Road to Ruin [Original recording remastered] [Import]

Road to Ruin [Original recording remastered] [Import]

Track Listings

1. Primrose Hill

2. Parcels

3. Auntie Aviator

4. New Day

5. Give Us a Ring

6. Sorry to Be So Long

7. Tree Green

8. Say What You Can

9. Road to Ruin

10. Here I Am [#][*]

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
John and Beverley Martyn's classic album from 1970 has been digitally remastered and expanded with 1 Previously Unreleased Demo recorded at Sound Techniques, Chelsea - August 1970. This album is John and Beverly's follow up to Stormbringer. In much of the same manner as that album, here Martyn recruited Pentangle member Danny Thompson on bass (who would end up playing on most of Martyn's albums over the ensuing years). John went solo again after this album after Beverley had given birth to their second child. Features 9 tracks including 'Parcels', 'Give Us A Ring', 'Say What You Can' & 'Tree Garden'. Island. 2005.

Tracks:

I Just Want To Have Something To Do
I Wanted Everything
Don't Come Close
I Don't Want You
Needles & Pins
I'm Against It
I Wanna Be Sedated
Go Mental
Questioningly
She's The One
Bad Brain
It's A Long Way Back
I Want You Around (Ed Stasium version)
Rock 'N' Roll High School (Ed Stasium version)
Blitzkrieg Bop/Teenage Lobotomy/California Sun/Pinhead/She's The One (live)
Come Back, She Cried A.K.A. I Walk Out (demo)
Yea, Yea (demo)

Amazon.com

"They'll get better," said Keith Richards of punk musicians in 1977. "You can't help but get better." And Road to Ruin is the album that demonstrated the Ramones had gotten "better" at being musicians, if not at becoming stars. "I Just Want to Have Something to Do" is quite simply one of the greatest opening tracks on any rock album, ever. For the first time, Johnny actually throws in pyrotechnics that go beyond basic power chords. "I Don't Want You" is riff-driven punk rock, while "I Wanna Be Sedated" and "She's the One" are some of their best pop-punk. But Road to Ruin also breaks some stylistic barriers. "Don't Come Close" is almost country & western and "Questioningly" is a simple ballad. A cover of the Searchers' "Needles & Pins" is downright reverent, though it's sadder than the original. The superbly remastered Rhino reissue of what was arguably their last great album includes original artwork, liner notes by Punk! magazine's Legs McNeil, and the band's tracks from the Rock 'N' Roll High School soundtrack--meaning the title track as produced by Ed Stasium as opposed to Phil Spector. --Bill Holdship

Customer Reviews:

If you don't like the Ramones..........2007-05-02

If you don't like the Ramones, you don't like rock and roll. I don't know how else to say it. If you are tired, sad, or having trouble getting started in the morning, put this cd in and get going to a better, brighter, more blitzkreig-y kind of day. This was my introduction to the band and still my favorite, although the debut is fantastic as well. It's A Long Way Back, I Just Want To Have Something To Do, I Wanna Be Sedated, the list just goes on and on...all killer stuff. Even though some of the hardcore fans decried the 'ballads,' (let's face it, latter day Aerosmith drivel these ballads ain't - thank God), they are just being purists. Every single song on here is great and that's something very few bands can say about any one of their records.
The Ramones took the pop formula and crushed it with Johnny's down strokes and the sneering nasal charm of Joey's impassioned vocals. Honestly, if you don't like this band, I don't value your musical opinion.

Road To Ruin.......2007-04-28

The Ramones-Road To Ruin *****

Road To Ruin was an album title that totaly reflected none of the music. It maybe the most irrelavent album title in all of history in once since and dead on in another. Road To Ruin is actually one of The Ramones very best albums. I hold it higher then the legendary debut, and think Rocket To Russia may be the only other album better then this. But at this point the boys had given up on themselves. They had realized they were never going to be mega stars at this point and were never going to be the next The Beatles like they had started out to be, so their metality was that they were ineveitably on the road to ruin if you will, and The Ramones were pissed off about it. Road To Ruin was a major step forward for the band as well as a massive change both metaly and phisicaly. Tommy had left the band to become a full time producer and enginer and the band recruted Marky which helped to make the sound more aggresive. The band grew musicaly and creativley. They were making more then just three chord songs here, and the songs were no longer "we're gonna find happiness amongst the choas." Oh no, The Ramones were angry and ready to let the world have it which is what makes this album so beautiful because Joey was really heated. This album also showed the experimental side The Ramones that the world had never ever seen before.

