Características
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.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)Recording: 1981 at Record One, Los Angeles, by Greg LadanyiProduction: Jackson Browne and Greg Ladanyi
Side One
1. She Took Off My Romeos
2. Bye Bye Love
3. Mercury Blues
4. Quarter Of A Man
5. Ain't No Way
6. Twist And Shout
Side Two
1. El Rayo-X
2. Your Old Lady
3. Don't Look Back
4. Petit Fleur
5. Tu-Ber-Cu-Lucas And The Sinus Blues
6. Pay The Man