocals being a bit polarizing, but I didn't mind them at all. They had a certain husk that matched the production. Not a lot in the way of standouts for me, but this was a greater than the sum of its parts sort of adventure for me. I'd say this falls high 3 low 4 for me. Giving the nudge because I dipped into the bonus material and still was enjoying myself. --- Bass tone on Zig Zag Wanderer reminds me a bit of Herbie Hancock's Watermelon Man. Song itself is fine enough for what it is. Yellow Brick Road is a wild and wonderful one. Sort of like Americana meets acid with the shouting.

A voice made scaly, Bluesy bass, and good time riffs, Makes oddball classic

So weird it's good

Nice chunky blues-rock, the type I adore (way more than anything Eric Clapton put out around this time). Everything just sounds so full, from the drums to the bass, and to the vocals - no millimeter of the sonic space here is wasted. And while this wasn't as interesting as Captain Beefheart's 'Trout Mask Replica', it was certainly more digestible. Certain songs, like the proto Tom Waits 'Dropout Boogie' and 'Electricity', have hints of that experimental and downright intangible sound that'd get fully fleshed-out on the band's 1969 album. And I can't help but notice many similarities to PJ Harvey's 'To Bring You My Love', one of my favorite albums ever, from their sharing similar first lines on the album to that melody on 'Dropout Boogie'. The more straightforward moments here like 'I'm Glad' and 'Yellow Brick Road' come off almost as gags and very sarcastic in the mix here. With that said, they still act as these very nice breathers. I really enjoyed 'Zig Zag Wanderer' because it blends both this album's distinct sounds and it's also the chunkiest-sounding thing here. I also love Beefheart's vocals all across this album, they're eccentric but never get to be too much. They're more satisfying than anything - I really liked him on the playful 'Abba Zaba' and his more emotive side coming out on 'Autumn's Child' was a great way to send off the record. Super fun and an album that I'm sure will only continue to grow on me. There is just so much personality, heart, and innovation behind Beefheart's take on Garage and Blues Rock here that I couldn't help but smile when it all finished.

Not bad. I’ve only know Trout Mask Replica and honestly this hits better for me.

Gimme the BEEF

I've only listened to their (in)famous record, Trout Mask Replica. I found this way more digestible.

I don't know why it shows me the previous album's comments after I've saved comments for this album. So annoying.

This album is extraordinarily creative music, laid over a blues-rock chassis. I feel like every rock/modern pop song i’ve heard since this album is somehow contained in these songs. Not all the songs are easy to listen to, and Vleit’s voice is not super pleasant. But this is good — really good!

Blues music on acid

Who knew Blues Rock could be this catchy?

Can we call this psychedelic experimental blues? A completely outcast album, as the whole career of Captain Beefheart. Really in love with that one!

Liked it a lot more than I thought I would

Has this underlying feeling that it could go full Trout Mask at any moment where the songs threaten to fall apart, but they never do.

Only being familiar with trout mask replica this is not as zany as I expected but it’s still got plenty of beef in it’s heart

not bad for Capt Beefheart!

I'm genuinely surprised about how much I like this, one of the best blues rock albums I've heard. Nothing sums up this album more than the switch from the soulful and dreamy vocals of I'm Glad, to whatever the hell those vocals are on the verses of Electricity, and yet it still slaps. Very happy giving this a 4. Actually like the album cover as well.

I wasn’t expecting to like this album as much as I did. The weirdest songs were the ones I liked most (“Dropout Boogie”, “Electricity”, “Abba Zaba”) but the more normal tracks were still very solid blues rock songs. That genre isn’t really up my alley but ultimately as a fan of similarly weird bands such as Primus (who seem like they could have had a heavy Beefheart influence, judging by the similarities in sound I noticed) I think I’ll be checking out more from these guys.

Forgot to rate it yesterday. Anyway, yeah, it was more accessible than I thought it would be, considering who Beefheart is, but that wasn't a flaw of it, far from it!

This has a more roots oriented feel to it than I was expecting. Good stuff. Needs more listening.

It’s super dooper cool on a lot of counts, but kind of tedious and a little too self consciously cool at too many points for top marks though.

I've never been a fan of Beefheart, even though lots of friends are. Consequently I've never listened to this. While it's occasionally odd, it's mostly recognizably bluesy. I rather enjoyed it.

Solid bluesy garage rock from Mr. Beefheart. Not as iconoclastic or essential as Trout Mask Replica, but definitely in the same vein.

I really liked most of it! Ry Cooder can play guitar! Some of it was meh.

Listen to this as if it were a Bebop album from the early 50s and you'll get it. 4/5

A band ive always meant to listen to, very good not as bonkers as i was expecting.

So is milk safe or unsafe? Both, right? The best kind of experimental sounds, I could get lost in this sort of stuff

I really want to like Captain Beefheart, but it's such a challenging listen.

Rock n roll once again

I kinda put this one off, because I wasn’t getting a great vibe. But it’s groovy and bluesy. Consistently pretty solid. Feel like I recognize it as a record utilized in turntablism a fair bit

Not as weird as I was expecting, but I liked it.

Strange cosmic blues. This must've been before the LSD got out of control

Bluesy roots rock? Pretty fun, but did get rambly

Bluesy and fun as hell

So fun!

Blues rock that isn’t afraid to let its freak flag fly. The production is pretty rough and the band sounds like they haven’t overthought or over-produced anything here. They captured a great energy — crunchy blues riffs with stranger sounds and psychedelia mixed in. I really enjoyed the last Captain Beefheart album on this list, “Trout Mask Replica,” and I remember noting that some of the songs were essentially blues songs buried underneath noise and experimentation. Hearing their debut album and realizing they were more or less a blues rock outfit at the start makes a lot of sense.

This was weird, eclectic, goofy, and really fun to listen to.

It's a bit rough but super fun and weird. Very 60's. Definitely I would put it on again. If I had one big knock I would criticize the recording/production. Maybe another complaint would be it's a bit on the silly side (druggy side?).

I wasn't sure about this at first—it seemed like the quaint first offering of a band that had yet to find its voice—but it grew on me. I liked how varied it was, and they're having a good time. I don't know that it's a masterpiece, but it's better than I expected. I prefer my Beefheart weirder, but this is still pretty badass.

I dug this! A couple songs sounded vaguely familiar and I only heard of Captain Beefheart bc if his Zappa connection. 1967…what a year!