'I Just Want To Have Something To Do' opens the albums feriously and with sophistication. This song showed show much growth by the band from their previous album Rocket To Russia as far as musicianship, lyrics, and arrangement are concerned. One of the better songs the band ever wrote, and possible the best on Road To Ruin. 'I Wanted Everything' is an aggressive rant about wanting it all...fame, fourtune, millions of fans, and notatriety all things the band would atane after their retierment but at the time it seemed like it would never happen. 'I Wanted Everything' is unlike anything the band had previously released. 'Dont Come Close' caused a lot of contraversy upon release of this album. Many fans, critics, and supporters of the band wrote it and 'Questioningly' of as country western songs but anyone who listens to the songs can tell that it is just not the case. 'Dont Come Close' is so signature Ramones its not even funny. The song comes acrossed on first listen as a shock but upon inspection it is just like a million other 1960's pop songs which is what the band set out to make songs as, so it fits in perfect for the band. The acoustic guitars are a nice change of pace for an album that is so angry. 'I Dont Want You' is a cry for desperation in anger and pain. It is 'I Just Want To Have Something To Do' continued musicaly. The song hits you like bricks in the chest and doesnt appologise, it shows you the band means buisness here. It helps to make Road To Ruin the bands version of The Beatles album Help! 'Needles And Pins is an excellent cover that completly owns the original. Never has suicide sounded so....well not bad. The Searchers did the original and it was good but faulters in comparison to The Ramones cover. 'Im Against It' maybe the angriest song the band ever recorded. The verses to the songs are written light hartedly in humor as the band has been known for but then the chorus kicks in and anyone who has heard Joey sing the legendary "Im Against It" chorus knows the man is pissed about something. You can feel the conviction in the song and the emotion behind it. If you were to make a list of the three greatest Ramone songs ever recorded then 'I Wanna Be Sedated' would have to be included. The bands most popular song next to 'Blitzkrieg Bop' and is maybe the only Ramones song to ever get regular radio play, It is still played to this day. Rumor has it the song was written after Joey was burned before a show and had to be taken to the hospital but he knew the band had a whole leg left on their tour so he said "Put me in a wheel chair get me on a plain before I go insane" and the song was written right after that. Classic. 'Go Mental' is anthemic. The chorus is so believable and convincing. While it isnt the strongest song on the album you wanna sing with it every time it plays. Johnny also plays some of the best guitar of his career on this song as well. 'Questioningly' is the other country western song mentioned earlier. Its not country, sorry but its not. Because Whiskey is mentioned and slide guitar is played someone decided The Ramones went George Jones. This is a nice love song while not a 1960's pop song like 'Dont Come Close' it is still a really good love song amongst some much frustration. 'Shes The One' is just killer. It sounds as if the band finished recording and said "oh no we need a pop song," but it doesnt matter because it is one of the best songs on the album and totally ture blue Ramones. Classic, the song is just so killer. 'Bad Brain' is a return to the more punk sounding song. Yet another song about insanity which as well all know is a very popular subject in the Ramones cannon. It is rumoured that the hardcore/punk band Bad Brains actually got their name from this song, they were going by another name at the time this was released and decided to change. Even if that is not whole truth, the song is still great with out the legend. 'Its A Long Way Back' is a three line rant written by Dee Dee about Germany where he was born. It has really good production and sounds great but does not really offer much to the listener, Im a personal fan of the song but think 'Bad Brain' should have close the record. Still a decent finish to the album.

