Reviews (page 2 of 7)
Punk!
Well hot damn, this slaps. It's clean in a very rough way, like The Jam but with a kick up the arse.
I'm surprised at how much I enjoy this! It's definitely a punk band but their music is so much more than that. This defies a lot of genre categories and seems to be its own thing. Machine Gun Etiquette rules.
this is why i do this challenge
By 1979 the Sex Pistols were done, The Clash were expanding into more worldly music and plenty of other initial punk acts (The Jam, Buzzcocks, The Stranglers) were slowing their sound down into more pop/new wave territory. Then you have The Damned, who held off their own evolution (into a more gothic sound, with singer Dave Vanian's image leading the way) with one final ferocious 70s punk record in 'Machine Gun Etiquette', but even though it maintains the ferocity of their first two records, it shows that The Damned were already aware that the first wave of punk was at an end. The first five songs on 'Machine Gun Etiquette' are more or less a continuation of 'Damned Damned Damned' and 'Music For Pleasure', their first two records, but then the record arrives at the song 'These Hands', which is more indicative of where The Damned would go in the 80s with more atmosphere and psychedelia added to their sound. 'Plan 9 Channel 7' also continues this newer sound, while still respecting what the band has already achieved. One aspect of The Damned that has always been noteworthy is the sheer contrast of identities within the band. You have Dave Vanian's gothic persona clashing with guitarist Captain Sensible's colourful campyness and drummer Rat Scabies' street-cred look. The Vanian/Sensible contrast is especially iconic, and yet together they created some of the finest punk music to emerge from Britain. 'Machine Gun Etiquette' is their last 'punk' record before they became more of a goth band, and while it's not quite as consistent and in-your-face as 'Damned Damned Damned', it shows a lot more adventure than that record, and the whole band (Vanian, Sensible, Scabies and bassist Algy Ward [formerly of The Saints]) were firing creatively on all cylinders creating this. They sure were ready for the 80s! Best songs: 'Love Song', 'Machine Gun Etiquette', 'I Just Can't Be Happy Today', 'Melody Lee', 'Noise,Noise,Noise', 'Looking At You', 'Liar', Smash It Up'
Taas oli muutamien biisien takia tuttu nimi. Tää oli hyvää punkrokkia. Suosikkibiisini oli päätösraita ”Smash It Up (Parts 1 & 2)”, jonka teki mulle tutuksi The Offspring -95 Batman Soundtrackillä. Tätä kuuntelen varmasti tulevaisuudessa, kuten koko bändiä.
a shot of adrenaline. This is what I’m fuckin talking about - my first 5 star of this challenge
This is music that makes you want to turn up your volume to an anti-social level. Great stuff. The first four songs are as good as any punk song and the rest of the album is a lot of fun too. I liked the odd The Damned song but didn't realise how good they could be.
Excellent
This punk album is fire
This is just awesome, I love The Damned! Liar especially blew me away: that groovy bass, the totally punk vocals, the spiky guitar, and the tight drum all come together perfectly. And I’m so glad I got to see them live in 2024. They’re forever cool.
My second favorite Damned album. I like the rawness of Damned Damned Damned just a little more. The songwriting is probably better on this one but it’s still stating at number two for me.
Kick ass. Algy Ward rips. I need to listen to The Damned more often.
I absolutely loved this album. The Dammed have always been a blind spot in my British rock knowledge (clash, Sex Pistols, buzzcocks, the jam). So hearing this whole album in full was a great experience This album is perfection. It’s versatile, and expressive, keeps me moving and wanting to hear more. I don’t have any real highlight lowlight cuz to me this is all killer no filler. Five stars all around
Absolutely Damned perfect!
Büro, Heidenheim, Deutschland. Damn good!
### **Overview** Released in November 1979, *Machine Gun Etiquette* is the third studio album by **The Damned**, and it marks a pivotal moment in the band’s evolution. After a brief breakup and lineup changes, the band returned with a retooled sound that blended punk energy with psychedelia, gothic overtones, pop hooks, and proto-hardcore aggression. It’s widely regarded as their creative rebirth and a cult classic of post-punk innovation. --- ### **Lyrics** The lyrics on *Machine Gun Etiquette* are laced with **satire, absurdity, and social commentary**, often delivered with a smirk. Tracks like **"Love Song"** open with theatrical sarcasm (“Ladies and gentlemen, how do?”), setting the tone for an album that doesn’t take itself too seriously—but still stabs at authority, religion, and conformity. - **"Anti-Pope"** mocks religious hypocrisy with catchy, sing-along nihilism. - **"I Just Can’t Be Happy Today"** explores disillusionment with a surreal, almost psychedelic lens. - **"Plan 9 Channel 7"** is a cinematic homage to James Dean and Ed Wood’s cult film *Plan 9 from Outer Space*, mixing horror imagery with melancholy. - **"Smash It Up"** is both a celebratory anthem of destruction and a tribute to Marc Bolan, blending anarchic glee with emotional undercurrents. The lyrics are clever, often funny, and laced with **British wit**, but they also hint at darker themes—alienation, media saturation, and existential boredom. --- ### **Music** Musically, *Machine Gun Etiquette* is where The Damned **break free from punk orthodoxy**. While the raw energy of their debut remains, the band injects: - **Psychedelic rock** ("These Hands", "Plan 9 Channel 7") - **Gothic atmospherics** (early signs of Dave Vanian’s future goth persona) - **Pop sensibilities** ("I Just Can’t Be Happy Today", "Smash It Up Pt. II") - **Garage and proto-metal riffs** ("Melody Lee", "Liar") - **Classic rock covers** (MC5’s "Looking at You") The result is a **genre-blending record** that feels fresh even decades later. The band’s willingness to experiment—adding keyboards, shifting tempos, and layering sounds—makes this album a **bridge between punk and post-punk**. --- ### **Production** Produced by **Roger Armstrong** with alternate takes by **Ed Hollis**, the production is **raw but dynamic**. The mix allows each instrument to breathe—**Rat Scabies’ drums** are punchy, **Captain Sensible’s guitar and keyboards** add texture, and **Dave Vanian’s vocals** are front-and-center with a theatrical flair. Some critics argue that **Hollis’s alternate versions** (available on reissues) sound even better, but the original still captures the **chaotic energy and studio spontaneity** that defines the album’s charm. --- ### **Themes** The album is a **collision of absurdity, rebellion, and pop culture**. It’s punk in spirit, but not in sound alone. Themes include: - **Anti-authoritarianism** ("Anti-Pope", "Smash It Up") - **Media and pop culture satire** ("Plan 9 Channel 7", "Noise Noise Noise") - **Emotional disillusionment** ("I Just Can’t Be Happy Today") - **Rebirth and reinvention** (the album itself is a statement of the band’s return) There’s also a **carnivalesque, surreal tone** throughout—like a punk rock funhouse with a horror twist. --- ### **Influence** *Machine Gun Etiquette* is a **proto-hardcore and goth-punk cornerstone**. Its **genre fusion** and **willingness to evolve** influenced: - **Goth rock** (The Damned would later lean fully into this) - **Hardcore punk** (its speed and aggression prefigured 80s hardcore) - **Pop-punk and alternative rock** (melodic but edgy) - **Psychobilly and horror-punk** (via Vanian’s vocal style and lyrical imagery) It’s also one of the **first punk albums to embrace psychedelia**, paving the way for bands like The Cult, Mission, and even later punk revivalists. --- ### **Pros** - **Genre-defying**: Punk, psych, goth, pop, and garage all in one. - **Strong songwriting**: Catchy, clever, and cohesive. - **Vocal performance**: Dave Vanian’s voice is charismatic and versatile. - **Instrumental versatility**: Captain Sensible shines on both guitar and keyboards. - **Culturally significant**: A turning point in UK punk history. - **Timeless energy**: Still sounds vibrant and relevant. ### **Cons** - **Inconsistent pacing**: Some tracks ("These Hands", "Liar") feel like filler or disrupt the flow. - **Underwhelming chart performance**: Peaked at #31 in the UK—criminally overlooked at the time. - **Fragmented identity**: The album’s eclecticism may alienate purists seeking a straight punk record. - **Short runtime**: At just over 35 minutes, it leaves you wanting more—but not always in a good way. ### **Final Verdict** *Machine Gun Etiquette* is **The Damned’s creative apex**—a wildly inventive, genre-blurring punk album that **refuses to sit still**. It’s not perfect, but its **raw energy, lyrical wit, and musical ambition** make it a **must-listen** for anyone interested in the evolution of punk rock. It’s not just a comeback—it’s a **reinvention**. **Score: 9/10** **Standout Tracks**: - Love Song - I Just Can’t Be Happy Today - Plan 9 Channel 7 - Smash It Up (Parts I & II) **For Fans Of**: The Clash, MC5, The Cramps, early goth rock, psych-punk crossover.
