← Back

Bat Chain Puller

by Captain Beefheart

Released: February 22, 2012

Blues rock, avant-rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Experimental Album.

The Album

"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. 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. "Bat Chain Puller" is an album by American rock musician, Don Van Vliet, best known by his stage name Captain Beefheart.

Inside the Recording

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.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Much like his other works, it blends elements…

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.

Despite its unconventional style, the album has enjoyed…

Despite its unconventional style, the album has enjoyed a dedicated following and it holds a significant place in Captain Beefheart's discography.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Captain Beefheart - Bat Chain Puller

Open in Albums Gallery

Then

Reception

Critics have lauded the album for its innovative sound and Van Vliet's poetic and surreal lyrics.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"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.