Peon - Lick My Decals Off, Baby

[ChrisRenePlaylist]

beautiful

[rhythmking10]

Pretty amazing timing of Zoot Horn and Rockette, really nail all those phrases and rhythms.

I've got a great transcription of this, got to learn and post a keyboard version, should take 6 months !

[DocEleven]

A couple of months ago, I met a guy on an Amtrak bus to Arcata, Ca. that had come all the way from the U.K. to pay tribute to The Skipper. Don passed away at a hospital in McKinleyville. RIP, you trouble maker, you.

[ajgree6]

Just listened to this record tonight on vinyl. It's his best. The only others that are close is Safe as Milk and Strictly Persona. I love this record.

[mikegoodfss]

RIP

[DaDa2Phlux]

Sad ? Yes,because honesty & wonder went with him Soon enough the arrival of his "facsimile".... that is the reason for sadness.

[tys1818]

I have tears in my eyes taking in this wonderment on this sad day. RIP Don.

[unumsedleonum]

I like how this is fucking perfect.

[JuneJune1950]

Peon was one of Don's most tightly controlled compositions. In it he tried to combine the Spanish Flamenco with the Mexican rhythmic/percussive while looking for classical chord links that were really beyond his capabilities. I'm not sure he succeeded in this attempt, but Peon remains one of the most expressive incomplete, yet memorable pieces I have ever heard.

It's on my personal playlist and every time I hear it, I think "What if . . . "

[pariahpete]

Absolutely JuneJune. I couldn't agree with you more. What kills me is it could sound like a lilting Elizabethan melody with soft tenderness. The decision to make it hesitant and edgy with each note clearly distinct and forceful makes it incredible. There is tenderness, too. Only CB & the Magic Band could think that way and pull it off. It's no coincidence that it's called "Peon". Humble beauty. I think it's Don's masterpiece. I was lucky enough to see it played by Rockette and Zoot Horn in '71.

[Diomedes22]

@JuneJune1950 You couldn't possibly sound like a bigger fool criticizing Beefheart for not quite making it, when so many intelligent people think this is a masterpiece.

[trailofdead19]

the chillis attempt is dreadful which shows how complicated and skillful this comp is. i reckon if this was transposed to the organ it could be passed off as bach...

[thekwaze]

One of my absolute favourite Beefheart songs. Shame he was such a complete arse...

Check out the Red Hot Chillis version, which is delightful....

[jordan0076]

I just don't get this song, i thought i had a pretty open mind about music. maybe when i am older i will understand?

[meddlezombie04]

there is so much beauty in this song.

[adriandzi]

yes. incredible =P

best song ever ahahahaha

[dayelgrdm]

omg thats hot

[TheOverseer4003]

sometimes i can't even believe how beautiful this song is. it blows my mind.

[TRUNCH253]

That's what Don OFTEN had on his mind. That was his mindset.

[hejafish]

To me, Peon is a love song for nature and the earth. Don't know if that's what Don had in mind but that's how I feel about it! This will be played at my funeral..

[mojavej]

yass very intense piece of muse-zak

[ThingWitch]

Incredible. Thanks for putting this up.