Check out these new and used Captain Beefheart vinyl records LPs for sale. We recommend starting your Captain Beefheart vinyl collection with the essential albums Doc At The Radar Station, Mirror Man and Strictly Personal. Our inventory is always changing, so check back often, or browse our list of vinyl records for sale from rock musicians.

Captain Beefheart: The Avant-Garde Maestro

Unveiling a Sonic Enigma

Early Years and Formation (1941-1964)

Born as Don Glen Vliet in 1941, Captain Beefheart, later adopting the stage name, emerged as one of the most enigmatic and avant-garde figures in the realm of music. The Magic Band, a rotating lineup of skilled musicians, was at the core of Beefheart’s musical experimentation. The early years saw the formation of a sonic enigma that would defy traditional genres.

“Safe as Milk” (1967)

Debuting the Psychedelic Blues

“Safe as Milk,” released in 1967, marked Captain Beefheart’s debut album. The album showcased a fusion of blues, rock, and psychedelia, setting the stage for the avant-garde journey that would define Beefheart’s career.

“Electricity” and Psychedelic Reverie

The opening track, “Electricity,” hinted at Beefheart’s departure from conventional structures. The song’s erratic rhythm, coupled with Beefheart’s distinctive vocals, signaled the album’s psychedelic reverie. “Safe as Milk” revealed the captain’s early experimentation, laying the groundwork for what was to come.

Avant-Garde Masterpiece

“Trout Mask Replica” (1969)

“Trout Mask Replica,” released in 1969, stands as Captain Beefheart’s avant-garde masterpiece. Produced by Frank Zappa, the album pushed the boundaries of music to unprecedented levels. The Magic Band’s complex and dissonant arrangements, coupled with Beefheart’s surrealistic lyrics and vocals, created a sonic landscape that defied categorization.

“Frownland” and Sonic Chaos

“Frownland,” the album’s opening track, plunged listeners into a world of sonic chaos. The unconventional time signatures, abstract melodies, and Beefheart’s raw, guttural delivery challenged the very essence of traditional music. “Trout Mask Replica” became a touchstone for avant-garde and experimental enthusiasts, cementing Beefheart’s status as a sonic innovator.

The Lick My Decals Off, Baby Era

“Lick My Decals Off, Baby” (1970)

Following the avant-garde triumph of “Trout Mask Replica,” Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band continued their exploration of unconventional soundscapes with “Lick My Decals Off, Baby,” released in 1970. The album retained the experimental ethos of its predecessor but showcased a more refined and focused approach.

“I Love You, You Big Dummy” and Eccentricity

“I Love You, You Big Dummy,” a track from the album, exemplified Beefheart’s eccentricity. The song’s angular rhythms, surreal lyrics, and Beefheart’s idiosyncratic vocal delivery contributed to the album’s avant-garde allure. “Lick My Decals Off, Baby” affirmed Beefheart’s commitment to sonic exploration.

Revisiting the Blues

“The Spotlight Kid” (1972) and “Clear Spot” (1972)

In 1972, Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band revisited their blues roots with the release of “The Spotlight Kid” and “Clear Spot.” While still experimental, these albums showcased a more accessible side of Beefheart’s musical palette.

“Big Eyed Beans from Venus” and Psychedelic Blues Fusion

“Big Eyed Beans from Venus,” a track from “Clear Spot,” blended psychedelic elements with blues fusion. The song’s hypnotic groove and Beefheart’s evocative vocals demonstrated the band’s ability to weave experimentalism into more traditional musical forms. “The Spotlight Kid” and “Clear Spot” marked a departure from the avant-garde extremes of previous works while retaining Beefheart’s idiosyncratic style.

Eclectic Experimentation

“Unconditionally Guaranteed” (1974) and “Bluejeans & Moonbeams” (1974)

“Unconditionally Guaranteed” and “Bluejeans & Moonbeams,” both released in 1974, represented a period of more conventional experimentation for Captain Beefheart. The albums showcased a move toward a softer, more accessible sound, incorporating elements of rock and soul.

“Upon the My-O-My” and Softer Sounds

“Upon the My-O-My,” a track from “Bluejeans & Moonbeams,” featured a more straightforward, softer sound. Beefheart’s vocals took on a smoother quality, and the album displayed a departure from the avant-garde complexities of previous works. While these albums were met with mixed reviews, they demonstrated Beefheart’s eclectic approach to musical exploration.

