Thunders, Johnny & The Heartbreakers L.A.M.F.: The Lost '77 Mixes CD

Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers: Johnny Thunders (vocals, guitar); Walter Lure (guitar); Billy Rath (bass); Jerry Nolan (drums).

The Heartbreakers revolved around two former members of the New York Dolls, Johnny Thunders and Jerry Nolan. Having decamped to London in 1976, they became an integral part of the early punk circuit before recording their solitary studio album. Although hampered by an insubstantial mix, the set contains some of the era's most expressive songs, notably "Born Too Loose" and "Chinese Rocks," the latter a chilling account of heroin addiction, co-written with Dee Dee Ramone. Tight, unfussy playing emphasizes the power of material that proved pivotal in the development of the new music in both the UK and USA. Sadly, the featured line-up disintegrated soon afterwards and numerous permutations failed to recreate its strengths.

2009 enhanced reissue of this album from Johnny Thunders and Co., packaged in the original artwork, with a 12-page booklet and enhanced video footage. L.A.M.F. is acknowledged as a much-imitated vintage New York Punk masterpiece, still growing in stature. L.A.M.F. was originally released on Track Records in 1977 to much acclaim, but was marred by a muddy sound. In 1994, Jungle found long-lost original 1977 sessions and selected the best for a definitive re-issue. On this edition, classic songs like 'Born To Lose' and 'Chinese Rocks' are heard the way they were supposed to be heard. Jungle.

Full performer name: Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers.

Personnel: Johnny Thunders (vocals, guitar); Walter Lure (vocals, guitar); Jerry Nolan (drums).

This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files.Q (5/02 SE, p.143) - Included in Q's "100 Best Punk Albums".
Q (12/00, p.152) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...Perfectly captures the nanve, amphetamine-driven spirit of the 'Anarchy' tour era..."
Alternative Press (4/95, p.96) - "...[The Heartbreakers] had roots, a poisoned romantic streak, and a barbed-wire wit, and no fear of using them. No sermonizing. All which needs speaking is: It's about time this record got its sonic due. Purchase this..."