The Cramps “Songs the Lord Taught Us” 1980. Illegal Records/IRS Records. Today, February 4th, marks the anniversary of singer and Cramps founder Lux Interior’s death (b. Erick Lee Purchaser 1946, d. 2009). His stage name was inspired by an old car ad.

Songs the Lord Taught Us is The Cramps first studio album following the release of the EP Gravest Hits in 1979, both releases produced by Alex Chilton. It’s a psychobilly “sex stomp” filled with malicious intent, howls and snarls. Both original tracks and covers appear on the record: “TV Set” is a stellar Cramps original as is the hard-driving “Sunglasses After Dark.” They cover the Sonics’ “Strychnine” – a perfect pairing – as well as an evil rendition of the classic “Fever.”