ALBUM REVIEW: The Damned's fifth LP pivoted the band away from their punk rock roots and planted them firmly in the goth/psych playground they still dominate today...
Great write-up. Strawberries has always been my favourite Damned album; you have managed to perfectly articulate why.
Saw the reformed Vanian, Sensible, Scabies & Gray line-up play their Strawberries/Black Album show last year and they blew the roof off, defying any doubts about their ability to still kick it like the last 40 years never happened.
Thanks, Pen! I’m surprised that piece didn’t resonate with more people - it’s an undeniably great album. I think I’ve seen them live more than any other band - maybe not Melvins, but otherwise… and they’ve always been ace. I’m looking forward to seeing this lineup in June. Can’t wait. Glad you enjoyed the article. Thanks for saying so!
I am a huge fan of the Damned. And I feel their records, especially the Black Album, and Strawberries are classic/ masterpieces. I've been trying to find good productions of their albums for years. I have a rough UK 1st pressing of Strawberries, and just bought a RSD copy of Strawberries thinking it would be better, 😂😂😂 . This record doesn't even play, let alone sound good. Just be careful if your into vinyl like I am. 🤷♂️
Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment, Derek. My RSD pressing is OK - it plays, at least. You musta landed a duffer!
But I hear you - I got diddled on a Slayer - South of Heaven last week… massive hiss on the pressing all the way through. Checked Discogs - “Unofficial” pressing. Grrrr… I thought I could spot them. No such thing as a bargain anymore. Hope you find a decent copy of Strawberries soon.
Also hope you hang around and find some more bits to enjoy!l at *ED!
Great write-up. Strawberries has always been my favourite Damned album; you have managed to perfectly articulate why.
Saw the reformed Vanian, Sensible, Scabies & Gray line-up play their Strawberries/Black Album show last year and they blew the roof off, defying any doubts about their ability to still kick it like the last 40 years never happened.
Thanks, Pen! I’m surprised that piece didn’t resonate with more people - it’s an undeniably great album. I think I’ve seen them live more than any other band - maybe not Melvins, but otherwise… and they’ve always been ace. I’m looking forward to seeing this lineup in June. Can’t wait. Glad you enjoyed the article. Thanks for saying so!
I’m fairly new to Substack and still discovering people to follow. Looking forward to taking a further deep dive into your archives!
Welcome to *Expletive Deleted! :D
Love the name.
Love Strawberries. The record that unlocked my deep Damned fandom.
I am a huge fan of the Damned. And I feel their records, especially the Black Album, and Strawberries are classic/ masterpieces. I've been trying to find good productions of their albums for years. I have a rough UK 1st pressing of Strawberries, and just bought a RSD copy of Strawberries thinking it would be better, 😂😂😂 . This record doesn't even play, let alone sound good. Just be careful if your into vinyl like I am. 🤷♂️
Good review!
Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment, Derek. My RSD pressing is OK - it plays, at least. You musta landed a duffer!
But I hear you - I got diddled on a Slayer - South of Heaven last week… massive hiss on the pressing all the way through. Checked Discogs - “Unofficial” pressing. Grrrr… I thought I could spot them. No such thing as a bargain anymore. Hope you find a decent copy of Strawberries soon.
Also hope you hang around and find some more bits to enjoy!l at *ED!
Thanks, David - I appreciate you taking the time to comment.