New York Dolls – ‘Cause I Sez So
Atco Records (5/5/09)
Rock
It’s been a long journey since 1971, when the New York Dolls were first formed by the original line-up of singer David Johansen, guitarists Johnny Thunders and Rick Rivets (replaced after a couple of months by Sylvain Sylvain), bass guitarist Arthur “Killer” Kane and drummer Billy Murcia. The band recorded two studio albums in the span of a couple years and then let self-destruction take its course, leaving some members on their own, and some dead.
Well, it’s many years later and two of the original members (Johansen and Sylvain) are back with original producer Todd Rundgren for the release of their fourth studio album ‘Cause I Sez So. The Dolls first got back together in July 2005 and went on tour in support of their then-upcoming album, One Day It Will Please Us to Remember Even This. New members from that moment in time are the same on the current release, in Steve Conte on guitar, Sami Yaffa on bass, and drummer Brian Delaney.
I was only a toddler when the New York Dolls first strutted their glam-style on stage, wearing platform heels and feather boas, but became a fan later in life and was able to appreciate the simplicity of the music and depth of the lyrics. ‘Cause I Sez So kind of took me by surprise in regards to the Dolls being able to still make relevant music in the same vein they always have, after all these years.
“‘Cause I Sez So”, the title track, starts off the set with vintage Dolls rockabilly-glam riffs that are ultra-catchy and make you want to get up and dance. Both guitarists trade off solos with little squeals while Johansen complains, “I hear they lock you up for smokin’ a joint” and points out the fact they are “Takin’ pretty pictures every place I go”. “Muddy Bones” is a socially relevant tune with catchy hooks about violence and destruction, and how us common people are starting to figure out what’s really going on in the world.
“Better Than You” is a simplistic, country-ish ballad that is gentle to the mood while “Lonely So Long” is a decent jingle with a sing-a-long quality to it. “My World” has some snappy drums and an ultra-cool wah solo (I’m a sucker for the wah pedal) featuring lines of cool lyrics (“Cosmic energies of love, don’t leave my ass behind / Wisdom of the body, ravaged by the mind”) and “This Is Ridiculous” can almost be compared to “Stray Cat Strut”.
“Temptation to Exist” starts with a cool, whistled intro and works its way into an almost samba feel. “Making Rain” is a soft, acoustic ballad showcasing the great poetry of Johansen and offers up some soothing slide and pedal steel guitar work. The song gradually picks up to a more dynamic tone with some distorted power chords. “Drowning” starts with a flavorful, Latin riff, then turns it up a notch with tribal drums and feedback, while “Nobody Got No Bizness” is funky and bluesy, featuring a great bass groove and references to Philly soul and Chicago style. “Trash” makes you think Caribbean reggae, as the album ends with a very heavy, upbeat, distorted rocker called “Exorcism of Despair”.
If you are a fan of the New York Dolls, you will immediately like this album. If you never heard their music before, you’ll still think it’s a great album. Why? “‘Cause I Sez So!” I know, that was bad. But seriously, twelve songs, all around three minutes apiece, and all having their own identity. That’s what makes a worth-while record and that’s why you need to have this one.