Later Years and Legacy

“Shiny Beast (Bat Chain Puller)” (1978) and “Ice Cream for Crow” (1982)

“Shiny Beast (Bat Chain Puller),” released in 1978, marked a return to a more experimental sound. The album featured a fusion of blues, rock, and avant-garde elements, showcasing Beefheart’s enduring commitment to pushing musical boundaries.

“Ice Cream for Crow” and Swansong

“Ice Cream for Crow,” released in 1982, served as Captain Beefheart’s swansong. The album featured a more polished production, yet maintained the experimental spirit that defined Beefheart’s career. The title track, “Ice Cream for Crow,” showcased Beefheart’s poetic lyricism and the Magic Band’s ability to create evocative sonic landscapes.

Legacy and Influence

Avant-Garde Trailblazer

Captain Beefheart’s legacy as an avant-garde trailblazer extends far beyond conventional notions of rock and blues. His fearless experimentation with unconventional time signatures, abstract lyrics, and dissonant arrangements influenced generations of musicians seeking to challenge the norms of popular music.

Surreal Lyricism

Beefheart’s surreal lyricism, often characterized by abstract imagery and linguistic playfulness, left an indelible mark on the landscape of poetic songwriting. His ability to convey emotions through non-traditional language added depth to the avant-garde nature of his music.

Experimental Spirit

Captain Beefheart’s experimental spirit continues to inspire artists across genres. From avant-garde and experimental rock to alternative and indie music, Beefheart’s influence resonates in the work of those who dare to explore the unconventional and embrace sonic experimentation.

Enduring Reverberations

The Unconventional Legacy

Captain Beefheart’s enduring reverberations echo in the unconventional legacy he left behind. His albums, ranging from avant-garde masterpieces to blues-infused experiments, serve as a testament to a career defined by a relentless pursuit of sonic innovation. Captain Beefheart remains an enigma, an artist who defied categorization and left an indelible mark on the landscape of experimental music.

Captain Beefheart LP 1974 Unconditionally Guaranteed 1st Press NM Original!

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Captain Beefheart And His Magic Band Safe As Milk Vinyl LP OG US 1967 G+/VG

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Tested: Captain Beefheart - Unconditionally Guaranteed - 1974 LP

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Captain Beefheart - Now Playing [New Vinyl LP]

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Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band Strictly Personal LP US 1971 Cream Labels

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Captain Beefheart "Ice Cream for Crow" 1982 Virgin label LP ARE 38274

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Captain Beefheart His Magic Band Grow Fins Vol 2

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CAPTAIN BEEFHEART & HIS MAGIC BAND Safe As Milk BUDDAH LP NM y

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Captain Beefheart & Magic Band - Frank Freeman's Dance Club LP RSD purple # 235

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CAPTAIN BEEFHEART Lick My Decals Off, Baby STRAIGHT LP VG++/VG+ with insert y

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CAPTAIN BEEFHEART AND HIS MAGIC BAND Safe As Milk 1970 LP Vinyl VG+VG+ BDS 5063

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CAPTAIN BEEFHEART Trout Mask Replica TMR-546 2XLP 180g audiophile patch SEALED y

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CAPTAIN BEEFHEART AND HIS MAGIC BAND-SAFE AS MILK VINYL EX REISSUE

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CAPTAIN BEEFHEART - BROADCAST FROM LONDON & BREMEN 1968-72

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CAPTAIN BEEFHEART The Spotlight Kid 2xLP RSD Record Store Day New!

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Captain Beefheart And His Magic Band - The Legendary A&M Sessions PROMO EP 1984

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THE WHITE STRIPES Party Of Special Things To Do 7" Captain Beefheart JACK WHITE

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CAPTAIN BEEFHEART Click Clack / Glider REPRISE PROMO-EX-PS/33RPM

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Captain Beefheart & The Magic Band – Ice Cream For Crow (Japanese LP) 1982

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CAPTAIN BEEFHEART SUN ZOOM SPARK: 1970 to 1972 2014 SEALED 4xLP BOX SET NEW

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Ultimate Sinatra [2 LP]

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Ultimate Sinatra's 180-gram 2LP version brims with 24 stellar recordings representing Frank Sinatra's unparalleled, 6 decade-long recording career

Greatest Hits I [2 LP]

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Brand New in box. The product ships with all relevant accessories

Gold - Greatest Hits[2 LP]

