The Damned
Damned Damned Damned
Released 1977
The sound of the punk explosion is best archived on The Damned's 1977 release Damned Damned Damned. The U.K. punk band rips through 12 blistering yet catchy punk tunes from its first single "New Rose" to "Neat Neat Neat" to an incredible cover of The Stooges "I Feel Alright." This cover makes Iggy look tame as the song disintegrates into an improvised mutilation to end the record.
It wouldn't be accurate to call The Damned sloppy, but there is a messiness about them that fits their music perfectly. Damned Damned Damned makes you want to stumble around, break some things and slam dance into anything you can find.
The solid core of the band conspires to make this one of the best punk records ever recorded. Lead man Captain Sensible delivers genuine punk ethos as evidenced on "Fan Club." Rat Scabies drives a rapid Keith Moon-esque rhythm (you gotta hear "I Fall"). And all of it is pulled along by Brian James' solidly angst-filled songs. Get started on your journey to discover the roots of early punk with The Damned.