A high octane punk rock thrill ride from start to finish. This album has some of my favorite Damned songs in "Love Song" and "Noise, Noise, Noise." There are a few duds in the track list but they don't detract from how great this album is.
How have I not loved and biked and waltzed to this album? What an incredible treat? Gimme that organ solo on "I Just Can't Be Happy Today" everyday, and I will be happy everyday, sorry boiz. Holy smokes!
I remember finding this tape when I was a kid and wish I have had a tape player in my car. I wanted to listen to it all the time, but I didn't have a tape player easily accessible. Was wonderful regardless.
Punk Rock classic. I think about how many of these album "challenges" I've given a 3 to because I didn't understand the genre and just didn't have enough listening time to give it enough rotations For everyone giving The Damned a 3 - I forgive you ;-P
This is one of my favorite eras of punk and rock. Where typical styles and forms were not set in stone.
Smashed it.
5/5. Величие.
The more I get exposed to stuff from the late '70s, the more I realize that this is absolutely an era of music for me....even when I've never heard the artist/album before. Although by the final track, I realized that I did know one song from The Damned. Strangely enough it was probably my second least favorite song on the album. Machine Gun Etiquette is such a ride from start to finish. To me, perfect albums have no skippable tracks or one track that isn't so bad it HAS to be skipped but I'd prefer to (I'm looking at you "Oh Daddy" on Rumours). For this album, it was the creepy circus clown song. When I heard this, I was convinced this would end up a 4-star album for me, but then The Damned continued to deliver song after song.b Absolute top notch stuff here, and I can't wait to return to it
Honestly, one of my favorite fines so far. A new old punk band that I never really give a chance, listening all the way through this album. This is the type of punk music I’m looking for. I already listened to their debut album as well, I love the vocals, catchy melodies, the drumming is fantastic. Five stars.
Incredible album. Some of the best instrumental work I’ve heard on a punk album. Not a weak track, and many of their best parts are instrumental sections. Captain Sensible’s guitar work really shines throughout. Smash It Up is one of the best punk songs I’ve ever heard. 5/5
Solid no nonsense punk
As good as punk rock gets!
Really good. Probably my favorite actual punk album we’ve had thus far. Would listen again
messy punk n wave. Their finest
The only way I like my goth is if its surrounded by a hearty helping of punk rock. The ratio here is perfect. I even love some of the moodier tracks on here, but obviously the rockers are what gets me. A half notch below their debut album, but still absolutely essential.
I love this album so much. "Smash It Up" is one of the catchiest hooks in all rock music. Cinerama punk with a great sense of humor and killer playing. Perfectly produced. So happy it is punk week at 1001.
Killer album. “Love Song” is a perfect punk tune, and there are several other examples of high-octane bangers that flirt with hardcore while being married to killer melodies and tight playing. The band’s bag of tricks is expansive, ranging from the gothic swirl of “I Just Can’t Be Happy Today” to garage and psychedelia. Piano lines and backing keyboards are masterfully deployed. There are so many astonishing moments on this record, including the ripping MC5 cover, the loveliness of the intro (Part 1) to “Smash It Up” and “Plan 9 Channel 7,” which sounds like a lost classic from the early Misfits. What a band.
One of my faves from them. This is where they actually learned songwriting and how to play their instruments after the first 2 punk albums. Oh and the last spoken word part, which sounds like it might be a locked groove is "Nibbled to death by an okapi", not "Nibbled to death buying a coffee".
Line up all the capital-P, capital-C Punk Classics, and I'll be damned if Machine Gun Etiquette doesn't stand toe-to-toe with every last one of them.
Fantastic punk album - all the energy, fast pace and noise you could ask for, blended in with humour, great lyrics and quality instrumentationn. The length leaves you wanting more. I held off on listening to this until heading to the gym, but needn't have bothered as it would be enjoyable in any mood. Hard to find fault with this one, achieves everything it wants to do. 10/10
Really inventive, catchy and fun. Punk energy so good I can even excuse the excessive Britishness
This is just a fantastic album.
I don’t think I’ve ever heard of The Damned before, but from what I’m reading about this album, I think there’s a really good chance that I’m going to like it. I’m not quite sure what to expect about The Damned’s particular brand of punk rock, but here’s hoping that I’m about to find a new band to love! This album was excellent from start to finish. Right off the bat, I was hooked in by the energy of “Love Song.” The guitars and drumming were outstanding, and the vocals had a lower register to them that reminded me a lot of Ian Curtis. The Damned immediately reminded me of The Clash; they’re a punk band, but they know how to play their instruments well, and they know how to write and arrange some great songs. The title track felt like it was probably really influential on hardcore punk. I loved the screaming of the backing vocals, and the excellent guitar playing and drum fills. I really loved the songs that had great keyboard playing too, like on “I Just Can’t Be Happy Today.” The keyboards created a great pulse to compliment the guitar and drum. The spoken word section about a minute into the song was spectacular, and the keyboard playing just got better and better as the song went on. This was probably my favorite song on the album, but there were so many great songs to choose from. “Melody Lee” was really fun too, and I loved how it started off with a beautiful keyboard arrangement, before descending into pure punk chaos. “Anti-Pope” was another contender for my favorite song on the album. The lyrics were fantastic, and I really loved the guitar playing too. I loved the atmosphere of “Plan 9 Channel 7.” Once again, the keyboards and guitar were excellent, and I loved the haunting sound they created together. Halfway through the song, the guitar really took over, and I loved it. The first guitar arrangement on “Smash It Up” reminded me a lot of Sonic Youth. I loved the echoing quality to it, and I loved how the bass and lead guitar sounded together. What an excellent final song to the album. The only song on the album that I didn’t like was “These Hands;” the whole circus vibe just wasn’t working for me, and it felt a bit out of place. But everything else on the album was incredible. This album was fantastic, and it even managed to stand out compared to other great punk albums from this era (like London Calling and Gang of Four’s Entertainment). This is an album that I’ll definitely be coming back to, and I’m going to try to find a copy on vinyl immediately.