Depending on what version of the album you buy there are five bonus tracks at the end of the reissued version. 'I Want You Around' which is a nice pop song from the band and classic, but this is an alternate version. Also included is an alternate version of 'Rock N' Roll Radio' which is one of the bands all time best songs and this version is no different the only alteration is that it does not include the radio intro. A live medly of 'Blitzkrieg Bop/Teenage Labotomy/California Sun/Pinhead/Shes The One' is included here which was originaly on the Rock N' Roll Highschool album. 'Come Back, She Cried A.K.A. I Walk Out (Demo)' is also included and its really good. 'Yea, Yea' is another demo track and is really cool, sort of like 'Shes The One.'

With or without the bonus tracks Road To Ruin is an excellent album. Its one of The Ramones very best albums if not their best. One of the finest punk albums as well as rock n' roll albums of all time. Road To Ruin was a rare moment in Ramones history that no one should miss out on. It is an incredible album that should be included in everyones collection. I have never met a person to not like The Ramones, the punk label sometimes scares some away but with a chance and a listen you will see that The Ramones are just a tougher version of The Beatles.

Not their best.......2006-10-22

This is a good album, but not their best. If you're new to the Ramones, start with an anthology or with one of their excellent first three albums: The Ramones, Leave Home, or Rocket to Russia. Sadly, the Ramones started going downhill with this one.

The Ramones Best Album Ever!.......2005-12-31

When I'm elected President of the United States, my first act will be to provide every American with a copy of "Road To Ruin." Even an old aficionado of hippy music like me understands that the Ramones are one of America's great rock and roll treasures. In fact, they were the last truly great American rock band. This is the album to hear if you doubt my words. Put this one in your CD player and turn it way up. You'll soon forget about death metal, grunge, rap and all that other crap that kids listen to these days. You'll be taken back to the fun and innocence of the mid-sixties reinvented into slamming, rocking anthems for more modern times. Road to Ruin combines some of the Ramones very best rockers with three very well-done ballads, including an excellent remake of "Needles And Pins" by The Searchers. The sound quality of this album is superb and I believe there are some studio musicians at work in the background. My opinion of the Ramones recorded output is that there were a few great songs on every album, which added up to an impressive catalog overall, but Road To Ruin is the only one that kills it from beginning to end. It's hard to believe that three of the Ramones are gone already. They named a street in New York City for Joey Ramone. The least you can do is buy a copy of Road To Ruin in his honor. (Don't wait for me to be elected President.)

The Ramones At Their Best.......2005-12-06

Much like The Clash's London Calling, Road To Ruin is The Ramones' standout album and boasts some of their biggest hits. Road To Ruin showcases the band at the peak of their 20-year career, way back in 1977. The Ramones' fourth release contains hits such as "She's The One" and the infamous "I Wanna Be Sedated", and I'm happy to report that there are absolutely no filler tracks on this record, which is rare for an album that has 17 songs on it.

It's probably a waste of time, but being the obsessive compulsive person that I am, I feel the need to pinpoint the band's talent. From Dee Dee's hypnotic basslines and poignant lyrics, to Joey Ramone's sour yet irresistable vocal delivery, to Tommy, the backbone of the band, Road To Ruin has no weak spots. (And don't even let me get started with the guitar...I swear, Johnny Ramone could do more with 3 or 4 chords than anyone of his time.)

The Ramones were one of the greatest and most influential bands ever, and although almost none of their tracks were over 2 and a half minutes long, every one of their songs were catchy, upbeat, well-structured, and most importantly, fun to listen to. Pick up Road To Ruin now!

Average customer rating:

Brilliant "posthumous" release
Underground Masterpiece
A Release For Old And New Fans!!!
Too good to keep locked up in the vaults
Superdrag is back.

Changin' Tires on the Road to Ruin
Superdrag
Manufacturer: Arena Rock
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

In the Valley of Dying Stars
A Tribute To Superdrag
Blood on the Slacks
Traffic and Weather
Silverfish Trivia

ASIN: B000MR9C0K
Release Date: 2007-04-17

Tracks:

Here We Come
She Says
My Day (Will Come)
Sleeping Beauty
Doctors Are Dead
Comfortably Bummed
No Inspiration
Keep It Close To Me
Extra-Sensory
I Am Incinerator
Relocate My Satellites
The Rest Of The World
Lighting The Way
True Believer

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant "posthumous" release.......2007-06-27

When I think of underrated bands, Superdrag is probably the first band that comes to mind. They were a blip on the radar in 1995 with "Sucked Out" and then faded from the public view. However, throughout the 90's and early part of 2000, Superdrag put out one of the best catalogs of power-pop albums and continued to top itself with each successive release.

