“Machine Gun Etiquette” by The Damned - album review

features in: Album Chart of 1979Album Chart of the Decade: 1970s1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die external-link.png

TJR says

Their initial explosion which delivered two albums in '77 led to a pressured implosion early in '78 due to tensions within the ranks. Fans were surprised when a new Damned single, “Love Song”, emerged in April, 1979. Behind the scenes maneuvering seen five become four, with chief songwriter Brian James and Lu Edmonds having been cut adrift, and new member Algy Ward being introduced as bass guitarist. Accommodating this move, Captain Sensible (by and large) switched to regular guitar and keyboards, with Dave Vanian and Rat Scabies retaining their respective roles as lead vocalist and drummer. The single gave them their first UK hit, ascending to #20, affording them a coveted slot on Top of the Pops. The September follow-up, “Smash It Up”, denouncing hippie culture, gave them another Top 40 hit, although it stalled at #35 as a result of a BBC ban, the corporation concerned at the promoting of anarchy! The third single, “I Just Can’t Be Happy Today” (#46), continued to court controversy, condemning the state and church interference in our daily lives. Sensible lets rip with some mean organ. Noticeably, the four-piece were co-credited as writers for the first time, with “Loookin' At You” (MC5, 1968) being the sole cover. For the fans, it must have been great to have the Damned saved from, well, damnation. They're bonded stronger than ever.

The Jukebox Rebel
19–Mar–2016

Tracklist
A1 [02:21] 9.5.png The Damned - Love Song (Christopher John Millar, Raymond Ian Burns, David Lett, Alistair Ward) Punk
A2 [01:48] 6.9.png The Damned - Machine Gun Etiquette (Christopher John Millar, Raymond Ian Burns, David Lett, Alistair Ward) Punk
A3 [03:42] 6.2.png The Damned - I Just Can’t Be Happy Today (Christopher John Millar, Raymond Ian Burns, David Lett, Alistair Ward) Punk
A4 [02:07] 6.6.png The Damned - Melody Lee (Christopher John Millar, Raymond Ian Burns, David Lett, Alistair Ward) Punk
A5 [03:21] 6.1.png The Damned - Anti-Pope (Christopher John Millar, Raymond Ian Burns, David Lett, Alistair Ward) Punk
A6 [02:03] 5.3.png The Damned - These Hands (Christopher John Millar, Raymond Ian Burns, David Lett, Alistair Ward) Post-Punk
B1 [05:08] 5.8.png The Damned - Plan 9 Channel 7 (Christopher John Millar, Raymond Ian Burns, David Lett, Alistair Ward) Proto-Punk
B2 [03:10] 7.0.png The Damned - Noise Noise Noise (Christopher John Millar, Raymond Ian Burns, David Lett, Alistair Ward) Punk
B3 [05:08] 5.7.png The Damned - Looking At You (Robin Tyner, Wayne Kramer, Fred Smith, Michael Davis, Dennis Thompson) Punk
B4 [02:44] 6.0.png The Damned - Liar (Christopher John Millar, Raymond Ian Burns, David Lett, Alistair Ward) Punk
B5 [01:59] 5.5.png The Damned - Smash It Up [album version, part 1] (Christopher John Millar, Raymond Ian Burns, David Lett, Alistair Ward) New Wave
B6 [02:53] 6.6.png The Damned - Smash It Up [album version, part 2] (Christopher John Millar, Raymond Ian Burns, David Lett, Alistair Ward) New Wave

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