8. New Rose - The Damned (1976)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTfyUqVqX-0 The Damned may have been written off as a cartoon, cabaret act by their punk peers due to their fixation with Gothic make-up and theatricality, but they did win the race to release the first-ever British punk single. Coyly referencing the Shangri Las iconic Leader of the Pack in its first line (adapting punks preceding musical heritage for a new audience), New Rose begins by showcasing the inimitable drumming chops that led to sticks man Rat Scabies being christened the punk Keith Moon and features probably one of the most prescient and memorable riffs of the punk era. This incessant, cavaliering guitar was the handiwork of one Brian James, who had been a member of the infamous proto-punk outfit, the London SS, which also included Mick Jones (of future Clash fame) and Tony James, later of the Billy Idol-fronted Generation X. Vehemently apolitical and firmly focused on unrequited, adolescent lust, New Roses subject matter positioned The Damned away from the serious social critiques favoured by the majority of punk acts. An almighty canvas of cymbals and rip-roaring instrumentation on which Dave Vanian could paint juvenile feelings of excitement, innocence and admiration, New Rose may falter in terms of complex meaning but that really doesnt matter, it still sounds as fresh and mesmerising today as it did in 76.
Dan Owens
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A 22 year old English Literature graduate from Birmingham. I am passionate about music, literature and football, in particular, my beloved Aston Villa. Lover of words and consumer of art, music is the very air that I breathe.
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