(Trout) Mask Replica

trout /traʊt/ 1. any of several fishes of the genus Salmo, related to the salmon. 2. any of various fishes of the salmon family of the genus Salvelinus. 3. any of several unrelated fishes, as a bass, Micropterus salmoides, a drum of the genus Cynoscion, or a greenling of the genus Hexagrammos.

mask /mæsk, mɑsk/ 1. a covering for all or part of the face, worn to conceal one's identity. 2. a grotesque or humorous false face worn at a carnival, masquerade.

replica /ˈrɛplɪkə/ 1. a copy or reproduction of a work of art produced by the maker of the original or under his or her supervision. 2. any close or exact copy or reproduction.

Trout Mask Replica is the third album by Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band, released in June 1969. It was produced by Beefheart's friend and former schoolmate Frank Zappa. It combines elements of blues, avant-garde, free jazz, garage rock and other known or unknown genres. It is regarded as an important work of experimental music as well as a major influence on genres such as alternative rock and post-punk.

Mask Replika is the name of this blog. Trout Mask Replica was already taken. There is a "k" instead of "c" for the same reason. However, at least theoretically, replika is replica's replica so in the end it all makes sense.

The Blimp (Mousetrapreplica) is the 25th track of the record. Legend says that it's not technically a Captain Beefheart performance, but a combination of a random Mothers of Invention¹ rehearsal overlaid with a phone call to Frank Zappa from Magic Band's guitarist Antennae Jimmy Simmons, reading Captain Beefheart's brand-new lyrics as the composer tootles on clarinet in the background. Although unlikely, I like the scenario. Consequently, it's true.

Howlingly,

"Tits! Tits! The blimp! THE BLIMP!!!"

¹The Mothers of Invention was the original recording group of Frank Zappa.