New York Dolls

Demos of songs that later appeared on the New York Dolls' first two albums have been released numerous times over the years, and under countless different titles. The 2006 model goes by the name of Private World, but this 36-track set improves on all the other previous Dolls demo compilations, as it includes every single demo recording from their glory period of 1972/1973. While demo sets are obviously aimed at hardcore fans, there are several worthwhile tracks included here that never made it to either New York Dolls or Too Much Too Soon. The best of these uncommon tunes include several covers in "Don't Mess with Cupid," which really should have made the cut (in fact, with a little sprucing up, it could possibly have served as a breakthrough single for the Dolls) and "(Give Him A) Great Big Kiss." Elsewhere, you'll be treated to rough and rockin' versions of such Dolls' classics as "Trash," "Looking for a Kiss," "Babylon," and "Personality Crisis," which early supporters of the band would probably say are a lot closer to the group's true sound (rather than the versions on their two aforementioned studio albums). If you're looking to dig a bit deeper with the Dolls, Private World is a worthy next step. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide