Various

This is the ultimate tribute to the ultimate freak of the music biz, Captain Beefheart (aka Don Van Vliet), whose quasi-eclectic time signature destructo-pop-rock songs with insane lyrics, a raspy dirty old pirate voice and break-neck word association rapping has long proven to be a major influence upon today's more mentally challenging acts. And fittingly so, this collection contains super-decent Beefheart covers by the likes of Mike Watt (his meth-like heaviness approach must be heard to be believed), the quirky Jad Fair (Half Japanese), Indiana's electric PCP marathon rockers Racebannon, Don Fleming, Dapper (featuring Thurston Moore) and then some. For those who have found the Captain's sonic wares to be a little exotic to the ears, then this album will surely ease a virgin listener into his world properly. Each artist here creates a more accessible route, either focusing in and paying homage to his unique vocal style, or going on the brain-fuck rhythms, or completely filtering his influence into new multi-dimensional compositions of their own. Those willing to expand their minds should obtain this album, then revert back to the originals, and as a result, should end up being prepared for doomsday, if one hasn't already experienced it by being touched by the Cap'n's magic.