006 - Harley Flanagan Interview

009 - 'End of the Century' Side A Deep Dive

In Episode 009 of CJ Says: A Ramones Podcast, we step into the strange and fascinating world of the Ramones’ fifth studio album, 'End of the Century' — an album forever suspended between the neon glow of pure pop ambition and the battered leather jacket of punk rock purity. It’s 1980. The Ramones have already helped redraw the map of modern music, and now they find themselves in the hands of eccentric production wizard Phil Spector, chasing a bigger sound, bigger audiences, and perhaps something even more elusive: mainstream success. What emerged was their most commercial sounding album to date — and also one of their most divisive. Was 'End of the Century' a betrayal of the stripped-back simplicity that made the Ramones legends and pioneers of punk? Or, was it the logical conclusion of a band who always hid their love of 1960s pop music beneath distortion and speed? From the opening nostalgic bombast of 'Do You Remember Rock and Roll Radio?' to the unlikely symphonic beauty of 'Baby, I Love You' and the eternal adolescent rallying cry of 'Rock and Roll High School', this is a record that continues to provoke arguments long after its last chord fades… In this Deep Dive episode, we’ll explore the illustrious 'End of the Century' recording sessions, whether or not Phil Spector's towering Wall of Sound was a good match for the sonic highways journeyed by the Ramones, the absence of Tommy Ramone from the studio and production dials, and the dissension that arose amongst the band's fanbase after punk's most obstinate outsiders initiated an all-out assault on mainstream music. It’s the end of the seventies…it’s the End of the Century… So plug in and turn it up! If you want to hear to the Side B Deep Dive and stream the rest of our bonus content, head over to www.patreon.com/cjsays ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

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.