Blogcritics: Comments on Pleasant Dreams

Comment by G. Bob

Fri, 13 Sep 2002 23:35:18 EDT

I always thought that the album was more of an interesting experiment than a definitive Ramones album. If anything it took the boys away from their roots and tried to mold them into a more traditonal band. That being said, I'll definatly be picking up the re-issue. Gabba Gabba Hey.

Comment by Bill Sherman

Fri, 13 Sep 2002 23:27:59 EDT

I know there are Ramones fans who love End of the Century (according to Ira Robbins' Pleasant Dreams booklet notes, Century is the band's highest charting album), but for me the album remains a mixed bag. "Danny Says," "I'm Affected" and "I Can't Make It on Time" are great songs. But the remake of "Rock 'N' Roll High School" lacks the clear drive of the single, and "Chinese Rock" was just a mistake - particularly when placed alongside the Hearbreakers' majestically shambolic version. I go back and forth on "Baby, I Love You." Joey's vocals are unquestionably great, but the track sure ain't the Ramones. In the end, I wish the band had gotten the Phil Spector who'd produced Plastic Ono Band.

Comment by Eric Olsen

Fri, 13 Sep 2002 18:35:01 EDT

Bill, Good review but I love End of the Century - the Spector production makes it. That the record that ties together punk and '60s pop once and for all. Their "Baby I Love You" makes me laugh and cry. That said, Pleasant Dreams is really good and was a return to "normal" after the foray into Wall of Sound land.