Shock value punk rock With nuance amidst chaos And ripping solos
This is the kind of punk I can get into. Fun, rowdy, even a bit silly. Great album will listen again.
Super energetic punk that experiments with the formula of what British punk is by having fun with the instrumentals and venturing away from the 'traditional' (ironic) formula of what punk is. The Damned would go on after this to explore more of a Gothic sound in future albums with less commercial success but you really have to give them props for trying, there's nothing less punk than doing the same shit that's expected of you. Sometimes the exploration of different sounds/styles doesn't pay off (These Hands) but weird Gothic-Circus shit is still more interesting than if they just stuck with 'what works'. The second half of the album is by and large weaker than the first half but never takes its foot off the gas. I'm not going to let a few half-duds weigh down what is an extremely engaging, adventurous and entertaining album. Always appreciate seeing a band make an effort to not be penned into one style. Still a shame that their debut album didn't make it onto this list for some reason but I guess the authors thought it was much more pertinent that we hear a Bob Dylan live bootleg rather than one of the most important punk albums ever made I guess. Highlights: Love Song, Machine Gun, Etiquette, Melody Lee, Anti-Pope, Plan 9 Channel 7, Smash It Up - Pts. 1 & 2
Lots of variety in the instrumentation while maintaining early hardcore aggression. Tight, inventive songwriting with a nasty guitar tone, piercing lyrics, and good performances. 4.5/5.0: Excellent
great punk album
This is just a pure fun punk album. You can tell this band is cool just based on their picture on Spotify. They don’t take themselves seriously despite being really great.
Amazing
This is superb - inventive, genre-mixing, fun, with a driving rhythm that still sounds fresh. The best of punk.
Henry Rollins favorite album to play on a Friday.
Lads seriously what's with the punk Good news is i love punk and am in a bad fucking mood. LADS. this is fucking astounding so far. I just stayed in the shower for half of it just to carry on listening. The weird clown track??? Imagine if I'd heard that in 2020.* I'm struggling to actually say much bc I'm just having a good time. Remember on the Aretha album the other day when I was like Oh this is the best thing I could be listening to while relaxing in a towel. Well I'm in a towel with a lavender and chamomile face mask on but my right trapezoid is hurting like a rat cunt so this is the best thing I could be listening to rn. Like just varied enough while still being a shouty noisy time. Ignore whatever I said about punk albums the other day this is really well put together and a really good time. Why hadnt I already heard this. *clown phase
Total fucking punk. A little to the wayside, but brings you right back. 100% on this one. Angst, speed, message, just fun.
Really good musicality. Great punk works with energizing tracks
Wow, that was so much better than I expected! I could never have guessed this album came out in 1979. Loved it from beginning to end, really!
Well I’ll be damned! What a great album. Loved pretty much all of this one and will be listening to it plenty more times to come. Musically pleasing on the ear all the way through. Loved it!
Just as I was losing hope - a genuine gem of a discover, thank you!
5 out of 5 Much needed after the last album I reviewed, love seeing The Damned pop up. Melody Lee and Smash It Up are some of the standout songs here.
AWESOMESAUCE
I've heard a couple of songs here and there from the Damned, a fast-driven punk band that later morphed into a gothic rock act. This is my first full-album listen to their work, and I am genuinely impressed by what we got. This, by and large, classic-sounding 1970s punk album maintained a fierce and frenetic energy while incorporating elements from other genres. From the use of psychedelic keyboards on "I Just Can't Be Happy Today" and "These Hands" to the opening piano line from "Melody Lee" and the atmospheric bridge with the wailing guitar solo on "Anti-Pope," these mad lads knew how to spice up their style while keeping it fun and engaging. Dave Vanian's smooth crooning vocals, Captain Sensible's raucous guitar work, Algy Ward's well-anchored bass lines, and Rat Scabies's tight percussion coalesce into one neat package that doesn't waste time. Machine Gun Etiquette is a blast from front to back that not only serves as a forbearer for the emerging hardcore punk scene but varies enough to stand on its own.
Really great album! Even though I prefer their debut, there’s no denying the quality of songwriting and a great variety in style and genre. Of course I prefer their punkier tracks, such as Anti-Pope and Melody Lee, but I can appreciate the album as a whole. These Hands and Plan 9 Channel 7 stray à little to far off the punk path, but the rest are great! Splendid way to end 2024!
This list comes through again. This was new to me , great
A raucous good punk album. Can't wait to see them live again in a few months. 4.5 stars.
Now that's some punk music I can get behind. Enjoyed it from beginning to end
Really thought during “Looking at You” they were saying “Do the Bartman” over and over again. It wasn’t but it’s still a 5 star album. Was this stuff all over the Jackass and CKY soundtracks?
Top album.
This is fucking awesome. I wasn't expecting to be so dazzled by British punk rock, but I've been nibbled to death by an okapi.
There’s so much here to love musically, lyrically, creatively.
Absolutely fantastic. Amazing that this came out in 1979. I can hear its influences in so much music that I love. It's got great, now classic, drum beats, cool riffs and some classic solo styles that you can here in so many great punk bands.
Second best Damned album. Every song is a banger. Pogo to so many of them. Smash it up , Anti Pope , Love Song all great tracks. Love the maniacal voice of Dave Vanian in These Hands. An early goth sound.
please sir may i have s’more
Whoa, I can get behind those catchy hooks! Loved this fun and clever album. Great stuff!
