Lenny Lashley’s Gang Of One Live
This is only the second time that an acoustic release has been reviewed on TNB. The only other one was by Coffin Salesman, another incredible recording.
But I am, of course, aware of how much Lenny is loved by the punk community and understandably so.
And this review is here, not because of his work in Darkbuster, but because every word and sound on this release signifies punk and especially, what Boston punk was and still is, to me.
There’s a sort of honesty and reflection on this release by an artist that is “trying
to make things right,” with his writing that punk is the best description I can think of to describe it.
There’s no bullshit, no trying to fit in with genres or what society expects one to be.
Let’s check out some songs:
“Judy let me know, should I even try? Are you home alone or with another guy?”
“Judy” made me cry a few weeks ago when I saw Lenny perform this song live a few weeks ago with a full band. There’s an emotional tenderness with an underlying, desperate plea here. There’s a desire and heartbreak so open and vulnerable that it should be relatable to anyone who has had their heart shot and left to die by the side of the road in their lives.
“Judy this is me, puttin’ it on the line. If the truth be told. I want you all the time.”
When I was 12 or 13 Judy was my hottest, older cousin who was in her twenties. I remember visiting her with my family one night and she was wearing some kind of lingerie. I remember being very impressed. She got married a couple of times and then switched to the ladies. Before she passed with a terminal disease, she visited my mother and I and told me, “I do love you
but I don’t think you’ll understand why.”
“Judy everyday. Judy in the skies.” (“Judy In The Skies With Diamonds” was a hit song by Gerry & The Playboys in the sixties). “You know that we’re in love, so please don’t act surprised.”
I do understand why my cousin loved me as I have more love in my heart now. So I do love you, too, cousin Judy in the skies. And I love this song.
“And even if it is a sin. In hell, I’ll do my time. As long as you are there with me. Judy watch me, Judy watch me burn.”
“Will you come and hold me close? Or watch me fall apart.” Don’t know the outcome of this song, I don’t know how she decided. But I do know, I’m sold on a song that’s so beautiful and touching as this.
My favorite song by Lenny is “Lonely Days And Whiskey Nights” by Lenny & The Poor Piss Boys. But my second favorite is this one, “Live Like Lions”. Lenny says this song is about the apocalypse and I believe that to be true. But for me, it’s about human nature and the cruelty of existence and its resilience, as well. Either way this is a powerful, moving song that is apt to conjure up varied emotions in many different ears.
“And if we sat through a world of fire. If it all goes up in smoke. I’ll still miss you…”
And if the world does end I’ll be happy and proud to have experienced such art as great as this song.
“Hooligans” is probably Darkbuster’s best known song from Lenny’s previous band. “Drinkin’ beers in the alley of The Rat, original Beantown firm. Central Square and the lights go down on Broadway.” This song is Boston punk rock’n’roll- from The Rat to The Abbey to The Midway with many points in between.
“And we rely on each other…we belong, we belong together. We stand proud and true. Remember when I said I’d always be there for you?”
Yes, this is a song that fully embodies and reflects the camaraderie and love, the passion and the wild freedom of punk, of young souls exploding- recklessly, free into the night.
This just might be our National Anthem of the Boston punk scene.
“Trying To Make It Right” is a song about regret and hopeful redemption. It could be the result of a drunken, blackout event or simply- a slight, cutting remark that leaves scars on the individual who receives it.
“I really don’t remember, did I do something wrong? Come back, my baby. Please come home.” And what he offers is, “And I’ll try to make. And I’ll try to make it right.”
This is a great song of longing and a plea of forgiveness, that portends probably not a happy ending. But the writer of the song is completely successful in expressing his feelings and his plight.
I have a couple of good friends who’ve done quite well for themselves. They don’t tell me this but I’m quite aware they’re millionaires- while, I’m quite far from that fact.
But money has never meant much to me.
I have friends who have beautiful wives. Lenny’s beautiful wife, Shelly, is one of them. I’ve known her since she tended bar Friday nights at the Midway in the early nineties. And though beautiful, she is much more beautiful inside as she is one of the nicest, kindest souls I know.
But I know with every S.O. there’s pain to go along with the joy, so to speak.
So I don’t covet any of my neighbor’s wives or any one of their wealth.
But what I do envy is when a writer writes lines I really like. I really want those words. I wish that they were mine!
Of any local writer, there’s no one I’m more envious of then Lenny. I believe him to be the best writer that I review.
And maybe envy is the wrong term. I think when you connect with a writer’s words it’s them expressing something that you so much feel or relate to, that is so close to your heart, that causes you to like their work so much.
But I’m sorry, I just can’t get over the fact that I want those words to be mine.
(Slimedog)
