THE LONG RYDERS RELEASE “FINAL WILD SONGS”
76-Tracks, 4-CDs Containing Original Albums, Demos, Singles, Live Tracks
“’Beloved band’ doesn’t even begin to sum up the group’s legacy”
– Fred Mills, Blurt
NASHVILLE, TN (February 4, 2016) — The Long Ryders were formed in Los Angeles in
1982 by several American musicians influenced by Gram Parsons and the Byrds, country,
and punk rock. The band featured Sid Griffin on guitar, autoharp, harmonica, and vocals;
Stephen McCarthy, guitar, steel guitar, mandolin, banjo, and vocals; bassist Des Brewer
(replaced by Tom Stevens, bass and vocals); and Greg Sowders, drums and percussion.
With a sound reminiscent of The Clash meeting Buffalo Springfield, but with a harder
edge, they anticipated alternative country music of the 1990s by a decade. “They
unwittingly invented Americana, but seldom receive credit for it,” wrote Andy Fyfe of
Mojo.
“We made fantastic music in exactly the wrong era. This box set presents the best
evidence that this fantastic music still endures,” explained bassist / archivist Stevens.
“Everything is fresh enough to have been recorded yesterday and puts most of today’s
bands to shame,” agreed Americana-UK.
Sid Griffin and Tom Stevens have compiled the 76-track, 4-CD career overview, released
on Cherry Red Records January 22, from the original tapes (where they exist). The entire
band has contributed a track-by-track breakdown for the set, which features the original
albums’ tracks as well as demos, singles, and rare live recordings. “We made a lot of
great music in such a brief time, and it’s all here,” said Stevens.
Re-mastered by Andy Pearce, the recordings – in Griffin’s opinion – “have never sounded
so good.”
A new booklet, designed by acclaimed UK art director Phil Smee, contains many rare
photos and memorabilia including a poster. Writer and Sirius/XM radio host, David
Fricke, a long-time band supporter, contributed a special forward for the booklet.
“The live disc in particular shows the band that won the UK and Europe,” stated Stevens.
It should then come as no surprise that in support of the box set, The Long Ryders plan
on touring Europe / UK beginning April of 2016 with the U.S. to follow this summer.
“The Long Ryders’ legacy resides at the confluence of ‘great musical influence’ and No
Commercial Potential. A nice trick when you think about it,” mused Griffin.
“The band was over too soon, and its influence is still felt today by anyone who picks up
a guitar and plays American music,” Stevens agreed.
Final Wild Songs may be purchased by visiting Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/1HTmJqX
Final Wild Songs box set trailer: https://youtu.be/Zfp6jOyrrjk
Find The Long Ryders online at:
Official Website – http://www.thelongryders.com
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/The-Long-Ryd…
Twitter – https://twitter.com/Longryders
