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SNAKEFINGER
RIO/Avant-Prog • United Kingdom
From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website
Snakefinger biography
Philip "Snakefinger" Lithman was born on June 17, 1949. In his starting career as a guitarist he formed the band Chilli Willi, which later turned into Chilli Willi and the Red Hot Peppers. Due to poor distribution and few fans their works became rare and sort of forgotten. However, as Philip was in the USA from 1969 to 1972, he met up with avant-crazies The Residents, where he was later given his pseudonym from a picture from a performance with The Residents where his finger looks like a snake attacking the violin. Snakefinger went on to play guitar and violin with The Residents for many years, his guitar had an amazing sound and a distinct tone, with many angular lines and solos. He played on many of the highlights of The Residents' career, early on seeming to be the only real person to be named playing with The Residents. Soon Snakefinger was creating his own albums with the help of The Residents, finding his own style and making very interesting music, mostly setting aside from The Residents' sound he's used to, and focusing on his own writing and guitar. Sadly, with a handful of great albums under his belt, he passed away too soon from a heart attack while on tour with his band The Vestal Virgins. Snakefinger may not be known very well but to those who have found him, hold him in high regard for his style and guitar playing. Snakefinger's style covers a lot of ground, being jazzy, bluesy, but also very dissonant and melodic and with an odd scratching tone. His guitar playing covers a lot of incredibly cool tones and excellent lines and styling. As an avant-garde artist he's hard to compare to other bands, THE RESIDENTS of course being the closest to compare to.
"Night of Desirable Objects" and "Manual of Errors" seem to be the albums held in most high regard by fans, both very solid, covering his style perfectly and being excellent albums as a whole.
Hm, how shall I put this... If the first paragraph was interesting to you, dig in! I personally highly recommend this guy for his playing and overall feel.
Why this artist must be listed in www.progarchives.com :
Avant-Prog guitarist cult-icon, worker with The Residents and completely fits the bill for an innovative and unknown avant-rock artist.
Philip "Snakefinger" Lithman was born on June 17, 1949. In his starting career as a guitarist he formed the band Chilli Willi, which later turned into Chilli Willi and the Red Hot Peppers. Due to poor distribution and few fans their works became rare and sort of forgotten. However, as Philip was in the USA from 1969 to 1972, he met up with avant-crazies The Residents, where he was later given his pseudonym from a picture from a performance with The Residents where his finger looks like a snake attacking the violin. Snakefinger went on to play guitar and violin with The Residents for many years, his guitar had an amazing sound and a distinct tone, with many angular lines and solos. He played on many of the highlights of The Residents' career, early on seeming to be the only real person to be named playing with The Residents. Soon Snakefinger was creating his own albums with the help of The Residents, finding his own style and making very interesting music, mostly setting aside from The Residents' sound he's used to, and focusing on his own writing and guitar. Sadly, with a handful of great albums under his belt, he passed away too soon from a heart attack while on tour with his band The Vestal Virgins. Snakefinger may not be known very well but to those who have found him, hold him in high regard for his style and guitar playing. Snakefinger's style covers a lot of ground, being jazzy, bluesy, but also very dissonant and melodic and with an odd scratching tone. His guitar playing covers a lot of incredibly cool tones and excellent lines and styling. As an avant-garde artist he's hard to compare to other bands, THE RESIDENTS of course being the closest to compare to.
"Night of Desirable Objects" and "Manual of Errors" seem to be the albums held in most high regard by fans, both very solid, covering his style perfectly and being excellent albums as a whole.
Hm, how shall I put this... If the first paragraph was interesting to you, dig in! I personally highly recommend this guy for his playing and overall feel.
Why this artist must be listed in www.progarchives.com :
Avant-Prog guitarist cult-icon, worker with The Residents and completely fits the bill for an innovative and unknown avant-rock artist.
