One high-volume listen to this self-titled Sylvain Sylvain album should be enough to win over any true rock and roll fan. A veteran of the legendary New York Dolls (and co-author of eight of the best solo tracks by ex-Doll David Johansen), Sylvain evidences a gut-level understanding of 50s rock vocal work, not to mention New York bands like Velvet Underground and the subtle embellishments that endeared late-60s listeners to the Lovin’ Spoonful, Beatles, et al.

This may sound like a motley bunch of influences, but wait till you hear how Sylvain puts them together in songs like “I’m So Sorry,” “14th Street Beat,” and “Deeper and Deeper.” I have no idea how this album will sell but it deserves to be remembered for as long as the classics that its maker clearly admires.