Today’s video of the day is The Damned – "Alone Again Or" released in 1987.
The Damned brought a psychedelic classic into their darker musical world with “Alone Again Or,” released in 1987. The song appeared on Anything, the British band’s sixth studio album. Originally recorded by American rock band Love in 1967, the track opens their landmark album Forever Changes. Songwriter Bryan MacLean drew inspiration from the disappointment of waiting for a girlfriend who never arrived. However, its bright, Latin-influenced melody contrasts with its melancholic lyrics. Love frontman Arthur Lee also added “Or” to the original title, giving the song an intriguing, open-ended quality.
Formed in London in 1976, The Damned helped pioneer British punk alongside their contemporaries in the emerging scene. They made history with “New Rose,” widely recognized as the UK’s first punk single. However, the band soon explored broader musical territory. After albums such as Machine Gun Etiquette, The Black Album, and Phantasmagoria, they embraced a more polished blend of gothic rock, psychedelic pop, and melodic alternative rock. Consequently, Anything continued their evolution beyond their early punk sound. “Alone Again Or” highlights this transformation while honoring one of the band’s important influences. Its sweeping melody also recalls the classical atmosphere of Sergei Prokofiev’s Lieutenant Kijé Suite.
The accompanying music video takes the song’s cinematic character even further. Filmed in widescreen Cinemascope, it evokes the surreal atmosphere of a spaghetti western. Meanwhile, frontman Dave Vanian trades his familiar gothic vampire image for a duster jacket and Zorro-style mask. Flamenco dancing and horseback riders complete the striking desert setting. This unusual visual approach perfectly complements the song’s blend of melancholy, romance, and psychedelic color. Moreover, The Damned’s version achieved greater chart success in the UK than Love’s original, reaching No. 27 on the UK Singles Chart. Ultimately, “Alone Again Or” captures a fascinating chapter in The Damned’s career, connecting their punk roots with their increasingly melodic, gothic sound.
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