SNAKEFINGER MP3, Free Download (music stream)
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- Friendly Warning Chewing Hides the Sound, 1979
- The Picture Makers Vs. Children of the Sea A Collection of Songs Written and Produced with The Residents 1978-1980, 1988
SNAKEFINGER tour & shows, news & press / forum topics
SNAKEFINGER tour & shows + news & press
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SNAKEFINGER Videos (YouTube and more)
Showing only random 3 | Search and add more videos to SNAKEFINGER
Buy SNAKEFINGER Music
 | A Snakefinger Collection East Side Digital (Audio CD 1990) | $39.99 $39.74 (used) |
 | Greener Postures East Side Digital (Audio CD 1999) | $99.00 $44.00 (used) |
 | Night of Desirable Objects Ralph (Audio CD 1995) | $49.98 $44.19 (used) |
| Manual of Errors T.E.C. Tones (Audio CD 1995) | $179.98 $44.44 (used) |
 | Chewing Hides the Sound Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered East Side Digital (Audio CD 1999) | $89.10 $54.00 (used) |
 | Moving Soundtracks Original recording remastered, Extra tracks LTM (Audio CD 2008) | $11.23 $45.99 (used) |
| Savoy Sound Wave Goodbye (Lp Document of the Sf Nightclub From 1981) go records (Vinyl ) | $48.98 (used) |
| Snakefinger's Vestal Virgins: Live in Chicago Live T.E.C. Tones (Audio CD 1996) | $63.98 $44.99 (used) |
| Philip Charles Lithman 1949-1987 T.E.C. Tones (Audio CD 1994) | $95.00 (used) |
| The Spot - Blue Vinyl Ralph (Vinyl ) | $14.99 (used) |
More places to buy SNAKEFINGER music online
- Buy Progressive Rock music and Rarities at DOUG LARSON IMPORTS (Free shipping on orders over 10 cds)
- Doug Larson's Imports eBay Store
- Search for SNAKEFINGER at GEMM - Prog Music Marketplace, 30 Million LPs, CDs, DVDs, Books.
- Search for SNAKEFINGER DRM-Free MP3 Downloads @ AmazonMP3 (USA Only) | AmazonMP3 (UK Only)
- Buy your digital music at eMusic.com (worldwide)
SNAKEFINGER shows & tickets
- This artist has no upcoming shows.
SNAKEFINGER discography of albums and videos
Ordered by release date | Help Progarchives.com to complete the discography and add albums
SNAKEFINGER Albums (CD, Vinyl/LP, Cassette)
 3.86 | 3 ratings Chewing Hides the Sound 1979 |
3.71 | 3 ratings Greener Postures 1980 |
3.91 | 3 ratings Manual of Errors 1982 |
 3.00 | 1 ratings Night of Desirable Objects 1986 |
SNAKEFINGER Live Albums (CD, Vinyl/LP, Cassette)
not rated
Snakefinger's Vestal Virgins: Live in Chicago 1986 |
SNAKEFINGER Videos (DVD, Blu-ray and VHS)
SNAKEFINGER Boxset & Compilations (CD, Vinyl/LP, Cassette)
not rated
Against the Grain 1983 |
not rated
A Collection of Songs Written and Produced with The Residents 1978-1980 1988 |
not rated
Philip Charles Lithman aka Snakefinger 1993 |
SNAKEFINGER Official Singles, EPs, Fan Club & Promo (CD, Vinyl/LP, Cassette, MP3, Digital Media Download)
not rated
The Spot 1978 |
not rated
What Wilbur? / Kill the Great Raven 1979 |
not rated
The Model 1980 |
not rated
The Man in the Dark Sedan 1980 |
not rated
There's No Justice in Life 1987 |
SNAKEFINGER Music Reviews
Showing last 10
Manual of Errors
Snakefinger RIO/Avant-Prog
This is the first album SNAKEFINGER released with the band that later became known as
the VESTAL VIRGINS, and it is interesting to note just how much of the otherworldly
atmosphere that permeates his earlier recordings with THE RESIDENTS carries over into
this new combo's sound. It makes one wonder how much SNAKEFINGER himself was
responsible for that SAN MATEO SOUND? That said, this record is more accessible than
his collaborations with THE RESIDENTS overall, partly because it is less dischordant. It's
also probably fair to say that the VESTAL VIRGINS' level of musicianship is higher than that
of THE RESIDENTS. One listen to BEATNIK PARTY for example confirms that this band can
really cook! Most of the songs lyrically explore darkly paranoid themes that will be familiar
to followers of his earlier work, but the music is surprisingly eclectic, and includes some
curious covers. THE GARDEN OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS, originally recorded by THE UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA, is a brilliant choice. Its hallucinogenic imagery melds seamlessly
with SNAKEFINGER's originals, but NINO ROTA's instrumental, SHINING FACES, seems to
be a mischievous inclusion. Musically, the album goes from dark and haunting avante
garde to slick jazz to Hendrixesque electric blues and explores a few odd cul-de-sacs along
the way before wrapping up with the psychodelic grande finale of PRIVATE
UNIVERSE/THE LIFE ON NEBULOV (there are five extra tracks included on the CD re-
release, not reviewed here). This is one of my all time favourite albums, recorded by a
wiked guitarist at the height of his creativity. It's Jimmy Hendrix meets William S
Burroughs, so it's not for everybody, but hey, that leaves more for us! Outstanding.
Five stars.
Snakefinger RIO/Avant-Prog
Review by MartyX
This is the first album SNAKEFINGER released with the band that later became known as
the VESTAL VIRGINS, and it is interesting to note just how much of the otherworldly
atmosphere that permeates his earlier recordings with THE RESIDENTS carries over into
this new combo's sound. It makes one wonder how much SNAKEFINGER himself was
responsible for that SAN MATEO SOUND? That said, this record is more accessible than
his collaborations with THE RESIDENTS overall, partly because it is less dischordant. It's
also probably fair to say that the VESTAL VIRGINS' level of musicianship is higher than that
of THE RESIDENTS. One listen to BEATNIK PARTY for example confirms that this band can
really cook! Most of the songs lyrically explore darkly paranoid themes that will be familiar
to followers of his earlier work, but the music is surprisingly eclectic, and includes some
curious covers. THE GARDEN OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS, originally recorded by THE UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA, is a brilliant choice. Its hallucinogenic imagery melds seamlessly
with SNAKEFINGER's originals, but NINO ROTA's instrumental, SHINING FACES, seems to
be a mischievous inclusion. Musically, the album goes from dark and haunting avante
garde to slick jazz to Hendrixesque electric blues and explores a few odd cul-de-sacs along
the way before wrapping up with the psychodelic grande finale of PRIVATE
UNIVERSE/THE LIFE ON NEBULOV (there are five extra tracks included on the CD re-
release, not reviewed here). This is one of my all time favourite albums, recorded by a
wiked guitarist at the height of his creativity. It's Jimmy Hendrix meets William S
Burroughs, so it's not for everybody, but hey, that leaves more for us! Outstanding.
Five stars.
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Send comments to MartyX
(BETA) | Report this review (#83793) | Posted Saturday, July 15, 2006, 06:16 EST
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Manual of Errors
Snakefinger RIO/Avant-Prog
This is the first outing for SNAKEFINGER without the RESIDENTS as a backup band. The
result is surprisingly good,considering that SNAKEFINGER & RESIDENTS music are almost
automaticly linked in most people (who listen to these guys) minds.This line up of
musicans on this release included a couple of CAPTAIN BEEFHEART's former backup
men.The sound on this one is distinctly SNAKEFINGER,only trippier in places and a bit
more structured in other spots. While not as good to my ears as GREENER POSTURES or
CHEWING HIDES THE SOUND,the music is still very listenable for this type of
artist.Sound is crystal clear and recording quality is flawless!Standout cuts include
BEATNIK PARTY and BRING BACK REALITY.At least 3 and one half stars for this effort!
