Snakefinger

The Profile

Snakefinger (Philip Charles Lithman, 1949–1987) was a British guitarist, singer and songwriter closely associated with The Residents. He released seminal albums on Ralph Records, blending experimental rock, art-pop mischief, and sharp slide-guitar work. He died on July 1, 1987.

Longtime collaborator of The Residents (including work on Satisfaction, Fingerprince, Duck Stab/Buster & Glen, Eskimo, and Diskomo). His solo albums Chewing Hides the Sound (1979) and Greener Postures (1980) were released on Ralph Records, featuring surreal lyrics, jagged arrangements, and distinctive slide guitar. His catalog includes covers like Kraftwerk’s The Model and Morricone’s Magic and Ecstasy. Date of death: July 1, 1987.

Three reviews chart Snakefinger’s Ralph Records phase, spotlighting Greener Postures and key compilations tied to The Residents. The critics praise his absurdist, experimental bite, slide-guitar tangents, and off-kilter covers. There’s admiration, a touch of awe, and a steady refrain: persevere and the weirdness rewards you.