CJ Ramone

w/Rushmore, The Areolas, Broken Gold

The Back Booth, Friday, May 27, Orlando, Florida

The Ramones changed the rules on what was to be expected from a band, both musically and in terms of personalities. CJ Ramone joined the fabled band in 1989, after founding member Dee Dee Ramone called it quits. I saw The Ramones in 1990, on the Loco Live Tour and it changed my life in a way zealots can only hope a religious conversion can.

The music came at the audience hard, fast, and unrelenting, not allowing the audience time to process what they were witnessing. The effect was profoundly transformative.

So here’s CJ Ramone now in Orlando, at The Backbooth, fronting a four piece band , and supporting his album, Last Chance to Dance. And the man does justice to his and his old band’s legacy.

Tough and straightforward, CJ led his band through the paces, with classic Ramones numbers, solo tunes from his exceptional LP, and to his credit, dove into the less well known regions of The Ramones catalog.

Not content to be a nostalgia act covering the same ground endlessly, he counted off the classics “Danny Says,” “Outsider,” and a solid reading of The Ronettes “Baby, I need Your Love” from End of the Century. All were bandied out to a warm response. Sure he played the obligatory songs, “Commando,” “Psychotherapy,” and “Blitzkrieg Bop,” and he seemed to enjoy them as much as the audience, but by going deep he gave insight into his own personality, reminding everyone there was more to the band than the well worn live set list. Also included was “Three Angels” a solo number about the passing of Johnny, Joey and Dee Dee.

CJ proved to be gracious, signing new and old releases from fans as well as posing for the per-requisite selfies with all who asked. For a time, every other band seemed to be a Ramones inspired, sound-alike, and thankfully most of the half assed ones have disappeared. We are lucky to have CJ and look forward to all he has to say in the years to come.

Broken Gold from Austin, Texas, delivered up some super tasty, post-punk musical stylings. Strong on the melodies and positively lyrical lead guitar work, Broken Gold have their own well developed sense of self while calling to mind an amazing array of references. The guitars chime, and vocals are slurred into pop song structures and all of it is powerfully engaging.

I finally managed to see Orlando’s own The Areolas, and resisted the urge to shout boob comments at them. They were fun in a seat of the pants, we sort of know what we’re doing way. They have some great droll songs and seem to be having fun. What can I say? I have a sweet spot for the Areolas. And you should too.