Kevin's Klassik Rock Konfessions III: Roky Erickson
Click to viewToday I've going on a big Roky Erickson listening kick. I first heard his song "Burn the Flames" which was used on the Return of the Living Dead movie, played over sequence where a zombie who'd rather throw himself into a crematorium than go on er, existing. I liked it enough that I tried checking out more of Roky Erickson and found out the whole sad story of his life.: Going from singer of one of America's first psychedelic bands the 13th Floor Elevators to Syd Barret style mental collapse, his interment in a mental hospital where he was subjected to regular electroshock treatments, to be released in the late 70s where he formed The Aliens and did tons of dark, blues-flavoured proto-punk about vampires, zombies, demons and creatures with atom brains. Although pretty much a heroin-addicted mess at that point and living in poverty you can still sense his innate songwriting ability in the songs, particularly in this amazing acoustic version of "Night of the Vampire" that you should definitely listen to.
People who only see him in the above and think "Daniel Johnston"... Well while both are mentally ill Texas singer/songwriters who have had documentaries made about them..I know Daniel Johnston has the more widespread love among hipsters, but I like Roky's music a lot better (and not just for the aforementioned references to vampires, zombies, demons, and creatures with atom brains). Also, unlike Johnston, Erickson has been able to get his act together and is going on well-received tours, so his life isn't quite as depressing (though plenty depressing at times it is)
I'm going to end with another Youtube clip of Erickson back during his 13th Floor Elevator days with their big hit "You're going to miss me" which to me where Erickson sounds like Janis Joplin fronting The Kinks. I was always happy to hear it played at local Mod Nites.