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Sometimes and more often than not when cult bands from the past go beyond the accepted norm of repetition and attempt to make ‘new music’ the results are often diluted and sad. Since their reformation a few years back The New York Dolls have enjoyed a favourable reception from both critics and public alike. Now surviving members David Johansen and Sylvain Sylvain from the original line up have to preserve the legacy the original band achieved and have attempted in no small measure on this joyful and upbeat album, much of this is due to the strength of the songs and of the wonderful production of legendary musician and producer Todd Rundgren who worked on their debut album in 1973 and who obviously is in tune to the sound of the Dolls.
The 12 songs spread across the album contain some typical New York Dolls type music, especially the title track “Cause I Sez So” a raucous and boisterous opener to the album, in the same vein is “ Muddy Bones” which ably demonstrates the importance to the New York Dolls sound Johansen’s vocal are. “Better Than You” and “Lonely So Long” are both sing-along mid-tempo numbers that are indelibly stamped with a sense of pure joy, humour and fun. In contrast “My World” slows down the pace and benefits from some great musical backing building up in pace and pathos. The Latin feel of “Temptation To Exist” is another highlight but it is the powerful and dramatic “Making Rain” and “Drowning” that give this fine collection of songs such substance and magic. A nod to the past in the Bossa Nova feel of “Trash” has a slight feel of a throw away to it but everything comes up roses on “Exorcism Of Despair” which ends the album on an almighty high .
This album won’t change your life but it’ll make it happier.
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New York Dolls
Reviewed by Tony Bartolo. | |
