Search - The Damned :: Not of This Earth

Not Really the Damned

James Lopez | Los Angeles, CA USA | 02/25/2003

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This album is not really a Damned album. Yes, it features many of the original members of the Damned, but the music bears little to no resemblance to the band's classic sound. The only songs that resemble their older material are the energetic "My Desire" and the melancholy "No More Tears." Other than these two numbers, the rest of the album sounds like, to quote Patricia Morrison, a "bar band." The musical style of Not of This Earth is quite similar to Eric Clapton's later material, a pseudo-blues rock band with slick production. It is by no means the most horrible thing in the world to listen to, but it genuinely lacks the creativity that Vanian, Scabies, and the rest of the crew are capable of. Where are the psychedellic influences? the experimentation? the raw energy? the darkness? the sense of humor? These elements will not be found on Not of This Earth, an album strictly for completists."

The Damned - 'Not Of This Earth' (Cleopatra)

Mike Reed | USA | 01/25/2005

(2 out of 5 stars)

"'Not Of This Earth' is The Damned in name only.I didn't even realize until later that vocalist Dave Vanian wasn't on this CD.Two original members were,guitarist Brian James and drummer Rat Scabies.As for the tunes that I thought were so-so included "I Need A Life"(the theme song to WAY too many of us anymore),"Tail Spin" and maybe "Shadow To Fall".I haven't found one other fan that even remotely likes this release.I think it's fair.I saw the Damned out on tour like a year after 'Not Of...' came out,however,the group's two OTHER original members were there,Vanian and bassist Captain Sensible.After the gig,I met up with the Captain and he told me that THIS disc should be avoided at all costs."

DAMMIT! DAMMIT! DAMMIT!

Harvey J.Satan | Among The Garden Gnome,Friar Park | 05/31/2001

(1 out of 5 stars)

"When we last left our plucky lads,they had released "ANYTHING",and wore the Goth/Punk crown with honor,followed by a barrage of "Best of","Live",and yet another collection of lame compilation albums. So after a LONG wait for new original material....this is what we got stuck with,a watered down attempt at being The Damned. New sound? No my friends,sadly this album sounds like a group of people trying very hard to be The Damned.The first notable difference on this album,is that Roman Jugg and Bryn Merrick are gone,a big loss. Also at this time,Captain Sensible was appearing sporatically at the live shows,but couldn't be talked on to this album. ( Wonder why? ). Dave Vanian basically sounds disinterested through out the album. The musicianship is equally lack luster,even with the appearance of Brian James on two tracks! (They also brought in Glen Matlock for crying out loud!) A big difference on this release,is that EVERY track is written or co-written by Rat Scabies.Previously Rat's non-group written songs have numbered two: "Stab Yor Back" and "Let There Be Rats". As a Damned fan from the get go,I was very dissapointed with this release.After too many live albums,I expected a decent studio album.....this is not it. If you want the best Damned,start with "Damned Damned Damned" and get everything up to "Anything" you won't go wrong. Another interesting note,this was the first Damned package to have a title and artwork change for U.S. release! Originally titled "I'm All Right Jack & The Beanstalk!",in the U.K.,it featured the image of the fairy being attacked by an overly phallic troll,on the front cover,intead of inside the jewel case.Put simply....give us the core Damned: Dave,Rat & Captain,or give us NOTHING! ( A little Bryn and Roman wouldn't hurt as well! )"