Obey the Rake! Chadbourne

"On his compulsive own, Eugene Chadbourne (previously the guitarist and leader of Shockabilly) has spewed forth a ceaseless stream of records and cassettes that easily represent the oddest version of country and folk music ever. While the notable left-winger's guitar playing is looser than clams, it harbors wildly unique energy. He also plays the electric rake. The North Carolinian is the master of several different voices, some of them deceptively sincere." - - AMG

Can anyone describe Eugene Chadbourne? Vermin isn't "country" or "folk" but Chadbourne's own unique version of R&B, a DIY rockabilly, Beefheart-style with a funny Zappa twist. One of the things Chadbourne is noted for is developing his own instruments, including the electric (lawn) rake, blender (mixtr), and others. 

The EP, 198666, contains more of what Eugene Chadbourne is known for; zany folk, country, jazzy mixtures that sometimes start out sounding more like a 5 year old, then suddenly flows together into something amazing, which is why his music is difficult to categorize or describe. His lyrics are clever, taking pointed stabs at ordinary life. BTW - this album was produced by ... Ralph Records (another eyeball?).

There is no single video clip that can accurately capture the variety of sounds Chadbourne creates, anymore than any one single album can. If your looking for more, I noticed the album, Camper Van Chadbourne, was posted at Old And New blogspot.

Eugene Chadbourne: Vermin to the Blues (1987)

01  We Tried To Make A Record But We Couldn't Get It Together
02  Rakeman
03 Bo Didley Is A Communist
04  Fried Chicken For Richard Speck
05  Breakin The Law Every Day
06  I Hate The Man Who Runs This Bar
07  Johnny Cash In The Phillipines
08  Rebel Rouser (Version 5678)
09  Keep A Knockin'
10  Vermin Of The Blues
11  My Mother's Eyes
12  Psychotic Reaction
13  666okkklokkk Jump
14  Rockabilly Medley (A) Glad My Babies Gone Away (B) Tongue Tied Jill (C) Rebel Rouser (Version 6890) (D) God Made Country Music For Good People Like Y'all

Eugene Chadbourne: 198666 (1986)

01  Amerikkka Stands Tall (Libya Version)
02  Jesus Protects Mexico
03  The Devil on the Radio
04  You Can't Rollerskate in a Buffalo Herd
05  Skip a Rope