Snakefinger RIO/Avant-Prog
Review by bob x
This is the first outing for SNAKEFINGER without the RESIDENTS as a backup band. The
result is surprisingly good,considering that SNAKEFINGER & RESIDENTS music are almost
automaticly linked in most people (who listen to these guys) minds.This line up of
musicans on this release included a couple of CAPTAIN BEEFHEART's former backup
men.The sound on this one is distinctly SNAKEFINGER,only trippier in places and a bit
more structured in other spots. While not as good to my ears as GREENER POSTURES or
CHEWING HIDES THE SOUND,the music is still very listenable for this type of
artist.Sound is crystal clear and recording quality is flawless!Standout cuts include
BEATNIK PARTY and BRING BACK REALITY.At least 3 and one half stars for this effort!
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Send comments to bob x (BETA) | Report this review (#74676) | Posted Tuesday, April 11, 2006, 20:53 EST
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Greener Postures
Snakefinger RIO/Avant-Prog
This is the second actual studio solo release by SNAKEFINGER.Much darker and more
sinister than CHEWING HIDES THE SOUND,this one sounds like it could be the soundtrack
to some obscure horror movie!With it's post punk modern sensibilty it is a perfect example
of what RALPH RECORDS later became famous(infamous?) for.Each cut is a mini trip into
the inner workings of the SNAKEFINGER/RESIDENTS sound.A sound unique to itself and no
other.This is by far the most experimental of the SNAKEFINGER solo releases.With a
couple of ex CAPT. BEEFHEART band members SNAKEFINGER creates a surrealistic
soundscape that will rival any created anywhere,anyplace,anytime.Standout cuts
includes:THE MAN IN THE DARK SEDAN,SAVE ME FROM DALI and LIVING IN
VAIN.Recommended.
Snakefinger RIO/Avant-Prog
Review by bob x
This is the second actual studio solo release by SNAKEFINGER.Much darker and more
sinister than CHEWING HIDES THE SOUND,this one sounds like it could be the soundtrack
to some obscure horror movie!With it's post punk modern sensibilty it is a perfect example
of what RALPH RECORDS later became famous(infamous?) for.Each cut is a mini trip into
the inner workings of the SNAKEFINGER/RESIDENTS sound.A sound unique to itself and no
other.This is by far the most experimental of the SNAKEFINGER solo releases.With a
couple of ex CAPT. BEEFHEART band members SNAKEFINGER creates a surrealistic
soundscape that will rival any created anywhere,anyplace,anytime.Standout cuts
includes:THE MAN IN THE DARK SEDAN,SAVE ME FROM DALI and LIVING IN
VAIN.Recommended.
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Send comments to bob x (BETA) | Report this review (#44045) | Posted Tuesday, August 23, 2005, 20:38 EST
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Chewing Hides the Sound
Snakefinger RIO/Avant-Prog
This is my personal favorite of all of the solo albums by the late RESIDENTS side kick and
sometimes guitarist SNAKEFINGER.The lp starts off stong with a great version of
KRAFTWERK's classic tune The Model. The pace never lessens as SNAKEFINGER
prods,manipulates and squeezes some amazing sounds from his ax!The only other
SNAKEFINGER release which comes close to this one as far as sound quality and energy go
is the 1980 release GREENER POSTURES.So if you are into RESIDENTS music or any of the
1980's releases on the RALPH RECORDS label, then this one is well worth a listen.
Snakefinger RIO/Avant-Prog
Review by bob x
This is my personal favorite of all of the solo albums by the late RESIDENTS side kick and
sometimes guitarist SNAKEFINGER.The lp starts off stong with a great version of
KRAFTWERK's classic tune The Model. The pace never lessens as SNAKEFINGER
prods,manipulates and squeezes some amazing sounds from his ax!The only other
SNAKEFINGER release which comes close to this one as far as sound quality and energy go
is the 1980 release GREENER POSTURES.So if you are into RESIDENTS music or any of the
1980's releases on the RALPH RECORDS label, then this one is well worth a listen.
MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE
As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.
You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).
Send comments to bob x (BETA) | Report this review (#43112) | Posted Tuesday, August 16, 2005, 13:08 EST
Review Permalink | Submit a review for this album
Thanks to Retrovertigo for the artist addition.
and to Joolz for the last updates
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