Wow really enjoyed the whole thing. Definitely gonna have to go through the rest of their stuff. Rating: 4.6
Godverredomme dit is mijn jam. Waar The Damned al sneaky aan de haal ging met zo mogelijk de eerste punk single ooit, 'New Rose', net voordat Sex Pistols het startschot dachten te geven, realiseren ze met hun derde album ook de eerste stappen in de ontwikkeling van punk naar haar agressievere nakomeling hardcore punk. De riffs zijn furieuzer dan die van hun tijdsgenoten, de drums hanteren een tempo dat niet eerder werd vertoond in het genre. Maar tegelijkertijd weten ze ook echt de luisteraar te charmeren met extreem catchy melodieën, hooks en vrolijke keyboard-riedeltjes van Captain Sensible (goeie naam). De hoge intensiteit gaat tegen alle verwachtingen in moeiteloos samen met die pop-elementen, wat dit album wel echt uniek maakt. En neem dan de gloomy sounds en achtergrondzang in 'I Just Can't Be Happy Today', 'These Hands' en 'Plan 9 Channel 7', en je hebt ook direct wat proto-goth te pakken, wat duidelijk van de hand komt van leadsinger Dave Vanian. Het is een punk meesterwerk, dat zich bevindt op het kruispunt van allerlei post-punk stijlen. Het laatste deel van de plaat bevat een paar songs die uit de toon vallen en het tempo niet helemaal kunnen bijbenen, maar 'Smash It Up' - als één van de beste afsluiters ooit - doet alles vergeven. Monumentaal en underrated album. 9/10 Highlights: Love Song Melody Lee Plan 9 Channel 7 Smash It Up
Machine Gun Etiquette heeft alles wat je van een punk-album mag verwachten. En misschien zelfs nog wel een beetje meer. Zoals al eerder is gebleken komt het betere punk-werk (achteraf gezien) niet uit 1976 of 1977 maar net een paar jaartjes later. We horen the Damned andere genres verwerken in de uptempo punk-songs en dat maakt dit album super variabel en interessant. Het orgeltje in I Just Can't Be Happy, piano-intro van Melody Lee. Daarnaast horen we inspiratie uit de psychedelic rock (solo in Anti-Pope) en is keuze voor hun latere goth-rock werk goed te begrijpen. Maar ondertussen staat Machine Gun Etiqeutte gewoon vol met catchy en punky nummers, vaak niet langer dan 2:30. De overlap met London Calling is goed te horen (gelijktijdig opgenomen in dezelfde studio) en Joe en Mick doen af en toe mee op deze plaat, maar the Damned blijft Britser dan Brits, waar the Clash viel voor de aantrekkingskracht van de USA. Ik had the Damned al hoog zitten maar wordt nogmaals bevestigd. 8,5/10 Highlights: Love Song I Just Can't Be Happy Today Anti-Pope
A rip roaring good time full of furious drumming, frenetic guitars and anthemic vocals. They sound like guns n roses at times and black flag at others, a really great combination of pop sensibility, rock musicianship and hardcore energy. Always knew the name and associated them w the dumb sound of 1st gen punk, but there's way more to it than I expected - what a gem!
A solid, tight 30 minutes and change of 70s UK punk - always going to get my attention! Hints of moving on a bit musically, but only a few, and any decent punk band doesn't need to move on anyway!
What a record! A lot of energy and spirit here which I miss in a lot of modern records. Will definitely listen to this again.
One of my all time favourites
One of the best albums ever!
The Damned are a band that I think I just kinda like, until they're on, then boy howdy do I love The Damned. Actual vampire freak music
Ladies and gentleman, how do? Fuckin' great after being assigned this album!
Truly enjoyable. I was familiar with a few The Damned tracks, but had never sat down and listened to an album of theirs. That was a mistake as this is excellent.
A very fine punk album! surprised I've not dived in before, and fully will do now!
One of the finest British punkbands, if not the best. This whole album is stellar
This one was a blast to listen to. Great energy and diversity in instrumentals. Solid hooks throughout.
Bands I wish I had discovered years ago for 100 please....Fucking great stuff.
This was some pretty cool punk music. Considering I had AC/DC yesterday from the same year, I liked this so much more. It has personality and uniqueness to the music. My favorites here are I Just Can't Be Happy Today, Anti-Pope, and Plan 9 Channel 7. I'd like to hear some more punk from this era now.
Probably the best classic punk album. Has a lot of bangers and a lot of fun wit in it. Anti-pope, Melody Lee and Looking at you are the high points.
Nonstop tight as hell riot from start to finish. Outstanding noise.
I really, really love this album so much. I love the energy, I love the connectedness of the instruments, vocals pair brilliantly. The talent level in punk bands is really top notch. Favorite track: Plan 9 Channel 7
This album kicks ass. The opening track immediately comes in with crazy energy and never slows down from there. Second track isn’t my favorite but it keeps the vibe going into “I just can’t be happy today” which is a unique but fun song. Fourth track might be the most skippable behind “These Hands”, but is followed up with my favorite track, “Anti-pope”. Similarly to I just can’t be happy today, it is unlike any song I’ve heard and combines many different genres of music.
such a sick album! disappointed in myself for not listening to this one on the day it was generated for me, because this is super up my alley- i LOVE early punk, the 70s stuff with that repetitive, biting sound. the political wit here is immeasurable as is the catchiness of these melodies. also some truly awesome guitar work that you usually wouldn't hear from a band of this ilk. nibbled to death by an okapi... 8.5/10, fav tracks: i just can't be happy today, anti-pope, noise noise noise
Rating: 9/10 Best songs: Love song, Machine gun etiquette, Melody lee, Anti-pope, Liar, Smash it up
The energy, lyrics, production, all of it is amazing! I was very pleased with this one. Very good punk album.
5 – witzig
It's very punky and creative, it's got a mix of punk and some post-punk elements, it's an exciting listen, maybe a bit weird for a punk album but still cool 7/10
Such great sound
Good album, like how hard it goes.
Liked this a lot. Don't think I've ever heard a piano intro on a punk album before - I think it was Just Want to be Happy. Good guitars and even melodies. Have to love a band with a drummer named Rat Scabies and a guitarist named Captain Sensible!
Can’t think of a reason why this shouldn’t get a 5. Another album I’ve never heard before that really wowed me. It’s punk rock, but so much more musically rich than many others from this time. The lead guitar parts were pretty exceptional and the lyrics were interesting enough for me. My favorite tracks were “anti-pope” and “plan 9 channel 7”.
The Doors meet punk. Great album.
Absolutely loved this. Each direction in here hit all my rock spots I was looking to have hit. And each one is done excellently. Honestly, I wasn't sure I ever understood the term "proto" until I heard this album. I really enjoyed this journey quite a bit, and will certainly be incorporating this to the rotation. Favorite track: Plan 9 Channel 7
This is everything I want from a punk album. It's fun, clever, and unrelentingly energetic. They take on and throw away elements of a dozen genres with abandon but manage every bit of it with skill and ease. This was straight fire and I was sad when it was done. So I hit play again and did the whole thing over.
This checks a lot of boxes for me. Punk stylings without being too antiestablishment or simplistic. Great playing (especially the percussion), and concise while still developing its ideas.
After hearing the Sex Pistols when I was a teenager I wrote of all punk rock. I wish I had heard this album back then in 1977 because I really like this. Today I also listened to The Black Album and it is also great. While the Pistols were simple straightforward verses, The Damned hav fully developed verses, choruses and Bruges and their vocal harmonies are fantastic. This is for me thinking man’s punk.
Right On!
sac
Goth, pop, punk, post-punk, and a sense of humor. This album is rocking and rollicking, driving and fast. As listenable today as when it was released. Pioneers in multiple styles and scenes. Great listen!
Hell yeah. It's just really really good. Familiar but surprising. Nice touches.
4.5ish The album felt younger than it was, and I’m always a sucker for some good and heavy guitar. It was also a lot of fun and had a lot of variety. Some transitions were a little awkward, which I think works well for punk. The only parts of this album I didn’t like were the ones that felt a little more kitschy than camp (the clown song and another that sounded a little 60s to me) and when some of the songs faded out in contrast to the ones that jumped from one to another, which I thought brought the energy of such an lively album down in ways that didn’t feel wholly organic.
