Additional information
Full performer name: Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers. Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers: Johnny Thunders (vocals, guitar); Walter Lure (guitar); Billy Rath (bass); Jerry Nolan (drums). Full performer name: Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers. Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers: Johnny Thunders (vocals, guitar); Walter Lure (guitar); Billy Rath (bass); Jerry Nolan (drums). This is an enhanced CD which contains regular audio tracks and video of "Chinese Rocks". Includes a bonus CD with studio rehearsals, studio chat, unreleased alternate mixes, and demos. Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers: Johnny Thunders (vocals, guitar); Walter Lure (guitar); Billy Rath (bass); Jerry Nolan (drums). Recording information: Essex Studios, London (01/23/1976); Jay Nap Studios (01/23/1976); SBS Studios, Yonkers, New York (01/23/1976); Essex Studios, London (02/22/1977); Jay Nap Studios (02/22/1977); SBS Studios, Yonkers, New York (02/22/1977); Essex Studios, London (1976); Jay Nap Studios (1976); SBS Studios, Yonkers, New York (1976). 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.
Reviews
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..." Uncut (5/03, p.115) - 5 stars out of 5 - "...[The mixes] illuminate the savage beauty of the likes of 'Born To Lose' and 'Pirate Love' like never before. Fantastic..." Uncut (5/03, p.115) - 5 stars out of 5 - "...[The mixes] illuminate the savage beauty of the likes of 'Born To Lose' and 'Pirate Love' like never before. Fantastic..." 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..." Mojo (Publisher) (3/03, p.76) - Ranked #30 in Mojo's "Top 50 Punk Albums" - "...Gloriously ragged..." Mojo (Publisher) (3/03, p.76) - Ranked #30 in Mojo's "Top 50 Punk Albums" - "...Gloriously ragged..."
