Exclusive Song of the Day: “Neat Neat Neat,” the Damned
If the Damned had broken up after they released “New Rose” in 1976, they’d still be ensured a place in pop music history — the song is widely acknowledged to be the first U.K. punk single. But it so happened that the endearingly rude outfit turned out to be one of the very best — and most enduring — of the first wave of British punk bands. Lead guitarist Captain Sensible, ghoulish lead singer Vanian, wonderfully named drummer Rat Scabies and the rest of the band have always been a little smarter, a little funnier and, frankly, a little more musically accomplished than most of their contemporaries.
You can hear just how good they are on today’s track, taken from a new and expanded reissue of the band’s debut album, “Damned Damned Damned.” Originally recorded in 1976 at a session for legendary BBC DJ John Peel, “Neat Neat Neat” features the aggressively fun and snotty sound that has long been the band’s trademark.
— David Marchese
The Song of the Day is also available as a podcast. (Subscribe: iTunes or RSS)
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Audiofile logo by: Aris Blevins