Super dope album! I love how playful it is instead of being just straight forward old school punk the whole way through. It's not perfect, but it does hit like a 4.5/5 for me.
Awesome, like a punk jam band. 5 stars.
A surprisingly great album, short and to the point. Will listen again
Wow, this album slaps. The whole thing is an absolutely fire punk album. I'm surprised I'd never heard of this before, but this is really good British punk, and also coming right off of a Clash album. Big fan of this and it will be entering regular rotation.
This might be The Damned best British punk album ever made. Damn near close to it. Perfect in what it does. Punk rock to its atomic structure. Cited, rightfully as one of the genres most excellent.
a timeless classic and a huge leap forward out of the creative ferment of punk
A damned good album from The Damned. Plus it has Smash It Up on it.
Seminal!
Re The Damned: I like several of their other albums (especially Phantasmagoria) but this album is clearly their best, strong songwriting throughout, a clear classic.
Theory: after the first wave of Year Zero albums: Never Mind TB, The Clash, In The City, Rattus Norvegicus - and here Damned Damned Damned - bands took stock with their second album of more punk (interestingly in the case of The Jam and The Clash the second albums were probably the worst ones of their career) before with their third - London Calling, All Mod Cons, Black and White - and here Machine Gun Etiquette - laying out a post-punk musical template that would see out their careers. In the case of the Damned it's as a fizzy, late sixties psychedelic power-pop combo heavy on the organ and melding this with a bit of glam and garage. This album is virtually a greatest hits collection in itself and the one essential Damned album.
A witty and joyous riot of perfect punk
"Machine Gun Etiquette" is the third studio album by English punk band The Damned. It was their first since reforming with Dave Vanian (vocals), Captain Sensible (guitar) , Rat Scabies (drums) and Algy Ward (bass and his only album with the band). The album added more variety to their punk rock with hard rock, heavy metal, pyschedelic rock, prog and 60's R&B. A fairly apt and interesting description is The Beach Boys meets Motörhead with T. Rex and Judas Priest thrown in. It is considered prototypical hardcore punk that would be more prevalent later in the 80's. A guy saying : Ladies and gentlemen, how do" opens "Love Song." A chaotic open and a Lemmy-like drving bass. It thrusts into punk with a melodic guitar. An anti-love song love song as Vanian is basically saying well, here's your love song. "I Just Can't Be Happy Today" has wobbly guitar/keyboards. This is very 60's pyschedelic rock sounding. And, we get a keyboard/organ solo. A dramatic guitar starts "Plan 9 Channel 7." It's a song about a 50's horror movie of the same name and considered one of the worst movies of all time and it's main character Vampira. Layered guitars, pyschedelic pop and it's danceable. Dual guitar solos with underlying keyboards end the song. Quite the trip. They cover The MC5's "Look at You" and give a fusion of punk and jam band. They really kick it in at the end. The final song "Smash It Up (Parts 1 &2)" is slow with a melodic guitar and bass. Hey, they out-cured mid-to-late 80's The Cure. A pop-ish chorus and an organ. Smashing up societal ideals. This album is drving music with all instruments full throttle most of the time. Just fantastic guitar by Captain Sensible. It's punk at heart but adds variety and is very 60's sounding at times. A high recommendation and if not their best, right there.
I love punk music but it can usually get kind of boring on an album. But I really felt like this one told a musical story, like there was tension and everything
First (and 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th) listen. And what a discovery this has been. What a classic, and an album that has stood the test of time. It already starts with the jumpy "Love Song" after being completely overwhelmed by the title track. And then one after another a rare amount of quality tracks come past. Sometimes incredibly catchy, sometimes with the feel to pogo your heart out and even when they take some speed back the songs are superb. This is my introduction to the Damned and are now going to dive into their discography.
Listened to this one a couple weeks ago--near perfect classic punk album. 4.5/5
Another punk masterclass. Not enough good things to say about this album, so I won't try.
Ich fands sehr gut. Catchy hooks, gute instrumentals dazwischen und durchgängig aufregend. Light 9/10
Rechttoe rechtaan punk. Just the way i like it. Short songs that are loud, fast but also variated in melody, so they dont het full at any time. Great Discover. I knew already a few songs of them, but none of this album.
Leuke punk, gevarieerd, goede gitaren
Loved it
DAMN!
Absolutely amazing
Very cool old-school Punk Rock
just a fantastic album. early punk rockers, here in the thick of it. love song will always be a classic, of course, but liar is a nice surprise tucked in there. if you like this and want more like it, i recommend Burning Ambitions, an awesome compilation from the early days of punkity-rock. part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFN4ygMH0rw part 2: xhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytvAZYbz1QM
Despite the album title, Machine Gun Etiquette is the first album of The Damned that is not just straight early punk rock, but also provides variation and depth. The lyrics are also interesting and witty. It's for me one of the top 10 punk rock albums.
Hell yea
Hell yea. This is so good. Noise, Noise, Noise is a great tune. I love this landmark statement of British punk rock.
my name is also lou :)
79/100 Damn this album FUCKS like it's raw as hell this is as like falling over each other and smashing your instruments as punk can probably get while still being pretty listenable. Some songs are on the more catchy side which I appreciate to break the album up a bit. Like I Just Can't Be Happy Today has a good new wave synth backing that is pretty good compared to the intensity of the songs that came before it. When I saw this I was like FUCK I don't wanna listen to an album by a band I've never heard of today I want to hear some good shit. I don't know why I was being so stingy though this is peak as hell I gotta be more open to new experiences. Anyways yeah it's good it's punk but not like that catchy funky Clash punk or the Sex Pistols punk that sounds like shit. More like a hardcore rock punk which is what we like to see.
absolute banger of an album - strong punk lyrics, numerous tempo changes within the songs, and wide ranging influences, total banger
Odd that this is the only Damned album on the list. They are an integral part of punks story and this album keeps up their ability to write poppy, punky bangers with a message.
Overall: 7/10 This is a cool punk album that got pretty gothic at times. There were times that I heard the Misfits, Type O Negative and even R.E.M. in their music, and this came out before all of that! It would have been cool to have the first Damned album on here as well, but I think this was a good choice. Fav Song: Smash It Up
I liked it.
Energetic, raw and fun. Punk with good musicality. 4/5
This was a fun little punk feisty album, I didn't love love it but I enjoyed it.
This was a lot of fun.
8/10 Best songs: I Just Can't Be Happy Today, Plan 9 Channel 7 For some reason Spotify wasn't letting me play this album, so I had to listen to it on YouTube (ugh). This album comes damn close to receiving 5 stars. I'm not a punk fan by any means, but this album hits that great music, great vocals, great lyrics trifecta for me. Why am I not boosting it up a star? First, not all of the songs really hit that "outstanding" level for me. Second, a couple songs were extremely dated, to the point where they weren't particularly enjoyable to listen to. That being said, I could see myself returning to this album and upping the score in the future.
