Ramones Raw
by DeadSun

For nearly three decades, the idea that the Ramones were a band that “you either got or you didn’t” has played the role of a two-sided mantra on both sides of the fence. Ramones fans are a unique animal, displaying some of the most rabid loyalty to a band that you’re likely to encounter anywhere. In the mid-70’s, four guys from New York had a plan which was brilliant in its simplicity. They set out to make music that harkened back to the time tested formulas of Rock music from the late-50’s through the mid-60’s--- with two not-so-subtle adjustments--- pumping those formulas full of guitar distortion and amplified volume, and playing those formulas twice as fast.

That, ladies and gentlemen--- even MORE SO than their punk credentials--- is at the very heart of what the Ramones were about. This is the true power behind their simplistic irresistibility, and why their eclectic following of punkers, dopers, pinheads, metalheads, geeks, moshers, and schizoids can put their differences to the side, and come together under the Ramones’ banner. The Ramones were first-born sons of true blue Rock n’ Roll.

Which brings us to the latest music/dvd offering for all of you rabid Ramoniacs out there--- “Ramones Raw”--- an amazing compilation, put out by Image Entertainment, that has enough rare footage of these Rock n’ Roll gods to leave even the most hardcore fan feeling satisfied (and you can take THIS hardcore fan’s word for it). Unearthed from the enviable video archives of Marky Ramone, produced, directed, and edited by John Cafiero--- “Ramones Raw” delivers a staggering 5 hours of rare material which falls within the band’s career from 1979 through 1996. “Ramones Raw” takes you into the crowd, on stage, back stage, AND off stage. A lot of this footage was shot by Marky and, let’s face it, Marky’s video camera had access to band moments that others only dreamt about having. That’s what makes this dvd a must have for any Ramoniac’s collection. 

With “Ramones Raw”, you’ll get audio commentary by Johnny, Marky, and John Cafiero. You’ll get the “Ramones : Live in Italy, 1980”. You’ll catch some of their rare TV appearances--- though I’ll refrain from naming them, and spoiling the surprise. In the spirit of the eclectic fan personalities that this band attracted throughout their career, “Ramones Raw” also sports several guest appearances from a rather diverse range of public personalities; everyone from Grandpa Munster, to Drew Barrymore, to Debbie Harry, to Lemmy Kilmister himself (*devil horns*). 

Need more? How about “Chinese Rock”, live at the Provinssirock Festival, Finland, 1988”, or eight “hidden dvd Easter eggs”? How about the Ramones’ induction into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 ( hey, they manage to make a few good calls every five years or so )? If only Joey could have stayed with us just a little longer to be there. 

“Ramones Raw” is stuffed to capacity with all the music you’ll be glad to have on dvd, and captured live : “Today Your Love, Tomorrow the World”, “Pinhead”, “Cretin Hop”, “Teenage Lobotomy”, “Judy is a Punk”, “I Just Want to Have Something to Do”, “Rockaway Beach”, “Every Time I Eat Vegetables It Makes Me Think of You”, “Do You Remember Rock n’ Roll Radio?”, “Beat on the Brat”… we’re talking 20 classic live performances, wedged in like sandwich meat in between hours of off stage footage.

If you’re a Ramones fan to the degree that I am, this dvd is a godsend--- WELL worth the purchase, and then some.

Joey once asked us if we remember Rock n’ Roll radio. 

I believe it would be DAMN hard to forsake our Rock n’ Roll roots, so long as we remember the Ramones, and the unparalleled dedication that they gave to their fans, year after year. “Ramones Raw” is an earnest attempt by Marky Ramone to help keep that memory alive, and to give it a visual dimension. 

Thank you Joey. Thank you Johnny. Thank you Dee Dee. Thank you Tommy. Thank you Marky. Thank you CJ.

We remember.

Promise.

… this is the DeadSun, signing off.
 

Purchase This DVD online