"El Rayo-X" - David Lindley (voc, g, b, v, lute); Jackson Browne, Jorge Calderón (voc); Garth Hudson (horns); Curt Bouterse (dulcimer); Bob Glaub, Reggie McBride (b); William 'Smitty' Smith, Billy Payne (org); Ian Wallace (dr); Ras Baboo (perc, voc, acc)
When David Lindley commenced on 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.
Here are just a few examples of the many styles which are gathered here 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 colourful 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 the listening today.
This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. More information under http://www.pure-analogue.com. All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.
Recording: 1981 at Record One, Los Angeles, by Greg Ladanyi
Production: Jackson Browne and Greg Ladanyi
