Though still not necessarily fashionable, psychedelic rock has been making a comeback thanks to tourmates The Black Angels and Black Mountain, as well as barefoot Aussies Tame Impala. But while all these bands have clear favorites amongst their influences, the 13th Floor Elevators would have to begin any psych conversation, and particularly their singer/songwriter Roky Erickson. After the recording and live shows Erickson performed with Okkervil River this year, you might forget that the man spent a large amount of time over the last forty years institutionalized for mental illness and that previously, appearances were few and far between.
In 2008, The Black Angels, fellow Austinites with Okkervil and Roky, had the honor of helping Erickson on his road back to the music world by providing the full band he needed to recreate the 13th Floor Elevators songs. Some he hadn’t played in decades. Originally planned as a one-off in Dallas, the performances success resulted in a small west coast tour, including a Halloween show at the El Rey Theater in West Los Angeles. Today, fittingly on Black Friday, The Black Angels and Roky Erickson’s performance will be released on film as a Record Store Day selection and available at your local independent record shop.
Titled Night Of The Vampire, the DVD features both the performance and backstage footage and discussions, tied together with both artist’s songs. Director Grant James filmed the project, which will continue to be sold at those indie shops past today. And for you today, we have the opening segment of the film, set to “Bo Diddley Is A Headhunter.” Enjoy and go buy yourself a record today! Err…or a DVD!
Check out some screen caps from the video below and if they pique your interest check out the full ten minute video by clicking here. (It seriously rocks).
