Joey Ramone – Ya Know?

It’s been 11 years since the passing of Punk rock pioneer Joey Ramone, in that time two posthumous albums have been released, the newest being … Ya Know? earlier this year.

... Ya Know? right from the start feels like a record you’ve heard before despite most of the songs surfacing just this year. The reason I say that is because the ever classic Ramones spirit and flavor is found through out most of these tracks... -that my friends is a very good thing as sometimes experimentation can go very wrong, in Joeys case he is able to work on his strengths and offer up only the best use of his pop friendly voice. There are instances where you may be taken by surprise as there are bits of mandolin thrown in on the track Waiting for the Railroad, it’s not overkill and only works to make for a better song in which Joey's voice fits perfect over. There is even a track on the record that would best be described as done in the style of Calypso called Make me Tremble in which Joey absolutely rules vocally. The track Cabin Fever features some electronics, but fear not as Joey doesn’t go techno, the electronics are just there for atmosphere, once again Joey doesn’t disappoint.

This album contains many tracks that also resemble songs you would hear on a Ramones album which of course is what would probably attract most listeners to this album in the first place. Album opener Rock ‘n Roll is the Answer is an anthem that stands up there with the best of his prior bands work, had it come out in the 80‘s there would be a generation of musicians inspired by it. There are also re workings of Ramones tracks Merry Christmas and Life’s a Gas that have a new energy to them done in a way that perhaps would have never been possible unless done on this solo record.

All in all this is one of the best albums you will pick up this year and a great way to remember one of rocks greatest front men ever, the one, the only Joey Ramone. You will get your Ramones fix and more with … Ya Know?.
 

 

-Louie Bones-
Big Wheel Staff Journalist
 

 

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