The measure of a band is the quality of tracks they assemble when the public isn't listening. This collection of rarities and B-sides shows a band exceedingly gifted in writing hooky, power pop songs. To me, it speaks volumes about a band's songwriting capabilities when their "throw away" tracks are better than many bands' top tracks.

Standout tracks are "Comfortably Bummed," "No Inspiration," and "While the Rest of the World." Interesting add-ons are the demos of "Extra Sensory" and "Keep It Close To Me" as well as "I am Incinerator," which was later released as "I Guess It's American" on the Superdrag/Anniversary split EP.

On the whole, a nice retrospective of one of indie-rock's most under-appreciated acts. Much like a full studio album, this album displays all aspects of Superdrag's repertoire. Recommended!

Underground Masterpiece.......2007-06-11

Everyone has a 'best kept secret' band, for my money it would be hard to beat Knoxville's Superdrag.

Superdrag - their first album in 5 years, "Changin' Tires on the Road to Ruin" consists of leftovers and demo's that have finally seen the light of day. By all accounts it should not be as good as it is - heck I didn't think Superdrag would ever release another album! The band rip through some half-way decent material. Changin' Tires on the Road to Ruin will more than likely remain an underground masterpiece, however this or any other album the band have put out, should be part of any serious music fans collection.

Recommended.

A Release For Old And New Fans!!!.......2007-05-25

I've been a Superdrag fan since their first major release in 96. I'm the type of fan where if I get into a band, I have to start collecting bootlegs of these bands, and Superdrag wasn't an exception. I started with Live Recordings and then I got into collecting "Demos". One thing can be said about Superdrag, they have enough demos to fill up 20 CDs if not more! And that's a good thing! :)
After getting really poor sounding mp3s and unknown generation cassette copies (remember cassettes?) of some of these songs, I was able to obtain upgrades from trading with people close to the band. But the release of this CD makes the sound quality sound a lot better of course. It's amazing to finally have on CD, "Here We Come","No Inspiration", "Keep It Close To Me" (4-track Demo), "Relocate My Satellites", "The Rest Of The World", and the unreleased gem "Doctors Are Dead" (which is worth the price of admission!!!), just to name a few.
There's still a rumour going round that a box set will be released. Of course, only the hard-core fans like myself would be interested in a Superdrag Box Set, but I feel they merit a Box Set release. There have been so many bands that never got their due that have box sets released or at least Remastered Edition CDs with bonus tracks such as The Zombies: Zombie Heaven Box Set, The Pretty Things: SF Sorrow Special Edition, The Misfits: Box Set.
I know this CD is just the tip of the iceberg and I would like to thank the band members that were involved (John & Don, I belive) for making this release possible. Your music really did inspire me, and it changed my life in a positive way. Who can say that about Britney Spears or the latest flavor of the month? Buy this album if you're interested in hearing unreleased gems by this band, but if you're really curious about checking out the band, get their masterpiece of an album "In The Valley Of Dying Stars", it's an amazing album, by an amazing band!

Too good to keep locked up in the vaults.......2007-04-22

If you're a Superdrag fan, this new collection of demos and assorted b-sides is a no-brainer, sure you've heard a lot of these songs before, but the ragged, raw, spontaneous quality of these demos - with nice remastered sound - makes them sound as a fresh as a loaf of bread just pulled from the oven. In other words, this CD is HOT! Now here's hoping for some NEW material - and a reunion tour? - from the late, lamented supergroup!

Superdrag is back........2007-04-14

Wow. I didn't think I would like this album as much as I do (and I thought I'd love it).

I am one of those die-hard fanatics who already had pretty much all the demos one could get their hands on, but the quality of them is so poor, these are practically brand new songs. In other words, the mastering is excellent.