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ABBA's Gold - Greatest Hits collection features 19 timeless hits such as "Dancing Queen," "Mamma Mia," "Take a Chance on Me," "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)" and more! This 2 LP set is pressed on 180-gram vinyl

SOUR[LP]

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Olivia Rodrigo's record-breaking debut album, SOUR, features the #1 hits, "drivers license," and "good 4 u," plus the singles "dej? vu," "traitor" and "brutal

Greatest Hits

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Vinyl LP repressing. Greatest Hits is a 1988 compilation album by British-American band Fleetwood Mac. It covers the period of the band's greatest commercial success, from the mid-1970s to the late 1980s. The track listing for the US release differs ... read more

Born To Die[LP]

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Born To Die [LP]

Back to Black [Vinyl]

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THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT[Ghosted White 2 LP]

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2 LP set on ghost white colored vinyl, featuring the bonus track, "The Manuscript

Kind Of Blue (Vinyl)

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The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

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Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct-Drive Turntable (Analog & USB), Fully Manual, Hi-Fi, 3 Speed, Convert Vinyl to Digital, Anti-Skate and Variable Pitch Control Black

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Experience the high-fidelity audio of vinyl Direct-drive, DC servo motor with selectable 33/45/78 RPM speeds. Damped base construction for reduced low-frequency feedback coloration Fully manual operation featuring adjustable dynamic anti-skate contro... read more

Victrola Nostalgic 6-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player & Multimedia Center with Built-in Speakers - 3-Speed Turntable, CD & Cassette Player, FM Radio | Wireless Music Streaming | Mahogany

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6-in-1 ENTERTAINMENT CENTER – With vintage looks on the outside & modern features inside, listen your way; vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, AM/FM radio or stream music from your smartphone via Bluetooth or 3.5 mm Aux/headphone jack.Motor type : AC Moto... read more

Vinyl Record Player with Upgraded Speakers,3 Speed Turntable with Latest Bluetooth 5.3, AUX Input, Headphone Jack, RCA Output and Auto Stop, Mirror Vintage Wooden Design

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Excellent Sound Quality and Elegant Craft：The record player is built in 2 upgraded speakers with independent cavities, providing high-fidelity stereo sound; quality materials, and a wooden design with mirror decoration, vintage and elegant Advanced 5... read more

Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable: Fully Automatic Wireless Vinyl Record Player with Bluetooth and USB Output Black

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EASY OPERATION: Effortlessly enjoy your favorite records with one-step auto start, stop and return.Power source: ‎Corded Electric TWO SPEEDS: 33 1/3 rpm and 45 rpm, with the 45 rpm adaptor stowed neatly in a slot beneath the deck HIGH QUALITY AUDIO: ... read more

1 by ONE High Fidelity Belt Drive Turntable with Built-in Speakers, Vinyl Record Player with Magnetic Cartridge, Bluetooth Playback and Aux-in Functionality, Auto Off

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[Exquisite Appearance] Built from wood and metal materials with a unique sense of layering; The streamlined corner design is truly atmospheric and stylish(Note: long hold the start button to turn the power on, and press again to start) [All in 1] Thi... read more

Vinyl Record Player Turntable with Built-in Bluetooth Receiver & 2 Stereo Speakers, 3 Speed 3 Size Portable Retro Record Player for Entertainment and Home Decoration

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【Vintage Record Player】Bluetooth Input & AUX Audio input & RCA line-out & Headphone jack. 2 Built in stereo speakers,with Bluetooth wireless technology,elegantly listen to the music from your smart phone.Use Aux cable input to directly play the music... read more

Vinyl Record Player Bluetooth Vintage 3-Speed Portable Suitcase Turntables with Built-in Speakers LP Player Support RCA Output and Headphone Output

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【3-Speed and 3 Sizes Turntable】Support 33 1/3, 45, 78RPM and 7", 10", 12" Vinyl. Equipped with a reinforced turntable and sound-isolating feet, it can effectively prevent the vibration caused by playback and restore the most authentic music for you. ... read more

1 by ONE Belt Drive Turntable with Bluetooth Connectivity, Built-in Phono Pre-amp, USB Digital Output Vinyl Stereo Record Player with Magnetic Cartridge, 33 or 45 RPM

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Bluetooth Connectivity: Pair with Bluetooth speakers or headphones for an amazing, wireless experience; Even better, no receiver needed Magnetic Cartridge Stylus: The diamond-tipped stylus cartridge is designed to produce rich sound and outstanding c... read more