If you haven’t heard the howl of psych-rock pioneer Roky Erickson while he was a part of the groundbreaking psych group 13th Floor Elevators, then you simply haven’t lived. Kidding…but really, Erickson’s influence on music over the past several decades shouldn’t be overlooked. As an original member of the Elevators, which formed in 1965, and a prolific solo musician, Erickson’s influence has trickled down in the constantly evolving rock ‘n’ roll canon, from garage rock to psychedelia to punk.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly two years since Erickson passed away, but the folks at Light in the Attic Records are doing their part to keep his legacy alive. Announced as an exclusive Record Store Day release with full support of the Erickson estate, May the Circle Remain Unbroken: A Tribute to Roky Erickson will feature covers by Chelsea Wolfe, Jeff Tweedy, Lucinda Williams, Ty Segall, Gary Clark Jr. & Eve Monsees, Margo Price, Brogan Bentley, Neko Case, The Black Angels, Billy F. Gibbons, Lynn Castle & Mark Lanegan, and Mosshart Sexton. The tribute album was produced by longtime Erickson producer Bill Bentley with associate producers Light in the Attic co-founder Matt Sullivan and Wyatt Bentley.
The vinyl package will also include a 16-page booklet of rare photos and a bonus flexi disc with an unreleased track titled “Love Hieroglyphics,” performed by Erickson circa the early ’70s. The exclusive purple vinyl will be available at stores for Record Store Day on July 17. Find your local record store here.
