Machine Gun Etiquette

Damned, The

SKU: WIKD333

Barcode: 029667433310

19.00 £19.00

Out of stock

Add to your Wishlist

Machine Gun Etiquette is the third studio album by English punk rock band the Damned. The album was the group’s first since reforming with Dave Vanian on vocals, Captain Sensible on lead guitar, Rat Scabies on drums and Algy Ward on bass guitar. Machine Gun Etiquette saw the band become more experimental; without Brian James, the songwriting was more democratic, resulting in a blend of punk, psychedelic rock and pop styles.

Rejoining forces without Brian James, who pursued his own interests from then on (only hooking up with the band again for a late-’80s “farewell” show), the remaining three brought in young Saints veteran Ward on bass, recorded an album, and hoped for the best. That best proved much better than expected; while singles ended up on the charts, Machine Gun Etiquette itself was deservedly hailed as another classic from the band. Over time, its reputation has grown to equal the original Damned Damned Damned; while no less strong than that record, the Damned here bring in a wide variety of touches and influences to create a record that most of their contemporaries could never have approached. The group’s wicked way around witty punk hadn’t ebbed a bit; the opening cut, “Love Song,” is a hilarious trashing of romantic clichés (sample lyric: “I’ll be the rubbish, you’ll be the bin!”) that barely lasts two minutes, while “Noise, Noise, Noise” and “Liar” work in the same general vein. These, however, only scratch the surface. “Melody Lee,” written by the Captain for a favorite comic character, starts with a lovely piano intro, whereas the celebratory angst of “I Just Can’t Be Happy Today” chugs along with garagey élan and keyboards á la the Electric Prunes. Other prime standouts include “Plan 9 Channel 7,” a Grand Guignol of an epic about James Dean and Vampira with a fantastic Vanian vocal; the merry mayhem of “These Hands” (belonging to a killer circus clown, with appropriate carnival music, of course); and a great rip through the MC5’s “Looking at You.” The best moment was saved for last, though: “Smash It Up,” a two-part number divided between an affecting instrumental tribute to longtime supporter and Captain hero Marc Bolan, and a perfect trash-the-rules-and-party pop/punk/R&B scorcher. ~ Ned Raggett

Artist
Genre
Label
Buying Options
Format
Condition
Country

Track Listings

1. Love Song
2. Machine Gun Etiquette
3. I Just Can't Be Happy Today
4. Melody Lee
5. Anti-Pope
6. These Hands
7. Plan 9 Channel 7
8. Noise, Noise, Noise
9. Looking at You
10. Liar
11. Smash it Up, Pt. 1 & 2

Share this

More from Damned, The

View Product

Damned, The

Damned Damned Damned (Limited Yellow Colour Vinyl – National Album Day)

Alternative Rock / Punk Rock / Emo | BMG | 1LP, Coloured Vinyl
Released 14th October 2022
£26.00
  • Genre: Alternative Rock / Punk Rock / Emo
  • Label: BMG
  • SKU: 4050538794717
  • Formats: 1LP, Coloured Vinyl
  • Released Date: 14th October 2022