CJ Says: A Ramones Podcast

008 - Kid Congo Powers Interview

When the topic of punk rock comes up in conversation, the Ramones are often at the forefront of the discussion. Their raw energy and unique sound changed the landscape of music indefinitely. In Episode 008 of CJ Says, we enjoy a fascinating conversation with Kid Congo Powers - former president of the West Coast Ramones Fan Club and guitarist in The Gun Club, The Cramps & Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - in which Kid shares his personal encounters with the band and the impact that they had upon him and countless others... Here, Kid recalls the early days of punk, the excitement of waiting for that first Ramones’ record, and the thrill of seeing the band live for the first time. He also shares how the Ramones were different from other bands at that time, in that they were accessible, encouraging and cultivating a genuine connection with their fanbase. The duties that Kid undertook as President of the West Coast Ramones Fan Club can be seen as an early form of social media; he facilitated interactions among Ramones fans in a pre-internet world, and the grassroots efforts of people like Kid played a significant role in promoting the Ramones music early in their career. This sense of community surrounding the band remained prevalent until the end - it’s even still evident today!!! Throughout this conversation, Kid emphasizes the lessons that he learned from interacting with the Ramones early on. Their approachability and humility set a standard for how musicians should engage with their audience - it's where Kid learnt the importance of treating fans with respect. Connection and community are central themes throughout Kid's narrative. For him, punk was not just about the music; it meant finding a tribe of like-minded individuals, forming meaningful relationships and a place to belong. For Kid, the Ramones fostered an environment where fans felt valued and included, and this is something he carried into his own musical career. We’ve already enjoyed some really great conversations in the short lifespan of this podcast, and this episode might just be our favourite so far. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did. If you want to hear the second half of it, and stream the rest of our exclusive bonus content, head over to www.patreon.com/cjsays Thank you to Kid Congo Powers for this amazing conversation!!! ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

007 - 'Road to Ruin' Side A Deep Dive

Road to Ruin was the last of the "Big Four" Ramones’ records. This album marked a turning point for the band. With new drummer Marky Ramone stepping in to fill Tommy’s shoes, and Tommy & Ed Stasium manning the production dials, the sound of the band transformed in their quest for commercial success. The energy was still raw, but by this point the Ramones were also pushing boundaries and experimenting with new styles, and this album showcases their growth as songwriters & musicians. As we reflect on the band’s legacy and development, it’s clear that Road to Ruin was a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Ramones’ sound. What’s your favourite track on this side of the record? Be sure to add it to your own ongoing Ramones playlist. And join us over on www.patreon.com/cjsays to stream the Side B Deep Dive along with the rest of our exclusive bonus content. Ramones Forever!!! ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

006 - Harley Flanagan Interview

Ever wondered how Harley Flanagan’s chaotic upbringing shaped his hardcore spirit? In Episode 006 of CJ Says, Harley shares how his wild childhood fuelled his passion for music and community - from his misspent youth running loose on the mean streets of NYC, to his introduction to skinhead culture in Belfast, Northern Ireland, to making music that was louder than the noise inside his head, it’s all part of his survival story… This episode explores how punk rock was more than just a genre; it was a lifeline for all those who felt lost & alone in a world full of mayhem & trauma. It gave a voice to the voiceless and a home to all those who didn't fit in. Harley strongly believes that art and music can save us, and his journey is a testament to that. Every note played is a reminder that we can rise above our circumstances!!! The circumstances and scenarios of Harley’s existence read like something out of a modern-day fairytale, with all of the nightmarish elements to boot. His tale is incredible, and he’s here to tell it in all its devastating scope. Expect plenty of amazing Ramones’ stories, too. If you want to hear the second half of this interview, where we go even deeper into Harley’s journey from chaos to contentment, head over to www.patreon.com/cjsays [http://www.patreon.com/cjsays] - you’ll find all of our exclusive bonus content there.  Thank you to Harley for sharing his story so openly. We hope you find it inspiring & enlightening. Keep that PMA!!! ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

005 - 'Rocket to Russia' Side A Deep Dive

This week we’re taking a Deep Dive into the third album by Ramones, which many people believe to be their defining musical statement, Rocket to Russia, released November 4, 1977. From the razor sharp production to its pop-infused singles that defined a generation, come with us now as we discuss what makes this record a true punk rock masterpiece, and why it remains a firm favourite among fans and critics alike.  Ramones truly hit their stride with this album, making it a milestone in the band’s legacy & trajectory. Significantly, it was also the last studio album to feature Tommy Ramone on drums. There’s a lot to discuss. So let’s jump into it! Rocket to Russia. Side A Deep Dive. Hey! Ho! Let’s go!!! If you want to hear to the Side B Deep Dive and stream the rest of our exclusive bonus content, head over to www.patreon.com/cjsays We’re building the Ultimate Ramones Playlist with the Patreon Crew as we work our way through the band’s entire discography… Come join us on this sonic exploration of Ramone’s back catalogue! ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

004 - Slim Jim Phantom Interview

Slim Jim Phantom from Stray Cats joins CJ & Matt this week for the second CJ Says Guest Interview... If you've ever wondered how Stray Cats developed their unmistakable style of punk-infused rockabilly with a New York twist, then look no further, because The Honest Mechanic is here to spill the beans in this week's in-depth interview. According to Slim Jim, Stray Cats drew heavily from the early rockabilly records of Gene Vincent, Buddy Holly, and Elvis Presley, blending the signature sound of Sun Studios with the raw punk rock energy of their contemporaries - bands like Ramones, Sex Pistols & The Clash - to create a brand new musical language and accompanying visual aesthetic, which defied categorisation, capturing the spirit of traditional American rock 'n' roll while updating it for the modern era, and carving out a unique space in musical history in the process. Be sure to pick up a copy of Slim Jim's book, 'A Stray Cats Strut: My Life as a Rockabilly Rebel' and check out his weekly radio show on SiriusXM, the 'Rockabilly Rave-Up'. For an even deeper dive into our conversation with Slim Jim Phantom, where you'll hear all about his lifelong friendship with and connection to the Ramones, head over to www.patreon.com/cjsays to stream the second half of this interview. That's also the place to access all of our exclusive bonus content and the Side B Deep Dives on the Ramones discography. Thank you, as always, to the dream team behind-the-scenes, Audra & Jess, for their continued support with this podcast. Thanks to our secret weapon Bert Gragg also. And thank you to YOU for listening. Stay tuned for more stories from artists & legends who shaped the style & sound of twentieth-century music, including Harley Flanagan, Nikki Corvette & Kid Congo Powers... ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.