Sold Date: January 31, 2020
Start Date: February 18, 2018
Final Price: $29.98 (USD)
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Buyer Feedback: 8

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WILSON MCKINLEY 'Spirit Of Elijah' LP (US, Lion Productions, Catalogue #LION LP-154) Brand new/unplayed copy of limited vinyl edition (limited edition of 500 copies only) Lion Productions label LP issue of all-time, top-shelf West Coast style Xian Psych album by Wilson McKinley. Originally issued on the Voice Of Elijah label back in 1971.

(NOTE: LIMITED EDITION OF 500 COPIES ONLY!)

With beginnings firmly in the secular realm and a strong following in the Northwest, Wilson McKinley signed to Alshire Records (home of 101 Strings) and recorded one album under the label's 'acid-rock' moniker, The California Poppy Pickers. With the proceeds from those sessions, they self-released a 7" EP in 1970. But then they met street minister Carl Parks, gave up the rock 'n' roll lifestyle and effectively ended the first incarnation of the group. Parks encouraged the remaining band members to pick up their instruments again to create music for a street meeting, and thus the first 'Jesus Rock' group was born. The first Wilson McKinley LP, 1970's "Live On Stage," was a slapdash effort on all fronts and is generally dismissed by everyone involved (maybe why nobody seems to know the whereabouts of the masters for that one). Chastened by their debut, Wilson McKinley took a more focused approach to "Spirit Of Elijah": the result was a major leap forward, and a faithful representation of their massive talent; the power of the message and the playing shine through! However, what Wilson McKinley recorded onto the master tape and what made it to a buyer's phonograph in 1971 were vastly different things, with inconsistent patches of reverb in the final mix plus other anomalies that a minimally-financed, privately-pressed LP might have.

After suffering the indignity of being pirated from the only source material available (a poorly-pressed, poorly-mastered decades-old record), Obscure Oxide and Lion Productions are proud to announce a brand new, 100% legitimate, high-quality vinyl pressing of this classic LP, using exclusive transfers from the original analog reels, with all lacquer cutting and plating done under one roof for the most accurate sound. The bands' longtime associate Timothy Smith has written detailed liner notes for a new insert, featuring vintage photos and press clippings. Original jacket artwork and label art are faithfully reproduced.

"This isn't just the best Christian album I've heard. It may possibly be the best album in the laid back, West Coast late 1960's-early 70's style that I've heard, period. The crude recording style works in its favor, making it sound fresh and vital, like a great live recording (which it basically is.) While the fidelity isn't great, the instruments and vocals are completely clear, proof that expensive recording technology isn't necessary as long as something is recorded with common sense. The occasional bum note from the singer isn't enough to detract from the heartfelt and warm singing style, and the band really gets a groove going on every single song. The songs aren't heavy at all, but they rock with an energy and confidence that's completely arresting. Again, a few songs are stolen from well known sources (Moby Grape, Moody Blues) but are given new, religious lyrics, and these songs fit nicely with a batch of killer originals. There's a mixture of slow and fast songs, but my personal favorite is the rave up in "Tree Of Life." My favorite overall song, though, is "I Need A Savior," with its harmonies and lead guitar playing a perfect ringer for Let It Be-era Beatles." —Aaron Milenski/Acid Archives

The first legitimate vinyl reissue of these Jesus-Rock pioneers' groundbreaking 1971 LP

Full liner notes with rare clippings and photos

•Cut from uncompressed, unequalized transfers of the original analog master tapes—
  heaven for your ears!

•Limited edition of 500 copies.

Tracks on this LP are as follows:

Shipping in US is $4.98./CANADA AIRMAIL is $16.98./MEXICO AIRMAIL is $22.98./OVERSEAS AIRMAIL is $23.98. (Shipping totals will be consolidated for multiple winning bids.)

Record shipped in professional, superior rectangular shaped, corner-protecting corrugated cardboard record mailer with filler pads. Satisfaction guaranteed!