New York Dolls - Dancing Backwards in High Heels
The original punk pioneers are back, flamboyant as ever, with their new album ‘Dancing Backward In High Heels (+ Bonus DVD)
The idea of a band reunion always risks a cringey attempt at clinging onto former glories, morphing into a sort of ‘oldies’ outfit that brings nothing new to the table, only builds upon what they have already created. However after Morrissey successfully persuaded the New York Dolls (or what was left of them) to reform back in 2004, a band was put together to join Sylvian and Johansen in retaining their youthful carelessness whilst constantly embroidering their signature sound, not being content with just doing what they always have. ‘Dancing Backwards in High Heels’ is no exception.
The first track ‘Fool For You Baby’ introduces Johansen’s charismatic vocals giving a nod to 60’s girl groups with the dum-dum-ditty’s and ooh-aah’s lacing over the top of a keyboard riff that can’t fail to please. But fear not, those craving the gritty guitars of the original Doll’s records, ‘Talk To Me Baby’ throws you right into a Bowie-esque infectious melody that sounds like an immediate classic after the first listen.
There are, however, some more mellow tones to this album which reveal the band’s maturity and offer a sense of loss; ‘Kids Like You’ flows on with some hard-won wisdom for the new generation whilst ‘You Don’t Have To Cry’ offers a moving consolation to a loved one, the final line ‘let me see you smile’ is followed by a marvellous cover of Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles’ 1962 hit ‘I Sold My Heart To The Junkman’, which most definitely has you doing as Johansen asks.
In an interview with Mick Burgess, Sylvian described the new record as being ‘the best set of songs that me and David have written in years,’ and I have to agree. ‘Dancing Backwards In High Heels’ is as fun as it sounds, the Doll’s proving that they’re not slowing down anytime soon, and when they sound this good, why should they?
Sophie McGraw
