Musician Phillip 'Snakefinger' Lithman (1949 - 1987) was a cohort and frequent collaborator to The Residents, back in their early years of complete obscurity, and through to the '80's heyday of the Ralph Record label.
Born in South London, Snakefinger had come up through the British Blues scene in his teens before moving to San Francisco at the end of the '60's, where he first met the enigmatic Residents.
Back in London in '72, he formed the pub rock band Chilli Willi & The Red Hot Peppers along with fellow guitarist Martin Stone (of Savoy Brown) and members of Brinsley Schwarz (including Nick Lowe).
Following the break-up of Chilli Willi and a sojourn to L.A. seeking a record contract, Lithman returned to San Francisco around 1978.
Very soon he was providing many snakey guitar licks as a 'guest performer' on several of The Residents recordings, which led to his own solo releases.
Click here to see the song lyrics on the back cover of the 'Spot' picture sleeve.
After encouraging Snakefinger to go solo, The Residents collaborated on his first Ralph record, released on translucent blue vinyl. The B-side, 'Smelly Tongues', was a cover version of a song from 1974's 'Meet The Residents', their first LP.
A few more LP releases followed, heading into the 1980's. By 1982 Lithman had established his touring back-up group, The Vestal Virgins, with Eric Drew Feldman, who'd been with Capt. Beefheart's band.
In 1984, the tour and live recording from 'Snakefinger's History of The Blues' showcased his range of playing skills.
Having had a history of heart problems, it was while on tour in Europe with The Vestal Virgins in 1987 that Snakefinger died of a fatal heart attack at age 38.
Musician Phillip 'Snakefinger' Lithman 
Listen to: 
The first Snakefinger LP, 1979's 
A few more LP releases followed, heading into the 1980's.
