New York Dolls – Dancing Backwards in High Heels

From the opening "Ah!" of the pop-friendly first-track vocals, Dancing Backward in High Heels screams old-school rock 'n' roll fun. The style and production of the New York Dolls may have shifted from their legendary DIY roots, but they still retain much of the energy and excitement 40-odd years hence. Since reforming in 2004 after a 28-year break, the punk rock icons have already written two highly acclaimed records, and Dancing... suggests that the two remaining original members have no intention of letting things slip.

Guitarist Sylvain Sylvain and singer David Johansen revel in their familiar 1950s influences and continue to write irresistible hooks. With their style ranging from the jauntily pissed-off I'm So Fabulous to the acoustic gem You Don't Have To Cry, there is enough variation to keep what could have been a repetitive album fresh over numerous listens. Proof that reunions can sometimes bring nourishing new fruit. [Jonathan Butcher]