New York Dolls say it's so musically
Paradise, Boston, June 28, 2009
Reviewed by Jeffrey B. Remz
The title from the New York Dolls very fine new CD, "Cause I Sez So," just about says it all. What was once a glam rock band back when they started out in the early 1970's was really the precursors of punk rock played by The Ramones and others.
A few dates, a very very very long break and personal changes later, the Dolls are not shy about dole it out musically in concert.
Led by lead Doll David Johanson, the Dolls put on a 1 3/4-hour set before about 350 fans that would have been sorely upset if they only wanted to see a nostalgia act.
The Dolls may have started with one of their classics, Looking For a Kiss with all the punky, fast paced rocking sounds of yesteryear, but they also were never afraid about playing songs from the new disc, produced by Todd Rundgren (He also produced the band's debut). Standouts from the disc included This is Ridiculous, Exorcism of Despair and particularly the title track. Trash, a song on the new disc as well as the debut, also stood out.
Johansen, at 59, has a voice that is none the worse for wear. That was no surprise to the Dolls either because his vocals were mixed high almost the entire night. He seemed to gain a bit more emotional spark as the evening wore on. The enthusiasm of the crowd doubtlessly helped, but did so his sparkling band.
The only original Doll is Sylvain Sylvain (on the CD, however, he is listed as Sylvain Mizrahi, his given name). Sylvain was on target wit his guitar licks, but off target in his feigned upset about the late Michael Jackson. Not sure why he felt compelled to do that.
Steve Conte was very solid throughout on guitar, sometimes contributing steely lines underneath the musical muscle being shown by others. Brian Delaney established a typically fast, propelling beat on drums, though he also had no trouble slowing it down, and Sami Yaffa, a former member of Hanoi Rocks, helped set the beat as well.
The New York Dolls are a legacy band - they influenced a generation of rockers who succeeded them. But to judge from this evening, that did not leave them content to look only to their past. At least, that's what they seem to be saying with their new album and show.
Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears opened with a winning 45-minute set of hard-edged soul. Lewis, an Austin resident, has been making music for about half a dozen years, and James Brown was an obvious influence. Lewis, who released his Lost Highway Records debut earlier this year, did not display the charisma of his musical mentor having a low-key demeanor, but he showed a good feel for the music.
The Honeybears were very good with a three-piece horn section and hard-edged guitar playing as well. Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears do soul music proud.
