Johnny Thunders – Daddy Rollin’ Stone 12″ EP ( Remarquable Records RBL2 )

This EP represents the second salvo in Remarquable Records’ Thunders re-release programme – an even better package than its predecessor, Real Times. The sleeve takes its design cues from the “…Memory” single and features a live shot of Johnny and Patti Paladin on the rear, probably from when the Living Dead revue had a residency at the Speakeasy. Inside a fold-out poster offers generous sleeve notes and some unseen photos. The record itself is pressed in eyeball-frazzling yellow vinyl, and the package is completed by a free download.

All four tracks here were produced by Steve Lillywhite at Island studios, Sprng 1978. Backing JT are Phil Lynot on bass, French teen whizz-kid Henri Paul on guitar and Mike Kellie from the Only Ones on drums. The title track is a stripped down version with Lynot on backing vocals: however unlike the more familar So Alone version he does not sing one of the verses. London Boys is Thunders response to the Sex Pistols’ New York: a decent version but the song itself is deficient.

On Side Two Thunders fans will be intrigued by the semi-instrumental New York. The riff is a hybrid of Willie Dixon’s  Spoonful and JTs own Cosa Nostra, the latter not officially released until 1983’s Hurt Me.  It’s an excellent showcase for Johnny’s guitar work and at 5.15 the longest track here. Finally Hurtin’ is a rare Paul / Thunders co-write and a longer version than appears on the B-side of “…Memory”.

Sound is sparkling throughout. A valuable package. Congratuations to Pedro and all at Remarquable.

Next from Remarquable (January 2016) is a revamped version of So Alone, one of my all-time favourite LPs. Rockin’ good news…