Weird and whacky blues album. Love it

What a mood, what an interesting mood. Blues but wonky.

A much much better Captain Beefheart album. Very much 1960s bluesy rock n roll. I enjoyed this quite a bit.

First thing that stood out to me was that incredible bass in Zig Zag Wanderer. The entire album is a fun blues inspired whole.

Surprisingly enjoyable. Knew the name but don't think I ever listened to any of his music (not deliberately anyway). Worth 4 stars.

Big bag of fun. Favorite: Abba Zaba. Plenty interesting enough to belong on this list, on its own merits and as a item of cultural import. A bit much to be regular listening, though.

This was pretty cool. A little goofy at times, but groovy enough to hold it together. Quite reminiscent of The Who. 4/5 Highlights: Zig Zag Wanderer Electricity

I had heard a little Beefheart before this. I like this, the blues foundation makes it all very listenable

Wasn’t totally feeling the first two songs, but I ended up really enjoying this. A little all over the place, but I love this kind of 60s weirdness. Some of it gave me Scott Walker vibes, who I love. My favorite songs are “Call On Me,” “Dropout Boogie,” “I’m Glad,” and “Yellow Brick Road.” Solid album overall.

Damn, another from Captain Beefheart and it bangs again. Quirky rock with enough of an edge to stand out from the pack some 50-60 years later. Looks like they get the last laugh, eh? Favorite tracks: Sure Nuff, Zig Zag Wanderer, I'm Glad, Electricity, Plastic Factory, Dirty Blue Gene, Korn Ring Finger. Album art: Very unassuming, nondescript, especially for a weirdo band of this stature. Unsurprising given it was their debut, but still unfortunate because just seeing this I would've never been intrigued enough to play it. 4/5

This was weirdly more accessible than I expected. A good level of complexity and blend here. Nice to listen to and a bit challenging if you're listening in for it.

This is surprising me. An interesting mix of the Blues and psychedelic rock of the 1960s. There might be too much here. I'll probably dive into to this again.

Quite enjoyed this album. It was only a matter of time before I stumbled on Beefheart; surprisingly hadn't listened to much of him before. Listenable with some great musicianship.

3.6

Much more accessible than the trout album, actually really enjoyed this one, a few of the instrumental songs went on a bit, but the rest was right up my street.

First song has my attention. I’m not sure if I had ever heard any of their music. Not hat I was expecting. All I knew was the band’s name. And Ry Cooder is one of the guitar players! A Zappa buddy! Almost a perfect album for its time. This band could’ve made at least Major.

Ran out of time yesterday so I haven't gathered enough thoughts on 'Safe As Milk,' the debut record from Captain Beefheart. But I've listened to this record a few times, having done a re-listen just a few months ago and concluded that it is indeed enjoyable and perhaps BETTER than 'Trout Mask Replica' but nowhere near as fun to think about. I don't know, something about Captain Beefheart's whole DEAL, his attitude, his swagger. When a nerd can still walk into any room and own the place while letting his freak flag fly high, it gives mere mortals like us a supercharge of confidence. I'll have to credit Captain Beefheart for creating such stunning images with words and pairing them so deliciously with sounds. I don't know he managed to make a whole career of it, but he did. You listen to his Howlin' Wolf-soaked-in-bourbon vocals and think, "yeah, that sounds like someone called Captain Beefheart." You listen to 'Trout Mask Replica' from 1969, widely considered to be inaccessible to the grand majority but a work of genius for a small yet influential minority, and think, "yes, this sounds like whatever a trout mask replica is and whoever would make such a thing and find it useful." The song "Zig Zag Wanderer" makes wonderful use of panning at the very beginning to echo the hard left and right momentum in the song's title. I'm not sure if Captain Beefheart could read the writing on the wall about the dairy-based diet back in 1967, but given that he was always a forward-thinker, it doesn't surprise me if his introduction to the world was an album that leaves its listeners satisfied yet a tiny bit unsettled. 'Safe as Milk.' Anyway. The drums in "Electricity" is probably my favourite moment of the record so hats off to John French and hats of to Ry Cooder whose guitar playing does flesh the album's contours quite nicely. A-

This starts off great - really enjoyable bluesy blues. It doesn't feel exploitative, like so much white boy blues.

Groovy and driving and one's glad to have made this record's acquaintance. Certainly one prefers the controlled (but still rough-on-the-edges) flow and the referencable song structures (e.g., "I'm Glad") here to the artier and more out there aspects of Trout Mask Replica. Though not exactly one's cup of tea, it's not hard to recognize the orginality and willingness to be different (even if it times it can seem a bit willful and forced). "Where There's Woman" sounds authentically swampy, as do other of the country-bluesy cuts. Again, the quality (including "Yellow Brick Road" and "Trust Us") suffers under the weight of the unnecessary quantity. Indeed the several effective instrumentals suggests they might have succeeded by staying deep in that particular groove. One knows their reputation for being "a huge influence on ..." but one is somewhat skeptical and wishes there was a reliable or more precise way to quantify other than editors' claims.

Before things got really freaky, this debut album by Captain Beefheart demands much less from the listener than some later work will. Some of it may even be familiar as music to your ears.

A safer CB album. My dad would be proud at my four star ranking.

Cool. Fun

Was absolutely hooked from the first few bars. Lovely, bluesy, rocky nonsense

Fully prepared to dislike because of the Frank Zappa influence (and if you follow my reviews, you know how I feel about FZ and why). However, a couple tracks in and I'm not hating. Let's see where it goes. Very bluesy and soulful, kind of like Jerry Lee Lewis or BB King at times (I'm Glad), but then will take a hallucinatory turn with experimental sounding rock and random vocal moments (Electricity) that make no sense yet add to the groove. Then Autumn's Child lands in the mix like a trippy beat poetry reading. It's a mixed bag. I think his vocal range is rad, though.

