All Dolled Up – ‘Cause I Sez So
Anybody into Punk music of the past thirty-some years has had quite the list of bands to listen to & identify with. The Sex Pistols, The Clash and the Ramones were at the forefront of the genre, bringing their distinctive sound to not only those who loved Punk, but to Mainstream as well. As things progressed, other groups came (and went), but very few have ever attained the widespread appeal that the “Big” groups enjoyed.
The thing is, Punk wasn’t a single sound. There were many variations back then (and far more now) that tended to be “regional” in nature. And nowhere, except for perhaps London, produced better Punk music than the New York scene. At the forefront there was of course the Ramones, but arguably right there with them the whole time was the New York Dolls.
The Dolls weren’t your average Punk band by any stretch of the imagination. Fans and detractors alike saw their music labeled as “Glam Punk” due to the theatrical nature of the band. “Tube tops & mascara” was one way they were described in looks, but their music was itself purely the sort that evolved from 1950’s Rock & Roll, played with abandon. But even the detractors had to stand up and take notice in 1975 when the first issue of “Punk” magazine was released, and the Dolls were present and accounted for.
Now, the Dolls are set to release their fourth studio album, ‘Cause I Sez So, recorded at Utopia Sound Studio in Kauai, Hawaii. The album features 11 original compositions and a new version of “Trash,” which was on their 1973 debut album, “New York Dolls”.
From the start, Cause I Sez So is a trip back in time to the roots of the Punk revolution. The album draws you in with it’s title Track, and builds until the finale. Frontman David Johansen’s vocals are as good as ever, and the album is ably Produced by Todd Rundgren. In my opinion, the kicker is “This is Ridiculous” – it alone would be worth the purchase price.
Be forewarned, this isn’t what Punk has become, it’s what Punk was always meant to be, and the Dolls show that on every track. No gimmicks are wanted nor needed; in short any fan of the genre should be waiting anxiously for May 5th when this hits the shelves. Even better, don’t wait, just head to Amazon and Pre-Order ‘Cause I Sez So because, well – I say so.
For those lucky enough to be in the area, the Release party is being held May 5th at the Varvatos store in NY (315 Bowery), where the band itself will hit the stage at 8pm. If (like me) you are miles away, you can still head over to the New York Dolls website, and learn about this great band.
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- Chris Cornell – Scream
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