Years back, when former Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook was asked what he thought of the Damned, he said, “I always fought they was a facking joke.” But bands from the Fastbacks to the Offspring don’t seem to think so. Indeed, the Offspring’s Dexter Holland’s Nitro Records is responsible for the release of the Damned’s latest, Grave Disorder. Both vocalist Dave Vanian and guitarist Captain Sensible have reappeared, but after the umpteenth Final Damnation Tour, drummer Rat Scabies has scurried off. And for good reason: Though the unfortunately titled “Would You Be So Hot (If You Weren’t Dead)?” bemoans wholesale John Lennon worship and recalls the brilliant pop-punk of classic Damned, and though a few tracks take hits at the traditional targets—pop culture (“Neverland”) and the president (“W”)—the remaining tunes suggest that it really may be time for that Final Damnation Tour. Hear the Damned bring on the “Noise Noise Noise” with Swingin Utters and Briefs at 8:30 p.m. at the Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. $20. (202) 667-7960. (John Schroeder)