CJ Says: A Ramones Podcast

Hey kids!

Welcome to the season finale of CJ Says: A Ramones Podcast.

This episode comes to you in two parts and we're going straight to the source for our Series One closer…

Before the leather jackets, uniform haircuts and three-chord assault that rewired the nervous system, the Ramones were just a bunch of kids knocking about Queens, riding their bikes, and figuring out what they wanted to do with the rest of their lives.

Enter Monte A. Melnick: longtime Ramones tour manager, keeper of the keys, witness to the madness, and the man who was there before the legend had a pulse.

Monte takes us back to the very beginning over the course of this two-hour conversation, to his friendship with Tommy Ramone and the unlikely chain of events that helped turn a neighbourhood connection into one of the most influential bands on the planet.

Make no mistake, Tommy was the architect. He was, as Monte confirms, the brains behind the entire operation! And that's not all Monte confirms!

So, join us for one final trip down the rabbit hole with one of the Ramones’ inner circle...

This is Part One. Part Two will close the first season of CJ Says in two weeks time.

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Hey kids!

The end is nigh. The leather jackets are battered, the engines are running on fumes, and the greatest punk rock ‘n’ roll band on the planet is staring down the barrel of its final studio album.

But Adios Amigos isn't quite the predictable last blast you might expect. There's more going on here than meets the eye…

This week, we dive into Side A of the Ramones' final record, from Tom Waits' ‘I Don't Want to Grow Up’—the unlikely cover CJ championed—to Daniel Rey's invaluable contribution behind the boards, and how Dee Dee's solo songs found their way back into the band he left behind in 1989.

For CJ, Dee Dee was reaching new heights as a songwriter by this point, bringing a poetic, loose-limbed edge to the band's familiar three-chord assault.Then there's Joey Ramone’s ‘Life's a Gas,’ a playful, philosophical reflection on life's fleeting beauty, and CJ's own personal journey from the Marine Corps to the Ramones.

This is a story about chasing your dreams, following your instincts, and sometimes having to choose your own path to follow.

The final chapter? Maybe. But there's still plenty of life left in this machine.

We’ll see you in two weeks for the Side B Deep Dive, which we’re putting up on all the public platforms. Then we’ll be taking a short break until the new year.

But for now, drop the needle and come with us as we revisit the Ramones’ fourteenth and final studio album.

Gabba Gabba Hey!!!

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Hey kids! Welcome back…

Before she was dancing with zombies in The Return of the Living Dead, Linnea Quigley was a Midwestern kid who jumped ship for Los Angeles, found punk rock, picked up a guitar and started making some noise.

In this episode, Linnea takes us from the early LA punk scene and her adventures in music to cult horror movies, chainsaws, prosthetics and the wonderfully deranged world of The Return of the Living Dead.

And then there’s the Ramones…

Linnea takes us behind the scenes of the legendary ‘Substitute’ music video shoot, recalling late nights with the band and hanging out with Johnny and giving us a glimpse into that glorious moment when punk rock, horror movies and underground culture all collided.

Gabba Gabba Hey!

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For the penultimate episode of the CJ Says Deep Dive Series, Matt Stocks and CJ Ramone dive headfirst into Acid Eaters—the Ramones’ glorious trip through the songs, sounds and sub-genres that first inspired the band back in 1977.

For Matt, this record is personal. Acid Eaters was the first proper Ramones album he ever owned after being seduced by the album cover and the promise of whatever was happening inside.

And CJ was there, in the studio, with the band, and he’s got the intel on all of it.What started life as an EP eventually mutated into a full-length covers album, giving the Ramones a chance to forget trying to second guess the ever-evolving music industry and simply play the music they loved.

According to CJ, they absolutely loved the experience!On this Side A Deep Dive, we get into the song selections, the psychedelic concept, the garage-rock DNA of the Ramones, the recording sessions, and the sheer joy of four guys locking into a groove and kicking out the jams…

Acid Eaters isn't just the Ramones playing other people's songs. It’s the sound of a band digging through their record collection, pulling out the deep cuts that shaped them into the group we all know and love, turning up the volume and showing us exactly where they came from.

The trip starts here.

Turn on. Tune in. Drop out.

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Hey kids! Welcome to another episode of CJ Says: A Ramones Podcast.

This week, we're joined by Joe Sib—singer, storyteller, comedian, label boss, lifer, and all-round punk rock renaissance man.

We dive deep into the Ramones universe in this interview, from Joe's recollection of first meeting CJ on the Escape from New York tour in 1990 and discovering they were two kids with the same musical background, to why CJ felt like “one of us” when he stepped into the shoes of Dee Dee Ramone.

