2012 looks like being a stunning year for album releases, we have already brought you news of a new Wire live album, the entire PIL back catalogue is to be re-released in a remastered format ”â now we can confirm that Captain Beefheart’s legendary and widely bootlegged album ‘Bat Chain Puller’ is to be officially released for the first time. The original recorded master tape was never mixed, yet alone released, however alternative versions of a few of the tracks appeared on Beefheart’s ”ËShiny Beast (Bat Chain Puller’, and as further bootlegs.
Beefheart’s biographer Mike Barnes says “The tape is owned by the Zappa estate and although Don didn’t want it released they’ve been true to the work. Not only that, its availability was announced on the anniversary of Don’s death and will be released on his birthday.”
The album has been mixed by Magic Band members Denny Walley and John French, who also contributed extensive liner notes. The album will contain all 12 original album tracks plus three bonus tracks and is expected to arrive around the 15 January.
For further information and details on how to order the album head to Zappa.com