The Long Ryders

[Folkie]

I've just broken out my old LP copy of The Long Ryders' "State of our Union," after perhaps a 20 year hiatus, and the songs are laden with electric 12-string. I noticed a few people here listed The Long Ryders as Rick players, but I've never seen any footage of them on You Tube, and I can't tell for sure from the timbre of the octave strings whether they are in fact playing Ricks. I think TLR are one of the most underrated roots-rock bands to emerge from the mid-80's indie scene. Can anyone enlighten me on what Rick models they used?

[242_foxtrot]

Sid Griffin played a Fireglo 1967 Rickenbacker 360/12. The guitar is pictured on the back cover of the "Native Sons" LP. Check out the reissue of "Native Sons" deluxe editon CD on Sid's Prima label. The CD contains the first EP "10-5-60" plus the never released "5x5" EP. Plenty of 12 string jangle going on!

[Folkie]

Thanks, Paul, I'll have to check that one out!

[1a12]

I had the honor of strumming that 360/12 in Austin Tx. in front of a shoe store parking lot gig. There should be a lot of footage on youtube...maybe not much with the 12 stringer.
Criminally underrated group. I'm absolutely certain they would have their own forum here if more folks knew about them.

[Trav]

I really liked the Long Ryders back in day, but we didn't get much here in the UK, I had the album on cassette tape, no idea where it is now. I must check out the CDs.

[Folkie]

Several used vinyl and CD copies of "State of Our Union" came up when I searched Amazon. But you'll pay through the nose for the CD ($50.00 IIRC).

By the way, am I correct that they released just three records: "State of Our Union," "Native Sons," and "Two-Fisted Tales"?

I distinctly remember a reviewer in Rolling Stone starting off his review of "Two-Fisted Tales" with the sweeping statement "Roots-rock is dead." Boy, was he ever wrong! Roots-rock is alive and well. And I think it's time for The Long Ryders to receive their due as one of the most influential bands of the 80's.

Robert

[Folkie]

Here's Sid Griffin's 1967 360/12 in action:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCRrfJs13wo

Nice 12-string sound and beautiful Fireglo. But is that a sticker I see on the front of the guitar?

[Chrome Aardvark]

If you can find them, grab the Prima reissues of "State Of Our Union" and "Two Fisted Tales" with the extra tracks. There is also a great 2 CD comp “The Long Riders Anthology: Looking For Lewis And Clark” that's well worth picking up and a couple of live discs.

Stephen McCarthy, the other guitarist, went onto to play in The Jayhawks and Gutterball with a number of other Paisley Underground alumni. A very underated and versatile player in my opinion.

[Folkie]

If you can find them, grab the Prima reissues of "State Of Our Union" and "Two Fisted Tales" with the extra tracks. There is also a great 2 CD comp “The Long Riders Anthology: Looking For Lewis And Clark” that's well worth picking up and a couple of live disc.

I had no idea there was so much Long Ryders material out there. I'm eager to hear those bonus tracks, and I've gotta get my hands on the live material. I'll have to have another look at Amazon to see what's available.