180g Vinyl LP Reissue Remastered Using Pure Analogue Components Only, from the Master Tapes Through To the Cutting Head
When David Lindley commenced his solo career with El Rayo-X in 1981, he had already established himself as a studio musician in numerous venues. His competent playing, which he had long cultivated in performance with Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt and Crosby & Nash, is concentrated here on this album like an x-ray beam. And what is more: the multi-instrumentalist worked on his early, forgotten attempts on the banjo and fiddle and took himself right up to the strings of the steel guitar. These are just a few examples of the many styles which are gathered together on this album. After the off-beat reggae rhythm of “She Took Off My Romeos” follows one of the greatest guitar hits of the ’80s–”Bye, Bye Love.” Then comes “Mercury Blues” with its magnificently sharp and swift-paced guitar playing. Not only the rhythmic mix but also the instrumentation follows a cleverly devised plan and is tailor-made for each number. “Quarter Of A Man,” a subtle colorful dance on the bass line, is just as impressive as the pointed jabs of the well-established organ in “Ain’t No Way.” All in all, this is a lavishly produced rock album of its time and well worth listening to today.
Recorded in 1981 at Record One in Los Angeles, CA by Greg Ladanyi who also co-produced El Rayo-Z with Jackson Browne. This Speakers Corner 180g vinyl LP reissue was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head.
Musicians:David Lindley, vocals, guitarJackson Browne, vocalsJorge Calderon, vocalsGarth Hudson, hornsCurt Bouterse, dulcimerBob Glaub, bassReggie McBride, bassWilliam ‘Smitty’ Smith, organBilly Payne, organIan Wallace, drumsRas Baboo, percussion, vocals
