Since I’m someone who’s generally politically liberal, I should probably be a little more psyched about Tax Day, but until there’s universal health care, I’m probably going to be slightly bitter about the whole process. Adding to my general discontent: Today is the eighth anniversary of Joey Ramone‘s death.
It took me a while to catch on with the Ramones, mostly because my introduction to music outside the country and rock mainstreams I grew up around was generally of the British-mopey-dude ilk. Even now, it’s a little hard for me to get psyched about listening to an entire Ramones disc that isn’t one of the first four, and even then each disc’s brevity is an advantage. However, I have to admire the group’s singular dedication to one sound, and for a string of amazing singles. Basically every crucial Ramones song was played at the US Festival over Labor Day weekend of 1982—they were sandwiched between the Gang of Four and the English Beat—and thankfully, someone has uploaded their set to YouTube (while it lasts).
Part 1:
Part 2:
Part 3:
Joey Ramone May 19, 1951 – April 5, 2001 [The Music's Over]
Eight years?! So sad. I submit that The Ramones are one of the greatest pop bands of all time. And, hell, I love at least six of their first nine records.
Go over to [www.parrygripp.com] , scroll down to december 16, 2008 and listen to ‘Because It’s Christmastime.’
It starts as a funny rant, but ends as a tribute to Joey Ramone. Honestly.
amazing version of ‘rock and roll radio’ – though i did always like the horn-section-embellished phil spector studio version too!
Poor Joey the eighth anniversary of his death and only 3 comments, so I’ll make it 4. Gabba Gabba Hey!
You lost me at the part where you called yourself a liberal. But I found you again on the Ramones!!
Long Live THE RAMONES!!!