The material recorded by ROKY ERICKSON and the ALIENS with ex CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL bassist Stu Cook in the producer spot still commands respect more than 30 years later. Initially spread out over two lps but now compiled into the 15 song EVIL ONE cd, the otherworldly spell of this music still holds demonic sway-- in its way, as important as his legendary previous work with Psychedelic/Garage titans the 13TH FLOOR ELEVATORS. The focus of the terror themed compositions married to the unique and powerful arrangements of the ALIENS resulted in a no-longer-debatable classic. With each passing year its 'cult' status appeal expands into a wider and wider audience of appreciative fanatics.
So why mess with a good thing? Well, truth is, most of THE EVIL ONE's tracks have made impressive, sometimes superior, appearances elsewhere in the dense catalogue of ERICKSON's erratic recording career. Sometimes different versions tried with the ALIENS, sometimes with other backing bands such as the EXPLOSIVES, sometimes live, sometimes solo attempts. With so much of this amazing material available online, it seemed natural to offer up an 'alternate' EVIL ONE. Many of these other options are likely to thrill both the novice ROKY dabbler as well as the longtime devotee-- there are some truly wild performances here, and not all of them are well known.
The set is programmed to match the running order of the EVIL ONE cd, so kick back, open up your mind, and click your fingers applauding as you press PLAY.
1. TWO HEADED DOG
Arguably the most perfect version of this classic was concocted for the slightly earlier Sponge EP, also recorded with the ALIENS.
TWO HEADED DOG
2. I THINK OF DEMONS
Rarely attempted live until ROKY's 'comeback,' here is an impressive take with the NOMADS backing him in 2008 in front of an awesomely receptive audience.
I THINK UP DEMONS
3. CREATURE WITH THE ATOM BRAIN
An unforgettable segment of the 1980 documentary MEETING WITH AN ALIEN featured ROKY performing this favorite in a windy graveyard. Begins with an amusing interview snippet and ends with the ol' devil horns.
CREATURE WITH THE ATOM BRAIN
4. THE WIND AND MORE
This energetic performance with the EXPLOSIVES features some maniacal adlibbing from ERICKSON. This is matched with some more horror themed live footage from MEETING WITH AN ALIEN.
THE WIND AND MORE
5. DON'T SHAKE ME LUCIFER
An enticing performance with the EXPLOSIVES features a tough, lean arrangement and is notably adorned by a rarely heard extra verse-- which surprisingly references his earlier band.
DON'T SHAKE ME LUCIFER
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6. BLOODY HAMMER
A great acoustic version from the uncommon LOVE TO SEE YOU BLEED cd, with an extra verse of lyrics!
BLOODY HAMMER
7. STAND FOR THE FIRE DEMON
This highlight from the EXPLOSIVES backed CASTING THE RUNES is a performance which inspired ROKY to impressive passages of demented power.
STAND FOR THE FIRE DEMON
8. CLICK YOUR FINGERS APPLAUDING THE PLAY
Though effective in its own right, the EVIL ONE attempt of this gem just can't match the relentlessly bashing throb of the earlier SPONGE ep take.
CLICK YOUR FINGERS APPLAUDING THE PLAY
9. IF YOU HAVE GHOSTS
Also rarely attempted live pre-'comeback,' here is a performance with the MYSTIC KNIGHTS OF THE SEA from the 'lost' years. Reaching from the precipice of the abyss, with determination intact.
IF YOU HAVE GHOSTS
10. I WALKED WITH A ZOMBIE
Another strong EXPLOSIVES live cut.
I WALKED WITH A ZOMBIE
11. NIGHT OF THE VAMPIRE
This startlingly devilish highlight from GREMLINS HAVE PICTURES captures what may be ERICKSON's finest moment with the EXPLOSIVES.
NIGHT OF THE VAMPIRE
12. IT'S A COLD NIGHT FOR ALLIGATORS
This thrilling alternate EVIL ONE take is powered by demonstrably more frenetic drumwork, and other impressive performance touches from the ALIENS.
IT'S A COLD NIGHT FOR ALLIGATORS
13. MINE MINE MIND
Another superior SPONGE ep meditation.
MINE MINE MIND
14. SPUTNIK
Leading off with a chorus instead of a verse, this dazzling EVIL ONE alternate take more than holds its own against the finally utilized version.
SPUTNIK: ALIEN I CREATOR
15. WHITE FACES
The EVILLER ONE proper closes with one of this exercise's most amazing finds: an undeniably superior EVIL ONE take with an incredibly open throttle, full on freakout vocal explosion from ROKY. MUST be heard to be believed.
WHITE FACES
We'll wrap things up here with a few extra tastes of other versions which just fell short of the cut. There were only a few of my first choices not available online-- the Sympathy for the Record Industry live RESURRECTIONISTS cd BEAUTY AND THE BEAST has a great DON'T SHAKE ME LUCIFER, and that release's TWO HEADED DOG surely would have been considered. Otherwise, the remaining ideal options were often all findable. So were these appealing also rans.
16. TWO HEADED DOG
Surely the toughest decision of this program was between the SPONGE ep take of TWO HEADED DOG and this DOUG SAHM produced original, which appeared on a 45 on the MARS label. Many prefer the nearly unhinged clamour of this version, but the devastating guitar work on the SPONGE ep tipped the scales in that direction.
TWO HEADED DOG
17. CREATURE WITH THE ATOM BRAIN
The two cd collection THE EVIL ONE (PLUS ONE) reveals this tantalizing outtake with the ALIENS. Incomplete, but with far more dialogue from the film quoted.
CREATURE WITH THE ATOM BRAIN
18.NIGHT OF THE VAMPIRE
Another brief EVIL ONE alternate from the same release.
NIGHT OF THE VAMPIRE
19. IT'S A COLD NIGHT FOR ALLIGATORS
Edging out the also excellent GREMLINS HAVE PICTURES version, here is a scorching and less common performance with the underheralded RESURRECTIONISTS. Check out an unprecedentedly confident ROKY doubling up the guitar leads!
IT'S A COLD NIGHT FOR ALLIGATORS
20. MINE MINE MIND
A dark, moody solo performance.
MINE MINE MIND
21. BLOODY HAMMER
This slightly varispeeded rough mix of the EVIL ONE version features not only more dominant guitars, but also continues well past the expected fadeout point to the absolute conclusion.
BLOODY HAMMER
22. THE WIND AND MORE
KILLER live take with Dallas' NERVEBREAKERS
THE WIND AND MORE
23. I THINK OF DEMONS
Raw EVIL ONE aternate mix!
I THINK OF DEMONS
24. STAND FOR THE FIRE DEMON
After a great BLOODY HAMMER intro, ROKY & THE ALIENS detour into a blistering STAND FOR THE FIRE DEMON! (Plus, a surprise non-EVIL ONE extra!)
STAND FOR THE FIRE DEMON
25. NIGHT OF THE VAMPIRE
And finally, an unforgettable rehearsal with full orchestra and choir, preparing for one of ROKY's last performances. A perfect monster has no end, indeed.
NIGHT OF THE VAMPIRE
Thanx to the YOUTUBE posters of these precious materials.
For more great ROKY artifacts, please visit this fanpage:
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DEVIL'S INFINITY CHILDREN: A ROKY ERICKSON FANPAGE
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Hail the party.
