Light in the Attic Records has yet again knocked it out of the park in the rare hidden gems department. Of course they do some of the absolute best vinyl reissues by any label these days, but in this case it’s a first edition of a solo album by original Sam the Sham and the Pharaoh’s axeman, Ray Stinnett.
I got the opportunity to chat with Ray via Skype about his journey from Wooly Bully stardom at the young age of 21, to his San Franciscan spiritual awakening, to his friendship with Booker T., to having a family, and to recording what should have been a classic 1971 album on A&M Records. But also luckily for us, we have the opportunity 42 years later to unwrap these brilliantly-crafted, sunny countrified folk-rock soul tunes as if they were virgin ditties. And on virgin vinyl with fantastic packaging by LITA, as always.
So, sit back and take a listen to my interview with Ray. He’s a super-cool cat. Plus there are some great songs interspersed throughout so you can get a taste of the record. AND Ray even performs “Liberty Train” live on-the-spot towards the end. It’s amazing, I tell ya!
Head over here and grab a copy of A Fire Somewhere for yourself. In fact, we’re going to give one copy away to one lucky commenter!
All you need to do is tell us your favorite Light in the Attic release below (of course not including Ray’s album). I’m partial to that first Thin Lizzy album reissue but there are some major contenders!
One winner will be chosen on Thursday, February 28th from entries with U.S. addresses. Cool?
