New York Dolls - New York Dolls

There are hints of girl group pop and more than a hint of the Rolling Stones, but The New York Dolls doesn't really sound like anything that came before it. It's hard rock with a self-conscious wit, a celebration of camp and kitsch that retains a menacing, malevolent edge. The New York Dolls play as if they can barely keep the music from falling apart and David Johansen sings and screams like a man possessed. The New York Dolls is a noisy, reckless album that rocks and rolls with a vengeance. The Dolls rework old Chuck Berry and Stones riffs, playing them with a sloppy, violent glee. "Personality Crisis," "Looking for a Kiss," and "Trash" strut with confidence, while "Vietnamese Baby" and "Frankenstein" sound otherworldly, working the same frightening drone over and over again. The New York Dolls is the definitive proto-punk album, even more than anything the Stooges released. It plunders history while celebrating it, creating a sleazy urban mythology along the way. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Name Credits Alex Spyropoulos Piano Arthur Kane Bass, ? Buddy Bowser Saxophone Dave Hansen Gong, Harmonica, Vocals David Johansen Harmonica, Vocals, ?, Gong David Krebs Executive Producer Dennis Drake Digital Mastering Ed Sprigg Engineer Jack Douglas Engineer Jerry Nolan Drums, ? Johnny Thunders Vocals, ?, Guitar Marty Thau Executive Producer New York Dolls Arranger, Group Paul Nelson Executive Producer Steve Leber Executive Producer Sylvain Sylvain Guitar, Guitar (Rhythm), ?, Piano, Vocals Todd Rundgren Moog Synthesizer, Keyboards, Piano, Producer Toshi Photography