New York Dolls / Dancing Backwards In High Heels

New York Dolls
Dancing Backwards In High Heels
(Blast Records)
* * *

Despite this being their fifth album in forty years, you can't help suspect that the New York Dolls should sound a lot less fun than they do. Surely they're knackered and out of touch by now?!

And yet despite containing the odd stylistic misstep, 'Dancing Backwards' moves along to a similar beat to 70s Lou Reed, especially when Reed was himself recalling the 50s bubblegum era. Their’s is a land of drive in movies, saxophones, go-go beats and sidewalk romance - making it quite a shock to find out it was recorded in Newcastle. Newcastle?!

The cigarette-battered voice of David Johansen leads the way quite charmingly through the late night broken-hearted blues of 'Kids Like You', and although he certainly sounds a bit haggard on the rockier numbers, there's a lot of warmth throughout: other highlights include the Bowie-esque party popper 'Talk To me Baby' and the rock 'n roll ballroom dance 'I Sold My Heart To The Junkman'.

Time and time again classic artists from yesteryear promise the world only to hack up some phlegm, but this record delivers on both tunes and atmosphere - even if the New York Dolls are more likely to guest on Jools Holland than rip up CBGB these days.