Search - Damned :: Strawberries

ONE OF THE BEST CD'S I OWN... PUNK/POP/GOTH/PSYCHEDELIA...

No Name | New Jersey | 04/30/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Clash liked to mix punk with funk, reggae, and rockabilly. On their 1982 masterwork, Strawberries, the Damned mixed punk with 60's pop and psychedelia, their main influences being bands like early Pink Floyd, The Electric Prunes, Captain Beefheart, and Love. Dave Vanian was obsessed with classic horror movies and there is a dark undercurrent to the album that is both humorous and foreboding. Throughout the record the band deftly mixes in experimental touches like a baroque-flavored harpsichord instrumental, which heightens the atmosphere without ever feeling self-indulgent. Ambitious chord changes and modulations dominate the album, most notably on "Generals", "Stranger on the Town" and "Life Goes On", the last of which may have inspired Nirvana's "Come As You Are". Without a doubt however, the greatest track on the album is "Under the Floor Again" a moody piece which tells the story of a wanted felon who lived in three feet of crawlspace for seven years. Fun, accessible, intelligent, bohemian, inventive and arty... who says you can't have it all? This ranks RIGHT UP AT THE TOP OF MY COLLECTION!Stand out tracks: "Under the Floor Again", "Bad Time for Bonzo", "Dozen Girls", "Generals""

By all means, an absolute Brilliant Album!

W. De Vil | Tallahassee, FL | 03/27/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This record is sheer proof that punk rock doesn't have to have limitations. I place this high above as probably one of the Damned's greatest efforts.In my opinion, this is on the same level as London Calling. While not the three-chord thrash of their seminal first album, Strawberries is more experimental. There is much more keyboard than guitar, in general, and many dark overtones that clearly foreshadow their follow-up album, Phantasmagoria-whilst not as overall great as Strawberries, still a classic to be cherished. This is simply great stuff. Punk rock for a mature audience, if not in generic format, then in attitude and execution. A reminder that Minor Threat and the Ramones aren't the be-all, end-all of punk rock music. Thankfully, the Damned are still with us today, alive and kicking-and still as relevant as ever. Some highlights-Ignite(of course!), Generals(not many people are big on this one...sad.)The Dog(utter gothic masterpiece! The piano track will send you into a state of musical euphoria.), the Pleasure and the pain(another classic punky little track-brilliant) Life goes on(a nice little mellowed out track), Under the floor again(a closing masterpiece to a perfect record-although it isn't the final track of the album, it's strong enough to close.)There rest of the songs are still great, but in my opinion, these are the gems.
Do yourself a favor-open yourself up to the darker end of the punk rock spectrum."

Amazing

Joh Bridge | W.Sussex | 01/08/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love this album. The highlights are among the best Damned songs. Ignite, Stanger on the Town and Under The Floor are the 3 peaks I think. This album really showed what a great guitarist Captain Sensible is. Listen to the guitar work on Ignite or the solo on Under The Floor Again, breathtaking. Vanian's voice is majestic throughout, Paul Gray's bass is spot on an Rat proves yet again what a great drummer he is.This is, for me, the most consistant sounding Damned album - and one of the best ever made. Treat yourself."