Even though I'm guilty of it myself, it's probably not fair to compare Shiny Beast and Bat Chain Puller, since Bat Chain Puller is really the artistic genesis and creative core that exploded into becoming his final three albums -- not just Shiny Beast. And taking that into consideration is one of the reasons I think I enjoy BCP the most. It has pieces of all of those rolled into a singular musical statement. But essentially, I see BCP as his final master-masterpiece, that had enough creative mojo crammed into it that he could bite off pieces and expand it into three unique albums. And I don't think the "children of Bat Chain Puller" (if you will) are lesser. As you mentioned, some great stuff was newly created when that all happened.
There's just been an update at the Radar Station about Rockette Morton selling off some art due to health issues. The top item is an original DVV painting that was given to RM during the TMR days. No price listed as it says to inquire to RM email address but may be a good opportunity if anybody's been looking for an original from Don. I can imagine it would be 5 figures though
I was able to purchase an original Canadian vinyl version of Strictly Personal. I bought it for 30 bucks Cdn in a local shop. I knew my chances of seeing it locally again was nil. A solid VG+ all around. The jacket has very little wear. The vinyl has a couple of non audible marks. I love this album however the effects that were added kind of detract from the tunes. But, I still love this album.
Just in case nobody else has posted this, here's an uncensored version. I've never seen this movie so I can't verify it's authenticity as it's slightly different from my 45.
Sounds like somebody Frankensteined in just the original lines heard in the movie that weren't on the record (with lesser sound quality) over the released version.
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It's hard for me to make a top 10, though my two faves are easily "Trout Mask Replica" and "Shiny Beast". The former for its hypnotically weird soundscape and variety and the latter for its very tropical sound. Certainly that was just what A&M had access to in the mid-80s - though if you add the '65-'66 demo recordings on Grow Fins and the 9 Avalon live recordings that came out a few years ago, you can get a pretty decent compilation out of it. It's never been quite clear how much the group actually recorded in the A&M period.
I used to put this at the bottom of my list of favorites, but since I've been re-listening several times (A must for TMR also) it's now in my top 3 CB albums. It's amazing how repeated listens can open up your ears to hear and appreciate more. Trout Mirror Man Decals
