Get ready to rock out to a tribute that’s as bold and unconventional as the band itself! The Damned are back with a covers album that’s not just music—it’s a heartfelt homage to their late founding guitarist, Brian James. But here’s where it gets emotional: this isn’t just any covers album; it’s a time capsule of ’60s garage and psych rock, wrapped in a flower-power aesthetic that screams nostalgia. Not Like Everybody Else drops on January 23rd, and trust us, it’s a journey you won’t want to miss.
The lead single, “There’s a Ghost in My House” by R. Dean Taylor, arrives this Thursday, setting the tone for an album that’s both a celebration and a memorial. Brian James, who passed away earlier this year at 70, was the mastermind behind many of The Damned’s early hits, and this album is a love letter to his legacy. The cover art? A vibrant illustration of a young James, a fitting tribute to the man who helped shape the band’s sound.
And this is the part most people miss: The Damned aren’t just covering songs—they’re revisiting the roots of their own influence. From British Invasion classics like The Kinks’ “I’m Not Like Everybody Else” and The Rolling Stones’ “The Last Time” to proto-punk anthems like Iggy and the Stooges’ “Gimme Danger,” this album is a masterclass in musical history. But here’s the controversial bit: Is this a true tribute to Brian James, or are The Damned simply revisiting their own glory days?
Recorded in just five days at Revolver Studio in Los Angeles, the album reunites the band’s iconic lineup: Dave Vanian on vocals, Captain Sensible on guitar, Rat Scabies on drums (marking his first studio recordings with The Damned in 40 years!), Paul Gray on bass, and Monty Oxymoron on keyboards. It’s a lineup that feels both familiar and fresh, a testament to the band’s enduring chemistry.
But wait, there’s more! The Damned are also featured on Killed By Deaf – A Punk Tribute to Motörhead, out October 31st. Their contribution? A rare live recording of the late Lemmy Kilmister performing “Neat Neat Neat” with the band. It’s a track that’s as raw and energetic as you’d expect, a perfect companion to Not Like Everybody Else.
So, what do you think? Is this album a fitting tribute to Brian James, or is it a nostalgic trip down memory lane? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears! Pre-save Not Like Everybody Else here and check out the full tracklist below:
Not Like Everybody Else Tracklist:
1. There’s A Ghost In My House (R. Dean Taylor)
2. Summer In The City (Joe Cocker)
3. Making Time (The Creation)
4. Gimme Danger (Iggy & The Stooges)
5. See Emily Play (Pink Floyd)
6. I’m Not Like Everybody Else (The Kinks)
7. Heart Full Of Soul (The Yardbirds)
8. You Must Be A Witch (The Lollipop Shoppe)
9. When I Was Young (The Animals)
10. The Last Time (The Rolling Stones)
