If You Wanna Laugh, You Gotta Cry Sometimes: Archives Vol. 3, 1972-1975

If You Wanna Laugh, You Gotta Cry Sometimes: Archives Vol. 3, 1972–1975 gathers early recordings by Robert Lester Folsom, revealing a young songwriter shaping his voice amid long summers, first love, and the bruises that follow. Tracked to 4-track tape, these songs balance gentle psychedelia with rural Southern rock ’n’ roll and hints of hippie bluegrass, sounding intimate, loose, and alive.

There’s a sense of discovery throughout: melodies wander, lyrics feel lived-in, and performances catch inspiration in motion. Rather than polish, the focus is on feel—songs unfolding naturally as Folsom tests ideas and trusts instinct. The result is a vivid snapshot of an artist finding his footing, and a reminder of the emotional pull that has kept Folsom’s work resonant decades on.