We also head way back to the gloriously chaotic early days of Wax, a pre-fame Spike Jonze and the birth of Jackass, when music videos were fuelled by little more than youthful exuberance, no money, mad ideas, and a complete disregard for personal safety.

Then there's Joe's infamous Pinhead story: his extraordinary quest to become the Pinhead at the Ramones' final New York show. The tale involves Johnny Ramone, Eddie Vedder, and one of the greatest cases of mistaken identity in punk-rock history.

So join us for a trip through backstage corridors, dive bars and the volatile chaos of the punk-rock underground, where friendships become the stuff of legend and you absolutely never know what's going to happen next.

As always, to stream the second half of this week's interview and access all our additional bonus content, head over to www.patreon.com/cjsays

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Hey kids! Welcome back to CJ Says: A Ramones Podcast.

This week, we’re going deep into Side A of Mondo Bizarro with a man who was there. The one and only CJ Ramone…

We kick things off with ‘Censorshit’, Joey Ramone’s furious, funny and unapologetically political response to the music-censorship battles of the early ’90s. CJ takes us inside the recording of the track, explains why it was an obvious choice to open the album, and recalls how the Ramones worked out the sequencing in the studio, moving songs around on the board as the record took shape.

We talk about Joey’s vocal performance, the Ramones’ history of tackling social and political subjects, and why ‘Censorshit’ worked so perfectly as both a killer album opener and a statement of intent.

Then it’s on to Marky Ramone’s ‘The Job That Ate My Brain’, with CJ shedding light on Marky's collaboration with songwriter Garrett Uhlenbrock and the wicked little world contained within the song.

From there, as always, it’s a deep dive into all the songs on Side A of the album, including the songwriting, the studio sessions, the sequencing, and the stories behind the tracks—only this time, we get to hear it all firsthand from a man who was actually in the room.

So crank it up, drop the needle, and join us for the Mondo Bizarro Side A Deep Dive.

And if you want to keep digging, head over to www.patreon.com/cjsays for the Side B Deep Dive and the rest of our exclusive Patreon content.

You won’t regret it. Gabba Gabba Hey!

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Hey kids! Welcome to another episode of CJ Says: A Ramones Podcast.

This week, we're stepping into the wonderfully deranged world of Dirty Donny— artist, hot-rod obsessive, Ramones fanatic, and one of the great modern custodians of the all-American art forms of rock 'n' roll, lowbrow and car culture.

Drawing inspiration from legends like Coop and Big Daddy Roth, Donny has spent decades creating a visual universe packed with flames, monsters, skulls, chrome and enough gasoline fumes to permanently alter your brain chemistry. And then there was the small matter of spending six months hanging around Metallica's studio, painting guitars and becoming part of their creative world.

We talk lowbrow art, rock 'n' roll, Americana, the DIY spirit and why underground culture has a habit of disappearing into the shadows before roaring back into the limelight. Donny also shares his thoughts on helping younger artists and keeping that creative fire burning for the next generation.

So fire up your hot rod and join us for a trip down the rabbit hole of art, music, motorcycles and the beauty of doing things your own way.

To stream the second half of this week's artist interview and access the rest of our exclusive bonus content, head over to www.patreon.com/cjsays

And to pre-order Donny's new book, Dirty Donny Must Be Destroyed: The Art of Donny Giles, out September 29, head over to www.dirtydonny.com

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Hey kids! Welcome to another Deep Dive episode of CJ Says: A Ramones Podcast.

This week, we drop the needle on Brain Drain—the Ramones' eleventh studio album, released in 1989, and a record that arrived at one of the most turbulent moments in the band's history.

By this point, the cracks were beginning to show. Richie Ramone was gone, Dee Dee was battling his own demons, and the band were facing the increasingly familiar struggle between artistic credibility, commercial success, and simply keeping the machine moving. And yet, somehow, Brain Drain produced some of the most memorable songs of the Ramones' later years.

From the irresistible 'I Believe in Miracles' to the sublime soundtrack song 'Pet Sematary', Brain Drain is a fascinating collision of classic Ramones songwriting, vintage '80s production, and even a Christmas song thrown into the mix.

In this week's Deep Dive, we get under the skin of the record (or skull) of Brain Drain—the songs, the stories, the lineup changes, and the bizarre context surrounding an album that's often overlooked in favour of the Ramones' earlier, more celebrated records.

