The Falling Wallendas-Belittle (1997)

CD Design: Jimmy Olson; Photography: Mary Osmundsen

This interesting alt-rock disc came across my desk awhile back (and by "came across my desk" I mean "I ordered it on Amazon and it eventually showed up"). It's a nice companion to VPN's "Small Wire" (a few posts back)- a good album for those looking for clarity and punchiness with just a touch of experimentalism in the melody department, and some esoteric lyricism. "Captain Beefheart" is one of a few stunners here- showcasing the tightness of the band's attack (precision bass riffing and driving percussion dissolving into a sunshiney chorus hook). Don't expect many echoes of the actual Beefheart though- this isn't as avant-garde or abrasive (and I like it all the better for that). Still, be prepared for the unexpected; for sharp melodic detours like the chilled-out block party verses of "Porn" dissolving into blasts of amp-testing evil.    

https://www.allmusic.com/album/belittle-mw0000907856
Available on iTunes