Toy Dolls

Reviews

Toy Dolls Bare Faced Cheek LP

Pretty standard TOY DOLLS stuff here, not quite as inspired or energetic as past efforts. The DOLLS’ trademark zany humor seems a bit forced on some songs, and the best track, “Fisticuffs in Frederick Street” has already been released twice. Not bad, but I know these guys can do better.

Toy Dolls Geordie’s Gone to Jail 12″

Two tracks from their LP (the title track and “Idle Gossip”), the former sounding like early 999 (according to Lydia), and the latter is a classic TOY DOLLS rave. Then there’s the onus track, the title track again, but sung in Japanese. I’ve heard it all now.

Toy Dolls James Bond (Lives Down Our Street) / Olga…I Cannot! 7″

Again this English trio puts forth their great sense of humor and their ability to produce some incredible music. With this effort, we get two songs that just don’t want to leave the turntable. The A-side is a happy upbeat tune in the ever-so-familiar TOY DOLLS style, while the flipside is a bit slower and drags on at times, yet still comes off entertaining. The record will definitely put a smile on your face.

Toy Dolls A Far Out Disc LP

The TOY DOLLS return to vinyl with a display of outright mania unlike I’ve ever quite witnessed. While the general song quality is a bit lower than on their classic debut album, the band’s crisp pop-punk style and Olga’s unforgettable high-pitched vocals make this record a must. “She Goes to Fino’s,” “My Girlfriend’s Dad’s a Vicar,” and the hilarious “Commercial Break” are classics. Hysterical.

Toy Dolls We’re Mad / Deirdre’s a Slag 7″

Well, you can’t spend too much time analyzing the TOY DOLLS, and they’re as humorous as always here. “We’re Mad” isn’t a typical song for them; it’s a bit heavy-handed with lots of reverb and a metallish guitar solo, but I’m sure that’s part of the parody and it’s starting to grow on me. “Deirdre’s a Slag” is remixed from the Strength Through Oi! compilation. Still great fun.

Toy Dolls Alfie From the Bronx / Hanky Panky 7″

More funnypunk from these jokers. I don’t like this one quite as much as some of their previous records, though the vocal symphony on the A-side is delicious. The flip (not the TOMMY JAMES song) sounds like a JILTED JOHN outtake and is appropriately ridiculous.

Toy Dolls Cheerio and Toodle Pip / H.O.! 7″

The TOY DOLLS are in top funnypunk form on their new single. Not only are the themes and sing-along choruses typically hilarious, but the up-tempo rhythm and crisp guitar assault add more oomph than usual. If this record doesn’t make you crack a smile, you’re already dead.

Toy Dolls Dig That Groove, Baby LP

The high-velocity insanity of this debut album by the TOY DOLLS brings to mind the work of great funnypunk bands like the DICKIES and the NOTSENSIBLES. Virtuoso guitar work, unforgettable melodies, and patently hilarious lyrics raise Dig That Groove, Baby to instant classic status, especially clever ditties like “Spiders in the Dressing Room,” the title track, and “Glenda and the Test Tube Baby.” Spirited and (s)punky.

Toy Dolls Nellie the Elephant / Dig That Groove, Baby 7″

Another great funnypunk release from the TOY DOLLS. “Nellie” is a disposable novelty song, but “Dig” finds the band in their real groove, baby—fast, guitar-heavy punk-pop with hilarious lyrics. It’s almost as neat as “Tommy Kowey’s Car,” and that’s saying a lot.