So grab your leather jacket, turn up the volume up dial, and join us as we revisit Brain Drain, an album made by a band who may have been running low on fumes, but somehow still had enough gas left in the tank to go to the distance as they entered the third—and arguably most successful—decade of their career...

The Ramones weren't finished yet. Not by a long shot.

As always, if you want to hear the Side B Deep Dive and stream the rest of our exclusive bonus content, head over to www.patreon.com/cjsays

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Hey kids! Welcome to another episode of CJ Says: A Ramones Podcast.

This week, we're heading north of the border to Vancouver to sit down with one of the great survivors of the punk rock underground: Joey Shithead, frontman of DOA, and a man who’s spent nearly five decades making noise, causing trouble, and proving that punk was never supposed to be a spectator sport.

Joey takes us back to the beginning—to the first time he saw the Ramones and The Clash and realised that this strange, furious thing called punk rock could change the course of your life. From the Commodore Ballroom to the sweaty clubs and broken-down vans of the Canadian underground scene, Joey’s story is about discovering music and deciding, against all reasonable advice, to throw himself headfirst into the lifestyle.

But beneath the noise, the politics and righteous aggression lies something even more important: community. Joey remembers a punk scene where the bands looked after one another, raised money when somebody's gear got stolen, shared stages, ideas, and somehow managed to build a culture out of absolutely nothing.

Along the way, we get stories of friendships, survival, and the strange pathways that connect Vancouver's underground music scene to international rockstars like Duff McKagan from Guns N’ Roses—proving that the widespread punk rock family tree is connected to the same roots, all off which spring from the Ramones…

As always, to stream the second half of this artist interview and access the rest of our bonus content, head over to www.patreon.com/cjsays

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Hey kids! Welcome to another Deep Dive episode of CJ Says: A Ramones Podcast.

This week, we drop the needle on Halfway to Sanity—the Ramones' tenth studio album, released in 1987, which proved that after eleven years of broken hearts and internal warfare, the brothers weren't ready to lie down and die.

By this point, the musical landscape had changed beyond recognition. Punk had mutated, MTV had taken over the airwaves, and the Ramones were deeper into their career than most bands ever survive. Yet here they were, still writing songs, making records, and somehow still sounding unmistakably like themselves…

Produced by Daniel Rey, Halfway to Sanityfinds the band somewhere between refinement and rawness. Debbie Harry drops by for a vocal cameo, Walter Lure adds additional guitar to the soundscape, and Dee Dee increasingly turns his songwriting inwards—swapping some of the cartoonish chaos of his earlier material for something more personal, vulnerable, and occasionally downright unsettling!

In this week's Deep Dive, we pull apart the songs, the production and the circumstances surrounding one of the most overlooked records in the Ramones’ back catalogue. So grab your leather jacket and join us somewhere halfway between genius and insanity…then head over to www.patreon.com/cjsays and join us for the Side B Deep Dive where we turn the record over and discuss the second half of the album. Hey! Ho! Let’s GO!!!

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Hey kids! Welcome to another episode of CJ Says: A Ramones Podcast.

This week, we throw the doors of the punk-rock asylum wide open and invite onto the show the illustrious Blag Dahlia—frontman of the Dwarves, professional troublemaker, underground philosopher, solo artist, and one of the few men alive who can discuss the Ramones, Frank Zappa, jazz, rock 'n' roll, swing, and the decline of Western civilisation without even pausing for breath…

In this interview, Blag explains why the Ramones changed his life, not because they were the most technically accomplished musicians, but because they made making music feel possible! We also delve into the DNA of the Dwarves: the filthy lyrics, outrageous iconography, and deliberate collision of pop songwriting and confrontational art. Because beneath all the blood, guts and public indecency Blag always had the same obsession: making great music.

Along the way, we discuss why the Ramones had swing, why rock 'n' roll needs humour and danger to stay alive, and what happens when punk takes itself so seriously that the people creating it forget to have any fun. Blag also opens up about getting older, his constant quest for artistic reinvention, and the Ralph Champagne project, which proves that staying true to yourself doesn't have to mean staying the same forever.

So join us for a wild ride into punk, pop, rock 'n' roll, and the fine art of staying weird!

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Hey kids! Welcome to another Deep Dive episode of CJ Says: A Ramones Podcast.

This week, we drop the needle on Animal Boy—the Ramones' ninth studio album and one of the most idiosyncratically awkward records in the band's back catalogue.

Animal Boy is a far from perfect record. Yet, there are flashes of brilliance buried beneath some questionable production, strange sequencing, curious keyboards, and moments where Johnny's guitar sounds like it’s been away locked in a cupboard. But underneath the sonic clutter is some seriously great songwriting—and, perhaps more importantly, a fascinating snapshot of a band beginning to pull in different directions.

In this week's Deep Dive, we get under the skin (or fur) of 'Animal Boy' to uncover what works, what doesn't, and why the most interesting Ramones albums aren't necessarily the ones where every single song hits the bullseye...Sometimes the fun is in finding the few bullets that somehow survived the gunfight!

Join us as we explore the production, the personalities, the song choices and the wider cultural landscape surrounding the band during the mid-'80s period. By the time Side A is over, you might find yourself listening to Animal Boya little differently...

As always, head over to www.patreon.com/cjsays to stream the Side B Deep Dive and all the rest of our exclusive bonus content. There is now over 30 hours worth of extra episodes waiting to be enjoyed!

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Hey kids! Welcome to another instalment of CJ Says: A Ramones Podcast.

We've got a great artist interview lined up this week.

Before New York became a cultural phenomenon, it was a state of mind—a city where punk rock, fashion, nightlife, and art collided inside smoke-filled clubs beneath neon lights.

This week, we're joined by one of the true architects of that world…

Miss Guy is a musician, DJ, performer and trailblazer whose journey into New York's underground began with a chance meeting with Malcolm McLaren and quickly evolved into a life spent at the heart of the city's creative explosion. From the drag-fuelled chaos of St. Mark's Place to co-founding the legendary SqueezeBox club night, Miss Guy wasn't simply there watching history unfold—he was actively helping to shape it.

In Part One of this week's fascinating conversation with a proper New York legend, we explore the clubs, the characters, and the beautiful misfits who transformed New York into the creative capital of the punk rock world. Along the way, we discover why style became confidence, how the city's outsiders found strength in one another, and where the Ramones fit in amongst the underground scene that transformed pop culture forever.

It’s time to leave daylight behind and step back in time to a New York that could never exist today. You just had to be there...and Miss Guy was…this is his story!

To stream the second half of this week’s artist interview, as always, head over to www.patreon.com/cjsays

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Hey kids! Welcome to another Deep Dive episode of CJ Says: A Ramones Podcast.

This week, we drop the needle on Too Tough to Die — the album that didn't just save the Ramones…it reminded the world who they were…

By 1984, the musical landscape had shifted beneath their feet. Punk rock had splintered into a thousand different directions, mainstream success remained frustratingly out of reach, and the band themselves seemed caught somewhere between experimentation and lack of direction. Then came Too Tough to Die.

With Tommy Ramone back behind the console alongside longtime Ramones collaborator Ed Stasium, a rejuvenated Dee Dee firing on all creative cylinders once again, Richie Ramone injecting fresh energy behind the kit, and Joey developing a grittier, more confrontational voice, the band stopped chasing the charts and started sounding like themselves again.

In this week's Deep Dive, we explore the songs, the stories, and the subtle reinvention that makes Too Tough to Die one of the most important records in the band's entire back catalogue. This record is the sound of the Ramones planting their boots firmly back on the sidewalk and reminding the world that nobody ever did punk rock quite like the Ramones.

Join us as we revisit the album that truly lived up to its name…Too Tough to Die!

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Hey kids! Welcome to another episode of CJ Says: A Ramones Podcast.

Long before Manic Panic became one of the world's most recognisable hair colour brands, its founders, Tish and Snooky, were simply two young sisters trying to carve out a place for themselves in the beautiful chaos of New York's underground scene.

This week, we sit down with the creators of the legendary company to explore a story that stretches far beyond hair dye and make-up—from their childhoods and the early days of CBGB to forming the gloriously named Sick Fucks, scraping together just $500 to launch a business, and eventually building a global punk rock institution. It's a modern-day fairytale of resilience, resourcefulness, and refusing to wait for permission. It’s a story of kicking down doors and breaking through barriers—much like their old friends, the Ramones.

Tish and Snooky, perhaps more than any other guests we've welcomed onto the podcast thus far, embody the DIY spirit that powered an entire generation of outsiders to reshape the future ahead of them.

This is an episode about friendship, family, creativity, and the fierce individuality that made New York's punk and new wave scene unlike anything that came before—or since.

The Ramones may have provided the soundtrack, but Tish and Snooky helped give punk its colour.

So, come meet the women who proved that sometimes the biggest revolutions begin with nothing more than a personal vision... and five hundred dollars in your back pocket!

To stream the second half of this interview and unlock the rest of our exclusive bonus content, head over to www.patreon.com/cjsays

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Hey kids! Welcome to another Deep Dive episode of CJ Says: A Ramones Podcast.

