Ramones

The Sire Albums 1981-1989

(Rhino / Warner Records)

You already know they are one of the basic food groups of rock 'n' roll. Legions were influenced, but none surpassed them. Or ever will.

This box collates six past vinyl LPs, from Pleasant Dreams to Brain Drain. A seventh, "neon-pink splatter" disc offers rarities.

Recommended: "We Want The Airwaves," "The KKK Took My Baby Away," "She's A Sensation," "Psycho Therapy," "My-My Kind Of A Girl," "Durango 95," "Wart Hog," "No Go," "Somebody Put Something In my Drink," "Animal Boy," "Eat That Rat," "I Wanna Live," "Weasel Face," "Go Lil' Camaro Go," "All Screwed Up," "Pet Sematary"

Video: Us festival '82 (21:18)

Rhino

 Head Cat

Walk the Walk...Talk the Talk

(BMG/UK)

Digitally reissued 2011 release. Lemmy, Danny B. Harvey, Slim Jim Phantom. More need not be written.

Recommended: "American Beat," "Say Mama," "I Ain't Never," "Bad Boy," "Shakin' All Over," "Let It Rock," "Something Else," "The Eagle Flies On Friday," "Trying To Get To You," "You Can't Do That," "It'll Be Me," "Crossroads"

Video: Full concert (40:40)

Facebook

 J Prozac

Won't Let Go 

(Rum Bar Records)

Whip-hastened rock 'n' roll of blunt posture. And then, too, shafts of pop radiance.

Recommended: "Won't Let Go," "For the World," "Days Go By," "Beat Of Our Hearts," "Building Blocks," "No Matter," "Number One" (bonus track)

Video: "Building Blocks"

Facebook

Bandcamp

Rum Bar

 Richie Ramone

"Not Afraid" b/w "Cry Little Sister"                 (Outro Records)

As the A side careens from gate to conclusion, Richie further validates his earned surname. The syrup-slow flip is markedly different; an ominous bassline and cruched-metal guitar swipes elevate it o'er others' renditions. Richie's vocals inject significant tension.

Collectors, be apprised: An autographed, orange-vinyl version is available at the artist's site.

Recommended: "Not Afraid," "Cry Little Sister" (From film Protege Moi)

Videos:"Not Afraid," "Cry Little Sister" (promo)

Site

Facebook

Twitter

Amazon (MP3 and vinyl formats)

 Holloway Echoes

The Teddy Boy Marches On 

(Western Star)

No one ever said rock'n'roll couldn't be good-natured, sentimental, and introspective. There's even a melody borrowed from "Wabash Cannonball." Fun imbues the whole.

Recommended: "Like It Or Lump It," "Pistol Packin' Man," "Custard Powder Blues," "Answers On The Back Of A Postcard," "Poor Old Barry Brown," "Commer Van Kept A-Rollin'," "Doin' My Own Thing," "Dinner Lady Rock 'n' Roll"

Videos: "Like It Or Lump It," "Dinner Lady Rock 'n' Roll"

Facebook

Western Star

 Ria and the Hi-Binders

"Memory Mountain" b/w "Sinful Man"

(Moondog Music)

Classics by Wanda Jackson and Bill Browning are reverentially reinterpreted by this Helsinki combo. Confident steel and lead guitars exchange solos into the bargain. 

A full LP is in the offing.

Recommended: "Memory Mountain," "Sinful Man"

Videos: "Memory Mountain," (live) "Sinful Man"

Site

Facebook

Moondog Music

 Faz Waltz

"Hot Cold Fever" b/w "Lotta Lovin'"

(Self)

Frantic is the word for Faz.

Recommended: "Hot Cold Fever," "Lotta Lovin'"

Video: "Hot Cold Fever"

Site

Bandcamp

Facebook

Buy