Ramones
The Ramones' punk-pop music is like a pro wrestler's diatribe—loud, passionate and delivered with an all-in-fun wink. Their no-frills, "Look, Ma! No hands" Three-chord style jump-started the American punk-rock movement almost 20 years ago, influenced a host of their contemporaries and kept the fun factor alive in an industry often forgetful that it is, after all, only rock and roll. Acid Eaters is a collection of the band's (presumably) favorite '60s gems, from classic rock stalwarts like The Who's "Substitute" (with Pete Townshend on vocals) to the Stones' "Out of Time" and the Jefferson Airplane's "Somebody to Love" (which, alas, is done little justice). As might be expected, when the Ramones get hold of songs like these, they don't waste lime getting into high gear (a totally deconstructed version of Bob Dylan's "My Back Pages" whizzes by at autobahn speed). Holding no great artistic surprises or statements, Acid Eaters is a loud and proud peek at the Ramones' record collection and further proof that by keeping the pretense level nonexistent, they remain one of the coolest bands around. (Radio Active/MCA)
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