Machine Gun Etiquette

by The Damned

Overview

Rejoining forces without James, who pursued his own interests from then on (only hooking up with the band again for a late-'80s "farewell" show), the remaining three brought in young Saints veteran Alastair Ward on bass, recorded an album, and hoped for the best. That best proved much better than expected; while singles ended up on the charts, Machine Gun Etiquette itself was deservedly hailed as another classic from the band. Over time, its reputation has grown to equal the original Damned Damned Damned; while no less strong than that record, the Damned here bring in a wide variety of touches and influences to create a record that most of their contemporaries could never have approached. The group's wicked way around witty punk hadn't ebbed a bit; the opening cut, "Love Song," is a hilarious trashing of romantic cliches (sample lyric: "I'll be the rubbish, you'll be the bin!") that barely lasts two minutes, while "Noise, Noise, Noise" and "Liar" work in the same general vein. These, however, only scratch the surface. "Melody Lee," written by the Captain for a favorite comic character, starts with a lovely piano intro, whereas the celebratory angst of "I Just Can't Be Happy Today" chugs along with garagey elan and keyboards a la the Electric Prunes. Other prime standouts include "Plan 9 Channel 7," a Grand Guignol of an epic about James Dean and Vampira with a fantastic Vanian vocal; the merry mayhem of "These Hands" (belonging to a killer circus clown, with appropriate carnival music, of course); and a great rip through the MC5's "Looking at You." The best moment was saved for last, though: "Smash It Up," a two-part number divided between an affecting instrumental tribute to longtime supporter and Captain hero Marc Bolan, and a perfect trash-the-rules-and-party pop/punk/R&B scorcher. [In 2004 Chiswick released a 25th Anniversary Edition that included all of Machine Gun Etiquette's single B-sides, alternative versions of all three A-sides, and the video for "Plan 9, Channel 7."] ~ Ned Raggett

Product Details

Release Date:	12/07/2004
Label:	Chiswick Records
UPC:	0029667425025

Tracks

1. Love Song
2. Machine Gun Etiquette
3. I Just Can't Be Happy Today
4. Melody Lee
5. Anti-Pope
6. These Hands
7. Plan 9 Channel 7
8. Noise, Noise, Noise
9. Looking at You
10. Liar
11. Smash It Up, Pts. 1-2
12. Love Song
13. Noise, Noise, Noise
14. Suicide
15. Smash It Up, Pt. 2
16. Smash It Up, Pt. 4
17. Burglar
18. I Just Can't Be Happy Today
19. Ballroom Blitz
20. Turkey Song
21. Plan 9, Channel 7

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Damned   Primary Artist
Algy Ward   Bass
Chris Millar   Drums
Dave Vanian   Vocals
Ray Burns   Bass,Guitar

Technical Credits

Fred "Sonic" Smith   Composer
Grace Slick   Composer
Wayne Shanklin   Composer
Wayne Kramer   Composer
Dennis Thompson   Composer
Rob Tyner   Composer
Roger Armstrong   Producer
Nicky Chinn   Composer
Captain Sensible   Composer
Chris Millar   Composer
Ed Hollis   Producer
Rat Scabies   Composer
Mike Chapman   Composer
Dave Vanian   Composer
Ray Burns   Composer
Michael Davis   Composer
Jack Rabid   Liner Notes
Frederick "Freddy" Smith   Composer
Giovanni Dadomo   Composer
Algy Ward   Composer
The Damned   Producer