CJ Says: A Ramones Podcast

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.

002 - Duff McKagan Interview

Welcome to the first ever CJ Says Guest Interview, featuring the legendary Duff McKagan of Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver. In this episode, Duff shares his personal journey from his humble punk rock beginnings to playing in some of the biggest bands in the world, and the music and experiences that shaped his life along the way. Duff's love for punk rock dates back to his childhood growing up in Seattle. In this interview, he reveals how one of his early Seattle bands, 10 Minute Warning, inspired local musicians Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament, who went on to form a little known group named Pearl Jam.  Duff also discusses the lasting impact that groups like Ramones, Sex Pistols and The Clash had on his own musical development, and how Ron Reyes from Black Flag nearly became the singer in an early incarnation of Guns N’ Roses. He recalls attending all-ages punk shows, and the excitement of witnessing live performances from influential acts like The Clash and DOA, and how the the vibrant atmosphere at these gigs helped shape his evolution as a musician, while also solidifying his passion for punk rock, which remains strong and true to this day. Duff played an integral role in the development of American punk, grunge and hard rock during the 1980s and 90s, as this conversation proves, and an authentic punk attitude runs through every project he’s been a part of, from The Fastbacks and The Fartz to Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver, and beyond… His story is a testament to the power of music and community that sprung from the OG punk scene, kickstarted by the Ramones, and we’re thrilled to welcome him as the first ever guest on CJ Says. Be sure to check out Duff's books, It's So Easy (and other lies) & How To Be A Man (and other illusions), both of which are excellent and available from all good book stores. His solo albums Tenderness & Lighthouse are also well worth a listen. If you want to hear the second half of this interview, and gain access to all of our exclusive bonus content, head over to www.patreon.com/cjsays [http://www.patreon.com/cjsays] Thank you to Josh Roush for assisting with the filming of this episode. And thank you, as always, to the dream team behind-the-scenes, Audra & Jess, for all of their help and support with the show. Shout out to our social media wizard Bert Gragg as well! It takes a village...and last but never least, thank you to all the Ramones fans worldwide for tuning in. Enjoy the episode!!! ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

001 - 'Ramones' Side A Deep Dive

Welcome to the first official episode of CJ Says: A Ramones Podcast.  We begin where all good stories should: at the start! The debut self-titled album by Ramones was released on this day, fifty years ago… What better date to launch a Ramones-centric podcast than the 50th anniversary of their classic debut record?  Whether you're brand new to the music of Ramones, or a long-time fan of the band, understanding their debut album, Ramones, is essential... Released on April 23, 1976, this record didn’t just revolutionize the contemporary music landscape, it also laid the groundwork and set the template for the countless genres, bands & acts that followed in its wake. In this inaugural episode of CJ Says: A Ramones Podcast, your hosts CJ Ramone & Matt Stocks explore the album’s origins, themes, cultural significance, and the stories behind its iconic tracks.  So, are you ready to take a Deep Dive into the origins of punk rock and the world-famous Ramones? It all starts here…Ramones by Ramones. Released on this day back in 1976… To stream our Deep Dive of Side B of Ramones, and access all of our exclusive bonus content, head over to www.patreon.com/cjsays Be sure to join us in building your own Ultimate Ramones Playlist as we go through the band's entire discography! And tune in next week for our first Guest Interview with the legendary Duff McKagan from Guns N' Roses. Thank you to our dream team behind-the-scenes, Audra & Jess, for their help and support with getting the show up and running. Thank you to Dirty Donny for the artwork. And thank you to Bert Gragg and Josh Roush for their technical assistance. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.