"This is rock 'n' roll radio. C'mon let's rock 'n' roll with the Ramones." You're not a Ramones fan if that phrase doesn't make you start pounding out a beat...
The
first single from the 1980 LP "
End of the Century", I remember this video getting some rotation on MTV but I don't recall much, if any, airplay on the radio (most stations seem to think the Ramones recorded only
one song).
"End of the Century" was recorded with
Phil Spector as producer. This change in sound alienated some fans, and the sessions were
exhausting if not outright dangerous. I realize Spector is a
murderer and a complete nut job, but I'd be lying if I said I did not love his
Wall of Sound -- even with the Ramones, and even with
The Beatles.
Some things that not a lot of people realize about the Ramones:
1. They set the
template for punk, not the
Pistols.
2. They were a reaction to the perceived excesses of 60s
psychedelic rock,
70s prog rock,
disco, etc. No fusion jams and no
Tolkien lyrics.
3. They were heavily influenced by the sounds of late 50s and early 60s, including
girl groups,
The Beach Boys, etc. Sure, they played louder and faster than the originals, but they were basically pop songs.
"Do You Remember Rock 'n' Roll Radio?" made explicit all of their influences, most of which predate me so links are provided:
Rock 'n, rock 'n' roll radio Let's go
Rock 'n, rock 'n' roll radio Let's go
Rock 'n, rock 'n' roll radio Let's go
Rock 'n, rock 'n' roll radio Let's go
Do you remember Hullabaloo,
Upbeat, Shindig! and Ed Sullivan too?
Do you remember rock 'n' roll radio?
Do you remember rock 'n' roll radio?
Do you remember Murray the K,
Alan Freed, and High Energy?*
It's the end, the end of the 70s
It's the end, the end of the century
Do you remember lying in bed
With your covers pulled up over your head?
Radio playin' so no one can see
We need change, we need it fast
Before rock's just part of the past
'Cause lately it all sounds the same to me
Whoa whoa, oh oh
Will you remember Jerry Lee,
John Lennon, T. Rex and Ol' Moulty?
It's the end, the end of the 70s
It's the end, the end of the century
You won't find a better, more loving tribute to the era.
Do You Remember Rock 'n' Roll Radio:
studio version;
live version (for those who prefer their Ramones Spector-less).
"This is rock 'n' roll radio. Stay tuned for more rock 'n' roll."
Bonus link: 7" B-side "
I Want You Around"
* = Presumably "High Energy" was a radio program of the 50s/60s. Link suggestions are appreciated.
