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LeisureSuit Live: David Johansen and the Harry Smiths at the Bottom Line, NYC
by Phil Kitchel

published 4/17/00

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Phil Kitchel is a writer based in Brooklyn.



MOST RECENT YAK ABOUT THIS ARTICLE:

Subj: ny dolls
things got messed up, the last reply was from me, march 7,2009 at 7:45, oh well, i will add to what ive written in the past the small bar i they played in where i got to meet them was quite a place. it had pinic tables and a small dance floor, hughe pitchers of beer, the music was so loud the next morning my ears were still blown out.

-- sam
Mar 7, 2009 at 8:03PM

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David Johansen
A couple months after I moved to New York, I saw David Johansen sitting at a café table in Central Park, wearing faded black jeans and a faded black turtleneck, holding the leash of a faded black poodle. Even though I’d already seen Janeane Garofalo, Lee Ranaldo from Sonic Youth, and the guy who played Mark Ratner in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, this was by far my most significant celebrity sighting yet. The only thing cooler would’ve been seeing Lou Reed and Andy Warhol making out under Garibaldi’s statue or something, except Andy was already dead, and Lou was never as funny, ballsy, and cool as David Johansen and the New York Dolls.

It is exactly right that David Johansen should front an American musical ensemble like the Harry Smiths. The New York Dolls were the rightful heirs to the Rolling Stones’ white-boy blues throne. The Stones should have quit the minute the Dolls appeared in 1972, but maybe they could see that the Dolls were going to drive their smoking clown-mobile straight off a pier, so they just waited them out. The Dolls dropped napalm on the Stones’ decadent blooze: honking harp, bluesman strut, hyper-amped Chuck Berry riffs, and driving urban momentum. They were no world-weary soul survivors; they joyfully played in a mess they never made: sprawling stinking cross-dressing Times Square-peep-show runaway subway New York City. They were the giant sound of the Seventies sucking, a guffawing, slobbery razzberry at the pompous Grand Funk and simpering James Taylor-ness of Rock Music, and they made the world safe once again for wild, loose rock’n’roll, just as Thomas Jefferson declared it should be.

Actually, Rock Music stood its ground, and the Dolls skidded into a multi-junkie pile-up, though not without some lasting influence. I myself blame them for making irresistible to me such rancid fare as the Dead Boys, Guns ’N Roses, and D Generation, which has caused people who might otherwise hold me in some esteem to view me with pity, and has been the source of problems in all of my relationships. You could probably blame them for Poison, Ratt, Mötley Crüe, and every other terrible poodle-rock band of the ’80s, but--and let me be very clear on this--the Dolls rocked in a way those bands never came close to. They had power, and they had the boogie-woogie. The New York Dolls were real, they lived their blues, and, with the lone exception of Mr. Johansen, they died young. (Or is Sylvain Sylvain still alive?)

Twenty years before the Dolls, in a different New York City, in Greenwich Village and other folk enclaves across the country, clean-cut young bohemians sipped espressos, smoked cigarettes, and nodded their heads to the strange sounds of the Folkways Anthology of American Folk Music, compiled and annotated by one Harry Smith. The Anthology was a set of three double albums, a carefully and curiously ordered selection of blues, gospel, country, and other uncategorizable sounds of rural America--not field recordings, real records--from the time between the wars, before there was a media oligarchy at the top of which New York sat. Thin, earnest voices reached up from a past that must have already seemed ancient in 1952, describing an anarchic, whimsical world of violence, escape, and salvation that had been right here, right in our backyard, complicated, hilarious, and unpredictable, nothing at all like the plastic-built, spray-washed, gleaming future of today in which the beat youngsters found themselves. They grew their hair, mussed their clothes, and questioned their destinies, trying to find something like the purer reality contained in those snapshots of pre-modern America.

All those atmospheres--the fetid New York of the Dolls, the idealistic ’60s coffeehouse, and the isolated backwaters of the original practitioners--are in sometimes uncomfortable proximity in the performance and audience of David Johansen and the Harry Smiths. Johansen isn’t a pure-hearted young folkie, piously presenting quaint relics. These pertinent, darkly humorous tales still have blood in them, and they’re meant to be pushed and punched around. Johansen’s voice is as powerful as 90-proof bourbon, and he dispenses it like a careful bartender. He’s primarily an interpreter of the blues, and the Harry Smiths veer more towards black musical forms than the high, jangling, white Appalachian music also found on the Anthology.

