I like both “official” versions, it’s like having a photograph in two different hues- sometimes I want the one, sometimes I want the other. Guilty of letting the Mirror Man Sessions pass me by a bit, I’m going to have to go relisten now. Cheers, nice to come across some Beefheart discussion.
Yeah I love both versions also. I usually like to listen to Strictly Personal first, enjoy it, then have a listed to the earlier version to get that boost from hearing the tracks in a more transparent and powerful performance. But yeah, I love both also. Cheers! Jeff
Thanks so much for this , I have just been having EXACTLY the same experience with the different versions! I first heard strictly personal in 1980 at the age of 16 .I instantly loved it, and "Safe as Milk" remains my fave CB tune, though on discovering his later work the album took a back seat for a while. But when I heard the "Sessions" album the versions blew my mind, they have a great vibe and I thought them superior to the SP versions. But then I played "Trust Us" from the "Sessions" followed by the SP version and the latter felt like a wigged out remix and I loved it more than I ever did before! As a person who's made a living out of largely electronic based rhythms for 30 years this was a revelation. If you conceive of the two versions as part of one whole then for me it's become Beefheart's greatest. The band at this stage created an utterly unique groove that I still don't think the world has quite caught up with and you describe it very well, cheers from London!
Thank you so much for your great comment! I agree with you completely.....one day I will prefer the Mirror Man Sessions versions and then the next day I will prefer the Strictly Personal / Safe As Milk versions......I'm basically just glad we have both! My next Beefheart video will be about Clear Spot. Thanks again for your comment - it is much appreciated. Cheers. Jeff
Hi Jeff. This has inspired me to listen to the extra tracks again- something I have not done in a long time. I think the UK mono disc of Strictly Personal makes the most of the effects. It has to be one of the best mono recordings I have heard, full of bass and heavy drum to the fore. Unfortunately, it has never been re-released which is a shame, as it could change everyone's mind on the original studio trickery. That being said, I have just uploaded a video on the differences, then deleted it-- as it is quite difficult to tell if there are any! Anyway, thanks for doing this. Fantastic video.
Hi Alan. Wow, I was not aware of the mono mix of Strictly Personal but would love to hear it. I will check around to see if I can locate a copy (or at least a CD-R or something). I do love the album even as it is, but would love to hear the drums and bass and guitars more transparent and up front. Thanks for your comment and for letting me know about the mono mix. Jeff
@@CalicoSilver I have revisited the mono again a few times and compared it to the stereo. On close listening, It is probably just a fold down. The bass is definitely heavier in places, but there are may be no discernible differences in the basic mix. I have always been fond of it because it was great to hear the album in a different way, but probably not worth seeking out like a lost grail...
@@statictraveller Thanks for following up on this, Alan, and giving me updated analysis info on the stereo/mono comparison of this album. I appreciate it! Jeff
Strictly Personal was my first Beefheart LP. I fell in love with it. Trout Mask had just been released, but I heard that later. I’ve heard most of the alternate versions, and prefer those, but my teenage early drug memories always spark up when hearing that OG release.
Those first-heard albums always carry a special importance to us, for sure. There are many such cases in my history of music discoveries too. Thanks for your comment.
Hey Jeff, Nice to hear more about the second one, which I haven't listened to yet so far. The 'Safe as Milk' I have does have bonus cuts, though haven't heard it in a while. As you were mentioning A&M I was imagining a scenario where Phil Specter is forcing the Carpenters and Don Van to collaborate in the studio...just the three of them. The Imagination can run wild with how that could go, ha. I know what you mean, and I enjoy that too with the two guitars together not playing the traditional lead/rhythm roles. There's a nice documentary where John French was demonstrating his drumming on 'Electricity' . Certainly very original in his own right. For sure, one needs many listens to get anywhere truly with this stuff. When I'm in the right frame of mind I'll have to delve deeper into this period overall. Thanks for sharing as always. -Carm
Hi Carm. Yeah, I have that documentary with John French going over his drumming style - he is GREAT, one of my favorite drummers. Haha, Richard and Karen + Don = ??? for sure. That would have been quite an album, haha! Jeff
Great story about strictly personal etc love those tracks off mirror man like kandy korn etc thanks for all the videos been watching for I thought a year but missed beefheart discography video been one of my favourite artists for years have you seen the UA-cam video where John peel’s interviewing beefheart
My introduction to the Captain came by listening to the 2 tracks on the Zapped lp, the blimp and old fart at play. I loved those tracks and decided to go out and buy the first Captain Beefheart I could find. That turned out to be Strictly Personal and the love affair continued until I had all of the Captains catalog.
