Although neither popular nor long-lived as a band, the New York Dolls were one of the most influential bands of the punk and glam rock genres. Their debut album, the eponymously named New York Dolls came out on the strength of their lower Manhattan fan base and received critical acclaim. However, their appeal outside of New York was limited and the album was considered a commercial failure in the United States.
The New York Dolls (also known as “The Dolls”) sported an androgynous look onstage, dressi...
Although neither popular nor long-lived as a band, the New York Dolls were one of the most influential bands of the punk and glam rock genres. Their debut album, the eponymously named New York Dolls came out on the strength of their lower Manhattan fan base and received critical acclaim. However, their appeal outside of New York was limited and the album was considered a commercial failure in the United States.
The New York Dolls (also known as “The Dolls”) sported an androgynous look onstage, dressing in satin, high heels, dresses, and lots of makeup. Much of their wardrobe was acquired at a local Salvation Army thrift store.
The band personnel included David Johansen on vocals, Arthur “Killer” Kane on bass, Jerry Nolan on drums, Sylvain Sylvain on keyboards, rhythm guitar and vocals, and Johnny Thunder on lead guitar and vocals. Front man David Johansen would later perform under the name Buster Poindexter.
Although the band would produce only one other album after their debut, their influence was significant for both punk rock and glam rock genres.
Wayne brings us this forerunner of punk that is “too fast to live, too young to die.”
Frankenstein
This song is sometimes listed as “Frankenstein (Orig.)” because Edgar Winter's song of the same name had already been released prior to the band recording their own, though it had been used in their live shows previously. The song was inspired by how repressed kids would gravitate to Manhattan from all over.
Pills
The only cover on the album was a 1963 Bo Diddley song. “While I was laying in a hospital bed, a rock n' roll nurse went through my head. She says, "hold out your arm, stick out yo' toungue, I got some pills, boy, I'm 'on give you one.”
Jet Boy
This track has a more heavy metal sound in the guitar. The lyrics are simply about a jet boy who stole a baby. There is little explanation as to what a jet boy is other than to say that he flies around New York City. “Jet Boy” was a 50's era comic superhero.
Bad Girl
The vocal parts on this track hearken back to a 1950's style, and it also features a boogie rhythm.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Oo-De-Lally by Roger Miller (from the animated picture “Robin Hood”)
Yes, it is a stark departure from the Dolls. Disney rolled out their take on the animated Robin Hood tale in this picture featuring Robin Hood as a fox.
STAFF PICKS:
Over the Hills and Far Away by Led Zeppelin
Rob leads out the staff picks with a great acoustic riff from Jimmy Page, layering 6- and 12-string guitars. The lyrics were inspired by the feelings of the band touring on the road. This is a single off Led Zeppelin's fifth studio album, Houses of the Holy, and made it to number 51 on the charts.
We Can Make It Right by Sherbet
Bruce's staff pick is a group that never broke into the US market in a big way, but was one of the biggest pop rock acts in Australia in the 1970's. This track leads off the second studio album entitled “On With the Show,” which hit number 6 on the Australian charts. The song was co-written by Sherbs keyboardist Garth Porter and guitarist Clive Shakespeare.
Long Train Runnin' by The Doobie Brothers
Lynch features a well known riff from the Tom Johnston vocal era of the Doobies. The group played “Long Train Runnin'” for three years before it was recorded, and it went through a number of names an iterations before its final form was created in the studio.
Still...You Turn Me On by Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Wayne wraps up the staff picks with a ballad from prog rock power trio Keith Emerson (keyboards) Greg Lake (guitar and vocals) and Carl Palmer (percussion). This is more acoustic rock with a little psychedelic rock thrown in than prog rock, but it is a hauntingly beautiful song. The lyrics are inspired by the feeling of playing in front of an audience.
COMEDY TRACK:
Sister Mary Elephant by Cheech & Chong
A number of comedy sketches were released by this duo, including this Catholic school class skit.
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