This must be the most accessible Beefheart, but that doesn’t mean it’s not damn good. 4/5

### In-Depth Review of "Safe As Milk" by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band #### Overview "Safe As Milk," the debut album by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band, was released in 1967. It stands as a landmark in the development of rock music, blending blues, rock, and avant-garde elements into a unique and influential sound. The album was produced by Richard Perry and features a young Ry Cooder on guitar. #### Lyrics Captain Beefheart, born Don Van Vliet, is known for his surreal and abstract lyrical style. On "Safe As Milk," his lyrics range from the whimsical to the profoundly strange, often evoking vivid imagery and unexpected turns of phrase. **Key Tracks and Lyrical Themes:** 1. **"Sure 'Nuff 'n Yes I Do"**: This opening track showcases Beefheart's knack for playful, blues-inspired storytelling. The lyrics mix traditional blues themes with Beefheart’s unique perspective. 2. **"Zig Zag Wanderer"**: This song deals with themes of freedom and non-conformity. The phrase "zig zag" represents a deviation from the norm, reflecting the countercultural ethos of the 1960s. 3. **"Dropout Boogie"**: This track offers a cynical take on societal pressures and the concept of dropping out of mainstream expectations. 4. **"Electricity"**: One of the more avant-garde tracks, the lyrics and vocal delivery mimic the unpredictability and power of electricity itself. **Pros:** - **Innovative Language:** The lyrics often defy conventional structure, creating a fresh and intriguing listening experience. - **Imagery:** Vivid and surreal imagery that enhances the listening experience. **Cons:** - **Accessibility:** The abstract nature of the lyrics may be difficult for some listeners to fully grasp or appreciate. #### Music Musically, "Safe As Milk" is a melting pot of styles. It draws heavily from blues and rock but is imbued with experimental sounds and rhythms that were ahead of its time. **Key Musical Elements:** 1. **Blues Influence**: Many tracks, such as "Sure 'Nuff 'n Yes I Do" and "Plastic Factory," are grounded in traditional blues structures but are given a unique twist through Beefheart's unorthodox delivery and the band's instrumentation. 2. **Psychedelic and Avant-Garde Elements**: Songs like "Electricity" and "Autumn's Child" incorporate unconventional sounds, time signatures, and rhythms. 3. **Ry Cooder's Guitar Work**: Cooder's slide guitar is a standout feature on many tracks, providing a raw and authentic blues feel. **Pros:** - **Musical Diversity:** The album’s wide range of styles keeps it engaging and unpredictable. - **Technical Proficiency:** The musicianship is top-notch, particularly Cooder's guitar work and Drumbo’s complex rhythms. **Cons:** - **Cohesion:** The eclectic mix of styles can sometimes feel disjointed. #### Production The production of "Safe As Milk" was handled by Richard Perry, who managed to balance the raw energy of the band with a clear and punchy sound. **Production Highlights:** 1. **Sound Quality**: For its time, the album boasts impressive sound quality, with each instrument clearly defined in the mix. 2. **Innovative Techniques**: The use of theremin on "Electricity" and other experimental sounds showcase the willingness to push boundaries. **Pros:** - **Clarity:** Each instrument is distinct, allowing the complexity of the music to shine. - **Innovation:** The production techniques used were ahead of their time, contributing to the album's unique sound. **Cons:** - **Consistency:** The production quality varies slightly between tracks, which can be jarring. #### Themes "Safe As Milk" explores a variety of themes, reflecting the turbulent and transformative era of the late 1960s. **Major Themes:** 1. **Non-conformity and Rebellion**: Many tracks encourage listeners to break away from societal norms and embrace individuality. 2. **Nature and Surrealism**: Songs like "Autumn's Child" and "Yellow Brick Road" incorporate natural and surreal imagery, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. 3. **Critique of Modern Life**: Tracks like "Dropout Boogie" and "Plastic Factory" offer a critical view of modern industrial society and its impact on individuals. **Pros:** - **Depth and Variety:** The album covers a wide range of themes, making it intellectually stimulating. - **Relevance:** Many themes are still relevant today, particularly those related to non-conformity and societal critique. **Cons:** - **Complexity:** The thematic complexity might be overwhelming for some listeners. #### Influence "Safe As Milk" has had a profound influence on various genres and artists. Its blend of blues, rock, and avant-garde elements helped pave the way for future experimental and progressive rock acts. **Key Influences:** 1. **Punk and New Wave**: The album's raw energy and non-conformist attitude influenced the punk movement of the late 1970s and early 1980s. 2. **Alternative and Indie Rock**: Bands like The Pixies and Sonic Youth have cited Captain Beefheart as a major influence. 3. **Experimental Music**: The album’s innovative use of sound and structure has inspired countless experimental and avant-garde musicians. **Pros:** - **Longevity:** The album’s influence is still felt in modern music. - **Pioneering Spirit:** "Safe As Milk" pushed the boundaries of what rock music could be. **Cons:** - **Niche Appeal:** While influential, the album’s avant-garde nature means it has a more limited mainstream appeal. ### Pros and Cons Summary **Pros:** - **Innovative Lyrics and Music:** The album is a pioneering work that blends various genres and introduces new musical ideas. - **Musicianship:** High level of technical skill from the band members, particularly Ry Cooder. - **Production Quality:** For its time, the album’s production is clear and innovative. - **Thematic Depth:** The album explores a range of complex and relevant themes. - **Influence:** "Safe As Milk" has had a lasting impact on numerous musical genres and artists. **Cons:** - **Accessibility:** The abstract and avant-garde elements may not appeal to all listeners. - **Cohesion:** The eclectic mix of styles can sometimes feel disjointed. - **Complexity:** Both the lyrical and thematic complexity might be overwhelming for some listeners. - **Niche Appeal:** The album’s unique sound may not have broad mainstream appeal. ### Conclusion "Safe As Milk" by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band is a seminal album that continues to be celebrated for its innovation and influence. Its blend of blues, rock, and avant-garde elements, coupled with surreal and thought-provoking lyrics, set it apart from other albums of its time. While its abstract nature and eclectic mix of styles might not be for everyone, those who appreciate musical experimentation and boundary-pushing creativity will find much to admire. The album’s lasting impact on various musical genres underscores its significance as a groundbreaking work in the history of rock music.

Rough, bluesey, occasionally meandering and ... Weird. An excellent album if not altogether pleasant. Sorta hippie rock, jazz, blues, thick with drugs. Enjoyable.

This is the most accessible Captain Beefheart album, with some quite remarkable moments. It dips a little here and there, especially with the maybe comical (?) “I’m Glad.” But the first two tracks should be enough to draw you in and keep you on the lookout for more weird greatness.

Low down dirty greasy psychedelic blues rock. Ry Cooder guitar work and Beefhearts Howlin Wolf like vocals are the highlights of this album for sure.

Blues weirdness. But quite listenable.

