Sylvain Sylvain Sleep Baby Doll CD

Syl Sylvain was the "normal" one in the New York Dolls, the guy who didn't wear a dress, and who looked like his favorite band was the Beatles. That's one reason why his solo records, which are probably the best by any ex-Doll, are so obscure: lacking David Johansen's style and Johnny Thunders' excess, Sylvain doesn't have an image hook.

He has musical hooks in spades, though, as this 1998 album shows. Less power-poppy than some of his earlier records--though "Hungry Girls" and "Oh Honey" would feel right at home on a Smithereens album--(SLEEP) BABY DOLL is an often-intense straightforward rock & roll album, with the nervy "Paper Pencil and Glue" and the atmospheric title track among the many standouts. The handful of Dolls covers, including respectful versions of Johansen's "Frenchette," and Thunders' "Your Society Makes Me Sad," pay tribute more than exploit.

Sylvain Sylvain is a true originator. As guitarist and songwriter for the legendary New York Dolls, Sylvain helped influenced a generation of punk and glam rockers. After the demise of the New York Dolls, Sylvain went onto a solo career. On his own, Sylvain continues the tradition he started in the Dolls. SLEEP BABY DOLL is a great transition record, taking the best from his past and bridging the musical gap to the future.

Recorded at Chateau Relaxeau, Los Angeles, California; Trash Studios, Marietta, Georgia; Greenhouse, London, England.

Personnel: Oliver LeBaron, Frank Infante, Bob "Derwood" Andrews, Michael Lockwood, Casey Dolan (guitar); Mike Wilcox (slide guitar); Andy Sheppard (saxophone); Brian Keats (drums); Rudi Protrudi (background vocals).

Recording information: Chateau Relaxeau, Los Angeles, CA; Greenhouse, London, England; Trash Recording Studio, Marietta, GA.

Photographer: Dawn Laureen.

Personnel: Sylvain Sylvain (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, harmonica, accordion, handclaps); Frankie Infante (guitar, handclaps); Casey Dolan, Michael Lockwood, Bob Andrews, Olivier LeBaron (guitar); Mike Wilcox (slide guitar); Joel Berliner (harmonica); Andy Sheppard (saxophone); Ricky Corvette Mizrahi (horns); Paul Wallfisch (piano, organ); Jean Francois Sylvain (piano); John Carlucci (bass, handclaps); Brian Keats (drums, tamborine, castanets, handclaps, percussion); Jennifer Woods (snare drum); Dave Bassett, Rudi Protrudi (background vocals).

Engineers: Dave Bassett, Mike Wolf, Mike Wolf.