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Captain Beefheart's "Bat Chain Puller" will be released in January, 36 years after its intended release date, according to the Wire.
The idiosyncratic act's lost album was reportedly shelved after a disagreement between producer Frank Zappa and DiscReet Records business partner Herb Cohen. Alternate versions of tracks from the release surfaced on Captain Beefheart's 1978 album "Shiny Beast (Bat Chain Puller)," though the new release will mark the much-bootlegged's set's first official availability.
Beefheart himself, Don Van Vliet, died on Dec. 17, 2010. "Bat Chain Puller" will be released on the week of his birthday, Jan. 15.
"The tape is owned by the Zappa estate and although Don didn't want it released they've been true to the work," Beefheart biographer Mike Barnes told the Wire. "Not only that, its availability was announced on the anniversary of Don's death and will be released on his birthday."
Magic Band members Denny Walley and John French mixed the release, which will include the original 12-track set and three bonus tracks.
The upcoming release is available for pre-order through Zappa.com's web store.
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