The subway is a porno, the sidewalks they are a mess

Like the Pixies, the Misfits, and the Ramones, The New York Dolls are a band that should have been more successful, at least judging by all the bands that cite them as an influence. The Dolls were unluckier than most given the early death of so many of their members. Johnny Thunders downward spiral is the best known, among the many songs referencing him is the Replacements' Johnny's Gonna Die. But drummers Billy Murcia and Jerry Nolan died young as well.

The documentary New York Doll tells the bittersweet story of bassist Arthur "Killer" Kane. This excellent film succeeds for two reasons. The first is that the story is one of the stranger ones in music history. The second is the tone that the film-makers set.

After the Dolls broke up in the 70s, Kane turned to alcohol and set himself on a path similar to Thunders. After losing his wife, Kane turned to the Mormon church. It not only became his lifeline but also his life. He became a file clerk at a Mormon genealogical library in LA. All those years, he dreamed of being back on stage with his band. In 2004, Morrissey promoted the idea of reuniting the Dolls for a London event. Kane was thrilled, he packed up his things and performed at a critically acclaimed show. He then came home to the library and two weeks later he was diagnosed with cancer. He died two hours later.

The movie's action takes place before, during and after the 2004 show. While Kane has most of the screen time, there is quite a bit of face time for rock stars, with Morrissey being the most prominent. The movie gives equal time to Kane's library co-workers and his Mormon spiritual advisers. Remarkably for a rock documentary, the movie is supportive, even celebratory about Kane's Mormon experience. The final shots are of one of his co-workers reflecting on his passing. While the rock stars tend to mourn the loss of the artist, his coworkers mourn the loss of the person.

Watching a movie like this makes you want to hear some of the music.

Trash - New York Dolls. The most exuberant of the Dolls songs. David Johansen sounds like he is from Baltimore on this one. This one is Morrissey's favorite.

You Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory - Johnny Thunders. A sad pop song, that is quite good.

Chinese Rocks - Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers. Written by Dee Dee and eventually recorded by the Ramones, this little ode to heroin is a grungey delight.