Doll By Doll were an exceptional London based group that existed on the fringes of the UK punk/new wave scene of the late 70's. The group was fronted by singer Jackie Leven (who passed away last year.) Leven possessed a truly incredible voice and he was an equally gifted songwriter. Doll By Doll were big news in the UK press in 1979 thanks to their riveting live performances and their promising debut mini LP Remember. The group issued their first full album Gypsy Blood in late 1979 and it was a drop dead classic. Gypsy Blood was a dark and moody collection of songs that showcased Leven's peerless voice and his songs of death and despair. The high points were many and included Highland Rain, Endgame, Hell Games, Binary Friction and Human Face. Reference points include Scott Walker, Tim Buckley, Peter Hammill and John Cale. Sadly, Gypsy Blood was not a success at the record shops and was never given a USA release. This certainly contributed to Leven's eventual addiction to heroin. Luckily Leven cleaned up and carried on with a low key solo career in recent years. Gypsy Blood remains Leven's true masterpiece. You need to hear it!
David Furgess
July 30, 2013
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