Ramones

Brain Drain

(Sire / Rhino)

Rhino reissued Brain Drain last November. The Ramones are one of Rock'n'Roll's basic food groups; no disputing of that truth will be brooked, here. True, Johnny (in his 2012 book, Commando), rated the 1989 record a C, and noted it was "One of my least favorite albums..." But the mix of Dee Dee's combustible essays and Joey's affecting ones meant the group's characteristic melange of guitar-broadsides and Pop romanticism shone, notwithstanding perfectionism. (The riff in "Ignorance Is Bliss" - one of two tracks co-written by Dictator Andy Shernoff - reminds of Blue Öyster Cult, not a negative factor.) While countless imitators followed - some, quite worthwhile - none surpassed the prototype. And none ever will.

Recommended: "I Believe In Miracles," "Zero Zero UFO," "Don't Bust My Chops," "All Screwed Up," "Palisades Park," "Pet Semetary," "Ignorance Is Bliss," "Come Back Baby," "Merry Christmas (I Don't Wanna Fight Tonight)"

Videos: "Pet Semetary"   "I Believe In Miracles"

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