I had a very strange (but great) high school friend in the '70s who introduced me to Beefheart via Trout Mask and I was SOLD from the get-go. Stunning stuff. But I didn't get Strictly Personal until quite a bit later. Thanks for commenting - always great to hear from Beefheart fans!! Cheers. Jeff
Jeff...I thought you were going to whip out the shehnai and play along with ‘Son of Mirror Man’ as a showstopper...yeah right! Yeah, your spot on with the ongoing frustrations with what could of been a better representation of ‘Strictly Personal’ ...Still..amazing music from an amazing band! First rate review Jeff!
Thanks, Vince. I never know what to say about Beefheart albums.....what can one say? they are just plain amazing, too much for words to describe. So I figured I'd take this "history lesson" approach, haha!
I bought Mirror Man from a bargain bin around 40 years ago. I didn't take to it. A few years ago I started appreciating Beefheart more. Sadly, I've yet to hear Safe As Milk and Trout Mask Replica. On the positive side, I can look forward to hearing those with virgin ears.
I must be weird because I loved Trout Mask immediately and my appreciation for it grows over the decades. Haha! Also Safe As Milk. Those are my two favorite Beefheart albums. Thanks for your comment. Cheers. Jeff
Another point of confusion, of course, was that when Mirror Man was finally released, the label lied and claimed it was recorded in 1965, for contractual reasons I suppose. Beefheart was one of those who expressed disgust with the psychedelic effects added to Strictly Personal, referring to those sounds as "psychedelic Bromo-Seltzer" (an apt phrase, don't you think?). John Lennon was initially a fan of Safe As Milk, which probably added to his chagrin when he heard his own pride and joy being sing-sung in a way that sounded more like "slobbery fields fur-ever". Hah!
Fan-dam-tastic album, isn't it? It seems like over the last decade or so, it has risen in statute among more music fans as the masterpiece that it is. Thanks for your comment.
I don’t have any Beefheart in my collection, although he does interest me..I am familiar with his work with Zappa..Bongo Fury and Hot Rats..I was not aware Ry Cooder played in Beefheart’s Band!!! Automatic purchase for me..Really learned a lot on this video..thanks Glen
Yeah, I wouldn't recommend Trout Mask Replica or Lick My Decals Off to a Beefheart newbie. Safe As Milk, Clear Spot, Spotlight Kid, Strictly Personal....these might be good starting points.
@@CalicoSilver after watching your video, .I went straight to amazon..the album wasn’t available. I checked Discogs and got a near mint vinyl copy for 20.00 U.S..Really looking forward to getting it..thanks for the heads up..👍👍❤️❤️glen
'strictly personal' reminds me of dylan's 'empire burlesque'....when you hear the original tracks of burlesque without the 80's effects, they sound so much better...please stay well and stay warm my friend....peace....rocky
OK..now I'll have to buy those CDs. I've been a fan of Strictly Personal since it came out and I've always known that CB wasn't thrilled with what was done with it. But it was something I was raised with, so I have that connection. Anyways..I will get the CDs cuz now I HAVE to!
In 1972 I came across all these Beefhearts accidentally while browsing my record store's "Cut-off" bins (99 cents each!!!). I knew about his Zappa association which further endeared me to him, as well as his affinity for using toys as musical instruments. Since the breakup of the Beatles, I've lost more friends due to my attraction to "difficult" music. THINK I'M GONNA GET HIT!!! Big-Eyed Beans from Venus!!!! ....Don't let anything come between us!!!
