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Rating: Everyone knows who the (fake) Ramones brothers are: four frantic Punk-Rockers from New York, capable of coining catchy tunes from 1976 onwards with lyrics that border on the ridiculous, all played on a maximum of 3-4 chords, which would crosswise influence the music scene in the following years. What this tribute is is quickly explained: a commercial-commemorative operation led by Eddie Vedder (whom I learned is the president of the Ramone Fan Club!), Rob Zombie, and the former guitarist Johnny Ramone. They are assisted by both unsuspected mainstream stars and loyalists to the Punk-Rock line, all gathered for the passing of Dee Dee Ramone.
When approaching an album like this one, consisting of covers of historic yet musically simple tracks, and wanting to give it an objective evaluation, it's inevitable to assess the interpretations of the various artists in comparison to the original versions. So, as a good referee that I am, after presenting the teams to the audience, I would blow the starting whistle... or as the Ramones themselves would have said: One, Two, Three, Four!
The first up are the Red Hot, with a rather charming "Havana Affair". At times irresistible, theirs is a great demonstration of style. Too bad the original is something else, much more captivating: 1 to 0 for the little brothers!
Captain Rob Zombie arrives with "Blitzkrieg Bop" and it's hard to choose between this metallic cover and the original; it stays at 1 to 0!
With "I Believe In Miracles" it's the head-ultra Eddie Vedder (with Zeke in support) taking the field "against" his idols. A piece that's just tailor-made for the theatrical Pearl Jam singer. But the little brothers hold their own; it remains at 1 to 0.
The Metallica weren't really in shape at the time of these recordings, and it shows. They would've surely done better in other times; they copy the original of "53rd & 3rd" as is: 2 to 0 for the little brothers!
The unsuspecting U2 proposes "Beat On The Brat". The sound is practically identical to the original, every single cymbal hit by the little brothers is placed in the same spot by the Irishmen; the difference is made by the vocals: Bono's sobbing against Joey's hilarious, it's 3 to 0!
A historical hit for the Kiss, "Do You Remember Rock 'n' Roll Radio", who without disrupting the song, adding just a joyful sax and playful piano, score a point for the "Covers" team: 3 to 1.
Surprisingly, Marilyn Manson takes the field! As a real ace he stretches the 2 minutes and 10 seconds of the carefree "The KKK Took My Baby Away" into 3 minutes and 40 of eerie electronica. A terrifying stroke of genius: 3 to 2!
The Garbage also have little to do with the Ramones, but they defend well in "I Just Want Something To Do"; still 3 to 2.
The nephews of the Ramones brothers, namely Green Day, are part of those loyal to the line who make no changes to the original version; after all, "Outsider" is already a fantastic piece.
A shocking own goal comes from the Pretenders, in the performance of the very slow "Something To Believe In"; and it's 4 to 2!!
The Rancid bring the "Covers" back into the race, with a bubbly and vehement "Sheena Is A Punk Rocker": a splendid 4 to 3 scored quickly!
It returns to the melodic with "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend". Pete Yorn's version is light music, the original still retains that touch of Ramones-style showmanship, despite the melody of the piece; it barely stays at 4 to 3 for the little brothers.
Dexter Holland's Offspring leave the exhilarating hit "I Wanna Be Sedated" intact, just giving it half a gear more than the original; we are still at 4 to 3!
Very pleasant is the Indie-Rock style interpretation by the Californians Rooney (never heard before, they are the revelation of the Match) of "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow"; the draw is more than deserved: 4 to 4!!
Incredibly, the unsuspected Tom Waits tries with "Return Of Jackie and Judy", completely distorting it under the suspicious effect of narcotics (a doping test is recommended after the match!). The result is at least peculiar, the piece is practically unrecognizable... it goes to bonus-track extra time!
Again it's the vice-captain Eddie Vedder and the Zeke who try this time with "Daytime Dilemma (Dangers Of Love)". But it necessarily remains a tie, the pathos of good Eddie isn't enough to surpass the very likeable Joey.
At the crucial appointment to determine the winner of this match presents John Frusciante, with a "Today Your Love, Tomorrow The World" that's far too slow and, I dare say, irritating. The winner is necessarily and undoubtedly the team led by the late Joey Ramone!!!
From the Stadium at the corner of 53rd and 3rd, that's all, see you next time...
Bagga, Bagga, Hey!!
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