The Damned

The Damned were one of the best punk bands ever because (like the Clash and the Jam) they continued to evolve, and even mature. Dave Vanian spiked his moody goth with echoes of hand-clapping '60s garage hits, while Captain Sensible brought in humorous psych-rock and surprisingly warm-hearted melodies. Even as the Damned survives as a touring nostalgia act, they pull together and come up with this rich, varied work. Give "Under The Wheels" or the epic "Dark Asteroid" a listen. This isn't Machine Gun Etiquette or Strawberries, but the lads prove they can still triumph when they try.