Ep560: Captain Sensible of The Damned

The Damned's Captain Sensible talks vinyl rarities, back catalogue, scented records, chasing the "perfect album," and what may be their final Australia and New Zealand tour dates.

Topics Include:

• Captain Sensible is a record nerd - Still plays childhood favorites: Groundhogs, Pretty Things, Moody Blues, loves Bee Gees' first album
• Grew up around his dad's pub singing, informally musical
• Paper round savings meant records played obsessively, analyzed deeply
• Cites Shane Fenton's "I'm a Moody Guy" as formative
• Joe Meek's Telstar and tiny Holloway Road studio praised
• Recalls magical Motown Hitsville USA studio tour in Detroit
• "Sonar Deceit" track was band's Motown tribute song
• Lyric inspired by marine biologist's whale-stranding sonar theory
• Describes uncanny ability to instantly recall and replay songs
• Hosted radio challenge replaying requested songs live for charity
• New Rose confirmed as first UK punk single release
• Stiff Records signed them with a bribe of cheeseburgers
• Beating the Sex Pistols to release still amuses him
• Sydney Opera House gig ironic given past band bannings
• Royal Albert Hall sent rejection letters into the 1980s
• Mentions unlikely celebrity fans, including Australia's prime minister
• Recalls Barney Bubbles' art department and album cover mishap
• First pressing's mismatched back cover became a collector's item
• Says he collects 60s psych, not punk records himself
• Discusses Brian James tribute covers album made after his death
• Five reunion shows almost didn't happen, no live release planned
• Loves live show chaos, unpredictability, and Rat Scabies' drumming
• Confirms no hidden unreleased Damned tracks remain in vaults
• Notes band rarely controls or profits from its own catalog
• Explains "Strawberries" album concept and its scented vinyl insert
• Describes love of vinyl artwork, liner notes, and physical ritual
• Talks pursuit of first editions and test pressings today
• Names rare Cowsills albums as his current collecting holy grail
• Tells story of Sid Barrett nearly producing their second album
• Recalls haunted, sleepless sessions recording Machine Gun Etiquette
• Reflects on creative bond and offstage humor with Dave Vanian
• Closes with tour dates, S.F. Sorrow recommendation, and one-step vinyl talk

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