CLEAR SPOT

Clear Spot takes the approach of the Spotlight Kid (incorporating the fruit of the Trout Mask/Decals experiments into somewhat more conventional song forms as might have been found on Safe As Milk), and gives a slightly more commercial twist. Although the Captain's pursuit of commercial success would eventually run aground on the critically reviled Unconditionally Guaranteed and Bluejeans and Moonbeams, here the compromise between avant-blues and more straight-ahead songs is finely judged, and results in a fascinating blend which proves to be an interesting experiment in itself.

Songs like Big Eyed Beans From Venus retain the surreal approach of previous albums, whilst even the most commercial song on the album - Too Much TIme - juxtapose a conventional song structure and backing singers with the Captain's characteristic Howling Wolf roar and occasional instrumental flourish from the Magic Band in a combination which actually enhances the song rather than compromising it. Had the Magic Band kept to the compromise arrived at with this album, they might not have experienced the drastic mid-70s slump they did. Four stars.