It’s presumptuous to think a cover of a Ramones’ song would inherently be fast-paced, aiming to achieve the same energy the band originally produced, but that’s not a realistic anticipation. And Superhumanoids, a Los Angeles band making ethereal pop, have recorded a version of “I Wanna Be Sedated” which challenges any such expectations. Continue reading »
Washington, D.C. has been home to many bands, and it was particularly prominent in the ‘80s and ‘90s for punk and hardcore musicians. But those weren’t the only genres that flourished; a band called Black Tambourine became one of the most influential indie bands to emerge from Washington, D.C. Their sound combined fuzzy feedback with dreamy, ‘60s vocals from singer Pam Berry, creating something that sounded like punks who surf. Unfortunately the band never released an LP before their break-up in the early ‘90s, and members pursued other projects. Continue reading »
When we first checked in with indie-gal supergroup Wild Flag back in March, no one quite knew what their deal was. They’d played some shows, but hadn’t released any songs or announced concrete plans. It seemed entirely possible this would turn out to be a quick lark by some bored rock vets. Continue reading »
At a gig in their home state this weekend, Atlanta garage punk act Black Lips teamed up with Bradford Cox for some cover-on-cover action, taking on The Ramones’ “Do You Wanna Dance.” After a cryptic Twitter message hinting at his appearance, the Deerhunter frontman and fellow Georgian turned up to provide vocals for an impromptu performance of the track, which was originally recorded by Bobby Freeman in 1958. This version, however, is all Ramones, right down to Cox’s costume. Continue reading »
In 1998 at The Troubadour in Los Angeles, CA on their Happy Hour tour, Shonen Knife was introduced by Joey Ramone as the “Osaka Ramones.” Upon their return to Japan that year, the all-female pop-punk band paid tribute to their heroes The Ramones by performing live as Osaka Ramones. Now to celebrate their 30th anniversary, Shonen Knife has released a thirteen song album, Osaka Ramones: A Tribute to The Ramones. Continue reading »
After being signed to, and then unceremoniously dropped by, a major label, New York rock and roll quartet the Postelles finally released their long-delayed debut album last month. In all that time the music clearly built up, since they’ve already dropped a free follow-up: the Summer Undercovers EP. As implied by the title, it’s a set of covers that offer some old-fashioned summer fun. Continue reading »