Ah yes, I remember those cut-outs (as we called them) well. I'm sure a large percentage of all my purchases back in the '70s was made of cut-outs. Beefheart takes TIME and a genuine interest in music, which not that many people have or are willing to invest.
I'm not a big fan of Strictly Personal, preferring the original double album idea, although Strictly Personal does have my favorite take of Safe As Milk. All performances are great though, but the weird phasing effects really spoils it for me.
That is what I find frustrating about these particular sessions.....I prefer some tracks from one session and other tracks from other sessions. It is a mixed bag indeed. Thanks for your comment! Jeff
1) Trout mask 2) Shiny Beast 3) Safe as Milk 4) Mirror Man 5) Lick my decals. That's my shitty top 5 😂 thanks once again for talking about beefheart, this kind of content is a mirage here on UA-cam. Cheers from italy ❤
I never bought Strictly Personal because of the stories about the record. I bought it five years ago and I think it is great. I think the Psych treatment improves it. Mirror Man is good until Van Vliet plays harmonica and sax.
That is cool, Richie. I have not met many who prefer the Strictly Personal (SP) versions over the Buddah session versions, but I do love that album (SP) very much too. Alan over at Static Traveller tells me that there was a UK mono version of the SP album that really sounds great, but it has long been out of print. Worth looking for, perhaps. Thanks again. Jeff
I like both “official” versions, it’s like having a photograph in two different hues- sometimes I want the one, sometimes I want the other. Guilty of letting the Mirror Man Sessions pass me by a bit, I’m going to have to go relisten now. Cheers, nice to come across some Beefheart discussion.
Yeah I love both versions also. I usually like to listen to Strictly Personal first, enjoy it, then have a listed to the earlier version to get that boost from hearing the tracks in a more transparent and powerful performance. But yeah, I love both also. Cheers! Jeff
Thanks so much for this , I have just been having EXACTLY the same experience with the different versions! I first heard strictly personal in 1980 at the age of 16 .I instantly loved it, and "Safe as Milk" remains my fave CB tune, though on discovering his later work the album took a back seat for a while. But when I heard the "Sessions" album the versions blew my mind, they have a great vibe and I thought them superior to the SP versions. But then I played "Trust Us" from the "Sessions" followed by the SP version and the latter felt like a wigged out remix and I loved it more than I ever did before! As a person who's made a living out of largely electronic based rhythms for 30 years this was a revelation. If you conceive of the two versions as part of one whole then for me it's become Beefheart's greatest. The band at this stage created an utterly unique groove that I still don't think the world has quite caught up with and you describe it very well, cheers from London!
Thank you so much for your great comment! I agree with you completely.....one day I will prefer the Mirror Man Sessions versions and then the next day I will prefer the Strictly Personal / Safe As Milk versions......I'm basically just glad we have both! My next Beefheart video will be about Clear Spot. Thanks again for your comment - it is much appreciated. Cheers. Jeff
Hi Jeff. This has inspired me to listen to the extra tracks again- something I have not done in a long time.
I think the UK mono disc of Strictly Personal makes the most of the effects. It has to be one of the best mono recordings I have heard, full of bass and heavy drum to the fore. Unfortunately, it has never been re-released which is a shame, as it could change everyone's mind on the original studio trickery. That being said, I have just uploaded a video on the differences, then deleted it-- as it is quite difficult to tell if there are any!
Anyway, thanks for doing this. Fantastic video.
Hi Alan. Wow, I was not aware of the mono mix of Strictly Personal but would love to hear it. I will check around to see if I can locate a copy (or at least a CD-R or something). I do love the album even as it is, but would love to hear the drums and bass and guitars more transparent and up front. Thanks for your comment and for letting me know about the mono mix. Jeff
@@CalicoSilver I have revisited the mono again a few times and compared it to the stereo. On close listening, It is probably just a fold down. The bass is definitely heavier in places, but there are may be no discernible differences in the basic mix. I have always been fond of it because it was great to hear the album in a different way, but probably not worth seeking out like a lost grail...
@@statictraveller Thanks for following up on this, Alan, and giving me updated analysis info on the stereo/mono comparison of this album. I appreciate it! Jeff
I forked out £80 for the UK mono version on Liberty. It was well worth it.
@@bigtone1348 Nice one. It is still my go to version.
Strictly Personal was my first Beefheart LP. I fell in love with it. Trout Mask had just been released, but I heard that later. I’ve heard most of the alternate versions, and prefer those, but my teenage early drug memories always spark up when hearing that OG release.
Those first-heard albums always carry a special importance to us, for sure. There are many such cases in my history of music discoveries too. Thanks for your comment.
Awesome review.. thank you.
Thanks a lot, Robert! I really appreciate it. Jeff
Hey Jeff, Nice to hear more about the second one, which I haven't listened to yet so far. The 'Safe as Milk' I have does have bonus cuts, though haven't heard it in a while. As you were mentioning A&M I was imagining a scenario where Phil Specter is forcing the Carpenters and Don Van to collaborate in the studio...just the three of them. The Imagination can run wild with how that could go, ha.
I know what you mean, and I enjoy that too with the two guitars together not playing the traditional lead/rhythm roles.
There's a nice documentary where John French was demonstrating his drumming on 'Electricity' . Certainly very original in his own right. For sure, one needs many listens to get anywhere truly with this stuff. When I'm in the right frame of mind I'll have to delve deeper into this period overall. Thanks for sharing as always. -Carm
Hi Carm. Yeah, I have that documentary with John French going over his drumming style - he is GREAT, one of my favorite drummers. Haha, Richard and Karen + Don = ??? for sure. That would have been quite an album, haha! Jeff
Great story about strictly personal etc love those tracks off mirror man like kandy korn etc thanks for all the videos been watching for I thought a year but missed beefheart discography video been one of my favourite artists for years have you seen the UA-cam video where John peel’s interviewing beefheart
Hi Chris. Thanks for your nice comments. Yeah I've seen that Peel interview. Always enjoy the Beefheart interviews. Jeff
Great ! I didn't know that story... you tell it well! More please :)
Thanks, Tim. Glad you enjoyed it.
My introduction to the Captain came by listening to the 2 tracks on the Zapped lp, the blimp and old fart at play. I loved those tracks and decided to go out and buy the first Captain Beefheart I could find. That turned out to be Strictly Personal and the love affair continued until I had all of the Captains catalog.
I had a very strange (but great) high school friend in the '70s who introduced me to Beefheart via Trout Mask and I was SOLD from the get-go. Stunning stuff. But I didn't get Strictly Personal until quite a bit later. Thanks for commenting - always great to hear from Beefheart fans!! Cheers. Jeff
Jeff...I thought you were going to whip out the shehnai and play along with ‘Son of Mirror Man’ as a showstopper...yeah right! Yeah, your spot on with the ongoing frustrations with what could of been a better representation of ‘Strictly Personal’ ...Still..amazing music from an amazing band! First rate review Jeff!
These days I always think of you when I hear "Gimme Dat Harp Boy", Harry. ;-)
Very informative , Rock history.cheers!
Thanks, Vince. I never know what to say about Beefheart albums.....what can one say? they are just plain amazing, too much for words to describe. So I figured I'd take this "history lesson" approach, haha!
I bought Mirror Man from a bargain bin around 40 years ago. I didn't take to it. A few years ago I started appreciating Beefheart more. Sadly, I've yet to hear Safe As Milk and Trout Mask Replica. On the positive side, I can look forward to hearing those with virgin ears.
I must be weird because I loved Trout Mask immediately and my appreciation for it grows over the decades. Haha! Also Safe As Milk. Those are my two favorite Beefheart albums. Thanks for your comment. Cheers. Jeff
Another point of confusion, of course, was that when Mirror Man was finally released, the label lied and claimed it was recorded in 1965, for contractual reasons I suppose. Beefheart was one of those who expressed disgust with the psychedelic effects added to Strictly Personal, referring to those sounds as "psychedelic Bromo-Seltzer" (an apt phrase, don't you think?). John Lennon was initially a fan of Safe As Milk, which probably added to his chagrin when he heard his own pride and joy being sing-sung in a way that sounded more like "slobbery fields fur-ever". Hah!
