Roky Erickson’s The Evil One, the horror-rock masterpiece from our Austin hometown legend, restored to its original 1981 glory.
Roky Erickson’s definitive version of ‘The Evil One’ will be released by Fire, as a 15-track deluxe edition, restoring the original front cover from San Francisco’s 415 Records release for the first time since 1981.
The legend of 13th Floor Elevators leader Roky Erickson is one of the most compelling in rock and the brilliant “The Evil One” is perhaps his most influential album. Not widely heard at the time of release, this brilliant album grew to be an eccentric cult classic (aka the mother lode) in the following decades.
The recording sessions took place in 1978 and 1979 (with producer Stu Cook of Creedence Clearwater Revival fame) and 15 songs were completed. A UK version was released by CBS in 1980, followed by a US version in 1981 via 415 Records but each release had a different 10-song track listing. Luckily this new reissue of the album has all the 15 tracks including “Two-Headed Dog (Red Temple Prayer)”, “I Think of Demons”, “I Walked With a Zombie”, “Cold Night for Alligators” and “Night of the Vampire”.
Erickson’s place in the pantheon of outsider rock isn’t in question: he snarls about demons, zombies, vampires, ghosts, and more demons with all the passion and intensity of his music, good pitch and soul: he’s got it all but is his voice that shows the traits of the greatest rock singers.
Presented across two LPs cut at 45 rpm for maximum sonic depth and clarity, the release brings together the complete recordings from the legendary 1978 and 1979 sessions. The package includes a collector’s booklet with liner notes by acclaimed Austin music journalist Joe Nick Patoski, who attended a recording session for The Evil One in 1979. Alongside rare photographs and archival images from the collection of Roky’s then manager, Craig Luckin.
Austin music journalist Joe Nick Patoski, who attended one of the album’s 1979 sessions, contributes a new essay to the LP and CD packaging, exploring Erickson’s extraordinary career, enduring influence and place in Texas rock history.
More than a standalone reissue, this deluxe edition of “The Evil One” opens an exciting new series honouring Roky Erickson’s extraordinary body of work, with “Gremlins Have Pictures” and “Don’t Slander Me” to follow in 2027.
Deluxe gatefold. The complete ’78 and ’79 sessions across two 45 RPM LPs for maximum depth and clarity. Pressed on orange and blue “Atom Brain Splatter” vinyl with a 24-page booklet of rare photos and liner notes. Ultra Limited
Limited Edition ‘Evil’ Black & White Splatter 2XLP
‘The Evil One’ is out 30th October. Available in:
The Fat Angel Sings 