This week, we explore the bizarre world of the Ramones' seventh studio album, Subterranean Jungle—a record that divides fans as much today as it did back in 1983.

An unexpected pair of cover songs kick things off, and the production is notably more ‘experimental’ than anything the band had attempted to date, which begs the question: were the Ramones consciously evolving their sound... or simply fighting to survive as the musical landscape of the early '80s drifted further and further away from the proto-punk, glam, and bubblegum pop sounds that shaped them?

Here, we pick apart the songs, the sound, the stories, and the circumstances that produced one of the most divisive records in the Ramones' back catalogue. From the undeniable punch of Psycho Therapy to the left-field cover songs, uneven songwriting, and alienating production decisions that continue to baffle and bemuse longtime fans, nothing escapes the microscope.

Subterranean Jungle may never top anyone's list of favourite Ramones records—you'd be mad to call it their finest hour—but sometimes the most illuminating insights are found in the albums that refuse to fit neatly into the band’s wider discography.

So grab your leather jacket, drop the needle on Side A, and join us as we venture down one of the Ramones' most intriguing and confusing musical rabbit holes.

To stream our Side B Deep Dive and unlock the rest of our exclusive bonus content, head over to www.patreon.com/cjsays

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This week on CJ Says, we sit down with one of the true originals of American punk rock 'n' roll. Nikki Corvette is a singer, songwriter, and unapologetic rock and roller whose story begins—much like proto-punk pioneers The Stooges and MC5—in the Motor City of Detroit.

Emerging from a scene that prized attitude and authenticity, Nikki quietly embodies both. Equal parts primitive punk rock and infectious girl-group pop, her music proves you don't need to scream and shout to be tough. Long before female voices were finally given the musical recognition they deserved during the '90s Riot Grrrl movement, Nikki was writing the kind of short, sharp, hooky songs the Ramones instinctively recognised as the beating heart of American rock 'n' roll, which is exactly why they embraced her as one of their own.

In this conversation, we talk Detroit, the Ramones, songwriting, stepping away from music, and returning decades later with newfound purpose and perspective. More than a look back at Nikki's remarkable career, this is a celebration of persistence, individuality, and the artists who quietly shape musical history while everyone else is busy trying to define it.

To stream the second half of this amazing interview and access the rest of our exclusive bonus content, head over to www.patreon.com/cjsays -

Be sure to steam and support Nikki's music too, and follow her on social media for tour updates & more info! @nikkicorvette

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Hey kids! Welcome to Episode 011 of CJ Says: A Ramones Podcast.

This week, we drop the needle on the Ramones' sixth studio album, Pleasant Dreams, which might just be the most underrated record of their entire career.

Before we begin, a huge thank you to everyone who’s already subscribed to the show over on Patreon. Your enthusiasm, support, and belief in this little corner of the Ramones universe continues to inspire us every single week. This podcast simply would not be gathering the momentum it has without you. So, thank you!

As for Pleasant Dreams... it's an LP that’s spent decades living in the long shadow cast by the records that came before it. Too polished for some. Not punk enough for others. Yet hidden beneath surface of the album’s glossy production lies a collection of pop punk classics that still carry the unmistakable DNA of the Ramones.

Come with us now as we dissect an album that deserves another listen, another conversation, and maybe—just maybe—a little reevaluation…

What are your favourite moments from Pleasant Dreams? Which tracks hit the right marks for you? And for all those flipping the record with us over on www.patreon.com/cjsays, does Side B continue the momentum set by Side A?

More importantly, where does Pleasant Dreams sit alongside the Ramones albums we’ve explored so far?

Let's drop the needle and find out!!

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There are photographers who take pictures, and there are those who capture culture itself in their images. Bob Gruen firmly falls into the latter group.

In this week’s guest interview, we sit down with the legendary rock 'n’ roll documentarian whose images helped define the look and spirit of 1970s New York - and beyond.

While other photographers exclusively chased stars, Bob Gruen was drawn to the raw energy of downtown Manhattan and the Lower East Side, where he documented all the artists busy reinventing rock 'n’ roll—including the Ramones!!

What made Bob's work so special wasn't just the access that he gained to these punk rock pioneers; it was the moments that he captured. His relaxed, no-nonsense approach enabled him to portray these artists as they really were, in their natural habitat. In the process, he created images that feel less like portraits and more like moments forever suspended in time.

