Source: Atlantic Records

Released in 1971, the 12th studio album from the prolific songwriter is is a politically charged jazz and soul siren that went on to become an anchor for sample-based hip-hop production in the 1990s.

50 years after its release, Eugene McDaniels‘ psychedelic soul classic, Headless Heroes of The Apocalypse, is finally getting the official vinyl reissue it deserves.

Initially released in 1971 as the prolific songwriter’s 12th studio album (and the first under his full name,) Headless Heroes of The Apocalypse is a politically charged jazz and soul siren that went on to become an anchor for sample-based hip-hop production in the 1990s. In particular, McDaniels’ searing and slinky blue-eyed soul takedown, “Jagger The Dagger,” has been the source material for a number of revered songs from Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth, De La Soul, and A Tribe Called Quest (who used the track’s opening as a recurring interlude on their debut album, Peoples Instinctive Travels and The Paths of Rhythm.)

For the half-century anniversary of the album, Real Gone Music is putting one up for the unending influence of McDaniels’ seminal 1971 release with a limited edition vinyl reissue. Set for release on July 9th, the 50th-anniversary treatment is remastered from McDaniels’ original tapes, pressed to purple vinyl, and features liner note tributes from Adrian Younge, Vernon Reid, Aloe Blacc, the album’s late drummer, Alphonse Mouzon. The packaging will also include McDaniels’ own unpublished liner notes from 1968. Only 1,750 copies will be pressed.

You can secure your copy of the 50th-anniversary reissue of Eugene McDaniels’ Headless Heroes of The Apocalypse via Real Gone Music today ahead of the official release. Revisit the album below.