Customer Reviews

New York Dolls: Photographs

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Flash back to 1973-74: I was an impressionable 12 year old rock fan, when I first saw the NEW YORK DOLLS on Don Kirschner's Rock Concert on TV. Immediately I realized that THIS was what Rock & Roll, and particularly Glam Rock was all about. I had just gotten my first electric guitar & was learning how to play. The Dolls' songs were catchy, easy to replicate, and most of all, COOL! Soon I was on my way to replicating the Dolls in any way I could. This book would have helped a lot in those days. There weren't a lot of photos of the Dolls in the magazines back in the day. This book is a treasure trove of rare & amazing shots by legendary rock photog Bob Gruen. I'd recommend it to anyone who has an interest in this legendary band. Much like my well worn vinyl, and CD's, and the awesome DVD Bob release a year ago, this is a "must have" for any fan of David JoHansen, Syl Sylvain, Arthur "Killer" Kane, Jerry Nolan, and Johnny Thunders.

I love these guys. This book is KILLER (as in 'Killer' Kane!)-Bob's photos are amazing-only a few appeared in CREEM, CIRCUS, ROCK SCENE etc...lotsa color shots, BUY THIS!!! 10 out of 10 stars!!!

In general, I do not get too excited over band photography books. But I am giving this 3 stars for the Dolls' historical significance in the entertainment world. The book makes it obvious to anyone who was not previously aware that the NYD physically influenced many bands that came after them. Also becoming clearer is the doll concept - they really were living dolls, each of them dressed up, with their own aesthetic of the moment, hair and makeup specific to that "doll" alone.

I really cannot judge how complete the book is, but considering that they were together for such a brief period of time, and considering the many looks that are presented here, I will assume that it is at least somewhat complete in its representation of the bands' visual history.

Overall enjoyable, and you kind of don't want it to end! The reader wishes to turn the page and find a new look, and have a new "aha" moment eternally.

There are interviews with the only surviving original members - David Johansen and Sylvain. Quotes by band members and others such as Malcolm McLaren, Stiv Bators, Iggy Pop and The Ramones are peppered throughout the book. Morrissey has the Afterword.

I bought this book as a birthday present to myself this year and I just love it!
It is so lavish & beautiful, from the hot pink satin cover to the vibrant full color
photos.I only wish I had had this book 31 years ago when I was in my first band, lots
of inspiration abound in this book! It is really amazing how it is almost a companion
photo book for the DVD, "All Dolled Up", also by Bob Gruen.You really need to own both
of them.What I would have given to have had a book like this back in the 70s when I was
sneaking my copies of Rock Scene and CREEM into high school study hall!
This band truly changed my life! I will always L-U-V.....The New York Dolls!

Whether you're a fan of the New York Dolls or someone that appreciates the imagerie (as well as sound) of live Rock'N'Roll, this book has it all!! Plus, it beautifully captures the imagerie,attitude,& glitz of one of rock's most influential bands. Definitely a 5-star rating!!