In the ‘80s, Buster Poindexter thrilled the masses with his campy pop hit “Hot, Hot, Hot!”  He frightened some and titillated others with pompadour hair and his flamboyant persona.   Most of us then had no idea Buster Poindexter was really David Johansen the former lead singer of the cross dressing New York Dolls.

The New York Dolls are back with less drag and a lot of kitsch.  Just like in the Blues Brothers, they decided to get the band back together (although they’re probably not on a mission from God) after an impromptu concert at which they were received with great enthusiasm.  At least one original band member was dead before the concert, and one died shortly after.

I can’t tell if they’re true to the sound they created in the ‘70s; I’ve never heard any of their stuff. Frankly, based an interview I’ve heard with David Johansen on “Fresh Air” on NPR, he probably cares very little if NYD are true to their roots.  He’s just havin’ fun.

This new CD is true to that spirit.  Lot’s of fun mostly.  “Dance Like a Monkey” is a bouncy ‘80s pop/punk style dance tune that will have you dancing like a monkey while you’re chuckling at the kooky lyrics that poke fun at Intelligent Design and Creationists.  If it could get some airplay outside of alternative rock stations, it would be a surefire top 40 hit.

The album is filled with many songs as silly as “Dance Like a Monkey,” but few as catchy.  I know this is a weird analogy, but all I could think of while listening is the tunes sound like John Cougar Mellencamp meets The Dead Milkmen.  This NYD CD is filled with solid rock standards and punk rock lyrics.

There are a couple of slow tunes I could do without.  They are nostalgic and pine for lost loves or friends.  I’m just guessing, but I’m sure NYD is recognized more for kitsch and fun than nostalgia and sadness.  Aesthetically though, the slow tunes are pleasing, but just don’t fit with the campy pop mode.

If you were a fan of NYD before the Buster Poindexter days, pick up the whole album, have some fun, or reminisce.  Otherwise, download the fun tunes, and throw them in your alternative party mix and shotgun a beer.  Either way, you won’t be disappointed.