Hurt Me

The set-up of just a mic and an acoustic guitar with the odd electric overdub is just perfect for Johnny Thunders voice and songs. The version of 'Sad Vacation' is incredible. The whole thing is like an intimate live gig in your living room. Well Hell!! Hurt Me is a rarity in Johnny Thunders' catalogue; a collection of acoustic recordings revealing that he could be a hell of a performer when he wanted to. There are a number of predictable songs here, such as the classic "You Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory," as well as some good covers. It's an anomaly in Thunders' catalogue, and all the better for it.

What Johnny didn’t need teaching was rock n’ roll. For that week in 1983, he owned Soho. Outside the Marquee club, the ‘House Full’ sign is up but people are still pushing to get in. It’s the hottest August on record for years and the overpowering stench of sweat and beer in the club isn’t helping. The tiny dressing room offers no respite. By 20.45, the usually tranquil Christopher Giercke keeps taking frequent glances at his wrist watch. Of course The Heartbreakers are late. Suddenly the dressing room door swings open. Johnny clad in an undertaker’s frock-coat strolls in and politely instructs security to clear the room of liggers. Jerry Nolan follows, dressed like a priest who decided to become a pimp. He sticks to his customary pre-show regime, finding a quiet corner and staying in it. Only the most foolhardy would dare to approach him. A few tense moments pass until Billy Rath wanders in seemingly unaware of his surroundings until someone hands him his bass. His eyes suddenly snap into focus. Nobody talks very much. It’s hard to say if the silence is brought on by nerves, drugs, surly dispositions or all three. With everyone present, Christopher finally relaxes and regales the assembled with tales of adventures in the Amazon. Maybe it’s the heat. Someone makes it backstage to report that Hanoi Rocks are out in mass to see Johnny and company but no one budges. The club is too full to contemplate leaving the relative safety of the backstage area…

Nina Antonia author of Johnny Thunders: In Cold Blood.

 

Ripped from the first CD re-issue on French label New Rose [Rose 26 CD] to MP3 @ 320kbps

Johnny Thunders; Hurt Me (+ 5 Bonus Tracks)

1.      Sad Vacation

2.      Eve Of Destruction

3.      Too Much Too Soon

4.      Joey Joey

5.      I’m A Boy, I’m A Girl

6.      Go Back To Go

7.      I Like To Play Games

8.      Hurt Me

9.      Illegitimate Son Of Segovia

10.   It Ain’t Me Babe

11.   Diary Of A Lover

12.   I’d Rather Be With The Boys (Than Girls Like You)

13.   You Can’t Put Your Arms Around A Memory

14.   (She’s So) Untouchable

15.   Ask Me No Questions

16.   She’s So Strange

17.   Lonely Planet Boy

18.   M.I.A.

19.   Cosa Nostra

20.   In Cold Blood

21.   Just Another Girl

22.   Green Onions

23.   Diary Of A Lover

24.   Look In My Eyes

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