Sylvain Sylvain

By the late '90s, not much had been heard from former New York Dolls guitarist Sylvain Sylvain for quite some time. But just before you thought he'd retired from rock & roll for good, he reappeared in grand style, as part of a newly re-formed New York Dolls in 2004, and a few years prior, with an all-new solo album, (Sleep) Baby Doll, which was later re-released under the title of Paper, Pencil & Glue. All these years later, Sylvain has no problem penning tunes that are highly reminiscent of his ultra-influential former band. With guest appearances by members of Blondie, Generation X, Low Pop Suicide, the Misfits, and the Fuzztones, the album is easily one of Sylvain's best post-Dolls outings. Standouts include such rough rockers as "I'm Your Man" and the title track, a pair of covers (the Dolls' classic "Trash" and Johnny Thunders' "Your Society Makes Me Sad"), plus the melancholic "Sleep Baby Doll," which pays tribute to Sylvain's fallen comrades in the Dolls (Billy Murcia, Jerry Nolan, and Thunders). Overall, Paper, Pencil & Glue is a rockin' & rollin' good time. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide