I asked Roky why he played this at solar fest 84 early afternoon, just a few fans, mostly families around, and he said; 'you know, cuz it's a folk song' lol
+chris westley hey i just learned of this man's story and how good people helped him get a whole new groove on - true love i feel i was a part of this ~2005
+Matt B For me the most mind-blowing song Roky ever made will always be "Slip Inside This House" with 13th Floor Elevators. Those lyrics are just transcendant. But everything he does is amazing.
Perfect Texas acid rock cover of Lou's classic. No one else would have thought to try, let alone kick ass. Roky is loved by other musicians for good reason(s).
I just love Roky. And I am from NYC. The pain in this song is palpable. This guy had a hard life. So did Lou Reed. Texas made some great music back then. Let's stop hating each other. Some of my best friends are Texans. Lou did one of his first out of state concerts at Austin. They made the great "69 Live" double album in Texas.
For some reason, Roky's horror story songs popped into my head tonight. I looked them up and now I've been playing his amazing classic perfect songs for hours. For the first time in ten years. How? Did? I? forget this dude ???
Rocky, and the 13 floor elevators were ground zero for all to follow into the 1960s scene, Janis Joplin was gonna jump into the band, listen to their early sound, incredible
What a version! This is so amped out and relentless. All shouty and in your face. Not at all like the dark, languorous Velvet's original. But it really works.
Ten years that I'm into Roky, and I have to say, this is just the first fuckin time that I hear this awesome VU's tribute made by him.. Well. This is. Wow. Thank you.
To the people asking where this version is from: it's from the original Gremlins Have Pictures CD/LP. The 2005 CD has a shorter different recording of inferior sound quality... Why they didn't use this one on the re-release is beyond me! Also, the original CD/LP has an alternate take of "The Interpreter" with a cool longer ending. Someone asked who's playing lead: that would be Cam King of the Explosives (Roky's backing band here).
The thirteenth floor elevators were an incredible band,in the 60 s they took Texas by storm,after all these years I still love their music and I have of their albums ROKY E YOUR STILL THE GREATEST LIVE ON BROTHER
Damn what an awesome cover, this man was a genius. A shame they fucked him up by experimenting shock therapy on him.. The documentary "You're gonna miss me" tells his story.
When I first put a spike loaded with heroin in my arm pit at 15 I didn't take it out til I was in my thirties.Used toilet water in a dirty, no toilet paper gas station,shot it when I knew the cut was with Ajax. Escaped from a psych ward. Nobody was going to stop me.My voice was never loud just wanted to drift off and get high and stay high. My old lady and my song was "Monkey Man" She's gone to heaven and I am still here today. Clean and sober 27 years. . Thank You God wherever you are.
i got this burned on a disc for me from an mp3. I'M SO FUKN HAPPY! Whoever decided this version shouldn't be included on the re-release of this album must have a problem with Roky Erickson's greatness because not including this version on the CD IS A SERIOUS disservice to Mr. Erickson.This cover is a SCREAMING testament to what MONSTER OF ROCK Roky is.
I've been looking for a legitimately released version of this as well. Though I like the version on Gremlins Have Pictures, I like this version better.
did it for many years,then moved to a far away city in texas where I didn't know anyone to quit. been clean for 35 years now and know where to find it now but don't go get it. If it was laid in front of me I don't know what I would do,probably do it. The first time I did it I knew that this was what I had been searching for.
Thanks for your comment TV. The most seductive drug that I have ever taken. Went from Mickey Mouse to Superman with heroin. High but delusional. Nothing mattered anymore. Just that next shot. A complete abandonment of what I was really about and those who loved me. Just celebrated another recovery anniversary. Thank you God and who ever you sent me.
" I like Lou Reed. I'm the only one who can hold him in my hand , y'know" - KSAN April Fools Day '79. The only other , released , version by Roky that I know was the extremely lo - fi version with Evil Hook Wildlife E.T. This is with The Explosives. Roky just hit 'em with "Boys , we're gonna do "Heroin" tonight !" "WHAAA??!!" "I THINK IT'S IN "E".". They'd never played it , prior to that.
Erik Hol Roky Erickson is a BEAST on this cover! you can get this version on mp3. i'm having a friend burn it to disc for me cuz i don't have an mp3 player. the fury in this track is unbelievable
