On Dec. 1, 1986, Patrick Mathé of New Rose Records sat in a Holiday Inn in Austin, Texas, and had the legendary Roky Erickson sing and play into his tape recorder. The first 10 tracks here are from that original album. The recording quality is obviously primitive, and the playing's what you'd expect from such a casual atmosphere. However, Roky's voice is a modern marvel: a gentle but resilient instrument that evokes heartbreak and loss like no other. Songs such as "The Times I've Had," "That's My Song," and "Mighty Is Our Love" are powerful examples that music needn't be complicated to touch the soul. Fellow Texan Buddy Holly is covered with sweet renditions of "True Love Ways" and "Peggy Sue Got Married." The final four tracks are from the rare Sponge Records EP, recorded shortly after Roky was released from a mental institution. The electric "Two Headed Dog" and the acoustic "I Have Always Been Here Before" are brilliant performances that transcend their faults.