Label: Atlantic

Reissued 1/9/2026, Originally released 1968

Last pressed on vinyl in 2005, The Inflated Tear is a studio album by Roland Kirk, released on Atlantic in 1968. Roland Kirk, was a hugely influential, blind jazz multi-instrumentalist who played tenor saxophone, flute, and many other instruments. He was renowned for his onstage vitality, during which virtuoso improvisation was accompanied by comic banter, political ranting, and the ability to play several instruments simultaneously. Pitchfork placed The Inflated Tear at number 170 on its list of the "200 Best Albums of the 1960s.Pressed on 180 gram premium-quality vinyl at Fidelity Record Pressing as part of the Rhino Reserve audiophile vinyl series.

Track listing:

1. The Black and Crazy Blues
2. A Laugh for Rory 
3. Many Blessings
4. Fingers in the Wind
5. The Inflated Tear (Live Version)
6. The Creole Love Call
7. A Handful of Fives
8. Fly By Night
9. Lovellevelliloqui