There are many reasons to obsess over the work of Mike Patton, not the least of which is his love of insane songwriting, Italian cinema, and maximum chaos. But for every fan of Patton, there’s an army of people out there who just have no…idea…what kind of madness awaits.

This article on Patton’s early work in Mr. Bungle is just what a newcomer needs to learn the ropes. It will become instantly clear as you read this whether you should run-not walk-to the nearest record shop to find your new obsession OR run away screaming for the safety of a Josh Groban record.

Some will cry blasphemy, but round here the California record is a huge favorite–probably because that was the gateway drug to the rest of Bungle-land. But no matter. Mr. Bungle, Disco Volante, and California are all records worth checking out. And that’s one of the things that makes a seasoned, jaded collector truly jealous–you can ONLY experience Mr. Bungle for the first time ONCE. So if that’s you, TREASURE IT.

There should be a brain-wipe machine so you can repeat those first-time ever experiences again and again, truly.

Oh, and: