November 19–26, 1998
six pick
Sylvain Sylvain
Once you're a Doll, you're a Doll all the way, from your first cigarette to your last dying day. As a member of the raucous New York Dolls, Sylvain Sylvain is always remembered for his false eyelashes and stacked heel boots. But, in many ways, the guitarist/songwriter was the heart of that pre-punk band, which played Stones-style rockers punctuated by funky overdrive and catchy melodies. In 1979, Sylvain, a snaky rhythm guitarist with a keen sense of soulful power pop and a lilting voice, started a solo career propelled by snotty, jangly jams. Nearly 20 years later, he's still keeping that long, cool beat. On his last two albums, In Teenage News and the brand new Sleep Baby Doll (both released by Fishhead), Sylvain exhibits a keen ability to make brusque mod rock swing.
Sat., Nov. 21, Upstairs at Nick's, 16 S. Second St., 928-0665.
