March 16, 2011

Album Review: New York Dolls - Dancing Backwards In High Heels (Blast)

Their revived energetic arrogance conjure memories of former glory

7 / 10 No-one has the right to tell New York Dolls – even just the two left – when they should call it quits. Yes, six and a bit years on, interest in the reunion isn’t quite so rabidly keen; yes, lyrics like “I’m more fabulous than all the hipsters on Broadway!” (from ‘I’m So Fabulous’) suggest a man not entirely au fait with NYC nightlife circa 2011; yes, the production could be a bit dirtier.

But the fact is, there’s a vitality, a shamelessness, an energy retained throughout here that shows why they mattered so damn much, and why they shouldn’t – and couldn’t – ever consider doing anything else.

Hamish MacBain

7/10

Order a copy of New York Dolls' 'Dancing Backward In High Heels' from Amazon

New York Dolls announce new album and UK tour ticket details