SHOK WAVE: NEW MUSIC RELEASES 4/13/21

Bobby Ramone 'Rocket To Kingston'

Whether or not you know punk rock or not, punk rock is a bit heavier and faster style of rock that is very raw and full of energy. The Ramones is on of America's greatest punk rock bands. The thing about it is the credited artist is Bobby Ramone who, to our knowledge was not an official Ramone, yet retains the name. So who is Bobby Ramone? Nobody knows, the label Guerilla Assoc out of Italy only released the following statement about the album:

 

"Imagine that in the late 1970s, Bob Marley crossed paths with the Ramones at the CBGB and they decided to make a record together. Here is the result: 10 rasta classics with 1-2-3-4 punk rock energy! "

 

That is exactly what this record is musically. The biggest questions are: where di these vocals come from are they Bob Marley's & Peter Tosh's? Is Bunny Wailer in on the harmonies? If so where did they get them? Who played the muzik? Are any of the Ramones actually playing any of the muzik? Who is this guy Bobby Ramone? None of the memebers of The Ramones, past or present, is named Bobby. They were all named Ramone, so is this a want to be Ramone?

 

At the end of the day, ultimately none of this is important. The muzik is all the matters. In this case, the muzik is cause for excitement, fun and makes you want to know more. One day it will reveal. For now, enjoy the muzik it's brilliant. The other thing you need to know, before we get started, the whole concept has had a Ramones make over. The album is called 'Rocket To Kingston,' which is a take off of their best album 'Rocket To Russia.' Then the songs were Ramonified as well. They are all Bob Marley & The Wailers songs with a Ramones twist.Maybe since its all Bob tunes in a Ramones style, thats why they called it Bobby Ramone.

 

 

The album's muzik is all done in a Ramones punk rock style. 'Durango 65' starts the album with a live recording of Bob Marley's voice from the 'Live at Lyceum' album. After Bob's voice it breaks into a straight punk rock instrumental. This is the only instrumental on the album. 'I Don't Want To Stand Up' has both Bob & Peter doing vocals with one of the albums greatest guitar riffs. The last Ramone attribute we left off is the songs a punk rock in length too. Every song is under 3 minutes. 'Stirring In My Room' is the albums longest and stands out with those Ramones harmonies. 'One Love Today, Tomorrow The World' has more of those harmonies and stays true to punk rock at 1:57. 'Jammin' has always been a musical affair so thats why it's called 'Jamming Affairs' on this album. The album is seamlessly well executed to the point it sounds natural. Brilliant mash up, production or whatever you want to call it. The Ramones were born out of garage band & surf muzik so 'Three Little Surfin' Birds' makes it all that much more appropriate. 'Kaya Bop' is by no means a jazz version its a Ramones version with haunting vocals in the beginning and harmonies adding the most influence of The Ramones. 'Glad To See You Cry' is the most different of song titles that incorpoartes the least Bob Marley & the most Ramones. This aspect is needed to show more of The Ramones side of the muzik. 'Is This Love Kills' and starts with the signature punk rock intro of '1-2-3-4.' For my dancehall reggae fans, this song sounds like it starts with the drum pattern from the Dave Kelly 'Madhouse/XL Productions riddim called 85. It sets the tempo, yet the song retains its integrity and has more of Johnny Cash kind of feel with the guitar. Remember, great songs & great muzik can sound good in any style or genre of muzik. This a testament to both Bob Marley & The Wailers as well as The Ramones.