Warner Us Vinyl & CDs

Review: The Spotlight Kid was Captain Beefheart's sixth studio album and one, landing a mere three years after the legendary Trout Mask Replica classic, sees him continuing his avant-garde brilliance. Initially released in 1972, it stands out as the only album credited solely to Captain Beefheart, even though it does feature much of his Magic Band prominently. The material, integral to the band's repertoire, highlights Beefheart's eclectic musical vision and experimental spirit, taking raw blues as its starting point but then twisting into it hithertoo unrecognisable shapes and psychedelic distortions. Reissued for Record Store Day 2024 as a deluxe double LP set in a gatefold jacket with milky clear vinyl, this edition revitalises the album's enigmatic charm for contemporary audiences and reminds us all of its magnificent blend of blues, rock and avant-garde elements.