ROKY ERICKSON
Gremlins Have Pictures (Rykodisc)
Reviewed by Sherman Wick

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Gremlins Have Pictures is an interesting amalgam of the music of Roky Erickson. It's an odd combination of electric solo band tracks from the sessions for the record and live recordings as well as his beautiful acoustic singles.

The record contains Erickson's bluesiest, and perhaps most recognizable, songs. Two guitars, bass and drums rock out on "Cold Night for Alligators," "Bermuda," and on "Night of the Vampire." While these tracks are examples of Roky at his most rockin', the record also contains a few his most beautiful songs. "Anthem (I Promise)," "I am" and "I Have Always Been Here Before" are melodically and as beautifully sung as their lyrics are disturbing. The record is the best one record overview of Erickson's music; however, a better overview is the recently released by Shout! Factory two-CD set I Have Always Been Here Before. TrustRoky approved the record, an organization established for his welfare and to protect the consumer from shoddy bootlegs.

© 2005 - Sherman Wick