This album has been in my car cd-player, ipod, itunes, brain, etc. nonstop since the day I received it in the mail. I have a feeling that it will remain that way for a long time. Good-Music-Detectives, let that be a clue.

I strongly recommend this album for the following categories of people:

1) You like rock and roll music.
2) You like really good things.
3) You like buying really good things.
4) You like smart, catchy, absolutely beautiful songwriting with more than a touch of sadness, longing and nostalgia.
5) You have ears.

So honestly, if you fall into any of those categories, don't hesitate.

-Nathan Maas

Average customer rating:

This album rocks!

Abbey Road to Ruin
Wonderboy
Manufacturer: Racer Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Power Pop | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Napoleon Blown Apart
Wonderboy

ASIN: B000001DDB
Release Date: 1996-10-11

Tracks:

That's Not Me Talking
All Teary Eyed
Looks Count
Not A Kid Anymore
Wrong With Us
Believe
This World Alone
Build Me Up Buttercup
Sunshine Love
The Ones With The Guns
Why Is It Cold In Here?
Reel Me In
No Good At Love

Customer Reviews:

This album rocks!.......1999-04-27

This is Robbie Rist (Cousin Oliver from the Brady Bunch) all grown up...I can't help listening to this album over and over. It's got a 80's pop feel with and edge. Rist and the rest of the band/songwriters come up with some really catchy tunes and some excellent lyrics--My favorites include, "That's Not Me Talking," "Not a Kid Anymore" and "This World Alone." Oh, yeah, and their cover of "Build Me Up Buttercup" rocks! This is the best album you've never heard! If you're looking for something a little different than your everyday Top 40...pick this album! If you watched Kidd Video back in '84...you can get a feel for that again, since Rist sang in that show too!

Average customer rating:

Positively not on the road to ruin - Still not amongst his best

The Road to Ruin
John & Beverley Martyn
Manufacturer: Umvd Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

British Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Folk | Imports | Stores | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Stormbringer!
The Tumbler
Bless the Weather
London Conversation
One World

ASIN: B0009YA3C2
Release Date: 2005-10-10

Tracks:

Primrose Hill
Parcels
Auntie Aviator
New Day
Give Us a Ring
Sorry to Be So Long
Tree Green
Say What You Can
Road to Ruin
Here I Am [#][*]

Album Description

John and Beverley Martyn's classic album from 1970 has been digitally remastered and expanded with 1 Previously Unreleased Demo recorded at Sound Techniques, Chelsea - August 1970. This album is John and Beverly's follow up to Stormbringer. In much of the same manner as that album, here Martyn recruited Pentangle member Danny Thompson on bass (who would end up playing on most of Martyn's albums over the ensuing years). John went solo again after this album after Beverley had given birth to their second child. Features 9 tracks including 'Parcels', 'Give Us A Ring', 'Say What You Can' & 'Tree Garden'. Island. 2005.

Album Details

John and Beverley Martyn's Classic Album from 1970 Digitally Remastered and Expanded with One Previously Unreleased Demo.

Customer Reviews:

Positively not on the road to ruin - Still not amongst his best.......2006-10-03

Sometimes all you will need to say is "This is a John Martyn record" and people will comprehend. Though "Solid Air" may be one of his best and most popular excursions, too many of his albums have been virtually ignored.
Released in 1970, John was at the time concerned with the album's lack of spontaneity and it's obvious that he wasn't pleased with the whole idea of overdubs. Hence the best songs are those relying on John's guitar playing.
"Parcels" is a nice tune flavoured with some classic JM guitar work, "New day" features Danny Thompson's first appearance together with Martyn and "Give us a ring" was originally meant for Nick Drake.
Though John's music may seem complicated and experimental it is never hard to digest. He always ads a natural flow to it and his singing is great. If you are hesitant about buying it since it's more of a collaboration you should reconsider. In hindsight it's an important album in Martyn's catalogue and though it's neither "Solid Air" nor "Bless the Weather" it's still a very enjoyable album.