Wacky album with blues and rock inspirations. Not as unhinged as trout mask yet. 4/5

Liked the drum and bass

This one was all over the place for me, some tracks really dug and others not so much, but overall better than average.

Some decent 60's rock and roll. It feels a little experimental in spots. I didn't find myself singing along to any of the tracks, but I enjoyed listening to them all.

In Safe as Milk, Captain Beefheart was already showing their signature sound, not as intense as in Trout Mask Replica, but they were on their way. The album is a great mix of experimental music and charisma. It is something I’ll go back to in a near future.

This is why I keep returning to this page. So wildly unique, so good!

Interesting composition on every number

Love this one, owned a copy 30 years. It's the beginning of the whole Junkyard Blues thing, white guys making raggedy loud blues music, that Tom Waits, Jon Spencer and the White Stripes among others would also do. Don's Howlin' Wolf vocals over the top of the well drilled bands' (including a young Ry Cooder) jangly stomp dominates this one. But it also has the proverbial "psychedelic gleam in it's eye", and is not afraid to break into outright crooning in places. I think one of the most genuine and likeable albums of the late 60s psychedelic explosion. A real touch stone and full of catchy if a but wonky songs too.

Foundational and varied

Yeah this was very nice surprise. 4/5

What a wild roller coaster of an album!

Seems like it's Quirky Dude June. Yesterday we had Frank Zappa and the Mothers, today it's Captain Beefheart. Lovely. Fun dumb music for my fun dumb mind. Safer than Trout Mask Replica (and milk, apparently), but that's not really saying much, innit. "Electricity" vaguely reminded me of a King Gizzard song. Goes to show how ahead of its time this is.

Stopped halfway through but it’s fun and weird, especially for the time. Enjoyed.

This album doesn’t fit in with the whole Summer of Love image, does it? It’s covered in grit, got spots all over it, and flies under the radar, the kind of music you’d find outside the green where everyone is making daisy chains and dancing in circles and just generally engaging in a “love” fest (all paid for by the parents, by the way). Funny thing about the album title, though: Vliet wanted to name the album after his favorite candy bar but couldn’t get permission, so he changed the name to “Safe as Milk”. Safe, as in not getting sued? Though not the intent of Vliet, I always think of this album as referencing future TMR...compared to that album, this their debut certainly is safe.

I dig the heavy R&B garage sound, but the band does drift into silliness and/or tedium at times: a sign of what was to come on subsequent albums. I have to give the Captain et al credit for taking a risk though. The rock world was evolving very quickly at this time and to do an album of straight-ahead 1964-style burners wouldn't have been very innovative in 1967 — especially for anyone who anyone who had been there for Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Howlin' Wolf, Rufus Thomas, Little Richard, etc.

Blues rock, psychedelic rock. One word describes this album, and that is "raw". It's got the energy, it's quirky, somewhat abstract, and it has passion. Just not a whole lot of polish. Which is good, a mix of these genres needs to feel less like a studio album and more like a band you caught at a gig one time. I think given some more time and more listens to the genres and bands that Captain Beefheart pulls from, I would like it more, but I did have fun as a first time listen to this band. Should revisit. Strong 3.5/5

3/4

I guess I might call it "blues from hell". There's a really sinister undertone to this record, not in the arrangements, but in the... aura? Maybe it's singer Don Van Vliet's delivery. It's definitely an easier listen than "Trout Mask Replica", but then again, most music is. I like the rootsy, folky undertones of this record. Think it requires further study. Favorite tracks: "Electricity", "Yellow Brick Road", "Abba Zabba"

Utter madness. Crazy lyrics, self-indulgent bluesy jam sessions poured into your ears. Nice.

Remembering my listening experience with Trout Mask Replica, it took me a couple tries before finally hitting play on this one. I was relieved to find 'Safe As Milk' listenable and unpretentious. Big fan of the bass guitar action in particular. Unfortunately, I am now concerned that I should revisit Trout Mask Replica. Highlights: Sure 'Nuff 'n' Yes, I Do, Zig Zag Wanderer, Call On Me, Electricity, Autumn's Child

Ended up listening to this twice as I enjoyed this so much. It's very stylish and I think true to the style. Varied and kept it interesting

many people know this guy, me included for trout mask replica, a really infamous avant-garde/outsider music album. this one is definitely a lot more cohesive, really mellowed out yet really trippy rock. early panning experiments. is that a thermin?

Oh god, low expectations on this one. This is fine. It’s actually a lot closer to great.

Really good!

years ahead

This is easily Beefy's most accessible record, and in my opinion, a more entertaining effort than later albums (not you Trout Mask, I promise). But it's far from an immediate hit for most listeners. This one is a grower, and I only like it now because I've been around it it a few times. I wonder if that's how my wife feels...

Uniquely adventurous and uncompromising in its approach to avant-garde, psychedelic blues.

4.5 I like

every song slaps, fantastic collection of (weirder than normal for the decade) 60’s psychedelic rock and blues rock, with flourishes of soul and rnb in the mix too. close to a 5 star rating

Never heard of them but the song I'm Glad reminds me of songs by two other groups. Very easy to listen to.

Pretty darn good.

Fun and quirky blues album.

I've probably prematurely dismissed Captain Beefheart after hearing Trout Mask Replica many years ago and finding it pretty painful. However, I found a lot of good stuff in Safe as Milk and kept it in rotation for a few days while deciding between a strong 3 and a scraped 4. But every time it comes on I enjoy its bluesy vibes and variety so I'm going generous.

Ah. Good ol' Captain Beefheart. The absolute mad man who somehow got TROUT MASK REPLICA to exisit. And this is two albums before that. Y'know, only knowing Beefheart from TROUT MASK REPLICA, it really surprised me how... Compartively normal this album is. Sure, a bit of that weirdness is still there, particularly in the lyrics, but you compare, say, "Abba Zaba" to "Frownland", it's damn night and day here. And I actually like this lot. Like, yeah, this is pretty standard Delta blues compared to what Beefheart would later be known for, but he's got a great voice for it, and, I'unno, I jus' like me some good blues music sometimes. I mean, I only had to listen to this thing one time to understand it, so that's gotta be worth something, eh?

Captain Beefheart in his most coherent form, aided significantly by the guitar contributions of Ry Cooder.

