Description
Suicide – Ghost Riders – Vinyl Record
Recorded live 9/19/81 at the Tenth Anniversary Suicide Concert at the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, MN
‘NYC’s most controversial electro-punks! Legendary ROIR 1986 cassette now remastered and available on vinyl with a bonus track’
Brand new, never played and in the factory plastic
Ghost Riders is an album by the influential electronic protopunk band Suicide. The band, formed in 1970 by Alan Vega (vocals) and Martin Rev (synthesizers and drum machines), is renowned for their minimalist yet intense style, which combined elements of punk, electronic music, and rockabilly.
Suicide is often credited as one of the pioneers of electronic music and punk, particularly known for their raw, minimalist approach. Their music was characterized by repetitive, droning synthesizer lines and drum machine beats, coupled with Alan Vega’s confrontational and often eerie vocal style.
Despite their initial commercial struggles, Suicide’s work has been hugely influential, impacting a wide range of genres and artists, including punk, post-punk, industrial, and electronic music.
The song Ghost Riders appears on the album Half Alive, which was released in 1981. Half Alive is a collection of live recordings and demos, providing a raw and unfiltered look at the band’s work. The track is a reinterpretation of the classic country and western song ‘(Ghost) Riders in the Sky,’ written by Stan Jones in 1948.
Suicide’s version of Ghost Riders is notable for its minimalist, haunting arrangement. Martin Rev’s synthesizer creates a relentless, driving backdrop, while Alan Vega’s vocals deliver the lyrics with a haunting intensity that reimagines the Western mythos through a darker, urban lens.
By covering ‘(Ghost) Riders in the Sky,’ Suicide connects their avant-garde sound to the broader tradition of American music. Their version strips the song down to its core, emphasizing a sense of desolation and unease that aligns with the band’s overall aesthetic.
Suicide’s interpretation of Ghost Riders has been influential in its own right, inspiring other artists to explore the fusion of traditional song forms with electronic and punk elements. Their ability to transform familiar material into something radically new is a testament to their innovative approach.
Ghost Riders has been a staple in Suicide’s live performances, often serving as a highlight due to its hypnotic, relentless energy. The live versions, such as those found on ‘Half Alive,’ capture the raw power and confrontational nature of the band’s stage presence.
Suicide’s Ghost Riders stands as a compelling example of the band’s ability to merge different musical traditions into their unique style. The track exemplifies their minimalist, electronic approach while paying homage to the haunting storytelling of classic American songs. ‘Ghost Riders’ remains a significant piece in Suicide’s catalog, illustrating their innovative spirit and lasting impact on the music world.
Track Listing
Rocket USA
Rock n’ Roll (Is Killing My Life)
Ghost Rider
Dream Baby Dream
Sweet White Lady
Harlem
96 Tears
