Punk Rock may have existed before, but in 1976, the genre would be reshaped forever when The Ramones hit the scene!
The Ramones released their sefl-titled debut on Sire Records and introduced the world to the template that would be the punk rock sound. Hit Parader editor Lisa Robinson saw the band at CBGB's in New York, and contacted Danny Fields, who would become their manager. Fields got Craig Leon to produce their album, who in turn persuaded Sire president Seymour Stein to listen to the band, which resulted in the band getting a record deal. The Ramones was then recorded in only seven days and costing $6,400 to record. Even the album cover, came at a bargain, as Punk magazine's Roberta Bayley, shot the band leaning against a brick wall for $125 dollars. The photo, has since become one of the most imitated album covers of all time.
The album opens with "Blitzkrieg Bop", which is the most recognized punk songs ever recorded. The up-tempo and pounding pace of the songs, created the blueprint for all punk acts that followed. Measuring at over 160 beats per minute and holding at two-and-a-half minutes, "I Don't Wanna Go Down to the Basement" is the album's longest track making it a crime to go over the 3 minute mark in punk rock.
None of their singles charted, and the album peaked at number 111 on the US Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart, even though it received glowing reviews. Regardless, the albums' influence is undeniable. Punk Rock didn't have one unifying sound before The Ramones, but after, every band worth their salt counted off one, two, three, four! The album was ranked at number 33 in Rolling Stone's 2003 list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, and was certified gold in 2014. An original print of the album today would cost quite a bit as the adoration for the band remains as strong today as it was back in the 70's. All four founding members of The Ramones are no longer with us, but their music is still the anthem for all those who goes against the grain!
Hey Ho Let's Go!