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Ramones: Pleasant Dreams

Okay, so I'm a little slow at getting up to date and honoring the late Joey Ramone and the Ramones as a whole for that matter, but I do what I can when I have time, so here goes. I know I already did Road to Ruin a while back, so here's another glorification of the Ramones. And yes, I'm stealing the idea to do this from the THUNDERGODS, who have their own reviews up as well.
Pleasant Dreams is one of my favorite Ramones albums, and compared to Animal Boy, it's defintely close to #1 in my book. This album just has the groove going from beginning to end with catchy hooks, smooth vocals, and just plain old God-given Rock and Roll American Style. I think that this album really shows growth among the band from the basic styles of their earlier years without the "help" of Phil Spector. It's catchy, has songs with more complex arrangements, and yet somehow, they are still played and pulled off like the three chord rock of "Blitzkrieg Bop"and "Cretin Hop". Plus, as with every other Ramones album, it clocks in around that 30 minute time limit. I also noticed a lot of 60's influences on this album, more so than with others. Lots of organs, different syncopation, and harmonies. I'll highlight some of my favorite cuts from the album now. Side One may open with "We Want the Air Waves, but the greatness starts with "All's Quiet On the Easten Front". I love this song; it has a perfect blend of catchiness and open, clear vocals that rock, and the lyrics paint a wonderful picture. I analyzed them for my English class last year, and my teacher said they had 'undertones of prostitution'. Right... Following right along is the ever- popular choice for some bands to cover, "The KKK Took My Baby Away", which opens with a crunchy riff that continues throughout in a sort of contrast to the 'lonely' lyrics. There's also some nice harmonies and ooh'ing that get going in this one. Very nice. "Don't Go" is a Joey-style love song complete with low, hiccup-y at times vocals in the verses, and strong, solid choruses that kick. "You Sound Like You're Sick"comes next; good song, dumb lyrics. I love the harmonies, and they're actually highlighted over the other instruments. "It's Not My Place (in the 9 to 5 World)" closes Side One. While it's simplistic at times, the tune is refreshing, sounds different from other tracks on the album, and it has a groovy beat that you really can't help moving to. Side Two, like Side One, kicks ass as well, do I really need to get into it? I just have one complaint, and it's that "She's a Sensation" is way too long. However, the arrangement is very nice, I must admit. Lots of 60's style surf-esque harmonies that are subtle but none the less, there. Every song on this side rocks just like those gracing the presence of Side One. From the mellow-ness of "7-11" to the upbeat chanting of "Come On Now", which is very explosive in its own right, to the closing strains of "Sitting In My Room", Side Two does not fail either. This album is just beautiful. Buy it, educate yourself, and love it to death.