The New York Dolls – Dancing Backward in High Heels

New York’s fiercest glam rock/proto punk heroes are back with a record that is sure to find its place in many stereo’s and turntables this summer. The Dolls having now existed longer in their second incarnation have grown musically as a band daring to think outside the box they so finely invented back in 1973. Dancing Backwards is a portrait of a band experimenting with flavors that so happened to influence the band dating back to the 1960’s pop rock icons they so dared to be, albeit in drag attire. This album is full of retro organ keyboard layers, unusual percussion and an ensemble of female backup singers providing that vintage atmospheric melody that only The Dolls can pull off so well in 2011. This is a natural progression up from their last two post reunion records which were superb in their own right.

With 2 original Dolls (David Johansen, Sylvain Sylvain), Blondie’s guitarist Frank Infante and Louis XIV Jason Hill on bass The Dolls are able to re invent themselves sounding more fresh than ever before. The crisp 60’s pop rock feel on this album is likely going to be a hit all summer, and the soundtrack to that lazy day in the sun. Standout tracks are Street Cake, I’m so Fabulous, Funky But Chic and the albums closer; End of the summer. Make sure to catch The Dolls on tour this summer in support of their new album at an arena near you opening for Motley Crue.
 

 

-Louie B.-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

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