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.

• 180 gram LP w/ Standard Sleeve
• Recording: 1981 at Record One, Los Angeles, by Greg Ladanyi

• Released: 8/28/19
• Format Detail: LP Black
• Format: Vinyl
• Genre: Rock

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