The New York Dolls - The New York Dolls
On this week's episode, we discuss the self-titled debut by the New York Dolls, one of most influential albums of the 1970s.
The New York Dolls blended the Rolling Stones' swagger with garage rock aggression and glam rock theatrics, that both embraced the sounds of early rock and roll and foreshadowed punk rock.
Produced in what seems like an unusual hands-off approach by Todd Rundgren,The New York Dolls presents the band with minimal polish. Its full of high energy songs about teenage angst, heartbreak, sex, drugs, and city life played with sloppy abandon. The New York Dolls is a blast from the get go and is must listen for anyone into punk, glam, or just plain good ol' rock & roll.
No recommendation on this episode.
THINGS WE DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE
The original line up of the New York Dolls. (L to R) Arthur “Killer” Kane, Billy Murcia, David Johansen, Johnny Thunders, and Syl Sylvain.
Sadly, while the Dolls were in the UK looking for a record deal, Murcia, who was the original drummer for the band, died of a drug overdose. Jerry Nolan later took over on drums.
The DC comic that inspired John Genzale to change his name to Johnny Thunders.
The Dolls with their producer Todd Rundgren (3rd form the right).
The Dolls played a concert at the Long Beach Auditorium in Long Beach, CA, in July of 1974 that was filmed for Don Kirshner's Rock Concert TV program. Here’s the band performing “Personality Crisis” and Trash” form that show.
During early 1970's there was a shortage of theater space for off-Broadway productions. The first and second floor of the old Broadway Central Hotel were for rent and converted into the Mercer Arts Center, a complex of live theaters and venues. The Dolls played their first paid gig there and soon secured a Tuesday night residency that became THE place to be seen.
Ad ad for the 1973 Valentine’s Day Doll’s gig at the Mercer Art Center.
The Dolls had an impact all around the New York area. Here’s a flyer for a show at the Coventry in Queens.
A snapshot of the Dolls performing at the Mercer Art Center.
Lots of established musicians went to see the dolls at the Mercer Art Center, including Lou Reed, Todd Rundgren, and Davis Bowie (pictured at a Dolls show in 1972).
In November of 1973, the New York Dolls appeared on The Old Grey Whistle Test on UK television where they mimed “Jet Boy.” Before hitting the stage, Johansen told the program’s host - Bob Harris '- that he had bunny teeth. This did not sit well with Harris, who following the Dolls' performance, smirked into the camera and dismissively called the band "mock rock.”
To say the Doll’s were influential is an understatement, yet most people focus on their impact on Punk. Here’s a publicity photo of a very young Kiss from 1973 embracing (or copying) the Doll’s fashion sense.
During their first trio to Los Angeles, Arthur Kane had to wear a cast due to his girlfriend at the time attempting to cut his thumb of because she couldn't go with him. Dolls' roadie, Peter Jordan, filled in for on bass for the trip.
When Malcolm McLaren took over as manager for the Doll’s he tried to infuse politics into their stage show. He had them wear red patent leather outfits on stage and perform in from of a communist flag as backdrop (see below).
The Malcom McLaren stage lasted just long enough to annoy Johnny Thunders (L)) and Jerry Nolan (R). The two of them quit the band during a stint of shows in Florida due in part to McLaren’s management. as well as their desire to be back in New York where it was easier to score drugs.
In the 1980s, David Johansen stated performing under the name Buster Poindexter, playing a mix of jump blues, traditional pop, swing, as well as the occasional novelty song. During this time he was also part of Saturday Night Live house band. His big his as Buster Poindexter was the song, "Hot Hot Hot.” Johansen would later call the song the bane of his life because it followed him everywhere.
