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The Damned


"Music for Pleasure" is the second studio album by English punk rock band The Damned, released on November 18, 1977, by Stiff Records. The album, however, failed to chart in the UK. Produced by Nick Mason of Pink Floyd, Music for Pleasure marked a shift for the band. The Damned had originally sought out former Pink Floyd member Syd Barrett for production, but his reclusive lifestyle prevented any collaboration. Mason, known for his slower and more methodical approach to recording, found himself working with a band accustomed to much faster recording schedules. In fact, the Damned hoped to record several songs on their first day in the studio while Mason was still setting up the microphones and tuning the drums. The album featured new guitarist Lu Edmonds alongside original guitarist Brian James, and included a guest appearance from saxophonist Lol Coxhill. This was the last album to feature Brian James until his return to the band in the late 1980s and early 1990s for a live album and studio single. Music for Pleasure also marked The Damned's final album release on Stiff Records. Musically, the album saw the band moving toward more complex song structures, while still maintaining the punk sound of their debut album. The album’s sleeve, including the cover painting, was designed by Barney Bubbles.