Manhattan Mayhem Review

07/13/2005 7:38 AM, AMG


Before the New York Dolls ever set foot inside a recording studio with Todd Rundgren to work on their classic 1973 self-titled debut, the group had recorded a healthy number of demo tapes. Unsurprisingly, many of these tapes have circulated among fans on the bootleg market for years -- reappearing from year to year under a variety of different titles. 2000's New York Tapes: 1972-1973 was the latest Dolls comp to dip into this demo backlog, but unlike most if its similar predecessors (Seven Day Weekend, etc.), New York Tapes is only a meager seven tracks in length. On a few selections, we get a glimpse at the original Dolls lineup (which included late drummer Billy Murcia), before the best-known Dolls lineup (with Jerry Nolan replacing Murcia) takes shape. Included are such glam classics as "Looking for a Kiss" and "Personality Crisis," as well as a fine cover of "Don't Mess With Cupid" (which really should have been included on one of their full-lengths -- it could have possibly served as a breakthrough single), plus such punk prototypes as "Pills" and "Human Being." While it's interesting to hear these raw versions, they have been better packaged elsewhere (and more importantly, with a much more generous track listing). ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide