Ramones- End of the Century (1980)

After struggling to get a mainstream appreciation, as a last ditch effort Ramones accepted Phil Spector's
offer to produce their record. It was a risky move, considering his fame as one of the greatest pop producers was by this point a little overshadowed by his fame as one of the craziest and most dangerous people in the industry. It all resulted in End of the Century, a one of a kind punk album and it sticks out like a sore thumb in Ramones discography.

Ramones don’t loose their energy or punk spirit despite the production being so colorful. It’s not as raw as their usual works but their music gains a whole new dimension thanks to Spector. Sure, there are a few moments were his influence turns the band into a 60s pop group but more often than not he only makes their sound more refined. The horns on Do You Remember Rock and Roll Radio? only add to the track’s intensity, the roaring guitars on Chinese Rock, All The Way or Let’s Go are simply perfect. The Ramones prove that you don’t need a lo-fi production for punk to sound like punk. Of course more up-beat and lighter songs are more in Spector’s wheelhouse, I don’t think the songs like I Want You Around or Danny Says would came out as well as they did without him. Danny Says especially. What a track. It might be my favorite Ramones tune of all time- the little riff at the beginning is so sweet, I love how it starts out sounding like a The Chordettes song only for the guitar to make it heavier and heavier as it goes along and I adore Joey’s vocal performance. There’s only one point were they take it  a little too far and it’s Baby, I Love You. Sure, it’s a nice cover but it has no business being on this record or even being a single in 1980, by that point it must have sounded extremely dated. You can kind of hear that Joey’s heart isn’t in that one and the absence of the other Ramones is very noticeable. They always regretted recording that track and I can absolutely see why.

End of the Century is a unique project, balancing between punks rage and cuteness of 60s pop. Only one weak link in the track list disturbs that balance and prevents the album from being perfect, it’s still one the must-hear records in punk catalogue.

RATING: 8.5/10