Search - Damned :: Strawberries

No-one written a review of this one yet?

theAllPurpose | 06/15/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"So far three people have submitted reviews to Amazon. com saying how unfairly maligned The Damned's second album, Music For Pleasure has been; if MFP has been unfairly maligned however, then this absolute gem of an album - arguably their best imho (yes, I do argue with myself about it regularly!) - seems to have been even more unfairly completely forgotten about!The only reason I can think of to explain this is that, as far as the overall direction of The Damned's career is concerned, this really represents what has (thus far) turned out to be a bit of a blind alley stylistically. Strawberries' predecessors, Machine Gun Etiquette and The Black Album, while displaying growing strength and maturity were both still identifiably punk. It's successors, Phantasmagoria and Anything, saw the band head off more into the realms of Goth and Psychedelia, following the departure of founder member and principle songwriter (sole songwriter on this album? Of course you can't believe the song-writing credits on any Damned album after their 1979 reincarnation!) Captain Sensible.And so this album has been left somewhat out on a limb; which is a great shame because it is a powerful and accomplished pop album full of great songs which showcases both the best ever line-up of The Damned imho (Scabies / Sensible / Vanian / Gray.... OK, I may have to have another argument with myself in favour of the James / Scabies / Sensible / Vanian line-up later on too!) and the good Captain at the peak of his songwriting powers, while still being subject to the rest of the band around him exercising a little quality control and reigning-in some of the sillier indulgencies which have frequently marred his subsequent solo work.Finally, Grave Disorder - The Damned's first new studio album since Captain Sensible rejoined them - is scheduled for release in August this year, and based on recent live performances it promises to be another good 'un... fingers crossed for that, because their last one, I'm Alright Jack And The Beanstalk AKA Not Of This Earth was quite frankly a bit of a dog!"

The last great Damned album

theAllPurpose | Canada | 06/19/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Damned created some of the most interesting and criminally underrated albums of the late 70's and early 80's. After this album, Captain Sensible left the group and they rapidly went downhill (though the follow up to this album, Phantasmagoria was still pretty good). Like The Black Album, this album is not a punk album and those expecting it to sound like Damned Damned Damned may be disappointed. It defies placement in any one genre though it has elements of pop, psychedelia,and punk. Fans of great music of any genre should check out this album. Aside from a couple of the bonus tracks, this is one of the more consistent Damned albums. Standout tracks include "Stranger On The Town", "Generals", Life Goes On", "Under The Floor Again" and their ode to Ronald Reagan "Bad Time For Bonzo". Buy this album as well as the Black Album (probably my favourite Damned album overall). If you like more straight ahead punk, pick up Damned Damned Damned and Machine Gun Ettiquette - both are excellent records as well."

Damned becomes palatable

Teresa Heinrich | Morgan Hill, CA | 02/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a pop album by a punk band, retaining the energy of their previous releases while adding hooks and harmonies. It even has dynamics, with the mellowness of "Under the Floor Again" to the rapidity of "Ignite". A must buy."