The set wasn’t all lifted from the Harry Smith records and included tunes by Sonny Boy Williamson, Bessie Smith, and others with the same musical and cultural background. They’re often funny--“Well I’ve Been to Memphis” was introduced by a rueful story of Johansen’s “first band” and a “misunderstanding at the Memphis Civic Center . . . I was dressed like Liza Minelli at the time.” Williamson’s “Don’t Start Me Talkin’” got a good stomp going, and gave Johansen a chance to show off his wicked harp skills. But the overall atmosphere was more smoky than smokin’. The drumming was sparse and precise, the upright bass carefully plucked, and the two talented guitar players took turns on banjo, electric, and acoustic, with hair-raising slide-work that spoke volumes in dissonant, ghostly overtones. There were bleak tunes like “Delia,” which, with the repeated refrain, “All the friends I ever had are gone,” made it hard not to think about the rest of the Dolls, who didn’t mature so successfully. “Poor Boy Blues” studiously avoided a groove; instead, Johansen sparred with a bristling slide acoustic, and the drums and bass flashed, thundered, and faded like a bad night in July.

The mannered atmosphere at the Bottom Line seemed to constrain the musical energy--as did, perhaps, the $20 tickets, which limited the crowd to a certain affluence. Sitting wedged into tables, the warmly responsive audience could only smile appreciatively or clap. It was like an acoustic night at Barnes & Noble, which seemed at odds with the scabrous irreverence of much of the material. As a friend of mine said, “You’re not gonna get anybody’s tail waggin’ when they’re all sitting down.” Music like that ought to get a little sweat on it.

Throughout the show, Johansen sat in the middle, casually crossing his legs during instrumental breaks, appreciating the musicians he’s brought together, sometimes strumming for his own amusement an un-miked acoustic, sipping drinks and St. John’s Wort, and making introductions in his sharp Staten Island accent. Unlike Buster Poindexter, Johansen has no persona here; although he occasionally inhabits the characters in a song, he is simply himself, with a dignity that his onetime predecessor Mick Jagger could learn from. When, in the encore, they did the Dolls’ “Lookin’ for a Kiss,” it fit in seamlessly. Strip away the bawdy, brawling noise from the New York Dolls and you find the same blues, blood, and whiskey that are the root sources of all great American music. David Johansen and the Harry Smiths have a concept with room to grow, and I can see him doing this for a long time.


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Name: sam
Subject: ny dolls
-- Mar 7, 2009 at 8:03PM
things got messed up, the last reply was from me, march 7,2009 at 7:45, oh well, i will add to what ive written in the past the small bar i they played in where i got to meet them was quite a place. it had pinic tables and a small dance floor, hughe pitchers of beer, the music was so loud the next morning my ears were still blown out.

Name: Phil Kitchel Responds
Subject: Re: ny dolls
-- Mar 7, 2009 at 7:45PM
I really got to talk with them in a little small break room,johnny thunders back then was very polite and funny,like i mentioned before,he let me sing in his mike along with the band,a night i will never forget, who would ever think that they would be so well known.

Name: sam
Subject: ny dolls
-- Mar 7, 2009 at 4:40AM
If you really met them like i did, in boston in early 70s, They were just kids having fun, but it was very new, there sound , im glad i was there,

Name: travlinsam@att.net
Subject: dolls
-- Aug 28, 2007 at 4:41AM
it was about 1974 imet thenew york dolls. they playedaclub in boston called kateys my wife and my self during their break walked into what was only a closet to meet them . there they were friendly. i didnt know who could. how this short meeting would stay with me early days are something to remember. they where so polite david said to my wife id hold on to this one ienjoyed the night johnney spelt wrong let sing with him he told me all i was doing was yelling in the mikes totally right ihad never heard their music it totally capitivealateted me.

Name: Dave
Subject: Near Philly
-- Mar 16, 2004 at 10:29AM
I have tix here for "David Johansen and The Mahavishnu Project" - one of the oddest double bills I ever heard of. I can't find anything out about it. Anyone out there hear anything about how these two ended up on the same bill? Or which manifestation of David will be showing up? The MP interprets music from the original Mahavishnu Orchestra of the jazz fusion 70's, so there's bound to be some great jamming going on, but what an odd mix.

Name: Brian David
Subject: Detroit
-- Mar 14, 2004 at 4:11AM
It would be great to see David in Detroit again. The last time I saw him was 1978 I think. The weird thing at that show was Joe Perry was his guitarist. 4 encores.

