On the New York Dolls website, lead singer David Johansen says: " "This is phase two. It's a new band. A whole new thing." Right he is. And not.
It has to be different, the dynamics have changed. Besides the death of four earlier members (Johnny Thunders, Jerry Nolan, Billy Murcia and Arthur "Killer" Kane) it's been thirty-two years since their last album.
So there's been an infusion of new players; Sami Yaffa on bass, guitarist Steve Conte, keyboard player Brian Koonin and drummer Brian Delaney, all of whom are accomplished musicians in their own right. As one of the two remaining founding members Sylvain Sylvain (guitar) put it: "We didn't set out to replace anyone. We're talking about the deceased here, not the dismissed, after all.
The release of One Day It Will Please Us To Remember Even This proves that it indeed a new band. But a whole new thing? Not to me. The new guys make their bones with a seemingly seamless step into the mojo of the Dolls persona... lots of attitude and great tunes. As quoted by fellow writer Marc Spitz on their site; "I think it's still an up kind of thing," Johansen says describing that quality that makes the Dolls, whatever, whomever and whenever, unmistakably "the Dolls." "It's got a non-defeatist philosophy and attitude. It says 'We can do anything."
The first track "We're All In Love", written by Sami proves all the above and more. From the driving bassline that opens the song to the end harmonica licks if this doesn't get you movin' and groovin', then you'd best check yourself from the ears down to see if you've still got a pulse.
Throughout the cd the NY Dolls continue to pay homage to their many roots, just like in the way back days. The uptempo "Dance Like A Monkey" is a melding of Motown and searing guitar riffs topped with lyrics that would spark heated words between evolutionists and creationists. If they could stop dancing long enough to talk about it, that is.
"Take A Good Look At My Good Looks" has a Stones-ish feel to it, ala Black And Blue circa 1976. Revisit '50s prom nights and slow dancing with the lush melody of "Maimed Happiness", haunting sax riffs included. "Gotta Get Away From Tommy" starts out reminiscing "One Fine Day" and quickly shifts into a bouncy, harmony-tight pogo fest. The Dolls even re-visit their own "Great Big Kiss" past with "Rainbow Store".
Article comments
1 - Vern Halen
Alright already - I said I was going to buy this months ago but never got a round tuit - I guess this is a Christmas list MUST HAVE. But is it going to be a classic? Their first album had Personality Crisis, Jet Boy & Frankenstein, amongst others - I mean, how do you top that? And how could you not miss lonely planet boy Johnny Thunders and his one note guitar solos flying across New York City so high?
2 - tink
Yes Vern...it IS a must-have...and if ya miss out on the additional limited edition DVD, you'll be kickin' your own arse.
I wouldn't say that this tops either of their two previous studio albums...but it fits right in, as if those thirty-two years flew by in the wink of an eye.
Of course, no one can forget Johnny and if you've seen the Dolls tour since 2004 you've seen for yourself that they haven't forgotten either him or Arthur. Syl actually talks onstage and intros "You Can't Put Your Arms Around A Memory". Later on, they do a ripping "Piece Of My Heart" in memory of Arthur.
As for the new cd??? Classic??? I say yes, without a doubt. I still can't get it out of my cd player!!!!
As always...thanks for your input...
3 - Mark Saleski
nice review tink. i've gotta get this. though i never saw the Dolls live, i did get to see both Sylvain Sylvain and Johansen separately (back in the early 80's).
sounds like that dvd is killer too.
4 - Vern Halen
"Can't Put...." greatgawda'mighty - what a beautiful song. I'm glad they do it - it'd be a shame if no one was playing it.
5 - tink
Thanks Mark for the kind words!! I never got to see Syl solo, but did get to not only see David Jo live, but worked on a promo with him for the double live release...one of the most memorable moments in my RnR history!!
And I'd really recommend that you get it early so you don't miss the DVD...it's almost like being there in the studio with them!!
6 - tink
Vern...it IS a beautiful song. When I saw them in 2004 and Syl did a pre-announce on it, I almost cried. They really did the song and Johnny justice and while they were playing it, yes...the tears did fall.
7 - sadi ranson-polizzotti
hey = nice and thoughtful piece: i'm glad you mention Pennebaker. I'm thinking of him a lot these days for a project, but in my view, the man is pure genius, if for nothing else (and there are many reasons, but i'll name just one), the film Don't Look Back for Dylan's 1965 tour. By no means Pennebaker's only work (by no means) but in my view, one of the greatest... Thanks for bringing him into this piece. Great piece - thanks for writing it.
Be well,
Sadi R-P
8 - clinton portis
Jo Jo's actually didn't do too much at all: was done by Pennebaker associate/protege walker lamond
9 - tink
Sadi...glad you liked it. D.A. has done some fine work, I agree with you on that. Looks like someone's following their pop's footsteps...and when your parent is as good as D.A. is, then that's not a bad path to take!!
10 - tink
Clinton--Thanks for sending along that link with the additional information. And shame on me for not mentioning Walker as well as JoJo.
My only excuse is that I was intrigued by the fact that D.A.'s life work has become a family 'affair'. Everybody's gotta get their start somewhere. To me, when you have one of the best to learn from, and in such an organic way...it's a great beginning.
11 - Mark Saleski
ok tink, picked this up yesterday...you were right on the money. fantastic stuff. so great to see them in the studio putting this material together.
and woa, what a pile of great new songs. i might have to review it too.
12 - tink
Mark! Thanks for starting my day out with a smile!!
So glad you like it. Can't wait to read what you have to say about both the CD and the DVD (hint, hint).
13 - Connie Phillips
Congrats! This article has been forwarded to the Advance.net websites.
14 - tink
Rockin' Connie! Thanks for letting me know!!
15 - STM
I love the New York Dolls ... but I'd rather see what's left of them growing old disgracefully, rather than trying to relaunch themselves at this stage of life.
There's nothing worse than grey-haired rockers with false teeth hoping to cash in on past glories. Sorry guys.
Better that they are remembered for who and what they were in their heyday.
Also, tink, on the influx of new faces ... it's a bit like the story of my father's axe. When the handle broke, I replaced it. When the head broke, my brother replaced it.
But it's still my father's axe ... or is it?
16 - tink
STM-
If you go to the Dolls website or MySpace page (both links are in my review) you can check out the official "Dance Like A Monkey" video. OR you can go to the IFC site and see them perform two songs live on the Henry Rollins show.
Which ever you choose, I think that you'll see that both David Jo and Syl's looks belie their age. I know their attitude does as well.
With so many bands from the 70's and 80's doing 'reunion' gigs, where the setlist contains at least 90% of songs from the way-back days, I can see where you might feel as if the Dolls are doing the same old tired act. In 2004, after Arthur died and the band toured, it was billed as a 'reunion' tour. All they did were songs from their back catalog. Now they have some great new tunes to add to the mix. The core essence of the band lives on and continues to expand.
As for the axe...well, I suppose it's one of those things that depend on one's personal outlook on life.
One could suppose that it was no longer your father's once it's upkeep was not his responsibility. While others might be of the mind that, no matter what the axe's current condition is, it would always contain an essence of your father.
It's all in how you and your brother perceive it to be. Notice that despite the fact that you and your brother have replaced all the parts of it, you still call it your father's axe. Will it be a constant reminder of him, even if the two of you talk about it only to argue the point of ownership? If that is the case, then perhaps a part of him lives on in the telling of the tale.