Former New York Dolls lead singer David Johansen has always been endearingly disinclined to do what was expected of him. Despite being a preeminently influential figure of proto-punk, when the `Dolls fell apart, his solo career plied a much more conventional brand of rock that came largely free of the pugnacity and sloppy spectacle of his former band. He later completely shifted gears and became kitschy lounge singer Buster Poindexter and, later still, indulged his love of country and blues with the Harry Smiths. Yes, there was the fleeting New York Dolls reunion that briefly found him squeezing back into the skimpy togs, but I never got the feeling that his heart was truly in that chapter. I may be wrong.
In any event, here in 2020, David has released ostensibly a protest song. Long have people been ruminating on the absence of proper protest music of the variety that marked previous periods of upheaval — from the hippies in the 60’s to the punks in the 70’s through to the hardcore kids in the 80’s. David has decided to throw his hat into the ring and call out the strenuous disarray caused by the Trump Administration. True to form. however, David has not channeled his former glories as a tight-trousered rock hellion bellowing over loud, blistering guitars. Instead, it’s a spritely calypso cover of Winston Edward Peters’ “Sinking Ship.”
See what you think…
Recent Comments