Name: M. SZALEGA
Subject: Dates
-- Feb 26, 2004 at 8:43PM
What about Detroit Dates in 2004? And how ‘bout a website to keep up with the rascal?

Name: Jean
Subject: Dates
-- Feb 24, 2004 at 7:22PM
Will David be playing in IL. anytime in the near futre?

Name: Dillon
Subject: dates
-- Aug 15, 2003 at 6:49PM
Does DJ have a website, I'd like to keep up with when he is appearing live?

Name: dewlover
Subject: David Jo !!
-- May 7, 2003 at 1:19PM
HE WILL BE LIVE IN RED BANK, NJ AT THE RIVER FESTIVAL ON MAY 31, 2003...

Name: Tom
Subject: Future dates
-- May 1, 2003 at 1:46PM
Will they be playing in NYC between May 22-25? I'll be honeymooning there, and the only thing that could make it more perfect would be to see David Johansen perform live.

Name: willie
Subject: los angeles if'n you please
-- Feb 4, 2003 at 5:18PM
hey there, will david be coming to LA? Largo is a great venue... or the Mint...

Name: betz
Subject: Harry Smiths
-- Feb 1, 2003 at 7:26PM
thanx mick, for the dates, yep, he'll sign anything, like he did my stomach that time

Name: mick
Subject: Da Jo
-- Jan 29, 2003 at 11:48PM
I saw David at the bottom line a few months ago...he is playing there again feb. 12th...can't wait man!!! Think he will sign my dolls CD??

Name: tom
Subject: old albums
-- Jan 15, 2003 at 5:38PM
does anyone know how i could get a copy of David Jo's old "In Style" album on CD? that was always a favorite, especially the cut "Swaheto Woman".

Name: steve
Subject: the internet age
-- Dec 28, 2002 at 11:40AM
hi
just read several articles on D.J. last musical experience and, well... they only talk about NY dolls and Buster Pointdexter, completely ignoring all the D.J. albums, all his best so far as a rock author... it is a real shame, i'm glad there's people here asking for live it up. internet is giving too much possibilities to write to inept "journalists&qu ot;

Name: Robert
Subject: Live it up
-- Nov 19, 2002 at 6:14AM
I am looking for the Live it up cd.I have the record of Live it up and the following recordings on cd: Harry Smiths 2000, Harry Smiths Shaker,
Sweet Revenge, and David Johansen 1978 ( debut ). Thanx,Robert (groeneveld@highwayh awk.com)

Name: Dave G.
Subject: From Pumps to Pompadour
-- Nov 12, 2002 at 3:38PM
I am in search of the CD/Tape entitled From Pumps to Pompadour: The David Johansen Story. I never knew this record existed, and it is out of print now. Help!

Name: john
Subject: live it up
-- Oct 14, 2002 at 4:33AM
can anyone help me to find an original cd of David Johansen "Live It Up", thx John(Belgium)

Name: betsy
Subject: Harry Smiths
-- Sep 8, 2002 at 2:52PM
Does anyone know where to get the Harry Smith gig dates??? Thanx, Betsy

Name: run35@aol.com
Subject: david live
-- Aug 17, 2002 at 8:00AM
I found out after the fact the David played the 7th and 8th of August at HOB in Boston. I am heartbroken anyone out there see him in Boston??? lisa

Name: betsy@crosslink.net
Subject: David:Annapolis
-- Aug 4, 2002 at 12:28PM
Couldn't believe it, David's still pouring it on, now it's the blues. I actually got a hug, my life is complete.

Name: Luca
Subject: David Johansen - Buster Poindexter
-- Jul 4, 2002 at 5:10PM
Hi everybody, i'm from Pisa Italy.
I'm searchin' for tapes or cd-r to trade about David Johansen (recent) or Buster Poindexter shows.
Please somebody help me.
you can see my list here http://digilander.li bero.it/lucarovini
Thanks for any help.
Luca

Name: Declan Morrison
Subject: Looking for David Johansen live shows
-- Jun 30, 2002 at 8:44PM
I am looking for David Johansen live shows. Anything at all, I am willing to trade or money or anything. I'm also looking for a copy of David Jo's t-shirt that he wore at The Stone Pony gig a year back. The blue long sleeved shirt that reads in football letters "Village 73". Is there anybody there to help me???
How do you call your lover boy?
TRASH!

