1979: Sheena Is A Punk Rocker

Ramones: Sheena Is A Punk Rocker

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As I look through my own library of 1979 albums I'm impressed that bands from the UK are disproportionately represented. So far all of our posts here this week have also been UK bands.

But there were some exciting things going on in the US at the time too. For example, who can talk about the late 70's without talking about The Ramones? After all, according to AMG, "The Ramones are the first punk rock band."

I have not listened to It's Alive, The Ramones's 1979 double live album, in at least twenty years, but as I thought about this week's theme I blew the dust off of the proverbial record sleeve and gave it a spin. Man, this show moves. Nearly every song squeals out of the starting gate and goes for broke until it ends abruptly only a couple of minutes later. The pauses between the songs are usually no more than two or three seconds, during which you hear Dee Dee scream off a count for the next song.

This is not Mozart. This is the most fun band in the world playing at the height of their powers.

Now, clear away the afternoon cobwebs and play Sheena Is A Punk Rocker. In a few seconds you'll be reliving every college party you ever went to.