Music for Pleasure

Released in November 1977, Music for Pleasure is the second studio album by The Damned and a pivotal, if historically divisive, entry in their catalog. It is the final record to feature founding guitarist and primary songwriter Brian James, whose departure shortly after release led to the band's temporary disbandment. The album is notable for the unlikely pairing of the UK's premier punk hellraisers with producer Nick Mason of Pink Floyd, a choice made after Syd Barrett proved unavailable. Mason's influence resulted in a drier, more separated mix compared to the muddy roar of 'Damned Damned Damned'. The inclusion of Lu Edmonds as a second guitarist added a garage-rock density to tracks like 'Stretcher Case' and 'Problem Child'. While initially panned by critics and failing to chart, the album has been reassessed as a crucial link between the band's punk origins and their later psychedelic and gothic evolutions, specifically on the experimental closer 'You Know'.