I realised listening to this that I might love punk. Really good and broadens understanding beyond the standard
I don't remember the little bit of The Damned I heard years ago, but I didn't like it nearly as much as this. Great album. 4.95
Sometimes a band audibly records in different studios, with random engineers, new equipment and the result is a bit of a mess - Big Star comes to mind. The Damned, however, get a pass, the sound is just so overwhelming. A thing about a lot of music played fast by amateurs back then was, well, there was only so much interest in anything past the basics and tempo, with studio recordings of secondary importance to the live show. Melody wasn’t NOT the point, but coming up with catchy tunes or creating an atmosphere was for other bands to do. But, The Damned missed that memo.
3.5
Punk albums with personality beat punk albums that are just anger every time. Why do they insist on meandering though?
yeah this slapped, as the kids say
It took a second for it to click but this is good ole early punk fun. Nothing on here is a killer amazing track or life changing but the historical context and overall enjoyability of this thing put it at at least a 4. Good work.
Usually a bit tired of the nonstop late 70s UK punk but this was a pleasant surprise
YEOW. Punky and raw
Skater punk perfection. I mostly hated the album but there’s no denying how good it is.
They launch right in at full speed! :) Mostly too rough for me, but I would have loved it when I was 15. I was 11 when this came out and heard about the band later, but didn't distinguish them from other punk bands and so couldn't have picked them out of a lineup. They're significantly more talented than a lot of punk bands of the same era. Song structure is better thought out, they're really tight. Great at what they do. I had to chuckle when "Melody Lee" started out as this sweet piano melody and then abruptly turned into another punk song. 4 stars for me because I've outgrown the genre (that sounds smug, but there's a lot of pop I listened to as a teen that I also don't need to revisit). There are still a handful of songs that I would listen to today, like "Plan 9 Channel 7", "Looking at You", and "Smash it Up"
Excellent one!
Kind of shocked how two years after their debut the Damned were already going in a much more new wavey direction. Honestly, the moment I realized what was happening I thought I was going to hate it but I think it's impossible for me not to have fun listening to these guys.
We're not going to be jet boy and jet girl, I don't care I get to be jet boy. Dude! It's a total classic, the damned do a cover of it! Then we should be the Damned, that is a way cooler name. Real solid. Seems ahead of its time for 79. Nice recommendation for a change from this list of never ending Elvis Costello albums. 4.5⭐️
This is cool....if it was ALL punk, I probably wouldn't rate it as high.
Listened Before? N A well-made album that runs through a gamut of sounds- from hardcore punk through new-wavey rock through almost post-punk. I enjoyed this one. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Smash It Up
Punk rock played at it's finest by people who can actually wail. Play it loud. 4
Better than Coldplay
Det næstbedste genrehoppende rockalbum udgivet i 1979 af et britisk rockband der egentligt er for dygtigt til at blive kaldt et punkband
Crispy classic punk wakes me up in the morning
Это уже ближе ко мне, немного драйва точно не лишнее
Great album with some classic tracks
Thoroughly enjoyable album. One of my dads favourite bands.
פאנק רוק קלאסי ממש מוצלח, נהניתי מאוד
Det va akkurat som forventa. Og ikke helt min greie.
Not my usual kind of music that I enjoy, but I like it more than other similar albums. I like how short the album was. A 3 point something in general, but at least a 4 point something for the genre.
A surprising performance by a band I did not know. These guys have gone through some turbulence, but I ended up listening to this twice on the same day; haven't been able to say that for like the last 25 albums.
Moderately entertaining, extra credit for clocking in at 37 minutes and also for the band member names Captain Sensible and Rat Scabies
Production is pretty muddy (kind of a given for early British punk I guess) but the vague "psychedelic punk" sound from the creative use of a transistor organ make this a a fun listen. Enjoy the bonus track featuring Lemmy on bass as well. 8, maybe an 8.5/10.
8/10 Really fun energetic punk album, an enjoyable quick listen.
Love Song - 4/5 Machine Gun Etiquette - 4/5 I Just Can't Be Happy Today - 4/5 Melody Lee - 4/5 Anti Pope - 4/5 These Hands - 3.5/5 Plan 9 Channel 7 - 5/5 Noise, Noise, Noise - 4/5 Looking at You - 4.5/5 Liar - 4/5 Smash It Up (Part 1) - 4.5/5 Smash It Up (Part 2) - 5/5 A pretty good punk outing that stems out into hardcore, gothic rock, and some new wave. Overall: 4/5 Favorites: Plan 9 Channel 7, Smash It Up (Parts 1&2)
8/10 We'll hello! What an awesome album - makes me question why the Damned are not more heralded? Beats any of the The Clash albums by a country mile. It's angry, frantic and loud, but it has quality songwriting in its soul, and that is all you can ask for. Could have been a 5 star.
Un bon album punk fin 70. Ça se rapproche de Wire en terme de sophistiquation mais en gradant une approche plus brouillion. Un gros 4!
Parfaitement tout croche. 3.5 étoiles
You're damned if you do and damned if you don't listen to this album.
Nice classic punk album
Never heard of this band, but man, I love the energy!
We are damned. And then we're saved, thank you, hey-Seuss. MGE is a great album from 1 to 12. Perfect? No, but compared to some of the other shite we listen to, this is welcome relief from banal over-produced drudge. 4.3 "rounded down to 4 snarling" stars. (For '79, I prefer B-52s, the Cure, Bowie, the Clash, Elvis C., even dare I say Fleetwood Mac's "Tusk". '79 had some great albums....)
Muy buen disco, me gusta la mezcla punk y rock
Love Song Anti-Pope Plan 9 Channel 7 Looking at You Smash it Up, Pt. 1&2
Just Can’t Be Happy Today Plan 9 Channel 7 Noise Noise Noise Liar Smash It Up, Pt. 1 & 2
Ihan tuntemattomuudesta täysin hyvä punkahtava rocklevy! Päivän piristys! 4/5
A really interesting one
Amb aquesta portada m’esperava algo més soft, algo més tipo beatles pero jaja no. Sona un poc com Carolina Durante pero en angles. M'ha molat, haure d'investigar més cançons seves fora des disc. Qualque canço es un poc més bajona pero altres mooolt guays.
I enjoyed this one a lot more than expected. Very similar to early Clash, not sure who came first, but this one is a bit unique for the punk scene, there are guitar solos! Long ones! Punk jam band in the house!
*Great old school punk album *Didn't know The Damned too well before but this was a great intro to the band for me
This seemed pretty solid to me. Nothing really special to note but I would put it on again.
Did I have to hear this before I died? Actually, yes, but only because it was a British punk palate cleanser from all the other punk garbage that has been in this project. These guys can actually play their instruments and often do so pretty well. It has punk soul, but not at the expense of melody or being listenable. I'm coming back to this one because I actually want to.
After some time once again an album which is worth being on this list. At least the band is worth it since it counts as one of the bands defininig punk in the 70s. Once could argue that Damned Damned Damned would have been a better choice but with so many albums on this list, which have never made a difference it doesn't really matter.
Damn, это что за классики
7.9
Brief and to the point. Enjoyed it.
I loved this. I wasn’t sure about it at first but it really grew on me. 4/9/26
The Damned are one of those bands that give the impression that the music will be inaccessible, but then you listen to it and realize it’s just The Clash with a scarier name.