So join us, Pinheads, as we explore Bob Gruen's remarkable story, his connection to the Ramones, and his lifelong belief that rock 'n' roll ain’t just about the music—it's about freedom, authenticity, and being truly present when something truly extraordinary happens…

As always, thank you checking out the podcast. We really appreciate all the support.

Head over to www.patreon.com/cjsays to unlock all of our exclusive bonus content. And visit here for more info on Bob Gruen, including photo prints & featured articles etc:

https://www.bobgruen.com/

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In Episode 009 of CJ Says: A Ramones Podcast, we step into the strange and fascinating world of the Ramones’ fifth studio album, 'End of the Century' — an album forever suspended between the neon glow of pure pop ambition and the battered leather jacket of punk rock purity.

It’s 1980. The Ramones have already helped redraw the map of modern music, and now they find themselves in the hands of eccentric production wizard Phil Spector, chasing a bigger sound, bigger audiences, and perhaps something even more elusive: mainstream success.

What emerged was their most commercial sounding album to date — and also one of their most divisive.

Was 'End of the Century' a betrayal of the stripped-back simplicity that made the Ramones legends and pioneers of punk? Or, was it the logical conclusion of a band who always hid their love of 1960s pop music beneath distortion and speed?

From the opening nostalgic bombast of 'Do You Remember Rock and Roll Radio?' to the unlikely symphonic beauty of 'Baby, I Love You' and the eternal adolescent rallying cry of 'Rock and Roll High School', this is a record that continues to provoke arguments long after its last chord fades…

In this Deep Dive episode, we’ll explore the illustrious 'End of the Century' recording sessions, whether or not Phil Spector's towering Wall of Sound was a good match for the sonic highways journeyed by the Ramones, the absence of Tommy Ramone from the studio and production dials, and the dissension that arose amongst the band's fanbase after punk's most obstinate outsiders initiated an all-out assault on mainstream music.

It’s the end of the seventies…it’s the End of the Century…

So plug in and turn it up!

If you want to hear to the Side B Deep Dive and stream the rest of our bonus content, head over to www.patreon.com/cjsays

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When the topic of punk rock comes up in conversation, the Ramones are often at the forefront of the discussion. Their raw energy and unique sound changed the landscape of music indefinitely.

In Episode 008 of CJ Says, we enjoy a fascinating conversation with Kid Congo Powers - former president of the West Coast Ramones Fan Club and guitarist in The Gun Club, The Cramps & Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - in which Kid shares his personal encounters with the band and the impact that they had upon him and countless others...

Here, Kid recalls the early days of punk, the excitement of waiting for that first Ramones’ record, and the thrill of seeing the band live for the first time. He also shares how the Ramones were different from other bands at that time, in that they were accessible, encouraging and cultivating a genuine connection with their fanbase.

The duties that Kid undertook as President of the West Coast Ramones Fan Club can be seen as an early form of social media; he facilitated interactions among Ramones fans in a pre-internet world, and the grassroots efforts of people like Kid played a significant role in promoting the Ramones music early in their career. This sense of community surrounding the band remained prevalent until the end - it’s even still evident today!!!

Throughout this conversation, Kid emphasizes the lessons that he learned from interacting with the Ramones early on. Their approachability and humility set a standard for how musicians should engage with their audience - it's where Kid learnt the importance of treating fans with respect.

Connection and community are central themes throughout Kid's narrative. For him, punk was not just about the music; it meant finding a tribe of like-minded individuals, forming meaningful relationships and a place to belong. For Kid, the Ramones fostered an environment where fans felt valued and included, and this is something he carried into his own musical career.

We’ve already enjoyed some really great conversations in the short lifespan of this podcast, and this episode might just be our favourite so far. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

If you want to hear the second half of it, and stream the rest of our exclusive bonus content, head over to www.patreon.com/cjsays

Thank you to Kid Congo Powers for this amazing conversation!!!

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Road to Ruin was the last of the "Big Four" Ramones’ records.

This album marked a turning point for the band. With new drummer Marky Ramone stepping in to fill Tommy’s shoes, and Tommy & Ed Stasium manning the production dials, the sound of the band transformed in their quest for commercial success.

The energy was still raw, but by this point the Ramones were also pushing boundaries and experimenting with new styles, and this album showcases their growth as songwriters & musicians.

As we reflect on the band’s legacy and development, it’s clear that Road to Ruin was a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Ramones’ sound.

What’s your favourite track on this side of the record? Be sure to add it to your own ongoing Ramones playlist.

And join us over on www.patreon.com/cjsays to stream the Side B Deep Dive along with the rest of our exclusive bonus content.

