The folks at TEXAS PSYCHEDELIC ROCK have struck again with the youtube upload of ROKY ERICKSON performing live in New Orleans 1982 with the sadly underrecorded RESURRECTIONISTS. This lineup featured CARL GIESECKE of the NERVEBREAKERS on drums, BRIAN S. CURLEY of LESTER BANG'S DELINQUENTS on bass and JIMMY JONES on lead guitar-- although these recordings feature ROKY taking solos of notable quality with striking frequency. ROKY's vocals are a shade less ferocious than his performance on the previously available BEAUTY & THE BEAST (captured earlier in 1982 with the same lineup), but the recording has good balance and features several tracks not appearing on that release. Two extremely rare cuts, ANGEL and HASN'T ANYONE TOLD YOU are also included.
01 Bermuda 0:00
02 Hasn't Anyone Told You ? 03:32
03 Two Headed Dog 06:32
04 Cold Night For Alligators 11:02
05 Mine Mine Mind 15:43
06 White Faces 18:35
07 Don't Shake Me Lucifer 21:28
08 Angel 24:06
09 The Beast 29:16
10 I Walked With A Zombie 38:21
11 Heroin 44:38
12 I Think Of Demons 56:52
13 Bloody Hammer 1:01:50
14 Crazy Crazy Mama 1:10:42
15 Creature With The Atom Brain 1:14:43
16 Starry Eyes 1:19:39
17 Don't Slander Me 1:24:29
18 The Interpreter 1:28:19
19 Stand For The Fire Demon 1:31:16
20 Night Of The Vampire 1:37:38
21 Hasn't Anyone Told You ? 1:45:15
22 You're Gonna Miss Me 1:48:30
Here is a quick jump to the long out of print BEAUTY & THE BEAST on grooveshark. I had a hand in the production of the SYMPATHY FOR THE RECORD INDUSTRY release, and also wrote the liner note. The astonishing cover art (see top of page) was created by R.K. SLOANE.
Although a small amount of material with slightly inferior audio
quality was minimally utilized (the cd features performances culled from two nights), I was pleased to be part of
documenting such a strong performance of ROKY with one of his most
underrated backing bands.
Here is the complete original recording that CD is culled from:
The folks over at TEXAS PSYCHEDELIC ROCK have been uploading some rather amazing ROKY ERICKSON archival material to youtube lately. Two different posts have revealed a startling amount of alternate takes and mixes from the EVIL ONE sessions. For convenience this blog will gather these recordings, and also some links to other related items.
With a few major exceptions (WHITE FACES, COLD NIGHT FOR ALLIGATORS) most of these outtakes are not too radically different in their arrangement, but there are MANY great different vocal takes, longer fades, and performance details now audible with different instruments more prominent in the mix. There are also some cool instrumental backing track takes.
2 hours of expanded EVIL ONE. Thanks to the uploaders of this precious motherlode. You can follow TEXAS PSYCHEDELIC ROCK's ROKY- related activities on Facebook here: 13TH FLOOR ELEVATORS/ROKY ERICKSON.
