Is this album an underappreciated masterpiece or just plain garbage? Well, music has the ability to unite or divide. Captain Beefheart's avant-garde double album "Trout Mask Replica" is definitely a divider. It was released in 1969 with Frank Zappa as producer. The album is often included on lists like "1000 albums You Must Hear Before You Die", which adds to its aura of mystique. What also adds to the aura of mystique is the severe psychological and physical abuse, cult-like control, and extreme deprivation during an eight-month rehearsal period. The abuse was exerted by Captain Beefheart on the members of his backing group, The Magic Band. The controversies are covered elsewhere. Captain Beefheart a.k.a. Don Van Vliet didn't seem to reflect much over it then or later. What can possibly excuse this kind of behavior? The end justifies the means? Artistic sacrifice? Genius at work? A lion does not concern himself with the opinions of a sheep? There are many questions. Frank Zappa gave total artistic freedom, funded and oversaw the recording sessions (which in contrast to the rehearsal were done in no time) and released it on his own record label Straight Records. Why is "Trout Mask Replica" such a divider. It has become a status marker in certain circles. Some say it's an aquired taste. It takes effort to appreciate the work since there's a lot of complexity to it. You have to overcome the initial repulsion and develop your sense of hearing. That takes a lot of work, but then the doors will open to a new world. What do I think? I have twice listened to the album in its entirety. When I bought the album and now before I wrote this blog post. I thought it was listenable the first time. But, not the second time. "Trout Mask Replica" definitely has it's glimpses and moments. But, glimpses and moments pass by fast. I find it hard to embrace this kind of music. It's too cacophonic. However, the album cover is pretty cool.