I have been a Beefheart fan for a long time. I came across his album Doc at the Radar Station while in college and just thought it was great. Very weird. But great. I then tried Trout Mask Replica but honestly it was too weird but it was lauded by almost every critic. I never went back and listened to Safe as Milk but it is actually his most “normal” album. Some really great lyrics and some unique instrumentation.

This is my first experience with Captain Beefheart. Based on Trout Mask Replica's reputation, I expected this to be pretty out there. But you know what, it was just weird enough! I like '60s rock that isn't afraid to experiment, without becoming *too* out there. And this scratches that itch perfectly. A quirky, bluesy listen that doesn't reject soul in the search for strange. I'll be back to this one, I think.

Listened to this and a few other albums by Captain Beefheart. A few songs hold up. This was a group that hard-core rock and roll enthusiasts listened to. They didn’t get a lot of rotation on the big mainstream radio stations back then, but so few alt groups got air time when you heard, maybe, 8 songs per hour. And those eight songs were mostly bubble gum rock. Glad to see people discovering Beefheart—and liking his music—in the listener reviews.

4 stars - starting to grow on me. had only listened to TMR before

Not a band I'd listened too much, but this was a really good album.

Classic

Far Out Delta Blues.

Damn, I wish my Dad was still alive to talk to him about this album. This is right smack in his favorite decade of music and it *feels* like the music he would play occasionally. I didn't recognize a single song and yet it felt familiar. I loved it as a whole and not necessarily any specific song.

Debut from the Captain. Swamp rock mayhem that sounds way ahead of its time.

Old but nice :)

Very very nice. Still no boo radleys 4.0

I was expecting something very different based on the what I've read about Captain Beefheart. Now almost everything I know of his reputation seems based on either Doc at the Radar Station or, especially, Trout Mask Replica, both of which I've never heard. But Safe as Milk actualy sounds pretty accessible to me. And as far as blues based rock I like this album better than most. Flaming Groovies and Stooges both sound like they were influenced by this album. All in all a blues rock album that I really enjoyed listening to and will absolutely return to. 4 stars

I enjoy this earlier, normie iteration of Beefheart. It's bluesy and adventurous and stylistically diverse, while staying fairly grounded musically. It fits in with the garage rock sensibility of its era, but with little flashes of weird brilliance that tell you these guys are heading somewhere completely different. A lot of fun. Fave Songs: Electricity, I'm Glad, Zig Zag Wanderer, Abba Zaba, Yellow Brick Road, Call on Me

Good shit

That was actually pretty interesting and good.

I have to be in a certain mood to listen to Captain Beefheart. Fortunately I was in the right headspace and I thoroughly enjoyed re-listening to this weird gem. Even spent part of the day revisiting and discovering other albums of his. 4/5

I'm glad this was the introduction to captain beefheart instead of trout of mask replica, because I've been putting that off for a very long time. I feel like it's a taster of things to come. Key tracks: Dropout Boogie, I'm Glad, Electricity

I was wondering when this album was going to pop up. Captain Beefheart can get kinda weird (see "Abba Zaba"), which is probably why I associate him with Zappa—despite the fact that Zappa's weirdness is on another level. But Beefheart's also got some great blues-influenced stuff (like the album's first track, "Sure 'Nuff 'n Yes I Do"). One thing's for sure: he does his own thing. This is probably a 3.5, but I'm going to round up for once.

I like this weird early psychedelic bluesy album. It's interesting & unique. I listened to it twice.

Just the right amount of weird and funk.

Great listening to this again, as it's one I return to now and again but it had been a while. He's pulling a lot of influence from different places, but has a sound of his own. The band seems really on point, and works so well with Beefheart's voice. The arrangements keep the listener on their toes. Did not know Ry Cooder was on this! As an aside, I knew that Don Van Vliet (a.k.a. Captain Beefheart) did paintings as well, but I didn't realize it became a full fledged successful career for him - nor did I know that he was a child prodigy sculptor. What a character.

Pretty insane debut. Already a very strong sound, I assumed this was their 4th or so album in but as a debut it’s pretty impressive. Another one that doesn’t have a standout track, but rather is a true album listen. Wouldn’t wanna hear it all the time, but respect.

Okay this sounds really good, i dig it, i can listen to this while in a car or in a train, it also sounds like surrealistic pillow by jefferson airplane but I don't mind that and the fact that the two albums released on the same year is also pretty evident why they sound familiar with each other.

i like it

Complex, dynamic almost graphic instrumentally. Did not appreciate vocals except for a couple tracks like “Im Glad” The album tells a musical history, above my head 8/10, 4/5

different - even to itself it's wildly different within this album. and good fun 4

Weird 60’s bullshit, inject it in my veins. Wacky voices, inserted speaking lines, vague stabs in the direction of a cohesive genre, the gang is all here.

Can't believe this is actually good after listening to trout mask replica.

Very interesting listen, I've been meaning to listen to Captain Beefheart for a while. A great combination of electric blues and psych with a sound that is more conventional and straightforward, with less weirdness, than I was expecting, but at the same time eclectic and unique. Very cool, I think I'm a fan!

I had low expectations because i read this was supposed to be country so i was pleasantly surprised.

Great mix of American country rock vibe

4.0 - A decidedly more listenable record than "Trout Mast Replica", and less of a "statement piece." There's still whacky phrasings and dissonant guitar lines. If "TMA" is the sibling who goes out of their way to annoy you, "SAM" is your lovable but eccentric grandpa who sometimes gets lost in his own head.

ive been a mild fan for a while but the album has made me like them more. i appreciate that they do a little bit of everything and make it a little weird

That was a fun discovery. Really sets the base for what Cooder will later do in his career. 4 stars.

Embarrassed to admit that up until now, I thought Captain Beefheart and Frank Zappa were the same person. I don't really like Zappa so I never listened to any of Beefheart's stuff. This was pretty good though, had a nice mix of blues and 60s psychedelia. Definitely too long.

This is the Captain at his best. None of the Trout Mask Replica intellectual nonsense. Actual songs, with melody and a great showcase for his vocal range and dexterity. The production/ sound of every instrument on this is raw and organic- always loved the odd drum patterns in Beefhearts music. Perfect mix of accessible and experimental. That said, some of the jams towards the end are a bit tedious but overall its magic!

Enjoyed this. Way more bluesy than I was expecting (the only other Captain Beefheart album I’ve briefly heard was a lot more ‘out there’ from memory). Lyrics are whacky, timing and composition is almost jazz at times, and it’s just very nice. Something almost comforting about it despite it bordering strange. Really liked the experimental parts to this too, managed to keep it interesting for the most. Already onto another listen so will definitely be back again. Highlights: dropout boogie, I’m glad, abba zaba.

Tries many things and does them well, without conforming to expectations or genre boundaries. Fun listen, if trippy at times.

The level of influence is immediately obvious - I definitely hear a lot of White Stripes in here, like on Yellow Brick Road. Zig Zag Wanderer is a massive banger.

Never heard of them before - interesting album. Pretty "jammy" at the end. Almost Doors-like.

Albums like this grow on you after a while. I like it better with each listen. All the songs are good listens there are a few standouts: I'm Glad, Yellow Brick Road, Plastic Factory 3.75/5

The production is so bad its good - like a Velvet Underground album. The tunes are bouncy and raw like ? and the Mysterians. There's a little Motown soul in here, too. It's weird but I like weird.

Brilliantly eclectic, underpinned by the Captain's vocals, which stop it veering from 'fun' into 'silly'.

Possibly my fav of his.

Utterly bonkers

Me levou para outra época. Gostei.

I kind of loved this

That was a fun, bluesy ride. That's definitely a nice surprise from a band with a really dumb name. "Yellow Brick Road" had a nice plot twist in the middle. I will definitely give this album another listen.

This was great, eccentric Blues. I even listened to the additional 7 bonus tracks I was so intrigued. Ultimately an artist I had been meaning to check out long term and glad to finally get the opportunity.

Pretty awesome blues/rock album that feels very 60s.

Bluesy and bizarre, shows how Captain Beefheart could have been the greatest rock and roll band ever but couldn't resist the lure of wild experiment.

Okay, there is quite a difference between this album and "Trout Mask Replica". Essentially, when Captain Beefheart is not trying to be the most unique person in the room (or the whole world), his music is really good. Perfect combination of blues, psych rock, traditional rock, with a big dose of weird Captains vocal. I'm still not used to it, but when the music is more comprehensive and not as exaggerated, it doesn't bother anyone that much. After the lowest note for TMR, it is time for some redemption. Now that I know more of their music and their history, aI can say that maybe it wasn't the most appropriate note. To balance it out, I'll give a good 4/5 for Safe As Milk, even though it really deserves a note like this without this background.

Not as great as the unavailable Trout Mask Replica, but still a great introduction to the acid blues of Captain Beefheart. Some of the tracks are more straightforward blues than others, definitely a lot of drug fueled experimentation, but it never feels overdone. There are some tracks that border on radio friendly. Also surprisingly fresh given its age. Sort of sounds like if someone made nails on a chalkboard pleasing to the ears. Ry Cooder’s guitars playing is phenomenal, as are Van Vliet’s vocals.

When they made normal music

Just a little weird. Some of the bluesier songs are fantastic. Some of it gets a bit experimental and drags for someone who's not very into that style. I hear this is the less weird of some of his albums, so I don't think I'm likely to go seek those out, but there are a few songs on here that I wouldn't mind popping up on a playlist here and there in the future.

A fantastic album. As a big Tom Waits fan, I was put onto this album a few years ago and really enjoyed it. Interesting sound throughout and well worth the listen.

Quite a special record. Glad has been a stable on my playlists for a long time. 4

Well this was a surprise I suffered through Trout Mask Replica but this was not only accessible but damn enjoyable as well

I was expecting much more weirdness as it is Captain Beefheart but this was relatively normal and accessible. This wasn't at all similar to much of the work he's done with Frank Zappa even though some of it is more "normal". I will probably go back and listen to this again.

Plus one for the variety. Beef heart, you do have a magic band.

I enjoyed the somewhat weird blues here.

Ik dacht dat dit te raar zou zijn voor me, maar dit album is nog heel prima te pruimen. Met regelmatige vlagen wat aparte vocals, begeleid door heerlijke blues-achtige oude rock. Dan is het vooral de vraag of de zang teveel gaat irriteren en dat deed het gelukkig niet. Dat de individuele nummers en het album zelf ook niet te lang zijn helpt wel mee. "Dropout Boogie" en "Plastic Factory" zelfs in een playlistje geplempt.

Not quite as gonzo as Trout Mask Replica, which makes it more listenable. I will probably come back to this one more than I will TMR.

Blues-inspired whimsey. Good.

Electricity was a stinky full diaper but I liked every thing else. Where There’s Woman is my favorite.

Fine blues

It's no Trout Mask Replica, but it'll do. "Safe As Milk" is funny as titles go. Wikipedia says that there was a ton of controversy with this album, and it eventually led to the band getting dropped by A&M. Without listening to the lyrics, this is a "safe" album. Musically it fits with its era. Safe. The lyrics are humorous. There's a lot of personality in this collection of songs. I love its sense of whimsy.

Interesting, innovative album that still holds true to it's R&B roots

4/5

Great album, way ahead of its time. 4.5/5

Ok I will bite on this one and go never listened, did listen, very listenable. All over in barely 30 mins and some actual tunes and great guitar (courtesy Ry Cooder) to go with DGV's ultra raspy vocals. Hard to believe it would two albums to go from this to Trout Mask Replica.

Definitely not for everyone. If you're a Beefheart fan (and I am) this is a great album. He eventually quit making music and changed to being a visual artist because (supposedly) he could never get the musicians to play the music the way he heard it in his head.

Rating: 7/10 Best songs: I’m glad, Yellow brick road

Oh they are a Doors cover band In the end a lot of fun, but not what I expected from their name.

psychodelic rorrrr

Ik kende alleen Trout Mask Replica van Captain beefheart dus ik deed al m’n riemen vast toen ik deze op zette. Verrassend genoeg een zeer toegankelijk blues album met genoeg hoogtepunten. De weirdness van Trout Mask Replica is een stuk minder op dit album te luisteren, ondanks nog wat absurde teksten na.

This guy must've been on so many drugs that it's near unimaginable, that's the only way I could understand coming up with an album like this. It's almost like nothing I've heard before and yet, there's something about it that keeps me listening.

Froggy Blues, good stuff.

Momento maravilhoso de sonoridade poderosa com guitarras se destacando no blues se tornando rock clássico. Ainda provocou a audição do disco de trilha sonora Lawless com a versão do Mark Lanegan para Sure 'Nuff 'N Yes I Do.

ok

I'm familiar with trout mask replica, so I feared the worse, but this wasn't half bad, I quite enjoyed it. Definitely worth a second listen.

This is with a caveat. I assume Trout Mask Replica will be on the list. I would only include one Captain Beefheart release and that would be it. Safe as Milk introduced the Captain's odd, avant guard version of blues-rock. This is more "commercial" than the releases that would follow. It is very strange and explosive at times but is still mainstream. I don't play Captain Beefheart often, but this is compelling, challenging rock.

I'll be honest, I couldn't always tell what they were signing, but somehow liked it anyway.

Gold de baa gåå såå håårtt

Love this album. Great bluesy, soulful and out-there songs that too often get overshadowed by their outrageously out-there subsequent works. I’d like to give this a 5, but I feel that as a whole it doesn’t quite reach that level. It is quite close, however

Bra skiva! Svår att få lust att sätta på p.g.a. 70 min längd men så fort man börjar lyssna går tiden snabbt

I really enjoyed this, until the instrumentals. Those really dragged on personally. Saved tracks: Zig Zag Wanderer, Abba Zaba, Autumn's Child

captain beefheart vs lieutenant lambchop and the battle for manx throne. this is the kind of beefheart that we can actually listen to and in fact enjoy.

A lot of the Captain’s work is difficult to deal with. However this, their debut album, is user-friendly. Musically, it takes no prisoners. Lyrically, it’s not always easy to decipher, but it’s far easier than what was to come on future lp’s. Ry Cooder has a lot to do with the quality of this recording. Both his playing & arranging. The album kicks arse from the opening tracks, Sure ‘Nuff ‘N Yes I Do & Zig Zag Wanderer, which is one of Beefheart’s most covered songs. It’s very blues-influenced but, like most Beefheart, manages to maintain it’s very own flavour.

Only knew the weird, brilliant Trout Mask Replica of Beefheart, was surprised by this more traditional debut album. Was pleasant surprise. The last bonus track Korn Ring Finger is addictive, had to play it over and over

Really good rockabilly album Love the voice in certain song

"This is the first album of Captain Beefheart, one he did before getting signed on Bizzare records of Zappa and being given complete creative control." Mislim da je sve rečeno s tim. Ovaj bend da ne pišem cijeli naziv je jako poznat po "Trout Mask Replica", pogotovo u glazbenoj grupi u kojoj sam, već sigurno 5-6 godina se zna spominjati taj album, ma i više, u posljednje vrijeme ne, ajde. Ali odatle znam za njih. Ovaj album sam ove godine dao poslušati, i svidio mi se. Normalniji je album, to je sigurno, blues je jako prisutan i taj stari, analogni zvuk, ne znam kako bi opisao - mi se jako sviđa. Abba Zaba mi je favoritna sa albuma, ima još ponekih, ali se uvijek ove sjetim pa ću ju napisati evo sada upravo. '67 godina is fucking stacked with classics!

nooniin vihdoinkin 60 luvun albumia joka nappaa... vähän originaalimpaa soittamista kun viimeset viisi vittu 60 luvun amerikka liibalaaba max 2min biisit hey everybody beatles kopio paskaa. vaihtelee laatu kyllä tässäkin aika paljon albumin pyöriessä konsanaan mutta paskimmatkin on parempia kun nEV ITU alkaa vituttaa.... maito se turvaa on on on.. juokaa että luut kasvaa hoh hoh hoh.... parap biisi autumn's child

I like the rhythm tracks to every song, especially the bluesy guitar - I thought maybe I would have enjoyed it more if the Captain's vocal delivery was dialed back a bit, but without that weirdness it would have been just another 60s psychedelic blues album. As it is, It's a brave and eclectic for 1967.

Really solid album. Not the kind of album I seek out for a relisten but glad I heard it. A fun blend of blues jazz and that 60s instrumental avant garde

i liked this a lot! have been recced beefheart before, i’m gonna listen to more now

Great album. Not one I play often, but always enjoy it when I do.

A lot less weird than Trout Mask Replica which I still kind of struggle with, but still an absolute freakshow of a record. Delightful stuff

What can I say, Captain Beedheart it's an absolute legend

Some very cool stuff in here. Not something I would listen to regularly, but some very important ideas.

4.5/5. I love this album. It comes from my favorite era of music, and is in my favorite style. While it is kind of out there, I still find it great.

This was dope! Solid bluesy classic rock with some wacky elements and a wicked howl on vox. Other beefheart stuff is a lil too chaotic jazz rock for me to have enjoyed it. Side bar, there was a bit on the Mark Maron show (I think that was a thing?) where he was like I needed a project so thought I'd try to get into Captain Beefheart, but I was so nervous buying it at the record store cuz I'm not cool enough and everyones laughing at me. But he buys this album (I'd guess it was this one, don't remember) and then hes at a taqueria afterwards and the cashier is like "Oh I love Captain Beefheart, Safe As Milk is a great starter album". Haha kind of how I feel.

I realize it’s not ground breaking now. But imagine being on a ton of acid at some club and this band comes on and just blows your top off. That’s be fun…..

4.25

If John Lennon thinks your milk is safe enough to be placed on his fridge doors, then it's good enough for the rest of us. Safe as Milk provides a plentiful introduction into the madness that occupied the brain of one Don Van Vliet; a madness that would coagulate into creating one of the most infamous albums ever recorded. But that had yet to be seen as this album fits into neat pockets of R&B musings and fledgling psychedelic rock, showcasing that the Magic Band can remain in the game while being simultaneously out of it. This milk is safe enough for me. Favorites: Sure 'Nuff 'n' Yes, I Do, Zig Zag Wanderer, Call on Me, I'm Glad, Abba Zaba, Where There's Woman, Grown So Ugly, Autumn Child, Safe as Milk - Take 5, On Tomorrow, Trust Us - Take 9.

This was nothing like their other album on this list, and that's a great thing. Best track: Safe As Milk - Take 5

A perfectly okay blues rock album. Not particularly crazy. "Electricity" stood out for whatever reason. Riding very close to the line between 3 and 4

Good album - mix of traditional and innovative.

Realizing that only knowing this band from Trout Mask Replica was a very limited impression. This is some great 60s electric blues (with some theremin & such thrown in) and I’m here for it. HL: Zig Zag…, I’m Glad,

I think that this is the truest acid music. The fact that he and Zappa would compete shows through already in this album. Good stuff, maybe a hair too disjointed for a 5.

