The Damned "Grave Disorder" Nitro 15844-2 2001 (57:35)
Democracy?
(3:22)
Song.com (3:39)
Thrill Kill (5:37)
She (4:27)
Lookin For Action (4:04)
Would
You Be So Hot (If You Weren't Dead) (4:13)
Absinthe (4:18)
Amen (7:55)
Neverland (3:31)
The End Of Time (3:53)
Obscene (2:46)
W (5:06)
Beauty
Of The Beast (4:44)
The common misconception about punk is that no one knew how to play. Truth is, many a band were solid from the start and became all the more accomplished with time. A good example is the turbulent, many membered, up and down, off and on again run of The Damned (which I'm a longtime fan of). And here we are a quarter century later, five years after the last album, with 13 new studio tunes. Finally, something new to add to the live set lists. Alongside vocalist Dave Vanian, fellow founding member Captain Sensible is finally back in the fold. Vanian's rich voice sounds as good as ever as he indulges in his gothic silver screen fantasies while the good Captain indulges in his own Floyd meets Hendrix guitar stylings. Monty Oxy Moron adds plenty of keys and bassist Patricia Morrison (Vanian's wife, ex-Gun Club and Sisters of Mercy) and new and improved drummer Pinch provide a strong rhythm section with backing vocals by all. "Grave Disorder" not only sounds fresh and new, it sounds like The Damned - that colorful mix of silly fun, romantic horror, melodic pop and punk rock. They sound great and every track is thumbs up. Lyrically they once again take the piss out of politicians, including barely elected Bush in "W", and religious fanatics, as well as internet junkies, John Lennon and Michael Jackson. "Democracy?" and "Would You Be So Hot (If You Weren't Dead?)" are instant classics with irresistible melodies. "Song.com" features some mean organ soloing and "Absinthe" some theremin atmosphere by Vanian. "Amen" winds down nicely with several minutes of beach side samples and synth. Captain's "Neverland", originally from his '96 solo album "Mad Cows & Englishmen", is re-recorded with Vanian on vocals. "Beauty of The Beast" is a classic Vanian piano ballad circa "Phantasmagoria", a fitting conclusion. It was worth the wait! Get the gold logo embossed digipack version with 12 page lyric insert if you can. The Damned are on tour in the States through early November then on to the UK for the rest of the year ...
The Damned
The
Damned at Nitro Records
Where did I get this cd? - mail order via CD Universe.