tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051699303521994281.post7205985763207161455..comments2023-08-29T02:37:55.928-07:00Comments on Mystic Thoughts Music: Roky Erickson and Okkervil River - True Love Cast Out All Evil (2010)Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15835471076559441324noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051699303521994281.post-80944626211787959432011-01-05T17:14:25.081-08:002011-01-05T17:14:25.081-08:00Hey! Thanks for the insight on this one, I don'...Hey! Thanks for the insight on this one, I don't know all the background on Roky or these recordings, I just listened to the album, so I appreciate an expert chiming in.<br /><br />I admit, I probably could have been more informed when writing the review, and that would have helped me to see more about the album such as the lyrical depth, but I doubt that would change my opinion on it as a whole as even you admit that the album itself is sub-par.<br /><br />I also admit that I haven't heard much of Roky's solo work after the 13th Floor Elevators, so I would be pretty interested in hearing his real sound. Any album recommendations?Coreyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15835471076559441324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051699303521994281.post-40456234429073994212011-01-05T15:35:51.803-08:002011-01-05T15:35:51.803-08:00Hi, I have a few points to make regarding your blo...Hi, I have a few points to make regarding your blog entry on this album:<br /><br />1) It's impossible for Roky recordings from the 70's to owe anything to Daniel Johnston - and that's not a knock on Daniel, but Daniel's first albums came out in the 80's. They became friends later, but still.<br /><br />2) Sheff loves the songs, that's why he chose them - he even chose to re-record some that were already released, which proves he really likes the songs. He sees the genius and beauty in the lyrics of the title track and others, and knows Roky is a great singer, songwriter and guitarist. But these arrangements weren't the best for these songs, and the album could've used some hard rockers.<br /><br />3) Because of point 2, I have to say that it's not really Roky's true sound on this album, at all. So while I agree it's not an Okkervil album, it's actually not even a Roky Erickson album, make no mistake. Don't be fooled by the fact that it's Roky's songs and he's singing them. Roky's real sound was happening as he played live with the Explosives in 2007 when his musical and vocal powers (and his health and well being!) were all at the best they'd been in a very very long time. For true die hard rock 'n' rollers, it truly was a sight and sound to behold! I wish it had been recorded and released on a DVD (though it's certainly not the same as being there!) because sadly, that era seems over, unless someone helps Roky out again like his brother did...until then, it's a sad loss for rock 'n' roll, as well as a terrible loss on a human level, because Roky seems to be such a sweet guy who deserves to be well.<br /><br />4) You said the songs don't have anything to say, but although it was nice of you not to re-hash his life story (which is always told with errors by poor journalists anyway) and just focus on the music, I think if one thinks about his life, you'll find that "Please Judge" and others are much, much deeper than the songs that most people write, because they have no idea what it's like to have been through what Roky has, and never will. <br /><br />In short, I agree with you that the album's not so hot, but I can't say enough about how amazing Roky is when he's at his very best, and how I wish for him to be well again. <br /><br />And I also have to give credit to Sheff for his respect and love for Roky, even if I don't like the arrangements on this album and the live performances Roky has done with Okkervil. Sheff is always respectful and seems to care about Roky, and I appreciate that.<br /><br />Thanks for reading.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com