Review: “‘Cause I Sez So” – New York Dolls

Bursting onto the scene with their self-titled debut in 1973, glam punk rockers, New York Dolls, paved the way for other punk rock acts like the Ramones, The Clash and Blondie. Even Sex Pistols’ guitarist Steve Jones credits original member Johnny Thunder for giving him his onstage swagger. After breaking up in the mid 70s, the band re-formed in 2004 with lead singer David Johansen, Sylvain Sylvain and bassist Arthur Kane. Kane died shortly after the reunion, but Johansen and Sylvain kept going and have just released the band’s second comeback album, ‘Cause I Sez So, and it’s pretty damn good.

The album reunites the band with producer Todd Rundgren, who was behind the boards for the band’s debut. The 12-songs feature interesting rhythms, great guitar, catchy melodies and Johansen’s unique vocal style.

“‘Cause I Sez So” is a big rock anthem that I could hear them playing in a sweaty club with beer cans being thrown at them. By the way, that’s a compliment. “Muddy Shoes” follows with a stellar hook. “Ridiculous” has a swampy, southern feel to it. “Lonely So Long” sounds like a great mid-70s tale of lost love. The acoustic-driven “Making Rain” is a perfect tune for the middle of the disc, while “Exorcism of Despair,” which ends the album, takes you back to the punk heyday at CBGB’s. The pair also gave the reggae treatment to their 1973 rock anthem “Trash.” Now instead of in-your-face rock, it has a laid back “pass the dutchie” feel reminiscent of Bob Marley’s “Stir It Up.”

I’ll be honest, I was never a fan of the New York Dolls, but I am now. This collection not only rocks, but it’s a whole lot of fun, and in these trying times, that’s all you can ask for.

New York Dolls Official Website

You can stream the entire disc at Spinner

“‘Cause I Sez So/Personality Crisis” – Live

Trash – Live 1973