Search - Damned :: Music for Pleasure (Us Edition)

The maligned 2nd album

Damned Disciple | NJ, USA | 09/29/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Hot off the heels of releasing 'Damned Damned Damned' in February of 1977, the Damned could have probably used some time off. Instead they went back into the studio to record a follow up, with Pink Floyd's Nick Mason as producer. There were some important factors that caused tension around this period and subsequentially marred the album. A 2nd guitarist, Lu Edmunds was added, which was deemed un-necessary by some members. Also, Vanian, Sensible and Scabies wanted to be more involved in the songwriting, which was handled mainly by Brian James. Rat Scabies was even kicked out of the group in October 1977, a month before the album was released. That said, it should be noted that the band has completely disowned this record. Their perrogative, naturally, but in truth this is a fine album and any Damned collection is incomplete without it. While the songs don't quite measure up to the ones on the first l.p., there are still a lot of good tracks here. Most notably the singles "Don't Cry Wolf" and "Problem Child", "Your Eyes" (almost a pop song even), the aural assualt of "Alone" and "Creep" and the almost psychadelic "Idiot Box" and "You Know". In February of 1978, the Damned, dropped by Stiff Records, broke up. The story, however, doesn't end here, and their best days were still ahead!"

Not Their Best, But Horribly Underrated

James Lopez | Los Angeles, CA USA | 01/31/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Music For Pleasure is certainly not the best thing that the Damned have ever come up with, but it is still a pretty good album. What it lacks is the raw energy of the first album and the creativity of their later albums. At this point (1977 to be exact) guitarist Brian James was still the main songwriter, and although he wrote a lot of great songs it seems that he was actually stifling the potential of the band; Captain Sensible, David Vanian, and Rat Scabies turned out to be incredibly creative individuals who were willing to experiment with new atmospheres, something which is not evident from the Brian James period of the band. Also, it has been suggested that Nick Mason, the producer of the album (not to mention the legendary drummer for Pink Floyd) was not really certain as to what the Damned wanted. Regardless, this is still a good release and an asset to the band's catalogue of records. Stand out tracks are "Problem Child," "Don't Cry Wolf," "Stretcher Case Baby," "One Way Love" (with some cool slide guitar), and "You Know." The bonus tracks are a pleasant listen as well, particularly the band's cover of the Beatles' "Help." The presence of guitarist Lu Edmonds is not particularly evident on this release, but that does not exactly tarnish Music For Pleasure. For all who appreciate the Damned and great music in general. Will appeal particularly to fans of 60's rock."