Would it get released today?

I would suggest yes it would be released.

If you consider the way that new artists or indeed established artists  release materiel via the internet without the restrictions from record companies to release the hit formula single or album, then yes it would.

New or unusual muisc has never been so easily heard or found , When once you relied on late night John Peel shows and word of mouth for the interesting and obscure music , it is now is now freely avaialble to a much wider audience . 

Probable indie label release limited to 500 on vinyl is the only way that album would see the light of day in the current music industry.

I don't think any major label would take a risk on any thing like Trout Mask now.

Steve 

Interesting question Graham.

I used to work in the record industry in the '80's and 90's - the 'golden age' when music lovers were replacing vinyl with silver and any half-decent label was making serious money.  One of the reasons for this was that since the advent of recorded music the handful of major record labels had complete control over access to the distribution channels from radio through to physical distribution.  By and large if the major labels didn't make it, it didn't get made.  

By the time Beefhart's TMR was released the labels had embraced 'progressive' or 'underground' music as the 'next big thing' and Beefhart's association with Zappa made him a safe(ish) bet.

Fast forward to the 21st century: anybody heard of record labels? They no longer control access to distribution and their business model is all but shot.  There is now pretty free access to the main channel of music distribution - the internet.  Nothing to stop anybody vaguely tech savvy releasing a recording (made in a bedroom with ProTools or whatever is currently used) and uploaded to YouTube or other similar social media sites.  This at least gets you on to the ladder and, if your record is any good, you might even break through in to traditional channels like network radio and TV.

excuse dodgy spelling - Beefheart not Beefhart!

I am sure it would be released but why anyone bought, or would buy, it is still a mystery to me.

No i don't think so as the Captain is no longer with us. It was of its time an it remains a milestone in popular culture. Nice and bulbous. TMR should be taught at schools as one of the great works of modern times. 

The Internet could be an outlet, but the focus today is to have agents and record producers who know the market so we often only get things they think will sell. 

Still Scott Walker manages to have his records released and he is not X-factor. So there is hope. 

Perhaps when all said and done: the present day composer refuse to die. 

I think people like me bought it because it is a fantastic album of sing along songs with some stunning vocals and it's got a great cover ... But most of all Derry, it's the blimp, Derry, it's the blimp. 

Is there any music you like? Music is great, try to like something ... Life is not all bad. 

All the best, Guy

What's the controversy about this great album of it's time. It would rank in my top 500 LPs as it is different to what went before. It was a time of experimentation, that's what progressive music was/is about; pushing boundaries.

Having said that some people may say I have no music taste. But, frankly, I don't give a damn.

One of the reasons for this was that since the advent of recorded music the handful of major record labels had complete control over access to the distribution channels from radio through to physical distribution.  By and large if the major labels didn't make it, it didn't get made.  

I would say this was true of the seventies, but less so in the 80's and 90's.  The 80's especially saw the rise of Indie labels, the beginnings of the situation we see today.  Recommended Records, Rough Trade, Incus, Piano, Cherry Red, Ogun, L'Orchestra (Italy) Atem (France) Silence (Sweden) and many many more labels from that period representing musicians and great music the 'majors' weren't interested in.

Warner wouldn't handle anything like TMR today.  It's a different world now.  There is some brilliant music around if one is prepared to scratch just beneath the surface.  And access to it has never been easier.

Blimey, even the snooker player Steve Davis has an excellent, if slightly chaotic, alternative rock show available as DL podcasts.  Some great and unusual stuff being played there.  

It probably would get released, but certainly not on a major like Warner/Reprise. It think it would get played on something like BBC 6 Music or Resonance FM, but the absence of a Peel-like figure on a major national station might mean that fewer people would get to hear it. But then again the internet might make its dissemination easier.

The good thing is that the Cap might be able to sell it direct and make a better margin.

I am sure there are many people who enjoy the unique music that is "Trout..." not me.

There is much music I like. I am not a flavour of the month type of guy - today or in times past. I don't buy "must haves" unless I actually enjoy them. YMMV as they prefer here.