Average customer rating:

Classic from the Martyns
Some Gems Not Available Elswhere
John and Beverley's grand last hurrah.
Mostly of historical interest

The Road to Ruin
John Martyn
Manufacturer: Warner Bros.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

British Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

Folk | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000071YV
Release Date: 1995-10-30

Tracks:

Primrose Hill
Parcels
Auntie Aviator
New Day
Give Us a Ring
Sorry to Be So Long
Tree Green
Say What You Can
Road to Ruin

Customer Reviews:

Classic from the Martyns.......2005-04-05

The Road To Ruin (1970.), John and Beverley Martyn's second studio album

'The Road To Ruin', John and Beverley Martyn's second studio album, released in 1970 was the follow up to the couple's excellent alternative folk-jazz styled debut album released earlier that year. Many listeners think of John Martyn, the solo artist but reality is that before that, he and his wife Beverley put together two excellent and often overlooked albums. These ultimately kick-started John Martyn's career and allowed him to be more noticed when he began his solo work.

'The Road To Ruin' is quite simply a brilliant album from start to finish. John Martyn himself didn't think this album was as good as their first effort, saying it lacked spontaneity but in my opinion, this album is far superior to their Stormbringer debut. Aside from being husband and wife, John and Beverley Martyn were an excellent match as musicians too. Beverley Martyn has a brilliant voice, it has a unique flow to it. Sadly she never really did any solo work herself after this - her voice is so, so underrated. John Martyn himself is an excellent musician. His guitar playing is first rate, as are his jazzy performances on the piano. His singing on this album is much clearer than in later works where he adopts a more drawling style. There's great incorporation of other instruments on the album such as the saxophone which works very well. Also, the backing musicians which feature in part on this album were those who were to form the nucleus of John Martyn's solo work instrumentation.

The 9 tracks on the album are an excellent mix of folk and jazz styles. 'Primrose Hill' opens with a great piano sequence before Beverley sings the lyrics serenely, with the saxophone cleverly intertwined into her words. 'Parcels' has a style to it which would characterise much of John Martyn's later work, with his characterful acoustic guitar playing. 'Auntie Aviator' is a 6 minute masterpiece and in my opinion is the best on the album. Beverley Martyn sings about flying through the sky and you literally feel as though you are when you listen to it. 'New Day' makes a relaxing acoustic track with a great flute charcterising the track, John Martyn sings this one. 'Give Us A Ring' is much more mellow in its style but it has a great chorus to it with John and Beverley harmonising. 'Sorry to be so long' is much more upbeat with a real jazzy style and is followed by 'Tree Green', more reflective where John Martyn sings about time passing by. 'Say What You Can' is another jazzy track, with a killer piano part and plenty of vocals with real presence from Beverley. 'Road To Ruin' is a great finisher. John Martyn starts this one off very thoughtfully but it progresses in a much more brighter section with a great climax.

'The Road To Ruin' is a classic which many people will not be simply aware of. Its a shame the couple couldn't do any more albums but sadly pressure from John's record company for him to go solo, his drug addiction and subsequent divorce from Beverley prevented this. This is a great album which will not disappoint you - its really relaxing to listen to after a long, hard day.

Some Gems Not Available Elswhere.......2000-09-09

This recording is not easy to get- it took three months for delivery, but it contains four John Martyn tunes that are real gems, worth the wait and premium price if you are a JM fan. I have several of his recordings, including the anthology, and this recording appears to be the sole source these songs. Personally, Beverly just does not do it for me; I find her voice rather unmusical.

