Customer Reviews

Gremlins Have Pictures

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4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

For my money, Gremlins Have Pictures is the best collection of Roky Erickson music you can buy. That holds true for this new CD edition, but some of the key rare tracks on the vinyl version are replaced with alternate, less-rare versions on this CD. The otherwise-unavailable (and superior) versions of Heroin and The Interpreter from the original LP have been replaced by versions that appeared on singles. Still, superb tracks like the ripping John Lawman, the quirky Song for Abe Lincoln, and the three gorgeous acoustic tracks (Anthem, I Am, and I Have Always Been Here Before) are intact. And the four bonus tracks are good (and as far as I know, previously unreleased versions).

Mr.Erickson could pen a great tune, that's for sure. Lyrics, music-the whole package nothing short of compelling. Once I heard "Cold Night for Alligators", I was hooked. It's no wonder that great bands such as The Hellacopters and Entombed cover songs from the Erickson canon. If you're looking for impassioned rock and roll, you really can't beat this. Check out the tune "Anthem"-an acoustic based number, the feeling and power Roky is channeling cannot be ignored. I envy those who saw these songs performed in the flesh, for many of these selections were derived from different live shows between the late 70's and early 80's. This would have received 5 stars, but in being live, the sound quality in some areas is lacking-but should by no means prevent it's purchase. The souls of true music lovers will feel nourished upon listening...

this remastered re-release is fantastic!a lot of the tunes on this disc are live,and the remastering does this music justice.
if you are already a fan,consider this essential - if you are one of the curious,this would be a worthy place to start!
by the way,the liner notes are entertaining & add to the package for sure!