When one thinks of the term “Ramone” in American vernacular, there are clear word associations. Within the United States and even worldwide, when I say Ramone, you say “loud”, “fast”, “catchy”, “punk.” Richie Ramone, former drummer for the original punk rock band, epitomizes the word Ramone. He may have been with the band for a quick four years, but within that time he became the only Ramone drummer to compose and write songs for the band, adding to the “loud.” Punk fans owe such hits as “Somebody Put Something in My Drink” to Richie himslef. This August, Richie Ramone hits us with his new record “Cellophane” in which he plays drums, leads on vocals, and writes the tunes.
The record begins with a powerhouse opener, “Braggadocio.” This song can either be taken one of two ways. It is either about hating on the empty boasting of those who just always claim to know what they are talking about, or it may be about how this type of persistent and exaggerated confidence can become a necessary evil. Message: “Stop talking crap, people” vis-à-vis “big talk gets you far.” Either way you slice this one, “Braggadocio” seems to come to us just in time, as we delve far deeper in the 2016 Presidential Race. Musically, the song is what you would expect from a Ramone. It is loud, smothered in power chords, and even basted in a fast pentatonic guitar solo. Released as the album’s single and video track is “I Fix This.” With it’s gang vocals and catchy 3-word chorus, it is no surpise that this song was chosen as the single. It is simple, it stays in our heads, and it tells us that our society is imperfect and ready for change. Quite simply, this is what a punk rock song should do.
Additional tracks to look our for include a cover of Depeche Mode’s “Enjoy The Silence”, which is well-done and will certainly appeal to fans of the original. Displaying his true musicianship and diversity, Ramone puts out the title-track, “Cellophane” which is a bit toned-down compared to the rest of the record. It is less-distorted, slower, but no less rocking. During this brief departure, we are given background falsetto vocals and pleasant layering of various reverberative guitar tones. Both vocally and musically “Cellophane” is very reminiscent of driving 80’s rock n’ roll songs such as The Cult’s hit, “Fire Woman.”
Richie Ramone’s “Cellophane” will be available to the public on August 5, 2016.This record will be a treat for fans of punk and rock acts such as The Cult, TSOL, Sugar, The New York Dolls, Iggy Pop, and of course, The Ramones. Produced by Paul Roessler who has worked with the likes of Nina Hagen, Mike Watt, The Germs, TSOL, The Dead Kennedys, and more, “Cellophane” is punk rock release that many fans need in our current dry-spell of the genre. Look out for this record and catch Richie Ramone on his upcoming US tour this Fall 2016.