??? early Punk, super! c
Great punk innovations. I love the rock, some of the experiments didn't work for me, but most of them did. 4.5
ok - this was a fun surprise and far more timeless than i imagined
Thoroughly enjoyed. I definitely want to make some time to look a bit deeper into their stuff.
Extremely solid punk album, could see myself returning to it and finding more things to enjoy about it on every listen
i actually really liked this!!! if all hardcore had stayed like this i would genuinely enjoy hardcore
Criminally underrated punk band. We could argue that they recorded better songs than those of the Sex Pistols. This album is great.
Litt ujevn plate med til tider dårlig produksjon hindrer toppkarakter. Ellers helt topp. Jeg har sett de live, så kul er jeg.
Denne plata dro meg ut av en langvarig depresjon
Deilig energisk uten at det blir for rotete. Anti-Pope og Smash It Up e 👌👌👌
Herlig overskuddspunk. Digger det.
Pretty good punk
I don’t usually love punk as a genre, but this album felt exciting, energetic & mature compared some of the other records released during the British punk 70s/80s explosion. The fundamentals of punk are all there, but the song-writing and delivery feels more nuanced & carefully thought out. It has a strong flow and enough variety throughout to keep me hooked from start to finish. A really good listen - a soft 9/10, strong 8/10 for me.
4/5
Back in the day, people described this as as The Beach Boys meets Motörhead with T. Rex and Judas Priest. I'll leave it at that.
Went in not expecting much. I had friends that were really into that era of punk and I just never got it. This was different. I liked it a lot.
Très chouettos, bonne énergie ça met l'ambiance.
That was solid.
This was a fun one - fun punky sound.
Finally some bit of punk! This album is amazing! Not that hard to listen and not that much “pop” sound. Good!
Love this. Punk takes detours into Whateverland, runs into rock and his friends there. Just look at the cover: leather jacket, suit jacket, pink bird jacket, we're going to mess around, fuck off if you don't like it.
I loved the Damned back in the day. Turns out I still do.
Wow, this was great. Bombastic, chaotic, melodic ... all the ics. Clearly, I need to listen to more of their music.
This is a really good punk rock album—fast, fun, and constantly keeping your head bobbing. It’s got energy to spare and never overstays its welcome. Honestly, it’s a little disappointing that I’m only hearing it for the first time now.
This really rocks, nice surprise
I like that it’s a punk album with variety—has more going on musically
Straight up punk. Loved it.
Goddamn that sure has energy 4/5
hard core rock. felt kind of repetitive but i listened to it on the plane so maybe i didn't experience the whole range of the songs well enough.
The Damned remain hugely underrated in the grand scheme of things. I slightly prefer the raw simplicity of their debut.
This album feels like a bridge between their early punk driven sound and the post punk/goth direction they’d explore more deeply in the 80s. What really makes it fun is the garage rock influence. It’s gritty, energetic, and melodic. I’m not super familiar with their full albums since I’ve mostly stuck to their bigger tracks over the years, but this definitely makes me want to dig deeper into their discography.
Neuentdeckung! Schöne Mischung aus Punk und Melodischerem.
I liked this quite a bit, though it wasn't excessively memorable. Maybe I need to listen to it louder?
Good energy! My favourites were Anti-Pope and Smash It Up pt 1. Pt 2 is also a lot of fun!
So fun will be listening to more of these guys
Worth hearing and getting to know better
Solid/consistent punk rock that I would argue sounded a little ahead of its time. Liked Songs Added: Looking At You
A surprising amount of virtuosity here. Punk is always elevated by talented musicians. A good listen.
The production quality on Machine Gun Etiquette is severely lacking. But The Damned do a good job of leaning into that garage band sound. It's raw, it's noisy, and it's loud. Which helps drive the energy they are going for home. The vocal performance was pretty forgettable but made up for by some really nasty guitar solos.
Weirdly sophisticated hooligan rock
much like all things gothic punk it's better when it leans more into the gothic and less into the punk (Plan 9 Channel 7 leading into Noise, Noise, Noise is honestly kind of depressing) every time the list is all "here is yet another British band from the 70s or 80s" I go into fight or flight mode but this one was good if this ends up being a 3 it's a high 3, if it's a 4 it's a low 4
Pleasantly surprised by this one! Punk music with interesting instrumentation and actual melodies? Yes please.
It's so funny to me that this was considered hardcore punk at the time, but is really melodic to today's ear. This is a good listen, I'd recommend.
A good album, I liked Long Song and I Just Can't Be Happy Today the most.
Machine Gun Etiquette may bethe definitive masterpiece of The Damned’s second act, capturing a band evolving from raw punk into a sophisticated, experimental powerhouse. This album crackles with frantic energy, blending high-speed riffs with melodic craftsmanship. From the blistering title track to the gothic undertones of "Plan 9 Channel 7," the musicianship is unparalleled, specifically Captain Sensible’s innovative guitar work. A standout moment is their explosive cover of the MC5 classic "Looking at You." By reimagining this anthem, The Damned pay homage to the Detroit roots of Punk and Heavy Metal while injecting it with their signature chaotic polish, effectively bridging the gap between 60s garage rock and the future of new wave. It is a brilliant collection that remains essential listening for anyone who appreciates rebellion played with genuine skill and wit. An under-rated classic.
❤️
Do love The Damned They really were different to the rest of the punk scene while still embracing it.
07/10 21.01.2026
Sure, it's a punk album, but with 5-minute songs and hummable tunes and dextrous solos, none of which sound very punk to me. The punk part is just in the attitude, I guess. I enjoyed it.
I enjoyed this one. The influences both on and from this record really shone, it feels like an important one even if it was a completely new band to me. I see myself coming back to this
Adorable!
4/5
A fun punk/comedy record. Standout track: "Melody Lee"
I actually put on the live performance of this album rather than the original- when I realized I left it on because the live recording was really fun. Really talented musicians and really catchy music, I enjoyed this! I liked how when the music slowed down a bit and they brought in the piano it had a real glam rock sound.
I can definitely hear The Clash and Ramones in them
4.5. Crackin!!!!
Sunday morning at home with the kids. The Damned on the speakers, my damned, full domestic mayhem. Lately, this generator has been leaning hard into punk. Dexys Midnight Runners just yesterday, and London Calling barely a week ago. My first instinct was to complain. Why so much punk? Digging a little deeper into the era, the question flips. Punk was not a sidebar. It was the sound of a generation asserting itself. Not the passing, canonized classic rock that retrospectively claims the sixties and seventies, brilliant but often embalmed. Not the silky futurism of Duran Duran, nor the emotionally detached, still astonishing, virtuosity of Van Halen. Punk was urgent, cheap, loud, and human. It spoke from the moment to the moment, with no permission slips required. Watching my kids tumble through their own chaos, laughing, arguing, inventing rules on the fly, I cannot help but wonder what their generation’s music will be. What sound will carry their frustrations, their humor, their sense of this is ours? The answer probably will not be a single genre. It might be fractured, hybrid, algorithm fed, scene less, and somehow still deeply personal. Through this listening challenge, they have heard a wide spread. Noise and melody. Craft and mess. Old and new. Not to shape their taste, but to widen the doorways. To let them recognize, later on, when something feels like their music. The kind that does not ask to be liked, only to be felt. Maybe that is the real inheritance. Not a canon, but a curiosity.
