“Don’t Slander Me”
by Sky Sunlight Saxon/Fire Wall
1988 song
Sky Saxon nursed an ongoing latter-career affection for fellow 1960s stalwart and cosmos explorer Roky Erickson’s "Don't Slander Me". And why not? It’s certainly a sneering spiritual cousin to Sky’s most famous moment, "Pushin' Too Hard". Nobody spent more of their life kicking hard against tormenters and oppressors than Sky did.
The Seeds singer’s first cover version was heard on the 1988 album World Fantastic, recorded with his band Fire Wall. Sky gets into this performance, finding time to add references to dogs (a species he worshiped like gods) and stepping aside for an overpowering heavy metal guitar solo.
Two albums later, and with a new band, Sky re-recorded the song as "Don't Slander Me/Right Down The Nile". On his 1990 CD-only Breakin' Through The Doors, credited to Sunlight Sky Saxon and The Dragonslayers, this version shows off a heavy phased guitar sound. Mars Bonfire adds his cheesy organ to both versions. Sky cries out with real passion, “don’t slander me and my dog!” Bet Roky never thought of that angle.
In 1995 Sky put out yet another version of "Don't Slander Me" with yet another band. This time it was the live cassette Rockin' The Croc/West Coast by Fast Planet. The feel on this one is pretty different than the two studio versions as it’s dominated by a remarkable virtuoso organ. It sounds like early 1970s Allman Brothers fronted by a growling canine. This live version of "Don't Slander Me" fades in halfway through the song; presumably the first part wasn’t recorded.
