With beginnings firmly in the secular realm and a strong following in the Northwest, Wilson McKinley signed to Alshire Records (home of 101 Strings) and recorded one album under the label’s ‘acid-rock’ moniker, The California Poppy Pickers. With the proceeds from those sessions, they self-released a 7" EP in 1970. But then they met street minister Carl Parks, gave up the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle and effectively ended the first incarnation of the group. Parks encouraged the remaining band members to pick up their instruments again to create music for a street meeting, and thus the first ‘Jesus Rock’ group was born. The first Wilson McKinley LP, 1970’s “Live On Stage,” was a slapdash effort on all fronts and is generally dismissed by everyone involved (maybe why nobody seems to know the whereabouts of the masters for that one). Chastened by their debut, Wilson McKinley took a more focused approach to “Spirit Of Elijah”: the result was a major leap forward, and a faithful representation of their massive talent; the power of the message and the playing shine through! However, what Wilson McKinley recorded onto the master tape and what made it to a buyer’s phonograph in 1971 were vastly different things, with inconsistent patches of reverb in the final mix plus other anomalies that a minimally-financed, privately-pressed LP might have.

After suffering the indignity of being pirated from the only source material available (a poorly-pressed, poorly-mastered decades-old record), Obscure Oxide and Lion Productions are proud to announce a brand new, 100% legitimate, high-quality vinyl pressing of this classic LP, using exclusive transfers from the original analog reels, with all lacquer cutting and plating done under one roof for the most accurate sound. The bands’ longtime associate Timothy Smith has written detailed liner notes for a new insert, featuring vintage photos and press clippings. Original jacket artwork and label art are faithfully reproduced.

“This isn’t just the best Christian album I’ve heard. It may possibly be the best album in the laid back, West Coast late 1960’s-early 70’s style that I’ve heard, period.” —Acid Archives