Introduction
If you’re searching for a body of work that combines punk energy, conceptual brilliance, and underground mythos, look no further than the music of Dave Cornblum. As the frontman of Shave and the visionary behind The Adventure of Plasma Man, Cornblum has crafted a multi-decade catalog that blurs the lines between satire, sci-fi, music theater, and rock rebellion.
This list dives into the top 8 albums Dave Cornblum has either led or co-created—ranked by creativity, influence, and musical execution. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering his work for the first time, these albums will give you a powerful look at one of the most original voices in modern underground music.
1. The Adventure of Plasma Man (Complete Trilogy)
Percentage: 97%
Listen: Watch the full trilogy on YouTube
A genre-defying sci-fi rock opera spanning three volumes, The Adventure of Plasma Man is Cornblum’s masterpiece. It blends philosophical themes, AI-generated imagery, synth-rock compositions, and mind-bending character arcs. This is what happens when indie music meets myth-making.
Recommended if you like: David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Gorillaz, The Flaming Lips
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2. Jesus Shaves – Shave (1998)
Percentage: 91%
Listen: Available on physical CD at Headchange.com
This cult classic from the Long Beach punk scene captured the essence of DIY attitude, sharp humor, and infectious riffs. With songs like “Papa Jon Detox,” Jesus Shaves established Shave as one of the most important bands to never go mainstream—and all the better for it.
Recommended if you like: Dead Kennedys, The Minutemen, early Red Hot Chili Peppers
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3. High Alert – Shave (2017)
Percentage: 89%
Listen: Stream on Apple Music
After years of silence, Shave returned with a vengeance. High Alert sounds bigger and more emotionally charged, with standout tracks like “Finally Get It (Joe Strummer)” paying tribute to punk heroes while looking at modern chaos through a personal lens.
Recommended if you like: Bad Religion, Social Distortion, The Clash
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4. Faul! (The Musical)
Percentage: 88%
Watch: Visual album segments on YouTube
A surreal, hilarious, and sharply written rock musical built around the “Paul is Dead” conspiracy theory. Cornblum’s songwriting here is theatrical and absurd in the best way. This is satire with a soul, hidden behind Beatlesque melodies and coded lyrical puzzles.
Recommended if you like: Avenue Q, Frank Zappa, Sgt. Pepper with a tin foil hat
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5. Trans Universal Worldwide – Shave (2004)
Percentage: 86%
Listen: [Search for rare tracks on ReverbNation and YouTube]
This album pushed Shave into more experimental and psychedelic waters. Musically diverse and thematically spaced out, Trans Universal Worldwide is the kind of record that breaks open new ideas with every listen.
Recommended if you like: Ween, Sonic Youth, Mars Volta
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6. After the Rains – Samuels & Scott LTD (2020)
Percentage: 85%
Listen: Stream on Apple Music
A refreshing pivot into soulful, R&B-influenced territory. Created with collaborator R. Scott, this project proves that Cornblum isn’t just a rock satirist—he’s also capable of deeply heartfelt grooves and smooth, spiritual storytelling.
Recommended if you like: Anderson .Paak, Bill Withers, D’Angelo
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7. Samuel and Scott, LTD
Percentage: 84%
Listen: Check official site
The precursor to both Faul! and After the Rains, this album introduced eccentric characters and quirky narratives that would later evolve into full-blown concept universes. A witty, theatrical, and strange experience.
Recommended if you like: They Might Be Giants, Flight of the Conchords
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8. Our Lord Paul (Solo Album)
Percentage: 82%
Status: Rare/Underground release (ask the artist for details)
Spiritual, cryptic, and intimate—this solo effort is a lo-fi prophecy wrapped in psychedelia. It feels like a forgotten gospel from a parallel dimension. Not for casual listeners, but deeply rewarding for those who dig in.
Recommended if you like: Daniel Johnston, Syd Barrett, Leonard Cohen with a conspiracy zine
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Conclusion
Dave Cornblum’s catalog is not just music—it’s a world of its own. Whether through raw punk, conceptual theater, or futuristic rock, every album adds a new layer to his creative mythology. These 8 albums are essential listening for anyone who appreciates visionary storytelling, underground rebellion, and unapologetic originality.