The Spotlight Kid

The Spotlight Kid
Studio album by
ReleasedJanuary 1972
RecordedAutumn 1971
Genre
Length35:54
LabelReprise
ProducerCaptain Beefheart, Phil Schier
Captain Beefheart chronology
Mirror Man
(1971)
The Spotlight Kid
(1972)
Clear Spot
(1972)

The Spotlight Kid is the sixth studio album by Captain Beefheart. Released in 1972, it is the only album credited solely to Captain Beefheart (Don Van Vliet) rather than Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band, although every member is featured, and its material is considered part of the band's repertoire. Often cited as one of the most accessible of Beefheart's albums, it is solidly founded in the blues but also uses instruments such as marimba and jingle bells that are not typical of that genre. The incarnation of the Magic Band on this album was Bill Harkleroad and Elliot Ingber, guitars; Mark Boston, bass; John French, drums; and Art Tripp, marimba. Session drummer Rhys Clark substituted for French on one track, "Glider".

  1. ^ Horowitz, Hal (10 November 2014). "Captain Beefheart: Sun Zoom Spark". American Songwriter. Retrieved 14 January 2023.
  2. ^ Marchese, Joe (24 December 2014). "Holiday Gift Guide Review:Captain Beefheart, "SUN ZOOM SPARK 1970 to 1972"". Second Disc. Retrieved 14 January 2023.