Search - Damned :: So, Who's Paranoid?

Psychadelic goth-tinged pop in a nifty package

Alex Faber | Northern NJ United States | 04/24/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Man, I must be getting old, 'cause this one completely slipped under my radar, so despite coming out in late '08, I just found out about it. The Damned has never been an easy group to pin down, starting out as a straight-ahead punk band and transforming into a rock band with a host of influences, from 60s-era pop to goth to flirtations with dub. Most of these influences surfaced on Grave Disorder, a kickbutt set o' tunes where just about every song had its own character and musical style.



This album, on the other hand, is more streamlined, and while every song is distinctive, the musical style throughout is like a power-pop variation on The Kinks or The Who. It took me a few spins to get into the album, but right away I was already singing along to the melodious "Under the Wheels" and the goofily bombastic slow-churner "Dr. Woofenstein." The set of songs slows for "Since I Met You," a quiet ballad that seems to be a more sincere take on their sardonic "Love Song," before picking back up for cuts like the gleefully nasty "Maid For Pleasure" and the droll "Perfect Sunday."



Despite the strong set of songs, the album isn't perfect, though, for once we pass the 10-song mark, the tunes become drab and uninspired: "Just Hangin'" doesn't do much else as it takes up space, and "Nothing" is pretty much just that. The worst offender on the album, though, is "Dark Asteroid," a bland 4 minute song that shifts into a 10-minute organ-driven jam that would make even Phish fans beg for mercy. The only thing that saves this album from being a middling 3-stars is the preceding set of songs and Dave Vanian's still lushly dark yet melodious voice, which almost makes me want to pity anyone who's never heard it. My advice, for what it's worth: stop the album at track 10. The track list plays well this way (perfectly, in fact), and you can leave off with the uplifting power-pop of "Little Miss Disaster" instead of continuing into the dead area of the disc.



Now, the packaging: unlike "Grave Disorder," this one comes in a standard jewel case with a clear tray, with artwork that reflects the title of the album. The art is simple - there's no lyric booklet - but the cover is not nearly as blank and bland as the artwork here would leave you to believe. You'll have to buy the album to find out why. Do it for the Captain. This one's a welcome hearkening back to their days on MCA, and after a few listens you'll be singing along with a grin on your face."

Never boring

Jeroen Van Dyk | australia | 11/02/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"So,in the time that it takes most bands to have their entire career,the Damned turn out another 'at our own leisure'album of shimmering tracks that serve only to remind everyone what a magnificent beast they are.This,thier first album since the astounding 'Grave Disorder' of 2002 (which to the uninitiated would serve well as an example of everything that's brilliant about the Damned,originality,first class musicianship,craftsmanship)although slightly tamer than thier previous effort,shines through as yet another reason these guys should be hailed and respected for the non conformist geniuses they are.with all of thier albums,the first listen or two rarely grab you,the songs having a tendency to 'grow' on you,each passage ,each lyric,every unexpected turn taking its time to creep up on you.Initial stand out tracks for me were 'under the wheels',the ridiculously catchy 'dr.woofenstein',and'nothing'.The huge closing jam on wah wah pedal and keyboards is electrifying and harks back to influences like the stooges.This album has so much going on it's hard to know where to start.Buy it and ensure these guys make a next album!"

The Damned hit another home run!

Fred Cheesman | Williamsburg, VA | 03/28/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"So many great albums/CDs...Macine Gun Etiquette, The Black Album, Phantasmagoria,...but this may be their best! I especially loved the nod to post-Syd golden era Pink Floyd, Dark Asteroid. This one is not just for Damned worshippers such as myself!

Cheers!

Fred

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