Name: kd
Subject: syl ALLIIIIIVE!!!!!!!!!!
-- Feb 3, 2002 at 9:32PM
syl is performing in NYC on feb 28th 2002 at the bowery ballroom in NYC with the maxs kansas city project details at www.maxskansascity.c om and/or www.boweryballroom.c om!!

Name: John
Subject: I need a fix
-- Aug 3, 2001 at 12:21AM
Does anybody know what David is doing, its been 7 years since I last saw him in R.I. Any info on dates in R.I. or MA.

Name: An LS.n Reader
Subject: LeisureSuit Live: David Johansen and the Harry Smiths at the Bottom Line, NYC
-- Jun 7, 2001 at 2:28PM
Sylvain Sylvain (or do I have that backwards???) is still alive. I saw a story on an album he did not too long ago. I know Johnny & Jerry are dead. But I don't know about Arthur. I think he's selling Birkenstocks on 58th st. in Manhattan.

visit me at beatletour.com. I share your passion for the second greatest band in the world, the NY Dolls. I gotta go, I'm have a personality crisis... real bad.

Tony

Name: Sweetmauro
Subject: dolls alive
-- May 3, 2001 at 12:49PM
Sylvain Sylvain IS still alive....and Arthur "killer" Kane too,Syl actually lives in Atlanta.....

Name: robert
Subject: ny dolls
-- Dec 13, 2000 at 12:30AM
Ever since i saw the Dolls at the Whisky in Hollywood, circa 1973, my life has never been the same. Talk about an influence. I was a kid of 16, and being back stage in that stinky dressing room w/ the band after the show was enough to fill my dream index for the rest of eternity. I saw the subsequent tour where they were "banned" from the Roxy for showing up 2 hours too late! The show at the Palladium made up for that. Mott the Hoople was on the bill along w/ this upstart band called Aerosmith (always a Dolls rip, if there ever was one!). Anyway, thanks for having this site. The Dolls live on in my memory and certainly get passed on to whoever enters my path!

i need a fix and a kiss!
luv,
robert

Name: danny
Subject: LeisureSuit Live: David Johansen and the Harry Smiths at the Bottom Line, NYC
-- Oct 7, 2000 at 7:52PM
hi michael
just read your message
if you're interested in swapping live tapes of david check out my list at http://come.to/ukbears

Name: Michael
Subject: LeisureSuit Live: David Johansen and the Harry Smiths at the Bottom Line, NYC
-- Oct 1, 2000 at 8:34PM
David has been an inspiration to me all my life. Still have all his records and live tapes of him in concert. I have known David for many years and miss him dearly since moving to Texas which i hope someday he will tour if he goes on the road again. As for the new york dolls David was a true visionary within the group. By him calling it quits with the dolls he has made them an icon in the music world.I wish though he would do alot of his original music as he was a great writer as David Johansen much more so then buster poindexter.

Name: LUIS RODRIGUEZ
Subject: RECORDS
-- Sep 11, 2000 at 6:10PM
I WAS BURGLED A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO AND I SEEM TO BE UNABLE TO FIND MY DAVID JOHANSEN AND SYL CDs BACK. CAN ANYBODY TELL ME WHERE THE HELL I CAN FIND DAVID'S AND SYL'S CDs ON THE WEB? I'D REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR HELP, AS NO MATTER WHERE I LOOK I CAN NEVER FIND THEM. BY THE WAY, "YOU TOUCHED ME TOO" IS ONE OF THE TEN BEST SONGS EVER!

Name: Dara
Subject: Long live Johansen
-- Jul 17, 2000 at 9:25PM
Nothing deep here, Johansen in the last 23 years of live shows has never let me down, looking forward to the "Harry Smiths" The king is'nt dead he's always been here as David Johansen!!!

Name: susan
Subject: dead dolls
-- Jun 17, 2000 at 4:06PM
probably someone has told you by now--syl has a relatively new album out, & arthur too is very much alive. rip jt and jerry

Name: Phil Kitchel
Subject: Dead Dolls
-- Apr 17, 2000 at 4:10PM
I should amend this review to state that I'm not sure if Sylvain Sylvain OR Arthur Harold "Killer" Kane are dead. (If not, I wish them well.) However, Johnny Thunders and Jerry Nolan, unequivocally and lamentably, are.

For more, see the excellent oral history of American punk, "Please Kill Me"; the first New York Dolls album; and Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers' newly re-released album, "L.A.M.F." A must, I swear.


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