"Bat Chain Puller" is an album by American rock musician, Don Van Vliet, best known by his stage name Captain Beefheart. Released posthumously in 2012, the album was initially recorded in 1976 but due to financial and legal challenges, it wasn't officially available until years after Van Vliet's death in 2010.
The album's title track, "Bat Chain Puller," was inspired by the windshield wipers of Van Vliet's Volvo car, and much of the album features his signature avant-garde and experimental style. Much like his other works, it blends elements of rock, blues, and other genres, resulting in a unique sound that strays from traditional rhythmic and melodic structures.
"Bat Chain Puller" has 12 tracks with Van Vliet's distinctive vocals and slide guitar, backed by a changing lineup of musicians known as The Magic Band. Critics have lauded the album for its innovative sound and Van Vliet's poetic and surreal lyrics. Despite its unconventional style, the album has enjoyed a dedicated following and it holds a significant place in Captain Beefheart's discography.
