Search - Damned :: Damned Damned Damned

The first English punk album: fast, raw and loud!

Joseph P. Ulibas | Sacramento, CA, USA | 07/03/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Damned's first disc DAMNED.DAMNED. DAMNED was the first of many English punk albums. Upstart record label Stiff Records pressed their debut disc. But a snafu occured doing the first pressings, the album's back had a group photo of the Damned's running buddies EDDIE and the Hot RODS. A strange goof to a fast start to one of the best punk bands from the class of 1976.



Brian James, Captain Sensible, David Vanian and Rat Scabies made up the group line-up. The album was produced by Nick Lowe, He captured the band's sound using a four track mixer and released the first English punk rock single NEW ROSE and a promo video as well. The single and disc showcased the raw and loud sound The Damned was known for. Unlike the polished and overdubbed Sex Pistols' NEVER MIND THE BOLLOCKS. DAMNED,DAMNED, DAMNED is the definetive punk album.

It's crude and raw.



Another interesting note was the band members singing together at the same time. You can hear all four band mates singing making a strange sound you can be sure.

The Damned would later release and experimental second album for Stiff and add a second guitar player. The new member and Brian James wanting to write all the music caused a rift between them. They were also the first of the Class of 1976 to break up and reform (in 1979 as The Doomed briefly).



Highest recommendation (it's one of the essentials)."

The first british punk album (lucky bastards)

Damn Damn Damn | 07/05/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For those of you who think bands like Green Day pionered the punk style, you have a lot to learn. Punk was already big in New York but the planet Britain still didn't have any LP's of it's own until the Damned released "Damned Damned Damned". And it was good. Unlike most punk bands from that time like the Clash or the Sex Pistols, this wasn't as angry... it was fun... Just listen to songs like "Neat Neat Neat" or "So Messed Up".

This album makes a nice addition to your record collection."

I didn't like it at first, but...

Jake | Rochester, NY USA | 01/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I first got this, the only track I liked was "Born To Kill". But after repeated listenings, something happened. I had an epiphany or something. Now I LOVE this album. Here's a track-by-track breakdown:



"Neat Neat Neat" - Killer bassline, messy drums, blitzspeed guitar. In other words, THE DAMNED!



"Fan Club" - This track shows that The Damned could get subtle, too. Very intimidating, which is one of their trademarks



"I Fall" - Good track, short but fun.



"Born To Kill - YES! This is it. Everything about it just rocks.



"Stab Your Back" - This one's funny. Rat Scabies wrote it. Fast, simple, hilariously stupid. Good maniacal laughter at the end.



"Feel The Pain" - Boring verse parts, killer chorus



"New Rose" - Didn't like it immediately, but it's still good.



"Fish" - Eh, it's good. Cool guitar, neat drums



"See Her Tonite" - AWESOME. Great guitar, pure energy and exitement. More great drumming.



"1 Of The 2" - Weird lyrics, very mystical. Cool guitar tone in the beginning



"So Messed Up" - Great song, awesome false finish. Killer drums.



"I Feel Alright" - This one just ROCKS. Possible my favorite track. Listen to those drums!





So what this so great? First off, RAT SCABIES. This album has truly astounding drums. Secondly, it's got an interesting guitar sound. Brian James' guitar sounds very lean and compressed, without an excess of distortion. Vocally, this album's great. Aside from Dave Vanian's tough-guy Goth delivery, there's a lot of parts where it sounds like the whole band is moaning and shouting at once. This is a very cool effect.



My advice? Buy this, then listen to it at a party. Or while breaking something. Or both!



"