Trout Mask Replica is such a phenomena. I don't think anybody in the world liked it on first listen, even people who adore it. The only thing I known to do that.
I hated it as first, as well. I tried maybe 4 times to get into it, and just couldn't(Could never get past Hair Pie). Found it so odd since I was already into eclectic weird music like Residents, Sun Ra, Zappa, etc. Then, randomly, as I was driving of my car, and had my USB which randomly had things thrown on it in random, and it got onto a track, I completely forget which, and I'm like "This is really awesome...", and trying to pinpoint what it is, I realized it was Beefheart.
Then, when I got home, I listened to Trout Mask Replica from beginning to end, and somehow was amazed. Ever since, I've been amazed listen to it. I don't consider it the greatest album of all time, but it certainly is something I've changed my perspective on.
I could understand how Safe as Milk would be a good precursor. I don't know, Safe as Milk I feel tends to not really break from the mold as much as later works. Personally, I think "Lick My Decals Off, Baby" though would be the ideal entry level Beefheart.
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