Fiends of Dope Island

I have been a cramps fan since college, over fifteen yrears. Although I thought some of the songs on Big Beat From Badsville were great, i.e. Like a Bad Girl Should, that album as a whole was just decent. After five years without an album I felt fairly certain that they had split. I actually expected this album not to be so good. I was wrong. As a whole album this is by far their best effort. I have all of their albums and this is one of the few that is excellent from start to finish. I was thrilled with it from the first listen and it only sounds better with time. If a had to pick only one Cramps album this would be the one. I saw them in Ashville, NC and I hope to see them again before they finish their tour. They are one of the few bands that are actually better live than on CD. If you want a truly entertaining show this is the band to see. Ashville is the third time I have seen them and everytime has been awesome. If you like any of their albums you should definitely enjoy this one.

Hail the CRAMPS!

This CD was a letdown in alot of ways for me. After five years in waiting for this new album, I guess I was expecting The Cramps to be exploding with fresh ideas and energy. Not so with Fiends. The energy of this disc feels tired overall. I love the opening track, and Papa Satan Sang Louie, but from there I think I could've fallen asleep doing the dishes until Wrong Way Ticket kicks in to wake me up and let me know it's time to change the disc. I love just about everything Cramps, they are probably one of my favorite bands of all time. The last few records before this I thought were awesome, and showed a new loudness to their sound. But this just came off as forced. Lux sounds bored, and the whole band seems to just be going through the motions (something people have said before that I've wholeheartedly disagreed with until now). Definitely not the disc to start with for potential Cramps' fans. You'll be much happier with Big Beat From Badsville, Stay Sick, Smell of Female, and of course, Bad Music For Bad People. Also, they easily put on one of the best live shows of all time, so definitely check them out if you get a chance.

I was very angry to realize wrong way ticket is not on the cd, but it is listed on the album. Thats the whole reason I bought the dame thing.

Buy this CD. Why would anyone even second guess any Cramps offering...I mean really. My fav band by a large margin and again completely amazing album. Taboo is worth 10 bucks all by itself. Thank you Lux for enriching my life with your genius.

Was so glad to FINALLY get around to snatching up a copy of this superb 2003 CD release by the rockabilly stalwarts. This may very well be their best work since 1986's 'A Date With Elvis' (see my review). I mean, this disc has hardly been out of my player since I got it. Yes, it's THAT good! Tracks that most old school fans would rarely grow tired of are the ballsy opener "Big Black Witchcraft Book", "Hang Up", "Dopefiend Boogie", "Elvis ******g Christ!" (perhaps the CD's best cut), "Oowee Baby" and "Wrong Way Ticket". Fact is that about every one of these thirteen tunes are totally slammin'! The Cramps are smart at NOT to give up or try and change/alter their 'set' formula of psychobilly that they've practically invented. With song lyrics dealing with subjects as old horror flicks, satanic worship, drug use, trashy living and B-grade monster movie humor, how can one go wrong? Line-up: Lux Interior - vocals, Poison Ivy Rorschach - guitar, Chopper Franklin - bass and Harry Drumdini - drums. I would personally recommend this CD so much it nearly hurts. An ABSOLUTE freakin' must-have.

This disc like everything else by The Cramps is great! In my opinion they have never released anything bad.They just keep getting better. Check out "Taboo" and "Fissure of Rolando". Great lyrics! If you are a first time buyer of the Cramps, start with either this disc or Flamejob. Stay Sick and A Date with Elvis are great also!

I have seen a couple of reviews that say "I expected something different" or "this is redundant". If you ever expect anything other than what this disc is, than don't ever buy another cramps cd. After more than 25 years under their belt of the same psychotic rock and roll, something else would be disappointing! They are not Metallica, where they need a fresh new image every 5 years. the crazed sound is here to stay and that thrills me. This is a great album