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.