New York Dolls make long-awaited return

07/21/2006 1:35 PM, AP


Thirty-two years is a long time to wait for a new album. The New York Dolls' last studio release was 1974's "Too Much Too Soon." Countless compilations and live recordings have come out since then, but "One Day it Will Please Us to Remember Even This" is a collection of 13 fresh new songs, compositions that reflect the band's age but retain its edge.

With their straight-ahead style, flamboyant look and irreverent attitude, the Dolls have influenced rock music since they first formed in the '70s. This record reflects that history, with sounds reminiscent of the Sex Pistols and the Rolling Stones, and guest appearances by Michael Stipe and Iggy Pop.

The melodies are more sophisticated and musical than they used to be. Harmonica and saxophone decorate the tracks. It sounds like the evolution of surviving founders David Johansen and Sylvain Sylvain. They're joined by guitarist Steve Conti, drummer Brian Delaney, Sami Yaffa on bass and Brian Koonin on piano.

The songs are built on a blues-rock foundation like they always were. "Runnin' Around" and "Punishing World" are classic examples. The snarly guitar (and sentiment) of "Gimme Love & Turn on the Light," which features Pop singing backup, channels timeless punk rock. "Rainbow Store" is a jaunty rockabilly track and the single, "Dance Like a Monkey," makes you want to do just that.

New York Dolls, "One Day it Will Please Us to Remember Even This," (Roadrunner Records)