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Baker's Dozen

Psychic Hi-Fi: Genesis Breyer P-Orridge's Favourite Albums
Joseph Burnett , March 15th, 2020 06:53

The Quietus catches up with Genesis Breyer P-Orridge to hear about the albums that forced the hand of h/er record player (this piece was republished on the event of GPO's death on 14th March 2020)

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The 13th Floor Elevators - The Psychedelic Sounds Of The 13th Floor Elevators
Well, I had to have this on it! We’d like to have it on vinyl. Did you watch the documentary about Roky Erickson’s life? There’s this moment when you first come across him in the documentary. He’s sitting in this room that’s filled with junk. He has about ten or more television sets. Some are black and white, some are colour, some have no picture, just zigzags, but they’re all on full. And he’s got radios on full. And he’s sitting in the armchair and says, “This is the only way I can go to sleep! It drowns out the noises in my head.” And you’re thinking those are the noises in your head! [laughs] But he’s playing again! He’s back, it’s incredible.

I know. It’s hard to believe, because I’ve read interviews with him from years ago where he’s barely coherent. But on that album, vocally he sounds like Mick Jagger, but with screeching!

“Aaaaaahhh!!” And then there’s that jug sound, which is just incredible! I don’t know how they did that!