Totally agree that "It's Alive" probably is the best live punk rock document. IIRC, I ran across it in the Netherlands when I was 16 or something, thinking "Well this really looks cool." And it's "Made in Germany".
While I have to agree with you that my favorite album by the Ramones is Rocket to Russia, I have to respectfully disagree on your pick for Cheap Trick. My favorite album by the quartet from Illinois is In Color. My favoritism is not due to the slower version of the eventual live hit, “I Want You to Want Me,” but comes more from the strength of the other cuts on the album. “Hello There” is a perfect starter with “Big Eyes,” “Southern Girls,” “Clock Strikes Ten,” “Oh Caroline,” “You’re All Talk” and the glimmering perfect power pop of “Downed,” all tracking after to coalesce into a fantastic album. When I DJ this record nearly always comes with me. There are albums that catch the listener in a perfect way and this is without hesitation that record by Cheap Trick for me.
Really insightful look, Dan, at these two bands! I wish I could say, "I thought it, but you said it," but I can't even do that, and I was intimately involved with both early releases and bands! I had CT at an in-store at the Houston record store I was at, during the release of "In Color," likely head-to-head as fave of mine with "Heaven." And, I spent a lot of time with The Ramones, both backstage, and in their hotel room (I won't sully your site with those links, but I've written about it)!
Plus, as a lover of creative headlines, nicely done there, as well! I was working retail when "Budokan" was released, and can vouch for the furor caused by the import-only availability of it (even I bought the import!!) before CBS finally got a grip, and released it in the U.S.!
What's fascinating (and borderline genius on your part for noticing and dissecting!) is the paralleling of one's career with the other's (certainly in the vinyl lane, but as you bring us, the Corman/"High School" nugget)! Well, I could go on (meaning we'd have to drop the needle on "Rave On" as a soundtrack!), but....well, I subscribed! 'Nuff said.....and here's hoping they're lining up behind me!😁👍
Great read my man - pretty uncanny parallels.
Totally agree that "It's Alive" probably is the best live punk rock document. IIRC, I ran across it in the Netherlands when I was 16 or something, thinking "Well this really looks cool." And it's "Made in Germany".
I remember seeing it for the first time in the bins at Wax Trax in the early eighties, and wondering how come I'd never heard of it.
While I have to agree with you that my favorite album by the Ramones is Rocket to Russia, I have to respectfully disagree on your pick for Cheap Trick. My favorite album by the quartet from Illinois is In Color. My favoritism is not due to the slower version of the eventual live hit, “I Want You to Want Me,” but comes more from the strength of the other cuts on the album. “Hello There” is a perfect starter with “Big Eyes,” “Southern Girls,” “Clock Strikes Ten,” “Oh Caroline,” “You’re All Talk” and the glimmering perfect power pop of “Downed,” all tracking after to coalesce into a fantastic album. When I DJ this record nearly always comes with me. There are albums that catch the listener in a perfect way and this is without hesitation that record by Cheap Trick for me.
Fair enough — In Color is actually my second favorite Cheap Trick record!
Really insightful look, Dan, at these two bands! I wish I could say, "I thought it, but you said it," but I can't even do that, and I was intimately involved with both early releases and bands! I had CT at an in-store at the Houston record store I was at, during the release of "In Color," likely head-to-head as fave of mine with "Heaven." And, I spent a lot of time with The Ramones, both backstage, and in their hotel room (I won't sully your site with those links, but I've written about it)!
Plus, as a lover of creative headlines, nicely done there, as well! I was working retail when "Budokan" was released, and can vouch for the furor caused by the import-only availability of it (even I bought the import!!) before CBS finally got a grip, and released it in the U.S.!
What's fascinating (and borderline genius on your part for noticing and dissecting!) is the paralleling of one's career with the other's (certainly in the vinyl lane, but as you bring us, the Corman/"High School" nugget)! Well, I could go on (meaning we'd have to drop the needle on "Rave On" as a soundtrack!), but....well, I subscribed! 'Nuff said.....and here's hoping they're lining up behind me!😁👍
Right on, Brad — that means a lot, coming from someone who was "there" at the time! Subscribed to FR&B; looking forward to reading your stuff!
Thanks, Dan! Please be free-wheeling with your comments...I'd love to hear your reactions and perspectives on everything from our corner!
This made my day! Thank you.
Right on — glad you dug it!
Great piece. Jack Douglas' production on that first Cheap Trick album is perfection...raw & in your face, just like the band is live.
They really should have had him produce In Color, as well.
I totally agree!