Album of the Day

As guitarist for the New York Dolls and leader of the Heartbreakers, Johnny Thunders’ legend looms large in Manhattan music history, and SO ALONE is entirely worthy of it. While the 1978 Sire set is the axeman’s solo debut, he gets an assist from a couple of former bandmates – as well as Chrissie Hynde, Steve Marriott, Phil Lynott and half of The Sex Pistols. There’s also a (soon-to-be) famous name behind the board in producer Steve Lillywhite, whose sonic focus underlines Thunders’ instrumental skill. The material is top-notch as well, with a few R&B and surf oldies peppered in among strong originals like “(She's So) Untouchable” and signature song “You Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory.” Not exactly punk but filled with its spirit, SO ALONE is a record no fan of full-on, into-the-red rock & roll should be without.