|
|
Post by mikado-AKA-Shoknifeman on Nov 6, 2011 0:43:45 GMT -5
Disclaimer: I was not really sure how to review this album: I couldn't really review it as an SK album as all the songs are covers of the Ramones; I didn't want to compare the songs to the originals (Most of which I never heard until SK made this album to begin with) and so I decided to just rate each song and the album on their own merits.
Mikey CD/MUSIC REVIEWS ~ OSAKA RAMONESShonen Knife celebrates 30 years by going back to their roots!2011 Tomato Head (Jap) lic: Good Charamel Records (Can-USA) lic: Damnably records (UK) SK: Naoko Yamano (lead singer-guitar), Ritsuko Taneda (BU singer-bass) & Emi Morimoto (BU singer-Drums) All songs originally written by the Ramones and sung by Naoko Yamano (Other than SHEENA IS A PUNK ROCKER (Ritsuko) & THE KKK TOOK MY BABY AWAY (Emi))As a special anniversary present to their fans (And possibly themselves) Shonen Knife has made an all Ramones cover album; as their alter-egos, the Osaka Ramones; the album is deffinately a success as it appeals to fans of the Knife, fans of the Ramones and, more importantly, to fans of both bands. (The reception of die-hard Ramones fans during the near-World tour towards the album, seems to be totally positive!) As for myself, while I don't care for some of the lyrics such as "beat on the brat...with a baseball bat"; as a whole, the album is completely entertaining and so much fun, that the time just flies by while you listen! (Giving you an excuse to listen again!) It begins with Naoko's enthusiastic take on Blitzkrieg Bop; and moves at a pretty fast pace through 13 Ramones songs that were specially picked by Naoko. The album also features the debuts of both Ritsuko (Sheena) and Emi (KKK) as lead singers on an SK album; personally, I hope this won't be the last time as both girls have much talent and have helped to bring out the very best in Naoko, who seems to be totally rejuvinated, along with Shonen Knife itself, since they joined! Osaka Ramones  1/2 out of 5 Track List: BLITZKRIEG BOP ROCK 'n' ROLL HIGH SCHOOL WE WANT THE AIRWAVES SHE'S THE ONE ROCKAWAY BEACH SHEENA IS A PUNK ROCKER SCATTERGUN PSYCHO THERAPY THE KKK TOOK MY BABY AWAY WE'RE A HAPPY FAMILY CHINESE ROCK PINHEAD
|
|
|
|
Post by mikado-AKA-Shoknifeman on Nov 8, 2011 2:11:14 GMT -5
Osaka Ramones ~ Song review~ BLITZKRIEG BOP
What better way to start a Ramones cover album than with the immortal words " Hey Ho, let's go!!!" , the familiar catch phrase of BLITZKRIEG BOP; Naoko and company deliver a smooth , musical version of the song with Ritsuko and Emi backing her up flawlessly; both instrumentally and with their voices (A year ago, I wouldn't have thought Emi could have played this; she sure has improved in leaps and bounds; just in time to prove that she is ready to take up the mantle of SK's permanent drummer).
This is a great way to begin an album that mostly gets better and better as it goes along.
|
|
|
|
Post by mikado-AKA-Shoknifeman on Nov 8, 2011 2:19:12 GMT -5
Osaka Ramones ~ Song review~ ROCK 'n' ROLL HIGH SCHOOL
The Ramones' roots as a punk-surf band really show up here as you can almost "feel" the the Beach Boys influence in both the guitar riffs and the back-up vocals; Emi's drumming is superb on this cut!
In a tribute to their own roots, Naoko and Ritsuko bring back the "Buzzsaw" guitar sound of the early SK albums; only, Naoko sounds better than ever, here!
|
|
|
|
Post by mikado-AKA-Shoknifeman on Nov 8, 2011 2:24:37 GMT -5
Osaka Ramones ~ Song review~ WE WANT THE AIRWAVES
I consider this the best played song on the album; both the drums and guitar riffs are amazing and Ritsuko's baseline is perfection itself (I hope this album finally shuts up Naoko's detractors). Of course, it's probably easier to produce an album when the songs and arrangements have all been done ahead of time, by someone else, long ago; however, this should by no means detract from the fact that this is an excellent cut!
|
|
|
|
Post by mikado-AKA-Shoknifeman on Nov 8, 2011 2:29:05 GMT -5
Osaka Ramones ~ Song review~ SHE'S THE ONE
A standard fast "love song" rocker, this cut may be the least innovative song on the album; but, what makes this song so enjoyable, is Naoko's great lead vocals (Although, she might have changed it to "He's the One" lol )
Wow, this is my 1300th post!!
|
|
|
|
Post by mikado-AKA-Shoknifeman on Nov 8, 2011 2:39:48 GMT -5
Osaka Ramones ~ Song review~ ROCKAWAY BEACH
Again the "surf sound" (including the 3) part harmonies is enphasized here, with punk undertones; great playing by all 3 girls makes what one might call one of the "weaker" songs on the album rather enjoyable, nonetheless.
