New York Dolls Album: “Live in NYC - 1975: Red Patent Leather [Bonus Tracks]”

Then you should have no problem with this. If you're a fan of the Dolls and the Stooges you need to have 'em both. So what if the sound quality stinks? The band plays great and the songs are good. It's too bad The NY Dolls never got to record these songs for real. They should have used these songs for the reunion record a few years ago rather than write terrible new ones.

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The New York Dolls: Red Patent Leather

The New York Dolls' live release, Red Patent Leather, that humbly marked the end of their career (at the time being, at least), is an excellent live album, to be put lightly. For connoisseurs of unblemished sound, you must overlook your pickiness! This is absolutely worth it, even aside from the subdued quality. On tracks such as Pirate Love, the steady flow of Nolan's drums paired with choppy, vibrant piano work from Sylvain makes for an amazing sound. "Pills" is executed almost as flawlessly as a studio song. These are not, however, the only admirable songs on the album, only the ones on the B side (believe me, the A side is just as great), which I have chosen to critique. Teenage News is beautifully performed, and to be followed by the much anticipated Personality Crisis just makes the record all the better. "When I say I'm in luv, you best believe I'm in luv, L-U-V." unexpectedly states Johansen as Looking for a Kiss rumbles to an introduction. To conclude this review, I advise that you pick up this album-FAST.

While I had heard of the Dolls prior to experiencing them, I had no idea what I was in for until I checked some of thir CDs out of the library after three people told me that this band changed their entire outlook on music. Upon hearing this CD, I must say that not only am I now listening to it compulsively and struggling to concentrarte on this review as I do so, I also find myself wondering why in the world they are not more widly-known. The music in itself is difficult to describe so I will not attempt to pigeon hole it with any labeling, and instead just say that if you are at all openminded and especially if you call yourself a music lover of any kind, then you must at least try them on for size. My one complaint about this particular recording is that it is a bit muffled and as a result difficult to discern all the nuances present in the music.

Red Patent Leather was recorded during the band's final

phase of their short careers. The songs the band performs were supposed to be on their third album (before drugs and malaise forced Mercury to dump the band). Malcolm McLaren tried to relaunch the band by giving them a new look and attittude. They would come out on stage in red vinyl with a red hammer and sickle flag in the background.

This backfired due to Americans not getting a joke and it horrified many of their old fans.

The music on the disc is great. Too bad they would never record the music in the studio. After their short stint in New York City, the band hit the road for Florida. That failed as well because the band was back to their old habits. Jerry and Johnny left for good. Soon Arthur woulkd leave as well.

The Dolls would later reform (with Sylvain and Johansen) but it was never the same. No record deal put and end to them as well. But Johnny and Jerry would find sucess with The Heartbreakers.

Strongly recommended.