Description
The Damned – Punk Generation: Best of The Damned – Oddities & Versions – Compact Disc
Punk Generation: Best of The Damned – Oddities & Versions is a compilation album by The Damned, a pioneering British punk rock band known for being one of the first punk bands to release a single and an album in the UK. Released in 2004, this album features an assortment of rare tracks, live recordings, alternate versions, and some of their most influential songs from their early years. It provides both new listeners and longtime fans with a deeper look into the band’s raw, energetic sound that helped shape the punk movement.
Tracklist and Themes
New Rose (Live) – (2:40) A live version of the first-ever UK punk single, capturing the raw energy and excitement of The Damned’s live performances.
Love Song (Live) – (1:57) A blistering live rendition of one of their biggest hits, showcasing the band’s knack for combining punk aggression with catchy melodies.
Smash It Up (Parts 1 & 2) – (5:08) An anthem of rebellion and nonconformity, this track is one of The Damned’s most iconic songs, known for its infectious chorus and guitar work.
I Just Can’t Be Happy Today (Live) – (3:51) A live version of a track that mixes punk energy with a darker, more introspective lyrical theme.
Problem Child (Live) – (2:27) A high-octane performance that captures the angst and defiance at the heart of punk.
Disco Man – (3:15) A fast-paced track with tongue-in-cheek lyrics critiquing the disco culture of the time.
Plan 9 Channel 7 – (5:07) A song that showcases The Damned’s ability to blend punk with more gothic and theatrical elements.
Looking at You (Live) – (5:53) A cover of the MC5 classic, performed with The Damned’s signature intensity.
Stretcher Case – (2:14) A rare track that offers a glimpse into the band’s early sound, filled with chaotic energy.
Sick of Being Sick – (2:31) Another early track that embodies the disillusionment and frustration that fueled the punk movement.
Suicide – (3:13) A dark, driving track that explores themes of despair and self-destruction.
Rabid (Over You) – (3:44) A high-energy track that combines fast rhythms with sharp, biting lyrics.
Seagulls – (2:35) An instrumental track that adds a different texture to the compilation, showcasing the band’s versatility.
The Limit Club (Alternate Version) – (4:16) An alternate take on a track that blends punk with the macabre, reflecting The Damned’s gothic leanings.
I Fall (Alternate Version) – (2:09) A rawer version of a song that highlights the band’s early, unpolished punk sound.
You Take My Money (Live) – (2:01) A live track that captures the band’s confrontational and direct approach to music.
Ballroom Blitz (Live) – (4:02) A live cover of The Sweet’s glam rock hit, performed with punk ferocity.
Noise, Noise, Noise (Alternate Version) – (3:10) An alternate version of a track that combines punk’s aggression with catchy, anthemic qualities.
The album captures the unfiltered energy and aggression that defined The Damned’s early sound, particularly in the live tracks and alternate versions. While rooted in punk rock, the album also hints at the band’s future explorations into gothic and new wave territories, particularly in tracks like ‘Plan 9 Channel 7’ and ‘The Limit Club.’ The album includes notable covers, such as ‘Looking at You’ and ‘Ballroom Blitz,’ showcasing the band’s influences and their ability to reinterpret songs with a punk edge. The compilation is valuable for fans and collectors, as it includes alternate versions and lesser-known tracks that provide insight into the band’s creative process.
The compilation was well-received by critics, who praised it for offering a comprehensive look at The Damned’s early years and for the inclusion of rare and alternate tracks. Fans of The Damned appreciated ‘Punk Generation’ for its mix of classic songs, live performances, and rarities, making it a must-have for collectors and new listeners alike. The album serves as a testament to The Damned’s influence on the punk rock movement, capturing their evolution from raw punk pioneers to a band willing to experiment with different sounds.
The Damned’s early work, as captured on this compilation, continues to influence punk bands worldwide, with their combination of speed, aggression, and theatricality setting a template for future generations. As one of the first punk bands to release a single and an album in the UK, The Damned’s legacy is solidified through compilations like ‘Punk Generation,’ which preserves their impact on music history. The Damned maintains a loyal fanbase, and ‘Punk Generation’ helps keep their music accessible to both longtime fans and new listeners discovering the band.
Punk Generation: Best of The Damned – Oddities & Versions is a compelling compilation that offers a deep dive into the raw energy, creativity, and influence of The Damned during their formative years. By combining live performances, alternate versions, and lesser-known tracks, the album provides a comprehensive look at the band’s early contributions to the punk movement and their ongoing evolution. Celebrated by fans and respected by critics, ‘Punk Generation’ stands as an essential collection for anyone interested in the roots and legacy of punk rock.
Track Listing
1. Thanks for the night
2. Nasty
3. Do the blitz
4. Shut it (Alternate Remix ’97)
5. Testify (Alternate Remix ’97)
6. Stab your back
7. You know
8. Idiot box
9. Smash it up
10. New Rose
11. Disco man
12. Shadow of love
13. Wait for the blackout
14. Grimly fiendish
15. Lust for life
16. I had too much to dream
17. Looking at you
18. Love song
19. I just can’t be happy today
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