John and Beverley's grand last hurrah........1999-07-05

I have been huge fan of this album -- and the Martyns' "Stormbringer" -- since I first received review copies nearly 30 years ago. The folky Scottish/British couple, in an edgy marriage, was bought to the US and holed up at Woodstock at the time, working with and forging friendships with American musicians, including members of The Band and their proteges. Warner/Reprise thought they'd make a successful duo in America, but the recordings, though ravishing, never caught on. The Martyns' edgy marriage soon fell apart, Beverley dropped out of sight and John, well, moved on, increasingly drawn to the blues and jazz end of the music spectrum. I've almost always loved John's music, have most of his recordings and, when I shared a drink with him once, I found him as unpredictable and charmingly off-center in person as he is musically. But these two American recordings capture something VERY special...a moment when a wondrous, folky but sincere innocence was still in flower (in tunes like "Parcels," "New Day" and "Tree Green") and the canker of cynicism was only beginning to be evident in the biting, tongue-in-cheek of "John the Baptist" and jazzy, devil-may-care worldiness of "Road of the Ruin." John and Beverley songs are separately performed on both albums. John's material has lost nothing, and hers, I think, may have improved with time. Though the drug references are a little passe, her voice remains mesmerizingly unique. The CD remastering is very good, as full and spacious as the analogue version, with no annoying brittleness.

Mostly of historical interest.......1998-06-19

This is probably the finest joint effort from John and Beverley Martyn, before he launched into a meteoric solo career that eventually crashed into drug addiction. Most of it is forgettable folk-rock -- but the title track (the final one on the album) is John Martyn as we know and love him, with gravelly, meditative vocals and pyrotechnical guitar work. I don't say the whole album is worth buying for this one track, but it IS pretty impressive!

Average customer rating:

Road to Ruin
The Ramones
Manufacturer: Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

American Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000IB13QG
Release Date: 2006-10-30

Album Details

Japanese Limited Edition Issue of the Album Classic in a Deluxe, Miniaturized LP Sleeve Replica of the Original Vinyl Album Artwork.

Average customer rating:

Road to Ruin
The Ramones
Manufacturer: Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

American Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000T1801Q
Release Date: 2007-09-17

Album Details

Japanese Limited Edition Issue of the Album Classic in a Deluxe, Miniaturized LP Sleeve Replica of the Original Vinyl Album Artwork.

Average customer rating:

The Road to Ruin
John & Beverley Martyn
Manufacturer: Universal Japan
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

British Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Folk | Imports | Stores | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000CBO03A
Release Date: 2006-01-30

Tracks:

Primrose Hill
Parcels
Auntie Aviator
New Day
Give Us a Ring
Sorry to Be So Long
Tree Green
Say What You Can
Road to Ruin
Here I Am [#][*]

Album Description

Limited Edition Japanese pressing packaged in a paper sleeve. John and Beverley Martyn's classic album from 1970 has been digitally remastered and expanded with 1 Previously Unreleased Demo recorded at Sound Techniques, Chelsea - August 1970. This album is John and Beverly's follow up to Stormbringer. In much of the same manner as that album, here Martyn recruited Pentangle member Danny Thompson on bass (who would end up playing on most of Martyn's albums over the ensuing years). John went solo again after this album after Beverley had given birth to their second child. Features 9 tracks including 'Parcels', 'Give Us A Ring', 'Say What You Can' & 'Tree Garden'. Island. 2006.

Album Details

Japanese Digitally Remastered Limited Edition Issue of the Album Classic in a Deluxe, Miniaturized LP Sleeve Replica of the Original Vinyl Album Artwork of John and Beverley Martyn's 1970 Classic. The Original Track Lineup Has Been Augmented with a Previously Unreleased Demo Recording of "Here I Am".

Average customer rating:

Road To Ruin
CLASSIC RAMONES
Road To Ruin Really Rocks
Great rock&roll from a great rock&roll band...
Joey Ramone died for your sins!

Road to Ruin
Ramones
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

American Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Classic Comedy | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Contemporary Comedy | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00002DESZ
Release Date: 1998-01-07

Tracks:

I Just Want To Have Something To Do
I Wanted Everything
Don't Come Close
I Don't Want You
Needles And Pins
I'm Against It
I Wanna Be Sedated
Go Mental
Questioningly
She's The One
Bad Brain
It's A Long Way Back

Album Description

The 1978 & fourth album by New York's beloved punk rockers, unavailable as an individual title on CD in the U.S. 12 tracks, including 'I Wanna Be Sedated', 'I Just Want To Have Something To Do', 'Needles And Pins' and 'She's The One'.

