The Ramones: A Tribute to Their Legacy and Influence
The Ramones, pioneers of punk rock, faced significant challenges by the end of the 1980s. With the emergence of hardcore punk and the burgeoning grunge scene, their once-revered sound appeared to have lost its edge. The band’s late ’80s albums garnered criticism, with Rolling Stone notably describing 1989’s Brain Drain as “very forgettable.”
The Shift in Musical Landscape
As hardcore bands redefined punk with heavier sounds, the Ramones struggled to maintain their relevance. Dee Dee Ramone, dissatisfied with the band’s direction, departed in 1989 to pursue a career as a rapper under the name Dee Dee King. This marked a pivotal moment in the band’s history, reflecting a broader shift in the music world.
Revitalizing the Ramones’ Sound
In a refreshing nod to the Ramones’ legacy, the Quebec-based metal band Voïvod has covered “Zero Zero UFO” from Brain Drain in their upcoming tribute compilation Best of Ramones Redux. Esteemed avant-garde musician JG Thirlwell, known professionally as Fetus, also contributes to this project. The original track is marked by Jackhammer-style drumming and Joey Ramone’s dynamic vocals, pushing the boundaries of punk at the time.
Production and Unique Interpretations
The tribute album, produced by Marc Urselli—an audio engineer famed for his collaborations with John Zorn—aims to reimagine classic Ramones tracks. It features a diverse array of artists, including Ihsahn, David J, and Zeni Geva, who each provide distinctive takes on the band’s music.
Voïvod’s Creative Take on Ramones Classics
Voïvod’s drummer, Michel “Away” Langevin, expressed his excitement about the project: “I could have recorded one of their songs, but I’ve always dreamed of playing ‘Zero Zero UFOs.’ I was so excited because I might have played it a little faster, so it was challenging for vocalists Snake and Jim (Thirlwell) to put all the words together. Luckily, Mark’s production really makes the track shine.”
A Wider Tribute: Ramones Redux Tracklist
The Best of Ramones Redux features a variety of artists contributing their interpretations. Here’s the complete tracklist:
- 1. Voïvod feat. JG Thirlwell – “Zero Zero UFO”
- 2. Destructo Disk feat. Timo Ellis – “I Don’t Want to Learn/I Don’t Want to Be Tamed”
- 3. Cult feat. Amy Tun Barrismith – “Pet Sematary”
- 4. Oscar Dunbar and The Heat Inc. – “You’re Gonna Kill That Girl”
- 5. Daniel Bursachette and CHVAD SB – “I Can’t”
- 6. Gary Lucas – “KKK Took My Baby Away”
- 7. King Potenas and Nefariant – “Today’s Time Has Come”
- 8. Venamoris feat. Eicca Toppinen – “I Want You”
- 9. KayoDot and Ihsahn – “Teenage Lobotomy”
- 10. Duel – “Chinese Rock”
- 11. Raw Power feat. Sergio Milani – “I Don’t Care”
- 12. Zeni Geva and Besvärjelsen – “Don’t Open That Door”
- 13. A Restless Spirit feat. Jeff Mads – “Poison Heart”
- 14. David J and Paul Wallfish – “I Want to Calm Down”
Conclusion
The tribute album not only serves as a celebration of the Ramones’ influence on punk rock but also highlights the continued relevance of their music in modern interpretations. As new artists explore their sound, the Ramones’ legacy continues to inspire and resonate through generations.