|
|
|
|
Post by mikado-AKA-Shoknifeman on Nov 8, 2011 2:46:06 GMT -5
Osaka Ramones ~ Song review~ SHEENA IS A PUNK ROCKER
My 2nd favorite cut on the album, and the first of 2 songs without Naoko as lead singer, this song seems to be made to order for Ritsuko, as this song is bass driven and her voice seems to lend itself perfectly to this tune. Ritsuko's enthusiastic, clear vocals make this one a real pleasure to hear! I have heard the Ramones version of this song and, while I'd have to say that the original version is a bit more polished, I feel that I like them both equally, on their own merits.
|
|
|
|
Post by mikado-AKA-Shoknifeman on Nov 11, 2011 0:29:17 GMT -5
Osaka Ramones ~ Song review~ SCATTERGUNThe main attraction of this song, for me, is the tight playing , almost as if the 3 instruments were "beating with one heart"; Emi's best talent as a drummer is her ability to meld her drums into the arrangement seamlessly. (Etsuko plays drums in more of a "solo drummer" style) << If you are unclear of what I mean here, ask and i'll try to explain 
|
|
|
|
Post by mikado-AKA-Shoknifeman on Nov 11, 2011 0:38:12 GMT -5
Osaka Ramones ~ Song review~ PSYCHO THERAPY
This song begins very much like SKs own "Space Christmas"; then goes in a totally different direction where lyrics and mood are concerned; on the surface, it just seems like someone making fun of the rantings of a rebellious teenager ; but, reaching down, it comes off as a real cry for help (I have heard that the Ramones had some serious drug problems). It really feels strange to hear Naoko, the kitten, food and bugsong Queen, singing a song with such dark undertones; but, I guess as long as she is doing a Ramones tribute album, I can just enjoy the sound and the fantastic beat of what is a pretty good song, otherwise.
|
|
|
|
Post by mikado-AKA-Shoknifeman on Nov 11, 2011 1:17:24 GMT -5
Osaka Ramones ~ Song review~ THE KKK TOOK MY BABY AWAYEasily the best cut on the album; this rousing remake, is Emi-chan's "Coming out party"; showing off just how talented this tiny bundle of energy is! As I said on You Tube "...whoever would have thought little Emi-chan could sing like this?" Emi's vocals and Ritsuko's baseline make this one of those cases when the remake leaves the original in the dust; if I could cite any ONE reason for buying this album, this cut is IT! This song blew me away when I first heard it ; and if you haven't heard it (Which I doubt), you'll know what I mean, as soon as you do! Well Emi, you've finally done it; you've taken Etsuko's throne!!! 
|
|
|
|
Post by Nuclear Seagull on Nov 13, 2011 8:17:37 GMT -5
Osaka Ramones ~ Song review~ SHE'S THE ONEA standard fast "love song" rocker, this cut may be the least innovative song on the album; but, what makes this song so enjoyable, is Naoko's great lead vocals (Although, she might have changed it to "He's the One" lol ) Wow, this is my 1300th post!! She hasn't changed it, it's still "She's the one". And in "Rock 'n roll highschool" she's singing: "I just want to have some kicks, I just want to get some chicks".So this makes me wonder; is Naoko a little bit... well you know... bisexual?  |
|
|
|
Post by mikado-AKA-Shoknifeman on Nov 13, 2011 17:14:56 GMT -5
Osaka Ramones ~ Song review~ SHE'S THE ONEA standard fast "love song" rocker, this cut may be the least innovative song on the album; but, what makes this song so enjoyable, is Naoko's great lead vocals (Although, she might have changed it to "He's the One" lol ) Wow, this is my 1300th post!! She hasn't changed it, it's still "She's the one". And in "Rock 'n roll highschool" she's singing: "I just want to have some kicks, I just want to get some chicks".So this makes me wonder; is Naoko a little bit... well you know... bisexual? I think you misunderstood, I meant that she COULD have changed it to HE, so it didn't have lesbian undertones, but that she didnt |
|
|
|
Post by Nuclear Seagull on Nov 14, 2011 8:32:49 GMT -5
Don't worry, I was only joking.  |
|
rocket
Junior Member
Posts: 80
|
Post by rocket on Nov 14, 2011 16:17:25 GMT -5
I like the one two three four at the begining of Rockaway Beach.
Even better than Dee Dee.
|
|
|
|
Post by mikado-AKA-Shoknifeman on Nov 19, 2011 3:25:16 GMT -5
Two of the last three songs on the album have rather disturbing lyrics; so, I took a few days off to try and figure out what to say about them.... As it turns out, I figured nothing out, so, I'll just "wing it"! Osaka Ramones ~ Song review~ WE'RE A HAPPY FAMILYThis song's driving beat and hard baselines contrast with Naoko's rather less frenetic vocals; the lyrics supposedly tell the story of the Ramones less than perfect home life; one of the weaker tracks , so far as I'm concerned. The ending is cute though, has that "Secretly taped at a party" aura.
|
|