Solid punk. Nice and engaging.
Stunning album mixture of punk and prog. I love this album
while i was listening to the album, i was probably sitting next to some of the most fried people on the train that i’d seen for a long time. with this album on, i didn’t care too much. it starts out strong and keeps it up. yelling? no match for this — even on medium-range volume, i wasn’t too worried about what was going on. this was a great pre-punk album. the lyrics hold against the test of time and the musicians are talented and inventive with their use of tempo. the range of loudness to silence was well-executed.
Hell yeah. Punk Rock rules!
121022 17:25 4
I came for the raucous noise punk, and I stayed for the sweet pop sensibilities.
Another band that I should have listened to a long time ago. I listened to this three times while painting my brother's new house. And then, when it finished, up popped a Slits song. Good stuff!
4/5 - This could easily be a 5 with a couple more listens. Tons of energy, good lyrics, engaging songs that aren't just entirely repetitive.
Punk sounding but a little more melodic, I like it.
It was a particularly fantastic morning. 2 nights ago - total insomnia - went to bed around 1030, awoke at 2am - never returned to bed. Spent the next day in a haze. I ate dinner around 630 - didn't eat anything else - no booze - no screens after. Then, at around 930, I took 2 Advil PMs, 2 Magnesium Pills, and an L-Theanine. Hit the pillow at 9:30, no rousing until 5am. It was glorious. This morning, no grog, no fog, no tummy ache. As I began my morning routine - showering, shaving, dressing, etc, I put on this record. It was the right temperament to further fuel the ideal conditions to grab the day by the scrote and achieve.
Very rebellious album. The punk style to this album screams a vibe of adventure and thrill. Don't wanna sound too deep, but I seriously enjoyed the tracks that went hand in hand together. Gives off American "the clash". Very solid album and would recommend to those getting into this genre, as it's not too demanding and challenging.
"Rat Scabies on drums" what more do you need to know?
Godt?! Ikke så julede ;))
This was everything you’d expect a punk album to be and it was a really solid listen!
My dad died today. I hate everything except this album. 4/5
the derrrrred. ok sie sind sehr new wave punk ok ok. title track erinneret mich a öppis? wow i just cant be happy today isch recht weich wieder. findi reeecht geil. aso weich isch relativ. aber huuuere cool. häää was mached die?? melody lee fangt mit klavier langsam ah und denn mega snell aber glichi chords. finds super. haha these hands isch kinda creepy? so ich glaub wenni sone clownphobie hett würis nöd lustig finde. so findis super. aso nöd mega gueti musig aber spasst iiiirgendwie i die tracklist. noise noise noise hani au no cool gfunde. find zwor langsam hanis checkt was mached. aber isch nice. (und am schluss vomne song finde "isn't it nice in here *furz*" isch recht lustig)
THE DAAAMNEDDDD die zwei lieder woni kenne findi sehr cool hobbla da gaht schomal d post ab BASS ahh das isch ja fast alte hardcore iwie findi de ultraa eifachi refrain easy cool? omg fühls gad huuuere es lied wo über 2 min gaht?? d bridge/solo(??) vo anti-pope verwirrtmi grad chli aber schono fun? THESE HANDS HASS ICH SO SO SO SO FESTTT plan 9 channel 7 isch chli medlodiöser, I like er het sone sonori stimm wommer iwie gfallt liar isch funny aber bin chli 1001 albe gschädigt und s ischmer chli ZU BRITISCH han die chaotische und ener melodiöse am coolste gfunde, das dezwüsche isch okeeee gsi aber s het spass gmacht!
# Album Name: Machine Gun Etiquette # Artist: The Damned # Rating: 4/5 # Comments: Good listen overall. i like the punk vibes on this album. There were no top tracks but the album as a whole listened quite well. 3.5 so low 4. # Top Tunes: Love song / looking at u / Smash it up # Would I listen to it again? Yes
Proper MPF record, really like it. Just complete energy. So different to London Calling which I think really shows the variety in the Punk movement in 1979 when it's easy to pidgeonhole the sound. The hard panning was interesting not sure I'm a fan of that really. Plan 9 Channel 7 is a great song regardless.
Very fun! 4.5
I had no idea what to expect listening to this. Although apparently in 2017 I listened to one track before (what a missed opportunity). This was entertaining from the beginning with great instrumentation, crisp drum fills and heavy guitar riffs. The keyboard solo in I Just Can’t Be Happy Today was a welcomed addition. Lyrics throughout were very punk/rebellious, anti-religion. Smash it Up was probably my favorite track.
Very good!
Best: "Smash It Up" Worst: "These Hands"
P U N K.
I saw them live once. Years later. It was underwhelming. Too tight for the kind of music they played. This album is sloppier and it works. Not the best OG punk band, but still good. Favorite song: machine gun etiquette
This is much, much better than expected. Good, old-fashioned punk. Really well balanced sound and production.
Cool songs. Liked the punk sound
I love fast and furious punk! Great album but didn’t blow my mind to merit a 5
Soooo many great tracks here. Iconic Edit Apr 15 2026: 5 --> 4
Good hard rock Pretty unique to the time
Punk that held my interest
I really enjoyed this. Who would have thought: there punk album with actual melodies and interesting chord progressions!
The Damned rule.
Classic punk that I've never really given the proper attention to. Like this a lot.
The singer sounds like Robin Williams when Robin would speak. For “old” music I didn’t mind it!!!
it really does sound like Robin Williams singing
I dug this album much more than I thought I would. I can see why this was a big inspiration for a lot of the punk bands in the 80s. It’s all there.
Unexpected 4
This is #day437 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… is she really going out with him? Here's to my penultimate album from 1979 on this list. Even though I think the band's debut would've been a more relevant inclusion (it kicked off British punk, after all), Machine Gun Etiquette is pretty versatile, blending hard rock, hardcore, and psychedelic rock influences. The presence of Lemmy and Strummer adds an element of genuine surprise. I'm giving it a 4 out of 5. Looking forward to #day438.
I liked this album and I normally don't like punky music
I enjoyed this album had some aggressive garage rock, punk and melodic tunes.
"I'll be the rubbish, you'll be the bin!" What a great satiric line, right from the opening song, "Love Song" which forms a prelude for the rest of the album. Witty lyrics, explosive tracks ("Noise, Noise, Noise", "Liar") , with enough room for experimentation to play carnival music ("These Hands") and even goes in psychedelic directions ("Anti-Pope", "Looking at you"). This is a very interesting (punk) album, in particular because it goes way beyond just "punk", and Captain Sensible and Rat Scabies really were firing on all cylinders here. Now I'm very familiar with their first album "Damned, Damned, Damned" and was just as surprised not to find that album in this list. Even so, I'm glad "Machine Gun Etiquette" did. Giving it my first listen, I will certainly listen to it again! 4/5
8.5/10 This is very good. Why have I never heard ot it. It's as if the Sex Pistols had actual musical talent. Highlights: I Just Cant Be Happy Today Plan 9 Channel 7 Love Song Melody Lee Smash It Up Anti-Pope