Here is my take which is not for those who are expecting to hear a recreation of the original. Never been very good at that. Originally just an experiment in the studio. Ended up being something about it that did completely not suck. So hope you enjoy and thank you for listening!
Ramones - One of those bands where so much can be said but in the end the music speaks for itself. Let's start with Joey on vocals. Heavily influenced by 50's rock & roll and doo wop. My god, the voice of an angel coorning out beautiful melodies in his unique distinctive style. Then there's Johnny furiously attacking his Mosrite guitar, pummeling the world into submission through shear volume and aggression. Holding up the rear is Tommy on drums. Providing the engine, relentlessly propelling each of their two minute, three chord sonic assaults. All while barrelling down at breakneck speed not missing a beat. Last but not least there is Dee Dee, his approach to bass defines punk rock bass. The gutter punk Shakespeare of Queens writing about the seedy underbelly of NYC. A true master at the art of song craft penning compositions like 53rd & 3rd, Chinese Rocks, Poison Heart, Havana Affair, Pet Cemetery, Blitzkrieg Bop.
Ramones provided me with inspiration and confidence to write songs. As a guitar player they influenced my sound as much as Tony Iommi, Alex Lifeson, or local guitar hero Rick Witkowski.
RIP Joey, Johnny, Dee Dee and Tommy. Here is my tribute to you.
A band I found watching 120 Minutes on MTV and listening to a hip local station, WHFS back in the 80's. The big layered guitar sound, awash with delays and reverb, was hugely influential while developing my own sound and style. One of my favorite bands during this period. I would track down obscure and import vinyl singles and EPs at places long gone like Kemp Mill, Tower Records, Record Theater or Record and Tape Exchange. The lineup may have changed but Steve Kilbey and Co are still a viable band putting out quality music to this day. Written by Steve Kilbey and Karin Jansson.
The Who is one of those bands that have been at the top of favorite list for a very long time. Pete Townshend is a genius song writer and another huge influence on my guitar playing. One of those that I have idolized since saw the band in '82. Ironically I chose this track which is written by John Entwistle. Probably the greatest bass player to ever play rock music. Long Live Rock!
RIP John...
From my release Lie To Myself. Neil was one of the early songwriters who left a huge impact on me. After hearing his grating 1 note solos or heavy dirge-like riffs not knowing it was what was to the become grunge guitar sound. I was a die hard fan from the first time I heard Live Rust. A true master who could hold an audience captive while going it alone with just piano or acoustic guitar to a full blown noise-fest with Crazy Horse.
Vance Joy’s Riptide cover with a punk rock twist. Was working on this for fun and liked the way it came out. So for your viewing pleasure... Thank you and my undying devotion to my best friend and partner in life and crime. My muse and a willing participant in my YouTube shenanigans. Love you Lila!
Tr1ack 3 from my Lie To Myself. Part 3 of my 3 part tribute to NY. Neil was one of the early songwriters who left a huge impact on me. After hearing his grating 1 note solos or heavy dirge like riffs not knowing it was what was to the become grunge guitar sound. I was a die hard fan form the first time I heard Live Rust. A true master who could hold an audience captive while going it alone with just piano or acoustic guitar to a full blown noise-fest with Crazy Horse.