001 - 'Ramones' Side A Deep Dive

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.

003 - 'Leave Home' Side A Deep Dive

Welcome to Episode 003 of CJ Says: A Ramones Podcast. We're back on the record reviews this week, and our second Deep Dive episode delves into the sophomore album by Ramones, Leave Home, released on January 10, 1977. With their second LP, the band aimed to refine their sound, striving for a more polished product in their quest for mainstream success, while still staying true to the raw punk energy that made Ramones such a timeless, classic & beloved debut. The doo-wop, surf rock & bubblegum pop influences continue to inform their signature sound, propped up by melodies more infectious than the clap, and the trademark Ramones humour is on display throughout... The million dollar question is this: is Leave Home superior or inferior to Ramones? And where does this album sit amongst the fans and the critics? Of course, the only way to find out the answers to these burning questions is to hit PLAY on this Side A Deep Dive, then join us over on www.patreon.com/cjsays where we jump into Side B... One thing is for sure: there is no sophomore slump here! While 'Leave Home' didn’t achieve the level of commercial success the band had hoped for, it succeeded in solidifying their position in the pantheon of not only punk rock but American music history. As such, the album remains an invaluable addition to the Ramones' discography. Let the Leave Home Deep Dive commence!!! ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.