Baker's Dozen

Artists discuss the 13 records that shaped their lives

13. 13th Floor ElevatorsEaster Everywhere

I started listening to them around about 1977. The Elevators were very well known in the Texas area but I don’t think nationwide people really knew that much about them. ‘You’re Gonna Miss Me’ was a hit but it wasn’t a huge hit at the time. But they were doing things unlike any other band around. A hugely talented band. Not just musically, but lyrically.

The last time I was supposed to see Roky Erickson, I was invited to have dinner with him and his family. I’d just gotten out of the hospital that same day and going out to dinner didn’t sound appealing to me, which was unfortunate as I’m such a fan. I had to decline. I met him a couple of other times though.

It’s very sad what happened to him. As far as I understand it, when he was caught with marijuana, his lawyer advised him to plead mental issues and then he was given shock therapy.

That’s right. And who knows what kind of drugs on top of that. If you think you’re going to arrest someone for pot and then you’re going to give them something that’s so many times more lethal. It’s insane.

Selected in other Baker’s Dozens: Richard Hawley
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