Hop Around

The Ramones were the epitome of American punk rock, a streetgang with guitars. They had the look, the leer and they were loud, loud, loud. Dee Dee fell out with his brothers some time ago, and this album showcases his songs from that halcyon era, coupled with some newer material and a version of 'Chinese Rocks', the druggy anti-anthem made infamous by Johnny Thunders.

Dee Dee's wife Barbara features on bass, accompanied by Billy Rogers on drums and Chris Spedding on keyboards and production duties. In a recent autobiography, Dee Dee regaled us with stories of life on the road with da Brudders, and frankly, I'm amazed he's still alive, let alone playing with this energy.

Ultimately though, I find this dated; that's a pity, but it's also a fact.