"Transparent Radiation" is a song by the American rock band Red Krayola released in June 1967 on their debut studio album The Parable of Arable Land. The song featured label mate and 13th Floor Elevators frontman Roky Erickson performing on harmonica.
The song would be covered by English rock band Spacemen 3 in 1987, whose version peaked at number 29 on the UK Indie Chart in 1987.
Red Crayola original version
Background and recording The song was recorded on April 10th, 1967, Roky Erickson of the 13th Floor Elevatorswas invited to play harmonica:The lyrics were written by drummer Frederick Barthelme.
Credits
Mayo Thompson – guitar, vocals Frederick Barthelme – drums Steve Cunningham – bass
Roky Erickson – harmonica
Spacemen 3 version and EP
Background The cover version of "Transparent Radiation" was written and recorded based on the March 1967 demo version of the song on the International Artists Epitaph for a Legend compilation album released in 1980 rather than the original LP version on The Parable of Arable Land. Peter Kember would call songwriter Mayo Thompson who at the time was working for Rough Trade for a transcription of the original lyrics. Kember stated:
Track listing 12-inch (GLAEP108)
Personnel Spacemen 3 Produced and arranged by Sonic & Jason Sonic Boom (Peter Kember) – guitar, feedback, vocals Jason (Jason Pierce) – guitar, Farfisa organ, vocals Bassman (Pete Bain) – bass vibrations Rosco (Sterling Roswell) – percussion
Additional personnel Owen John – violin Graham Walker – engineer
References
Bibliography