L.A.M.F.: The Heartbreakers’ Live at the Bowery Electric
MVD, Jungle
Most recent punk reunions take place when the dew is well off the lily, but this kick ass concert shows a few oldsters can still rock and roll. The Heartbreakers were formed by ex-New York Doll Johnny Thunders and Walter Lure and they made one album (not counting re-issues) then split up. Over the years a few reunions popped up, sort of like sporadic high school reunions. Thunders died a few decades ago, so this reunion show fronts Walter Lure, Wayne Kramer (MC5) and Tommy Stinson (The Replacements, Guns ‘N’ Roses).
The sound is amazingly good, it’s powerful punk that holds its own after 40 years. The band plays the L.A.M.F. album thorough, then adds a few extra tunes including the MC5’s hit “Kick Out the Jams.” Guest stars drop by such as Blondie’s Clem Burke on “Can’t Keep My Eyes on You” and Cheetah Chrome (Dead Boys) fronting “Goin’ Steady.” Extensive interviews with Burke, Jesse Malin, Tommy Stinson and a few others make up the extra features, they’re interesting but essentially old rockers saying old rocker things. The performance is enjoyable and well mixed, and makes up for their first album which never sounded right. Its old school rock and roll for old timers like me, and it does show most of us DID amount to something. I’m just not sure what…