Description

Gene Loves Jezebel – The House Of Dolls – Vinyl Record

The House of Dolls is an album by Gene Loves Jezebel, released in 1987. This album marked a significant point in the band’s career, capturing them at a time of increasing commercial success. Known for their gothic rock roots, Gene Loves Jezebel with this release ventured further into alternative rock and glam rock territories, broadening their appeal.

The House of Dolls features a more accessible alternative rock sound compared to the band’s earlier, darker gothic influences. The album is characterized by catchy hooks, jangly guitars, and the distinctive dual vocals of the Aston brothers, Michael and Jay. The tracks often deal with themes of love, desire, and personal strife, delivered with the emotional intensity that is a hallmark of the band.

Key Tracks:
‘The Motion of Love’ – One of the most popular tracks from the album, it became a hit and is notable for its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, exemplifying the band’s shift towards a more mainstream rock sound.
‘Gorgeous’ – Another standout track that showcases the band’s glam rock influences with its vibrant energy and compelling melodies.
‘Suspicion’ – A song that melds their gothic roots with the more polished production of the album, reflecting the complexity of emotions in its lyrics.

The House of Dolls received mixed to positive reviews from critics. It was appreciated for its polished production and more mainstream rock appeal, which helped expand the band’s audience. However, some longtime fans of the band’s earlier gothic sound viewed this shift as a move away from their roots.

Despite the mixed feelings among purists, The House of Dolls remains an important album in Gene Loves Jezebel’s discography due to its role in defining the band’s mid-career sound and broadening their fan base. The success of singles like ‘The Motion of Love’ contributed significantly to the band’s visibility, particularly in the United States.

The year 1986 brought a contract with Beggar’s Banquet and, subsequently, popular-chart success for the group. ‘Sweetest Thing’ hit the Top 75 in England, and the resulting album, Discover (which included a limited-edition live album called Glad to Be Alive), reached the expected indie-chart top spot and also did well with college radio in America. Chris Bell became the band’s fifth drummer later that year.

Gene Loves Jezebel’s fourth album, The House of Dolls, was released late in 1987, yielding a single, ‘The Motion of Love,’ that grazed the U.S. charts. The Astons turned their attention to dance with the single ‘Heartache,’ but Michael decided to leave the band by mid-1989.

For those exploring Gene Loves Jezebel, ‘The House of Dolls’ offers a snapshot of the band’s transition phase, capturing their evolution from gothic rock to a more inclusive alternative and glam rock style. It represents a period of artistic exploration and commercial success, making it a pivotal album for understanding the band’s development and impact in the late 1980s rock scene.

Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal with punch in jacket edge

Beggars Banquet / Geffen Records 1987

Track Listing
Gorgeous
The Motion of Love
Set Me Free
Suspicion
Every Door
Twenty Killer Hurts
Treasure
Message
Drowning Crazy
Up There