Customer Reviews:

Road To Ruin.......2007-04-28

CLASSIC RAMONES.......2001-11-04

The first ramones album i ever bought as a 14 year old in 1985,and an album i still play to this day. the ramones are the beach boys of punk rock and possibly thee major influence on british punk.
'road to ruin' is classic ramones at their bubble gum best you cant help but getting up and strutting your stuff to the likes of 'i wanna be sedated' or maybe even 'dont come close' then again you might just shed a tear to their brilliant cover of 'needles and pins' or even the excellant 'questioninly'.
'road to ruin' is a perfect starter for newcomers and all classic rock music lovers, its also best played loud.

Road To Ruin Really Rocks.......2001-05-18

Maybe it's that I'm bummed out (still) from Joey Ramone's death. Maybe I'm just feeling nostalgic. Maybe I'm just remembering the first time I ever heard the Ramones, when I was 16, riding around suburban Chicago when a friend of mine blasted out "I Just Want To Have Something To Do" on his jambox. I can't say that a single song changed my life, but I still get shivers when I hear those first chords of that song. That's the day I started listening to punk rock, and it's fair to say my whole worldview has changed with it.

The Ramones were an American original, and "Road To Ruin" comprises some of their best work. "I Want To Be Sedated," "Bad Brain," and "Go Mental" are some hilarious takes on mental health, while "Needles and Pins" could be the best cover ever done (Joey at his finest). Maybe the best song is "It's A Long Way Back," which is comprised of the following lyrics:

You by the phone You all alone It's a long way back to Germany It's a long way back to Germany

I'll miss Joey, and I miss the Ramones, but this record is as good as any at capturing the essence of those four dudes from Queens.

Great rock&roll from a great rock&roll band..........2001-05-02

The Ramones were a great singles band that made several great albums. Road to Ruin was their seminal achievement. Early enough to be raw, but refined by three previous studio efforts, this record has it all. It's got great pop, great rock, great lyrics, great arrangements(!) and catchy hooks throughout. There's no let-down - no bad tune - they're all great. Anyone will be singing/shouting these songs within a few hours of playing this CD. I heard that Joey Ramone died recently. That's too bad. The Ramones probably never got the attention and the affirmation they deserved. Their influence was enormous, as it should have been, but they never had that hit single they so richly deserved. To make up for it, I plan to make sure my kids know all the words to "Rockaway Beach" and many of the other Ramones classics ("I Wanna Be Sedated"), so they can share this great music with their friends.

Really. Buy this CD. You won't be disappointed.

Joey Ramone died for your sins!.......2001-04-21

With the untimely death of punk messiah Joey Ramone, I felt it was proper to write a review for a Ramones album. Road to Ruin was my second exposure to the New Jersey powerhouse. I first heard the loud, hard 3-chord craziness of the Ramones with their album "Pleasant Dreams", which is Phil Spectorific. But this album is far more raw and ragged. "I Wanna Be Sedated" is a punk anthem. "I'm Against It" is the Ramones at their wonderfully sophomoric and sublime: "I'm against Jesus freaks/ I'm against circus geeks". It's hard to put into words what the Ramones did in music, which was: influence the Sex Pistols and the Clash, reinvigorate the tepid, overproduced schlock of 1970s rock (Journey, anyone?), and bring back the adolescent rebelliousness back to rock n roll. The Ramones were as influential as the Beatles, inspiring everyone from Johnny Rotten to Sleater-Kinney to the Donnas to the Smashing Pumpkins. Pretty amazing, huh? So why don't you own this album? Buy it to annoy your parents. Buy it to piss off your neighbors. Buy it to feel alive.

Music Review:

Recommended Music:

Previously Unpublished Recordings

Klezmocracy

Raiding the Vaults V. 2 [Import]

Ride Wit U [CD-single] [Import]

Not Just Any Other Day

Music from Great Film Classics [Gold CD] [Soundtrack]

Pickin' on the Rolling Stones, Vol. 2

Mexico y Su Musica

Psychedelicate

Music of the Andes [Import]

Parade of the Athletes [Import]

Songs Our Mother Taught Us: Sing From Top of Hill

Ice Cream Man