Haha, yes I have often wondered what Lennon thought about Beefheart's jab at Strawberry Fields Forever. Hilarious.
I bought the 10 track Safe As Milk on the Marble Arch label in 1969 for 10 shillings. I still have it.
Fan-dam-tastic album, isn't it? It seems like over the last decade or so, it has risen in statute among more music fans as the masterpiece that it is. Thanks for your comment.
Big Black Baby Shoes is a goddamn great instrumental
Indeed it is!
Mirror Man: A record that was a as far ahead of its time, as it reached back (Greil Marcus).
Great quote about this album, and so true. Thanks.
I don’t have any Beefheart in my collection, although he does interest me..I am familiar with his work with Zappa..Bongo Fury and Hot Rats..I was not aware Ry Cooder played in Beefheart’s Band!!! Automatic purchase for me..Really learned a lot on this video..thanks Glen
There are some albums you would love and some you would not like.
Ry Cooder was only on the debut album (Safe As Milk), Glen.
Yeah, I wouldn't recommend Trout Mask Replica or Lick My Decals Off to a Beefheart newbie. Safe As Milk, Clear Spot, Spotlight Kid, Strictly Personal....these might be good starting points.
@@CalicoSilver after watching your video, .I went straight to amazon..the album wasn’t available. I checked Discogs and got a near mint vinyl copy for 20.00 U.S..Really looking forward to getting it..thanks for the heads up..👍👍❤️❤️glen
@@GlenKellawayfromthebasement You mean Safe As Milk?
'strictly personal' reminds me of dylan's 'empire burlesque'....when you hear the original tracks of burlesque without the 80's effects, they sound so much better...please stay well and stay warm my friend....peace....rocky
Good point, Rocky. Jeff
OK..now I'll have to buy those CDs. I've been a fan of Strictly Personal since it came out and I've always known that CB wasn't thrilled with what was done with it. But it was something I was raised with, so I have that connection. Anyways..I will get the CDs cuz now I HAVE to!
Yeah, the official Strictly Personal is the one I know best of all, but those earlier recordings are quite a revelation to hear.
In 1972 I came across all these Beefhearts accidentally while browsing my record store's "Cut-off" bins (99 cents each!!!). I knew about his Zappa association which further endeared me to him, as well as his affinity for using toys as musical instruments. Since the breakup of the Beatles, I've lost more friends due to my attraction to "difficult" music. THINK I'M GONNA GET HIT!!! Big-Eyed Beans from Venus!!!! ....Don't let anything come between us!!!
Ah yes, I remember those cut-outs (as we called them) well. I'm sure a large percentage of all my purchases back in the '70s was made of cut-outs. Beefheart takes TIME and a genuine interest in music, which not that many people have or are willing to invest.
I'm not a big fan of Strictly Personal, preferring the original double album idea, although Strictly Personal does have my favorite take of Safe As Milk. All performances are great though, but the weird phasing effects really spoils it for me.
That is what I find frustrating about these particular sessions.....I prefer some tracks from one session and other tracks from other sessions. It is a mixed bag indeed. Thanks for your comment! Jeff
Beefhearthhhhhhhhhh :) Thanks for the content !
You're sure welcome! Nice to meet Beefheart fans.
1) Trout mask 2) Shiny Beast 3) Safe as Milk 4) Mirror Man 5) Lick my decals. That's my shitty top 5 😂 thanks once again for talking about beefheart, this kind of content is a mirage here on UA-cam. Cheers from italy ❤
I never bought Strictly Personal because of the stories about the record. I bought it five years ago and I think it is great. I think the Psych treatment improves it. Mirror Man is good until Van Vliet plays harmonica and sax.
I like the official release the most.
That is cool, Richie. I have not met many who prefer the Strictly Personal (SP) versions over the Buddah session versions, but I do love that album (SP) very much too. Alan over at Static Traveller tells me that there was a UK mono version of the SP album that really sounds great, but it has long been out of print. Worth looking for, perhaps. Thanks again. Jeff