Machine Gun Etiquette

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Forming in 1976, they were the first British punk band to release a single (‘ New Rose’, from their debut album).

The Damned – Machine Gun Etiquette Lyrics | Genius Lyrics

Despite being one of the definitive early punk bands they were also one of the most ambitious; with their later albums moving away from gothic rock to psychedelic rock. It was also a Damned which – whatever the humour – was dead serious about setting its stall and making a mark. A sophomore album, ‘Music For Pleasure’, followed later that year and was written off to many as merely a rehashed version of their debut.The song is thought to have taken inspiration from Bunty Comics’ story following a girl of the same name and her life on the streets and other events, however the comics themselves are difficult to track down. The album also showcased the bands high quality musicianship - an excellent rhythm section, excellent lead vocals and brilliant lead guitar.

The Damned – Machine Gun Etiquette (2004, 25th Anniversary

Mostly it's laudably ambitious, but "Smash It Up (Part II)" just seems to lay out the coattails for the New Wave stragglers. Captain Sensible plays the guitar very well and masters the guitar pedals to achieve different effects that go beyond the typical distortion plus chorus or reverb. After Brian James' exit from the band, The Damned come back from a short break with Captain Sensible (previously on Bass) now on guitar and Algy Ward now on bass. Joe Strummer and Paul Simonon also appear on the album, which showcases cover versions of songs by MC5. By then punk rock and its neater sibling, new wave, were regularly producing real hits in the UK and the Damned were no exception, with three hit singles drawn from the MACHINE GUN ETIQUETTE LP released that year.The album was the group's first since reforming with a new lineup of previous members Dave Vanian on vocals, Captain Sensible on lead guitar, Rat Scabies on drums, plus newcomer Algy Ward of heavy metal band Tank on bass guitar on his only album with the band. I discovered The Damned by way of the cassettes my brother left in my room for safe keeping while he was away in the Peace Corps. Recorded at Hive Mind Studios in Brooklyn, NY, with the help of producer/arrangers Mike Buckley and Vincent Chiarito (both members of Charles Bradley's Extraordinaires) and crack team of a-list musicians, his upcoming album blends heavy arrangements and introspective lyrics with sophistication, leaving the listener in a blissful wash of wonderment. Where their first two albums were released on Stiff Records, an independent label, this album marked their first on Chickwisk Records. The track Smash It Up (Part 1) was written by Captain Sensible as a tribute to the late great Marc Bolan.