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Potent Quotables: Johansen's a Humble Doll


"I don't really like to sit around the house listening to my own records. They're not that good." -- David Johansen

In a shocking, some might say refreshing, display of rock star modesty, the New York Dolls frontman reveals his insecurity. "I'm afraid of me," he adds. "Sometimes when I hear my voice on tape, I'm like, 'Who is that horrible man?'"

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rock n roll nurse

a little humility isn't a bad thing. I don't think its all that uncommon to not like the sound of one's voice- especially on a recording! Soooo many bands were influenced by the Dolls- often imitated- but never as good. And as for the Buster Poindexter thing- well, you still hear "hot, hot, hot" quite a bit- movies, commercials, etc. David has evolved thru the years- and that's a good thing. It's incredible that they're out here 35 yrs. later- making new music- and not resting on their laurels. As long as DavidJo keeps making music, I'll keep listening! (As no one else mentioned it, do check out David Johansen and The Harry Smiths- yet another side of this VERY talented man!)

November 14 2009 at 7:06 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
duncanmax912

New York Dolls kicked ass!! We need more bands like them today...

October 06 2009 at 5:07 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
DEE

Cheeez.......Who beat this guy with an ugly stick? Not trying to be mean but just saying.......you know?

August 18 2009 at 1:38 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
STARTREK

Sorry....The Dolls sucked....Buster sucked a little less

July 27 2009 at 10:17 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
aerofan4ever

guess what dude,ur RIGHT,over rated crap....might go down in punk hitory cause we all know that no1 knew their ass from a hole in the ground then......stick another needle in ur arm and go the fuck away

July 27 2009 at 9:18 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to aerofan4ever's comment
DIOS

David is not nor has he ever been a junkie
in fact hes very much into YOGA
you ought to see the DOLLS if you wwant to see a real rock blues band with REAL MUSICIANS
and if your taking about AEROFAN as in arossnmith they were all junkies and drunks
Stevens been married how many times and he beats women
read his first wifes book hes a jerk too I met him really full of himself and full of crap too
and they worshiped the NY DOLLS espeically the orginal member Johnny Thunders

August 27 2009 at 2:43 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Kim

new york dolls are going to be important no matter what. but yeah, their music isn't really my thing.

July 27 2009 at 3:26 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ycav4424

Maybe to a true artist, their work can never be good enough for them but is for others. That would make them keep trying to make it the best that they can.

July 26 2009 at 5:02 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Tom

In the early 70's, when the local FM rock station (KSHE95) refused to play the "new" proto-punk bands like the Stooges (Iggy) or Velvet Underground, or the New York Dolls, they lost all "cool" cred.to me and my friends. Thank God for the FM college stations in St. Louis. Without those stations to continue Rock's evolvement, I would be without the Sex Pistols,the Clash,Black Flag, Richard Hell and the Voidoids,the Vibrators, Circle Jerks,the Jam,Television,Buzzcocks, ect, ect.I could go on and on. And at the age of 57, I realize that these bands are from 30 years ago! Yikes! But you all Kicked Ass, and I've got the vinyl to prove it!
Saw you live in Springfield, Mo. of all places.

July 26 2009 at 4:32 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Tom's comment
Shells

Ooooh yeaaaah!!!! Saw NY Dolls in Miami w/ Mott The Hoople and Aerosmith!! Early 70's!!

September 16 2010 at 8:16 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ricky

Buster had a minor hit in the 80's "Hot Hot Hot" and he was als in a pretty funny movie with Richard Dreyfuss called let it ride...

July 26 2009 at 1:44 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Doug

How many people here remember his turn as Buster Poindexter in the '80's? That truly was NOT that good. Props to David for admitting as much.

July 26 2009 at 1:32 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply