Gang War

Johnny Thunders introduced the last song on this live album by saying "Thanks a lot, kids, it's been boring as usual, " but he was just being modest. As anybody who ever saw the ex-New York Dolls guitarist in person knows, his shows could be many things-ragged, out of tune, confrontational, transcendent-but they were never boring. Here, backed by ex-MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer, Thunders runs through a typical set, i.e., a mix of R&B oldies, reggae, old Dolls numbers, even a Dylan song. The only constants are his splendidly askew guitar work, endearingly slurred nasal vocals, and hilarious audience baiting. This music may not always be pretty, but it's rock & roll, and it's from the heart. Recorded live at The Channel, Boston, Massachusetts on June 20, 1980. Personnel: Johnny Thunders (vocals, guitar); Wayne Kramer (vocals, guitar).