Trout Mask Replica

Artists

Album Info

Release Date: 1970

Label: Straight

This copy features the original set of catalog numbers: "STS 1053" on the jacket (front and spine) and "2 STS 1053" on all four labels. However, "2 STS 1053" is crossed out in all four runouts, with the new catalog number "2MS 2027" added to each. This appears to be a transitional copy from when the catalog number was changed, but labels with the original catalog number were still being used up.

The runouts are etched, except the following are stamped:
- "0" in each runout (indicating metalwork by Customatrix)
- the "A" in "A2" on Side 1
- the "A" in "A1" on Side 2
- the "A" in "AP6" on Side 3

The "D" in "AD4" is rotated 90 degrees to the left.

The "2" at the start of each runout string truly appears to be a "2" and not a "backwards S" that would indicate this copy was pressed at Columbia's Santa Maria plant.

Gatefold jacket. The text on the spine is black, not white.

The album is auto-coupled, with Sides 1 and 4 on Disc 1, and Sides 2 and 3 on Disc 2.

Each disc comes in a black and white Straight inner sleeve.

The copy used for this submission did not have the insert. However, it is possible this copy originally came with the insert, but the insert was lost.

Errata on labels vs sleeve:
"Moonlight On Vermont" is printed wrongly as "Moonlight In Vermont" on label.
"The Blimp" is printed "The Blimb" (wrongly) & has "(Mousetrapreplica)" suffix on label.

Track A4: "Flesh Horn" is a Vliet affectation for the 'cupped hand'-to-the-mouth (hence flesh), used to create a 'vocalized horn' effect.
Tracks A6 & D8 recorded at Sunset Sound Recorders
Remaining tracks later recorded at Whitney Recording Studios (and within 'The Magic Band House')

Drummer, John 'Drumbo' French, was not credited on this album. (It is now accepted that his transcription of Beefheart's concepts/score for other band members was fundamental in its production. See notes in 'Grow Fins' box set).

The jacket credits Captain Beefheart with writing all songs, while the labels credit Don Van Vliet (his real name).