Machine Gun Etiquette is the third studio album by English punk rock band the Damned, released on 2 November 1979 by Chiswick Records. Background The album was the group's first since reforming with Dave Vanian on vocals, Captain Sensible on lead guitar, Rat Scabies on drums, plus newcomer Algy Ward of proto punk garage rock band The Saints on bass. Machine Gun Etiquette was to be Algy Ward's only album with the band (Algy Ward formed heavy metal Motorhead inspired and influenced band Tank after leaving The Damned). On Machine Gun Etiquette, the band brought more variety to their usual punk rock to add wide-ranging influences from hard rock and proto punk to psychedelic rock, a tinge of progressive rock and even classic rhythm and blues. The album also features more fast-paced punk tracks, and has been cited as a 'proto-hardcore' record crucial for the later rise of hardcore punk into the 1980s. The voice at the album's start is actor Jack Howarth, taken from his 1971 album Ow Do, a recording of Lancastrian monologues. The mispronounced album name would later be used in fusion with Thee Headcoats name as the Japanese band name Thee Michelle Gun Elephant by their former bassist. Critical reception AllMusic's retrospective review reported that when it was released, Machine Gun Etiquette was "deservedly hailed as another classic from the band". The website praised the variety of styles explored and the group's typically strong wit. Scott Rowley of Classic Rock'' magazine, reviewing the 25th Anniversary Edition of the album, defined it as "a riotous, ballsy rush of an album [...] the sound of a band coming into its own", adding that "while the Clash looked to America for inspiration, the Damned remained resolutely British", perhaps ironically given that the front cover depicted the band in a New York street scene at 704 7th Avenue, New York City. Track listing 2004 CD reissue bonus tracks "Smash It Up (Part 1)" and "Smash It Up (Part 2)" are listed as one track on the CD, as "Smash It Up (Parts 1 and 2)" (track 11). Personnel Credits adapted from the 2004 CD reissue liner notes.The Damned Dave Vanian – lead vocals Captain Sensible – guitars, backing vocals, keyboards, bass ("I Just Can't Be Happy Today", "Smash It Up (Parts 1 & 2)"), bass solo ("Anti-Pope"), mandolin ("Turkey Song"), lead vocals ("Turkey Song") Rat Scabies – drums, backing vocals,