Ramones
Road To Ruin

THE REVIEW

Luck never smiled on the Ramones, this must be admitted. Their greatness was only rewarded after their breakup in 1996, that is, when the world realized it had lost one of the greatest rock bands of all time, the inventors (or perfectors) of punk rock.

A bit of (due) recognition would not have been disdained in the '70s, that is, at the beginning of their career, when they were praised by critics, but did not achieve the hoped-for results with record sales.

At least the critics always supported them (at least that) and, rightly so. After "Ramones" (1976), "Leave Home" (1976) and "Rocket To Russia" (1977), after the efforts of the live "It's Alive" (recorded in 1977 and released two years later), the Fast Four were ready to return to the recording studio to churn out another LP.

The Ramones return to recording with a new drummer though, since Tommy Ramone had decided to leave the role of punk rocker to don the (more suitable) clothes of a record producer. In his place, Marc Bell, drinking and disaster buddy of Dee Dee Ramone, was chosen. From then on, he will forever be Marky Ramone.

With the members metaphorically expanded to five (Tommy took care of the production of the fourth studio album), the Ramones decide to combine business with pleasure, that is to churn out a successful record without giving up their musical creed.

Sound that is inevitably affected by the "reason of commerce". In the hope of asserting themselves on the record market, the four decide to turn to pop punk which offers unexpected melodic cues.

On the surface, the stylistic script is the same: apart from "I Wanted Everything" and "Questioningly", all the songs do not exceed the usual three minutes, but the difference in sound with the first three albums is noticeable. If "I'm Against It", "Bad Brain" or "Go Mental" seem to say: "Hey, we are still the Ramones and we are ready to prove it!", other tracks like "I Just Want To Have Something To Do" or "Needles & Pins" (Searchers cover) are examples of the new direction taken by the band on this occasion. Catchy, enjoyable songs on first listen, but leaving a bitter taste thinking that those playing are the same as "Today Your Love, Tomorrow The World" and "Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment".

In partial defense, it is also fair to say that after the immense early albums, it was also right to attempt a new experience to avoid descending into repetitiveness (a risk always around the corner in the world of Punk Rock).

I want to conclude, however, by praising the highlight of this record: "I Wanna Be Sedated". The driving riff and catchy melody make it one of the Ramones' best songs. Joey Ramone's singing is absolutely fascinating and compelling (which forced me to listen to it continuously!).

As usual, the album doesn't sell as it should, the critics are openly divided between detractors and praisers, as are the fans, but fortunately they never doubt their band who, one way or another, always manage to entertain them like never before.