01 It's a Cold Night for Alligators 0:00
02 Night of the Vampire (alternate mix) 03:14
03 Mine Mine Mind (alternate mix) 07:30
04 If You Have Ghosts (alternate mix) 11:04
05 Stand For The Fire Demon (alternate mix) 15:12
06 Two Headed Dog (Red Temple Prayer) (alternate mix) 21:08
07 I Think Of Demons (alternate take/mix ) 24:30
08 White Faces (alternate mix/doubled vocals) 27:19
09 I Walked with a Zombie (extended alternate mix/alternate backing vocals) 29:55
10 Creature with the Atom Brain (alternate take) 33:13
11 Don't Shake Me Lucifer (alternate take/mix) 37:30
12 The Wind and More (alternate mix) 40:20
13 Click Your Fingers Applauding the Play (alternate mix) 44:24
14 Cold Night For Alligators (alternate mix) 46:59
15 Alien I Creator (alternate take) 51:36
01 It's a Cold Night for Alligators (Take 1) 0:00
02 It's a Cold Night for Alligators (Take 2) 03:14
03 It's a Cold Night for Alligators (Take 3) 06:28
04 If You Have Ghosts (Take 1) 09:41
05 If You Have Ghosts (Take 2) 13:42
06 If You Have Ghosts (Take 3) 17:17
07 The Wind and More (Take 1) 21:21
08 The Wind and More (Take 2) 25:45
09 White Faces (Take 1) 30:07
10 White Faces (Take 2) 32:52
11 White Faces (Take 3) 35:35
12 Click Your Fingers Applauding the Play (Take1) 38:16
13 Click Your Fingers Applauding the Play (Take 2) 40:38
14 Click Your Fingers Applauding the Play (Take 3) 43:14
15 Don't Shake Me Lucifer (Take 1) 45:49
16 Don't Shake Me Lucifer (Take 2) 48:48
17 Stand for the Fire Demon (Instrumental) 51:41
18 The Damned Thing (Instrumental 1) 57:52
19 The Damned Thing (Instrumental 2) 1:03:14
20 Night of the Vampire (Instrumental 1) 1:06:31
21 Night of the Vampire (Instrumental 2) 1:10:54
Musicians:
Roky Erickson (vocals & guitar), Duane Aslaksen (guitar), Steven
Burgess (bass), Fuzzy Furioso (drums), Andre Lewis (keyboards), Bill
Miller (autoharp); Also: Brian Marnell, Scott Matthews, Link Davis Jr.
and Stu Cook
As part of ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO's UNITED SOUNDS OF AUSTIN concert on January 11, 2014 the HICKOIDS were invited to perform DEAD IN A MOTEL ROOM by Austin's beloved punk icons THE DICKS. Other artists appearing at this 'Journey Through 60 Years of Austin Music' included JOE ELY, LUCINDA WILLIAMS, ROKY ERICKSON, BUTCH HANCOCK, TERRY ALLEN & ROSIE FLORES.
All photos by TODD V WOLFSON. More of his great pix from this event can be found here:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
11. NIGHT OF THE VAMPIRE
This startlingly devilish highlight from GREMLINS HAVE PICTURES captures what may be ERICKSON's finest moment with the EXPLOSIVES.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!)
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.
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.
2. I THINK OF DEMONS
There actually aren't a lot of other versions of this sturdy scarifier, so we'll make do with a strong live take with THE EXPLOSIVES, recorded on Halloween and leaning more towards the 'UP' instead of the 'OF' of the title.
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.
5. DON'T SHAKE ME LUCIFER
Another tidbit from the Halloween show features a tough, lean arrangement and is notably adorned by a rarely heard extra verse-- which surprisingly references his earlier band.
6. 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.
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.
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.
9. IF YOU HAVE GHOSTS
An EVIL ONE rarity for certain: not only untopped, but virtually unattempted elsewhere in any recorded form by ERICKSON. Suppose the only way to achieve 'EVILLER' in this instance is to throw in imagery from the 1962 cult horror film CARNIVAL OF SOULS. (This vid begins with a brief snippet of WHITE FACES. Don't worry. That's coming.)
11. NIGHT OF THE VAMPIRE
This startlingly devilish highlight from GREMLINS HAVE PICTURES captures what may be ERICKSON's finest moment with the EXPLOSIVES.
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.
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.
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.
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 and COLD NIGHT FOR ALLIGATORS surely would have been considered. The LIVE IN DALLAS release with the NERVEBREAKERS features a particularly strong THE WIND AND MORE. Also, the odd import compilation LOVE TO SEE YOU BLEED has a potent acoustic demo of BLOODY HAMMER. Otherwise, the remaining ideal options were 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.
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.
19. IT'S A COLD NIGHT FOR ALLIGATORS
Another great EXPLOSIVES live track from GREMLINS HAVE PICTURES. Not as good as the RESURRECTIONISTS, but available.
