Customer Reviews

Sticks & Stones: Lost Album

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Since I am not a Johnny Thunders aficionado, I do not know the exact stories on circumstances behind the songs on this disc. The first eight tracks are listed as studio numbers from 1990; I would presume these constitute the "lost album" portion of the disc. If so, the album could have stayed lost with no injustice committed to the Thunders discography. Some of the songs ("Help the Homeless," "Children are People") demonstrate a healthy social conscience, but the lyrics ("Children are people, too/They're just like me and you") could have stood more work. Gotta admire his altruism, though, and there is something about the loose-to-the-point-of-falling-apart performances that I really enjoy.

Next, there are four acoustic numbers from 1982. Honestly, the performances are not fantastic, although one of the songs is "You Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory," a song as indestructible as Keith Richards. One would have to try to ruin this song; even then, I'm not so sure it can be done.

Finally, there is a shambling live set comprised of Thunders solo gems, New York Dolls classics, and some righteous covers ("Like a Rolling Stone," "These Boots are Made for Walkin'," an oddly played "I'm not Your Steppin' Stone.") It's fun in a 80s Replacements kind of way.

This is certainly not an essential purchase; seek out "So Alone" for that. But, I really enjoy the ramshackle grace of it. And, as a $5.99 download, the price is right. Not the place for a Thunders beginner to start, but an interesting side road for the faithful.