Ramone stays `fast and furious' to the very end
By SEAN McLAUGHLIN
Scene Music Critic
On April 4, 2001, Joey Ramone succumbed to a six-year battle with lymphatic cancer, and America lost one of her true rock 'n' roll saviors. A staple of New York City's legendary CBGB's, the Ramones released their debut album in 1976. Tired of disco and cheezeball arena rock, they wanted to send shockwaves through a music scene that was nearly as lame as the landscape we currently endure today.
Armed with little more than leather jackets, cartoon lyrics and two-minute, three-chord blitzkriegs, the Ramones' "punk rock" ignited a revolution and has influenced countless bands from REM, U2, Pearl Jam and Nirvana to the White Stripes and the Strokes. Finally disbanding in 1996, the Ramones released 21 albums in 22 years and were recently inducted in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. Upon the band's retirement, Joey Ramone began working on a solo album. Almost a year after his passing, it has finally seen the light of day.
Unlike many lead-singer solo albums that are plagued by uninspired attempts at experimentation, Don't Worry About Me follows the trail the Ramones blazed over a quarter-century ago. The album is loud, fast and furious, and filled with lyrics of well-placed humor and sentiment.
"Maria Bartiromo" is a loving punk ode to the CNBC stock analyst. "Searching for Something" is a great acoustic rocker that Elvis Costello probably wishes he had written.
"1969" is a rambunctious tune that chronicles the death of peace and love. Capturing the underlying alienation surrounding the era of Nixon, Vietnam, and Altamont, Joey laments "War across the USA/ It's another year for me and you/ Another year with nothing to do." On "I Got Knocked Down (But I'll Get Up)," Joey directly deals with his battle with cancer. The track is easily the most touching song on the album.
Standouts aside, Don't Worry About Me is more than a worthwhile selection for any Ramones fan. For those less familiar with the band's catalogue, the album serves as a stark reminder of Joey Ramone's legacy. Joey Ramone always understood one key fact: rock 'n' roll is best played loud, simple, short and fast. And under those guidelines, he was simply a master.
All Scene Stories for Tuesday, February 26, 2002
