The Ramones
Ramones
UK: CD
U.S.: CD | MP3
Recorded February 1976
Released April 23, 1976

There are many who could argue all day long about who started punk rock. For me it has always been The Ramones. Last week it was the 10th anniversary of the death of Ramones lead singer Joey Ramone. Today however is a more cheerful anniversary for fans of the punk heroes. On April 23, 1976, the band’s debut album Ramones was released, and rock music would never be the same again.

Their first album still sounds like nothing I have heard before. Their lack of pretension and technical ability is far outweighed by energy, personality, and eccentricity.

Opening track “Blitzkrieg Bop” is a stomping punk anthem — the punk anthem. “Judy Is A Punk,” “Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue,” and “Chainsaw” charge along at lightning speed. Throughout the album, the drums of Tommy Ramone crash and pound, setting the pace of the galloping bass lines of Dee Dee Ramone and the chomping guitars of Johnny Ramone.

In the 35 years since many, many rock and punk bands have tried to sound like the Ramones, none have succeeded. Where bands have actively tried to emulate their sound and attitude, the difference has always been that the Ramones were never trying to be anything other than themselves.

In 1976, the album Ramones made ordinary kids believe they could pick up an instrument and start a band. You didn’t have to be a master of scales and tunings; as long as you had the courage to do it, you could. The Ramones started that 35 years ago, and they continue to lead the way.

They have influenced just about any and every rock and punk band you care to mention. Most would not have started a band if the Ramones were not around. Hearing the brilliantly simple guitar riffs from Johnny’s guitar makes me want to pick up my own and jam along.

Track listing:

1 – Blitzkrieg Bop
2 – Beat On The Brat
3 – Judy Is A Punk
4 – I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend
5 – Chainsaw
6 – Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue
7 – I Don’t Wanna Go Down To The Basement
8 – Loudmouth
9 – Havana Affair
10 – Listen To My Heart
11 – 53rd & 3rd
12 – Let’s Dance
13 – I Don’t Wanna Walk Around With You
14 – Today Your Love, Tomorrow The World