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Buster Poindexter: Buster Poindexter (RCA)

Craig Zeller, Creem, February 1988

FOR SOME strange reason I always thought that Buster Poindexter, David Johansen's sophisticated alter ego, was meant to be a temporary lark — or at least an entertaining holding action until Johansen could regain a worthwhile rock 'n' roll foothold. Upon emerging from the ruins of the forever-lamented New York Dolls, David Jo embarked on a series of solo albums; his debut was a real killer but successive efforts were much more unfocused and increasingly uninspired. His songwriting became slack, he couldn't find the right band, the poisonality was weakening... he was in a real decline. Along comes Buster, hepcat archivist and saloon-swinging bon vivant with an eye for fun and next month's rent check. Presto chango, the pressure's off Johansen and he can just hang out, have a good time, and become the toast of downtown Manhattan.

Total word count of piece: 481

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