Good album, good tracks that keep the interest. I feel is loses it's way a little near the end but the first half is solid R&B

A "comfortable listening" example of it's genre

I was there when Captain Beefheart started up his first band I told him, "Don't do it that way. You'll never make a dime."

Once again I have been bamboozled by my preexisting prejudices and reluctance to listen to something new... this was actually kinda cool. 3.5

So Troutmask already came up in my feed and I rated it a 2. This album sounded similar in many ways but more structured, organized and groovy. In other words, better than that one and, in this regard, should garner a better score. Not a ringing endorsement, I know. The album is fun in many places. I didn't favorite any song on the original album but did an instrumental (On Tomorrow) found on the reissue CD. 3/5.

Back at it after almost a year. This album should just be happy its here.

Didn’t start off good, but it ended up okay

It kind of went in one ear out the other while listening but I liked it fine Fav track: Electricity

A bit weird, but okay kind of weird

More 60s rock. Not bad but not offering anything I haven’t heard.

Trout Mask Replica is obviously the album everyone ever talks about. And I rightfully so, even though I personally think it's still a tad overrated, and compared to it, this is pretty basic stuff. Not bad by any means, but nothing I'd really want to come back to either.

3.4 2x extended 71 min

I forgot what I thought about this so I’m giving this a neutral 3 for the moment…

Wacky

Bem menos abrasivo que o disco mais conhecido da banda, o infame Trout Mask Replica. Nasce aí o questionamento, sem a infâmia, o que resta da banda? Blues Rock decente, porém em minha opinião, pouco notável. Salvei Im Glad e Abba Zabba e Autumn Child, o resto não me interessou muito. Não gosto das vozinhas, e esse meio-termo entre o tradicional e o esquisito não me faz sentir nada. 3.5/5

When it comes to Captain Beefheart, I find myself most drawn to the music and instrumentation. I don’t think I’ll ever fully warm up to Don Van Vliet’s guttural, gritty, and gravelly vocals. This album is deeply rooted in blues rock, but you can definitely hear the psychedelic influences of its time. While it’s probably one of their most accessible albums, it still has that avant-garde, experimental edge. The quirky instrumentation, unusual song structures, odd time signatures, off-kilter rhythms, dissonant chords, and “wrong” notes all add to the playful vibe. If you’re into Frank Zappa, this is the closest you’ll get without it feeling like a direct copy of his sound.

Starts bluesy then gets gloriously wacky. So much better than Trout Mask Replica. You can see the direction they're headed though.

This was as least not as crazy as Trout Mask Replica, I was expecting worse. Some songs were cool, some other were ok but not my style

I approached this with a certain amount of trepidation, as their reputation precedes them for being weird and challenging, but actually this was surprisingly enjoyable. Very bluesy, definitely some weirdness, but that actually made it far more interesting than a lot of straighter blues acts of their era. Not sure I would listen to it often though.

Några bra låtar, lite bluesigt, inget jag kommer lyssna på någon mer gång. Konstig. Lite som Zappa ibland.

Enjoyable stuff, probably wouldn't rush back to it but was worth its inclusion

Well that was fucking weird! I can't say I didn't like it but I also can't say I did like it? I don't know, I think this is one of those albums that I'd have to listen to more than once. Probably more than twice? It seems more like an art piece than an album at times. I'm gonna stick with a 3 because I think I'm still confused how I feel.

so weird but so much fun

This album got me wondering how safe was milk in 1967. Pasteurisation was invented in 1864, and in the USA standards for pasteurisation was introduced in 1924. So we may assume that since then milk production and consumption was relatively safe. However we can only conclude how safe the subject milk is by the information given to us in the album title; considering there is no mention of if the milk is raw milk, whether the subject milk had been left out in the sun for an extended period, or past its use by date, we can assume the milk in question here would be relatively safe for human consumption

Not my favourite Beefheart album, and probably a tough sell for most, but there’s stuff of interest throughout. Favourite track: Dropout Boogie

Groovy

01) Sure 'Nuff 'n Yes I Do - 7,0 02) Zig Zag Wanderer - 6,5 03) Call on Me - 6,5 04) Dropout Boogie - 6,5 05) I'm Glad - 7,0 06) Electricity - 7,0 07) Yellow Brick Road - 7,5 08) Abba Zaba - 6,5 09) Plastic Factory - 6,0 10) Where There's Woman - 6,5 11) Grown So Ugly - 6,0 12) Autumn's Child - 6,5 TOTAL: 6,63 (66/100) Current ranking: 673/1012

A really unique take on American Blues. Very intriguing and had some incredible coordination moments that almost mixed prog-rock and blues genres. It got real hippy-trippy near the end but overall it was a pretty decent album. I'll give it a 6/10

I think it would’ve been better if every musician was doing more a freestyley thing and that they sounded like they weren’t even playing in the same room together and if the singer was growlier and uglier sounding and if the cover was red with a cool fish mask and top hat and

I've heard bits and pieces of Beefheart in the past, honestly I was ready for far stranger. This was fun.

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

while Captain Beefheart is far from a one-album-wonder, this one’s nowhere near as good as Trout Mask Replica. it's so... normal! Electricity is pretty great though. deserves to be one of the 1001? yea sure

Was very much standard Captain Beefheart for me. Some great songs and some I did not get at all. Overall an ok listen.

In a concert in the bayou among alligators. It did really transport me. Not much my style but for the immersion I give it a 3.

Idk what trout mask replica is but this album was cool R&B rock, weird and interesting. A few songs that were toooo weird I don’t love the monster sounding crooning songs

mostly oldslop. enjoyed sometimes

Not my vibe but I appreciate it being made.

Not bad. Soothing. Happy to play it as some background music. I’m glad is good.

i mean, the whole Captain Beefheart thing is just weird. its so out there, that it actually ends up being fun. it was interesting, and there was some cool songs in there. overall, this one lasted a bit too long, but it was definitely worth exploring in my opinion

I wasn't expecting much given that I know Captain Beefheart shows up on the worst rated albums on this list, but apparently it's his other album. This was alright. 60's rock with a bit of quirk. A bit long, but otherwise an ok listen. DNF (3)

Groovy

Pretty raw garage rock/blues with some drugs mixed in. I like it.