Joey Ramone "...Ya Know?"

The Ramones were pioneers in the world of rock music. Their sound was unmistakable, their influence would permeate the next several generations of musicians, and music lovers. The world lost the band when they disbanded in 1996, and at the time of this writing has lost 3 of the 4 members of the group. The lead singer, Joey Ramone, embarked on a solo career in the late 90's, but only releasing a solo album in 2002, after his death.

The silence of the voice of one of the most unique bands of all time was in itself deafening and disturbing. What has been unearthed since then are the demos that Joey recorded before he passed. ...Ya Know? is a collection of 15 of those demos. I can't say it's as satisfying to listen to as a Ramones bootleg. It's a departure from the signature fast pace and uptempo tour de force that the Ramones perfected. But it is a glimpse into the later years of Joey. The album contains songs that sound lyrically as though they were unfinished. The choruses mostly seem to just repeat one sentence 3 or 4 times. The album begins with a rollicking "Rock n Roll is the Answer", followed by an equally upbeat "Going Nowhere Fast".

"Seven Days of Gloom", "I Couldn't Sleep" will definitely satisfy those craving the old Ramones sound.

The album ends beautifully, as though on cue with the reflective acoustic tune "Life's a Gas", a song that appeared on the final Ramones studio recording "Adios Amigos" in 1995. The double meaning is unmistakable, as the song ends with the singers voice fading away and the sound of wind chimes taking over. The tranquillity of the song is both moving and soothing. It may be the last we'll hear from Joey, but don't be sad. Life's a gas.


That's what I really think. More to come.