Rodriguez “Cold Fact”
Cold Fact by Sixto Rodriguez was recently reissued by Light In The Attic – an excellent reissue at that. Over the past few years this lp has gained quite a reputation, probably due to its unique sound, which is still fresh even by today’s indie rock/folk-rock standards. Cold Fact was originally released by Sussex in 1970 and while it didn’t sell too well in the U.S. , the record gained a new lease on life in 1971 when A&M repressed the lp in Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand – where it sold well (he would eventually play to sell-out stadium crowds in South Africa!). Rodriguez was born in Detriot MI, his parents were both Mexican immigrants – his first name was chosen because he was the sixth child.
Cold Fact is a s0lid record all thru – a real four star gem. One can tell that Dylan was a major influence but this should by no means discredit Rodriguez’s originality and talents as a songwriter. The album led off with “Sugar Man,” a drug addled masterpiece full of intriguing lyrics, twisted electronic sound effects, and soulful vocals. “Sugar Man” is a very dark composition that has stood the test of time well and probably the lp’s standout track – a true classic. Other tracks are worthwhile though like the fuzz guitar driven garage rocker “Only Good For Conversation” or the horn laden “Crucify Your Mind.” “Hate Street Dialogue,” “I Wonder,” and “Forget It” are also excellent with good accoustic melodies and lyrics that really hit home hard. This is real outsider music that is sung so eloquently and played so well it’s almost hard to notice the despair – you really have to listen to the lyrics.
Prior to the Light In the Attic reissue there was a so/so RCA repress from the late 80s. Light In The Attic have done a great job with Rodriquez and will also be reissuing his second lp, Coming From Reality. Cold Fact is singer-songwriter material at its best with beautiful vocals, catchy songs, string and horn arrangements that compliment rather than harm, great downer lyrics, and just the right amount of psych-folk residual. Distinctive soul searching stuff.
“Sugar Man”
CD Reissue | 2008 | Light In The Attic | buy from attic | amazon ]
Vinyl Search | ebay ]
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Thanks for this, gotta admit I never heard of the guy before. Don´t hear the Dylan influence in these two tracks however. Sugar Man reminds me a bit of Tim Buckley though.
Wanna tell you that I really dig that French Kiss song by Brave Belt from a few posts ago. Sometimes it takes a few listens to sink in, and that one really hit me.
Five thumbs up for this great lost album!
THANKS … this was a another great reminder not to miss his show on the 14th at Jonny Brenda’s in Philly for $12
Fri, May 08 Schubas Tavern, Chicago IL
Sat, May 09 Magic Stick, Detroit MI
Wed, May 13 Rock and Roll Hotel, Washington DC
Thu, May 14 Johnny Brenda’s, Philadelphia PA
Fri, May 15 Bowery Ballroom, New York NY
Fri., May 29 Paradiso, Amsterdam , Netherlands
Sat. May 30 Whelans, Dublin, Ireland
Mon, Jun 1 Nouveau Casino, Paris, France
Wed, Jun 3 Circolo Degli Artisti, Rome, Italy
Sat, Jun 6 Barbican, London, UK
Mon, Jun 22 Richard’s On Richards Cabaret, Vancouver BC
Tue, Jun 23 The Triple Door, Seattle WA
Wed, Jun 24 Doug Fir Lounge, Portland OR
Fri, Jun 26 Slim’s, San Francisco CA
Sat, Jun 27 El Rey Theatre, Los Angeles CA
One of my favorite blogs, thanks, just wanted to drop a line and say I was excited to see Rodriguez discussed on here. I will be playing drums for Rodriguez on his NE tour, and have been studying these songs for a while. Rodriguez is still amazing live and always excited to meet and greet please come to the about shows for a great time. Philadelphias War on Drugs opens 13-15
can’t wait to see rodriguez tonight!!!!
Rodriguez is the stuff of Legend ..
You will not be disappointed Show in Philly was brilliant ….
Drew you guys were great would have thought you all had be playing together for years ..
The War on Drugs Surprised me as well .. they totally brought the same sound from the recording on to the live show ….
So freaking excited about tonight. This album has been in my top 5 for at least 20 years. It is part of the soundtrack of my life and it’s a thrill to be seeing Rodriguez live for the first time. I am a South African living in New York and one of the millions of South African fans. Glad to see some recognition in the states FINALLY.
He’s playing at the Barbican (UK) next week! So stoked about it, been wanting to see him for years!
I remember this guy sixto’s songs from way back, his songs that told the tale of some hard path lives, capped in the right words this guy is a class act, good to see him at last getting the wealth and status he deserves.
I used to listen to Rodriguez in the early 80’s when I found a tape belonging to my older brother. Loved him from the start and my friends thought that I had become a hippie. So impressed that he has surfaced again.