The Record That Changed My Life: Nicke Anderson on Ramones – Road To Ruin (1978)
I bought Road To Ruin on vinyl in 1983, I forgot where. My friends Kenny, Benny and I all bought different Ramones albums to share them, and I think I chose Road To Ruin because of its comic cover. The John Holmstrom illustration is great, in the style of the Zap-comix. A classic. Just like the riff to “I Just Wanna Have Something To Do”. That song and the entire rest of the album won’t let you calm down. Among all Ramones albums, this one still stands out for me. It has more minor chords and a darker atmosphere than the others. Its desperation speaks to me.
The production of the record is also among the best I’ve ever heard, I always try to orientate towards it. Ed Stasium made for a gigantic leap for the Ramones, and it’s pure shame that they didn’t become the biggest band on the planet after Road To Ruin. I still listen to the album regularly although it’s actually a product of my childhood. Road To Ruin practically accompanied my transition from Kiss to punk rock, and it never gets boring. Then again, every Ramones album belongs in your record collection. If you don’t understand the Ramones, you just don’t understand good music. I once shook hands with Joey, when we played a show with the Hellacopters at CGBG’s. I was incredibly intimidated and didn’t dare to ask him for a photo together. He was one of the best singers ever, may he rest in peace.
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