Music review: C.J. Ramone – 鈥楾he Holy Spell…鈥�
The Ramones will always hold a special place in my heart.
A driving force of the New York City punk scene in the 1970s, Johnny, Joey, Dee Dee and Tommy Ramone cranked out mini bursts of defiant energy fueled by hyperactive guitar riffs, pounding drums, singable melodies and quick-witted lyrics that spoke to the disenchanted youth looking for a place and a voice in an ever-changing world.
The four original members might be gone, but they certainly aren鈥檛 forgotten as C.J. Ramone carries on the band鈥檚 punk legacy.
Thirty years after joining the iconic band and replacing Dee Dee on bass, the Queens native and ex-Marine continues to belt out new numbers with an abundance of gusto and unapologetic unrest on his fourth full-length studio effort.
Clocking in around 33 minutes, 鈥淭he Holy Spell鈥︹�� briskly delivers 12 tracks loaded with plenty of garage rock fervor.
鈥淥ne High One Low鈥� is a fast-paced declaration of love and devotion as Ramone sings, 鈥淚 don鈥檛 care what your mom and pop say/You鈥檙e the only one for me.鈥�
The new material showcases Ramone鈥檚 knack for constructing condensed and potent arrangements with a vibrant vibe on tracks like 鈥淭his Town,鈥� 鈥淢ovin鈥� On鈥� and 鈥淲aitin鈥� on the Sun.鈥�
Spirited covers of Graham Parker鈥檚 鈥淐rawling from the Wreckage鈥� and Webb Pierce鈥檚 1953 hit 鈥淭here Stands the Glass鈥� convey a slight tone of early Elvis Costello from his punk days.
Other standout tracks include the slacker tune 鈥淚鈥檓 Disappointed,鈥� motivational 鈥淪tand Up鈥� and hard-driving road anthem 鈥淧ostcard from Heaven.鈥�
The set closes on a sentimental note with 鈥淩ock On.鈥� The passionate arrangement showcases Ramone paying tribute to the late Steve Soto of the Adolescents and the good times playing together as Ramone sings, 鈥淲hen we were ready to rock, you were always ready to roll.鈥�
Listening to 鈥淭he Holy Spell鈥︹�� makes me feel like a teenager again and fondly recalls the days when a pair of faded jeans, a plain white T-shirt and black leather jacket made you feel invincible.
Once a punk, always a punk.
Clint Rhodes is the 缅北禁地 music reviewer. He can be reached at clinton43@me.com.