Jerry Jeff Walker
¡Viva Terlingua!

Artist: Jerry Jeff Walker
Title: ¡Viva Terlingua!
Release Year: 1973
Pressing Year: 1980
Label: MCA Records
Catalog Number: MCA 37005
Runout Stamping: ◈-P-◈ MCA 352 W3
Format: 33 RPM • 12” Album • Stereo
UPC: none

This album, recorded live in Luckenbach TX on a hot August night in 1973, is among the most legendary of "live" singer/songwriter albums ever released. It's the ’Live at the Fillmore East’ of redneck Texas country-rock. Essentially, it's Jerry Jeff Walker fronting The Lost Gonzo Band at the beginning of their long run together playing, living it up, having a ball, giving everybody the impression that life was a party, and to be sure, it was for a while. Given the loose, inspired performance on this set, Walker was every bit the equal of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Billy Joe Shaver at the time.

The material is terrific. Half of it is from Jerry Jeff's catalog: Sangria Wine, Gettin' By, Little Bird, Get It Out, and Wheel. The rest? Can't possibly do better: Guy Clark’s Desperados Waiting For A Train, Ray Wylie Hubbard’s Up Against the Wall, Redneck Mother, Michael Martin Murphy’s Backslider's Wine, and Gary P. Nunn’s Austin City Limits anthem, London Homesick Blues.

It doesn't sound anything like it was recorded in front of an audience, but it does sound live as hell. These folks were partyin' it up and layin' down the tracks at white heat. This record was made in a night and it feels like it was made in your living room. It's guaranteed to lift any dark mood within 15 minutes. This record asks no questions and there are no hidden meanings in Walker's or anybody else's lyrics; it's all there for the taking. And that's what makes it the enduring classic it is.

Personnel: Jerry Jeff Walker (vocals, guitar); Gary P. Nunn (piano, organ, backing vocals, vocal); Robert Livingston (bass, backing vocals); Michael McGeary (drums, percussion); Herb Steiner (pedal steel guitar); Craig Hillis (guitar); Mickey Raipheld (harmonica); Kelly Dunn (piano, organ); Mary Kagan (violin); Joanne Vent (backing vocals).

NOTE: I try to match the condition of my vinyl records to eBay's Grading System.

VINYL GRADE: VG+
Notes: Minimal surface noise. A quick cleaning is all this one needs. No warping.

LABEL GRADE: VG+
Notes: No ring wear, no tape, no spindle wear, no writing. Full-color rainbow plus dark blue MCA RECORDS all-caps text logo on white cloud and blue sky background. Text is black on white cloud and blue sky background.

SLEEVE GRADE: VG+
Notes: Original plain white paper with rounded corners and circles cut into the centers of both sides to display label. No splits, no writing, no tape, no rips, some crinkles, some yellowing, no stains. On one side (and continuing onto the other, there’s an extensive listing of MCA’s “Super Stars at Super Savings” Platinum Plus albums. Lists various artists, album titles, and catalog numbers. Black text on white.

JACKET GRADE: VG+
Notes: Barely visible ring wear. Some crinkles, some dings, no tape, no writing, no stains, no splits. Corners, spine (readable), and edges are in good shape. (See my original scan.)

Shipping is $4.49. NOTE: I will NOT be responsible for items lost or damaged in the mail.

Combined shipping: I will be happy to combine multiple items. If you buy more than one item from me, the shipping cost will be the highest original shipping fee plus $1 per additional item.

Payment and international shipping managed by eBay.

This is not a cut-out or a record-club pressing. It is the original issue.

Note: I haven't cleaned this 44-year-old vinyl record because everybody seems to prefer their own methods. I'll leave the cleaning up to the buyer. Also, I'm not a professional vinyl seller or buyer. This album was bought at The Record Exchange, downtown Blacksburg VA.

Enjoy the auction — and good luck!