Ramones Forever!!!

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Ever wondered how Harley Flanagan’s chaotic upbringing shaped his hardcore spirit?

In Episode 006 of CJ Says, Harley shares how his wild childhood fuelled his passion for music and community - from his misspent youth running loose on the mean streets of NYC, to his introduction to skinhead culture in Belfast, Northern Ireland, to making music that was louder than the noise inside his head, it’s all part of his survival story…

This episode explores how punk rock was more than just a genre; it was a lifeline for all those who felt lost & alone in a world full of mayhem & trauma. It gave a voice to the voiceless and a home to all those who didn't fit in.

Harley strongly believes that art and music can save us, and his journey is a testament to that. Every note played is a reminder that we can rise above our circumstances!!!

The circumstances and scenarios of Harley’s existence read like something out of a modern-day fairytale, with all of the nightmarish elements to boot. His tale is incredible, and he’s here to tell it in all its devastating scope. Expect plenty of amazing Ramones’ stories, too.

If you want to hear the second half of this interview, where we go even deeper into Harley’s journey from chaos to contentment, head over to www.patreon.com/cjsays - you’ll find all of our exclusive bonus content there. 

Thank you to Harley for sharing his story so openly. We hope you find it inspiring & enlightening.

Keep that PMA!!!

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This week we’re taking a Deep Dive into the third album by Ramones, which many people believe to be their defining musical statement, Rocket to Russia,released November 4, 1977.

From the razor sharp production to its pop-infused singles that defined a generation, come with us now as we discuss what makes this record a true punk rock masterpiece, and why it remains a firm favourite among fans and critics alike. 

Ramones truly hit their stride with this album, making it a milestone in the band’s legacy & trajectory.

Significantly, it was also the last studio album to feature Tommy Ramone on drums.

There’s a lot to discuss. So let’s jump into it! Rocket to Russia. Side A Deep Dive. Hey! Ho! Let’s go!!!

If you want to hear to the Side B Deep Dive and stream the rest of our exclusive bonus content, head over to www.patreon.com/cjsays

We’re building the Ultimate Ramones Playlist with the Patreon Crew as we work our way through the band’s entire discography…

Come join us on this sonic exploration of Ramone’s back catalogue!

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Slim Jim Phantom from Stray Cats joins CJ & Matt this week for the second CJ Says Guest Interview...

If you've ever wondered how Stray Cats developed their unmistakable style of punk-infused rockabilly with a New York twist, then look no further, because The Honest Mechanic is here to spill the beans in this week's in-depth interview.

According to Slim Jim, Stray Cats drew heavily from the early rockabilly records of Gene Vincent, Buddy Holly, and Elvis Presley, blending the signature sound of Sun Studios with the raw punk rock energy of their contemporaries - bands like Ramones, Sex Pistols & The Clash - to create a brand new musical language and accompanying visual aesthetic, which defied categorisation, capturing the spirit of traditional American rock 'n' roll while updating it for the modern era, and carving out a unique space in musical history in the process.

Be sure to pick up a copy of Slim Jim's book, 'A Stray Cats Strut: My Life as a Rockabilly Rebel' and check out his weekly radio show on SiriusXM, the 'Rockabilly Rave-Up'.

For an even deeper dive into our conversation with Slim Jim Phantom, where you'll hear all about his lifelong friendship with and connection to the Ramones, head over to www.patreon.com/cjsays to stream the second half of this interview. That's also the place to access all of our exclusive bonus content and the Side B Deep Dives on the Ramones discography.

Thank you, as always, to the dream team behind-the-scenes, Audra & Jess, for their continued support with this podcast. Thanks to our secret weapon Bert Gragg also. And thank you to YOU for listening.

Stay tuned for more stories from artists & legends who shaped the style & sound of twentieth-century music, including Harley Flanagan, Nikki Corvette & Kid Congo Powers...

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Welcome to Episode 003 of CJ Says: A Ramones Podcast.

We're back on the record reviews this week, and our second Deep Dive episode delves into the sophomore album by Ramones, Leave Home, released on January 10, 1977.

With their second LP, the band aimed to refine their sound, striving for a more polished product in their quest for mainstream success, while still staying true to the raw punk energy that made Ramonessuch a timeless, classic & beloved debut.

The doo-wop, surf rock & bubblegum pop influences continue to inform their signature sound, propped up by melodies more infectious than the clap, and the trademark Ramones humour is on display throughout...

The million dollar question is this: is Leave Home superior or inferior to Ramones? And where does this album sit amongst the fans and the critics?

