Ramones Mondo Bizarro CD - Import

Deluxe UK reissue of the punk legends' 1992 album features 14 tracks including 1 ultra-rare bonus track, 'Spiderman' (prev. a Japanese exclusive bonus track), packaged in a slipcase. Captain Oi! 2004.

Ramones: Joey Ramone (vocals); Johnny Ramone (guitar); C.J. Ramone (bass); Marky Ramone (drums).

Additional personnel: Vernon Reid (guitar); Joe McGinty (keyboards); Flo & Eddie (background vocals).
Recorded at The Magic Shop and Baby Monster, New York, New York.
Personnel: Joey Ramone (vocals); Johnny Ramone (guitar); Marky Ramone (drums).
Liner Note Authors: Frank Meyer; Monte Melnick.
A new record deal and the addition of an enthusiastic new bassist (C.J. Ramone) revitalized the Ramones, making Mondo Bizarro the band's strongest release in years. Returning longtime producer Ed Stasium certainly deserves much credit for helping the "bruthas" rediscover their unique combination of pop hooks, savage guitar riffing, and most importantly, sense of humor. This is immediately obvious on songs like "Censorshit" (which addresses the Tipper Gore - P.M.R.C. issue), "The Job That Ate My Brain," and the absolutely hilarious "Cabbies on Crack." Recently departed charter member Dee Dee Ramone also contributes a few surprisingly commercial (but still awesome) songs in "Poison Heart" and "Strength to Endure," the latter is sung by rookie C.J. "I Won't let it Happen" as an acoustic ballad in the classic Ramones mold. Although "Touring" is little more than a poor remake of "Rock'n'Roll High School," Mondo Bizarro still marks a solid return to form for punk rock's greatest institution. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia
The '90s weren't too kind to the Ramones. Longtime label Sire had dropped the band despite their years of loyal service; and radio airplay, while never plentiful, became even more scarce. Most damaging, however, was the loss of founding member Dee Dee Ramone, who left the band after years of acrimony and in-fighting. While CJ Ramone donned the leather jacket and filled in the "1-2-3--4"'s, Dee Dee's songwriting would be acutely missed.
Luckily the "bruddas" were able to make up long enough for Dee Dee to write songs for the Ramones last true studio album, MONDO BIZARRO, two of these ("Main Man" and "Strength to Endure"), were sung by his replacement, CJ Ramone. Joey comes up with a nifty assault on the PMRC in "Censorshit," and contributes some quintessential Ramones silliness with "Cabbies on Crack." The album's last track, "Touring," (with its chorus of "Touring, touring, it's never boring") sums up the holy mission with which the Ramones had been involved for over 20 years.
A new record deal and the addition of an enthusiastic new bassist (C.J. Ramone) revitalized the Ramones, making Mondo Bizarro the band's strongest release in years. Returning longtime producer Ed Stasium certainly deserves much credit for helping the "bruthas" rediscover their unique combination of pop hooks, savage guitar riffing, and most importantly, their sense of humor. This is immediately obvious on songs like "Censorshit" (which addresses the Tipper Gore -- P.M.R.C. issue), "The Job That Ate My Brain," and the absolutely hilarious "Cabbies on Crack." Recently departed charter member Dee Dee Ramone also contributes a few surprisingly commercial (but still awesome) songs in "Poison Heart" and "Strength to Endure," the latter is sung by rookie C.J. "I Won't Let It Happen" as an acoustic ballad in the classic Ramones mold. Although "Touring" is little more than a poor remake of "Rock'n'Roll High School," Mondo Bizarro still marks a solid return to form for punk rock's greatest institution. [The album's 2004 Captain Oi! reissue included a bonus track, expanded liners, and a deluxe slip case.] ~ Eduardo Rivadavia

Rolling Stone (10/29/92, p.74) - 3 Stars - Good - "...The Ramones sound fiercer than they have in years..."
Q (10/92, p.90) - 3 Stars - Good - "...the Ramones have aged remarkably well...full of noise and speed..."
Village Voice (3/9/93, p.80) - "...[The Ramones] do right by their formula..." - Rating: A-