Of course, the only way to find out the answers to these burning questions is to hit PLAY on this Side A Deep Dive, then join us over on www.patreon.com/cjsays where we jump into Side B...

One thing is for sure: there is no sophomore slump here!

While 'Leave Home' didn’t achieve the level of commercial success the band had hoped for, it succeeded in solidifying their position in the pantheon of not only punk rock but American music history. As such, the album remains an invaluable addition to the Ramones' discography.

Let the Leave Home Deep Dive commence!!!

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Welcome to the first ever CJ Says Guest Interview, featuring the legendary Duff McKagan of Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver.

In this episode, Duff shares his personal journey from his humble punk rock beginnings to playing in some of the biggest bands in the world, and the music and experiences that shaped his life along the way.

Duff's love for punk rock dates back to his childhood growing up in Seattle. In this interview, he reveals how one of his early Seattle bands, 10 Minute Warning, inspired local musicians Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament, who went on to form a little known group named Pearl Jam. 

Duff also discusses the lasting impact that groups like Ramones, Sex Pistols and The Clash had on his own musical development, and how Ron Reyes from Black Flag nearly became the singer in an early incarnation of Guns N’ Roses.

He recalls attending all-ages punk shows, and the excitement of witnessing live performances from influential acts like The Clash and DOA, and how the the vibrant atmosphere at these gigs helped shape his evolution as a musician, while also solidifying his passion for punk rock, which remains strong and true to this day.

Duff played an integral role in the development of American punk, grunge and hard rock during the 1980s and 90s, as this conversation proves, and an authentic punk attitude runs through every project he’s been a part of, from The Fastbacks and The Fartz to Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver, and beyond…

His story is a testament to the power of music and community that sprung from the OG punk scene, kickstarted by the Ramones, and we’re thrilled to welcome him as the first ever guest on CJ Says.

Be sure to check out Duff's books, It's So Easy (and other lies) & How To Be A Man (and other illusions), both of which are excellent and available from all good book stores.

His solo albums Tenderness& Lighthouseare also well worth a listen.

If you want to hear the second half of this interview, and gain access to all of our exclusive bonus content, head over to www.patreon.com/cjsays

Thank you to Josh Roush for assisting with the filming of this episode. And thank you, as always, to the dream team behind-the-scenes, Audra & Jess, for all of their help and support with the show. Shout out to our social media wizard Bert Gragg as well! It takes a village...and last but never least, thank you to all the Ramones fans worldwide for tuning in.

Enjoy the episode!!!

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Welcome to the first official episode of CJ Says: A Ramones Podcast. 

We begin where all good stories should: at the start!

The debut self-titled album by Ramones was released on this day, fifty years ago…

What better date to launch a Ramones-centric podcast than the 50th anniversary of their classic debut record? 

Whether you're brand new to the music of Ramones, or a long-time fan of the band, understanding their debut album, Ramones, is essential...

Released on April 23, 1976, this record didn’t just revolutionize the contemporary music landscape, it also laid the groundwork and set the template for the countless genres, bands & acts that followed in its wake.

In this inaugural episode of CJ Says: A Ramones Podcast, your hosts CJ Ramone & Matt Stocks explore the album’s origins, themes, cultural significance, and the stories behind its iconic tracks. 

So, are you ready to take a Deep Dive into the origins of punk rock and the world-famous Ramones?

It all starts here…Ramonesby Ramones. Released on this day back in 1976…

To stream our Deep Dive of Side B of Ramones, and access all of our exclusive bonus content, head over to www.patreon.com/cjsays

Be sure to join us in building your own Ultimate Ramones Playlist as we go through the band's entire discography!

And tune in next week for our first Guest Interview with the legendary Duff McKagan from Guns N' Roses.

Thank you to our dream team behind-the-scenes, Audra & Jess, for their help and support with getting the show up and running. Thank you to Dirty Donny for the artwork. And thank you to Bert Gragg and Josh Roush for their technical assistance.

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Hey kids! Welcome to your new favourite podcast...

CJ Says: A Ramones Podcast.

A weekly deep dive into the music, legacy & impact of the world-famous Ramones.

Hosted by CJ Ramone & Matt Stocks.

Everything you need to know about the podcast is in this introductory episode - so dive in, and let's begin, as we embark on a sonic exploration of the greatest punk band of all-time.

Be sure to check out the CJ Says Patreon page also...

This is your one-stop shop for all of our weekly Bonus Episodes and an even Deeper Dive into the wonderful world of Ramones.

www.patreon.com/cjsays

Hey! Ho! Let's Go!

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