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ALBUM PROFILES
 Shonen Knife - "Osaka Ramones"
Not too long ago I saw CJ Ramone doing a set of Ramones songs live. I really wanted to enjoy the show, but it felt like a wedding cover band doing slower, uninspired versions of classic songs.
When I heard Shonen Knife were doing an album of Ramones covers to celebrate their 30th anniversary as a band I was cautiously optimistic. On paper it made sense, one of their biggest influences was the Ramones, they even wrote a song called, “Ramones forever”, but what makes sense on paper does not always translate. I am happy to report that in this case it does! “Osaka Ramones” is one hell of a fun album. Shonen Knife pay the proper respect to the Ramones classics, while adding their own touches to make it their own. What really blew me away was their take on “the kkk took my baby away”, which they gave the feel of a Ronettes song. All the obvious hits are covered on this collection…except “I wanna be sedated”, which personally I am thankful for. Having heard so many covers of that over the years, I think it was a shrewd decision for them to bypass that song. If somehow you have managed not to hear Shonen Knife over the last 30 years, let “Osaka Ramones” be your starting off point to one of Japan’s best bands. - Lazlo Osaka JAPAN's Shonen Knife Celebrates 30th Anniversary with the release of "Osaka Ramones" tribute CD and US/Canada Tour! Shonen Knife have been the most internationally recognized name in Japanese Rock music since their entrance onto the alternative rock scene in the early 90s seeing them become the indie darlings of hipsters and rock stars alike. 2011 celebrates thirty years since Naoko and the band began releasing albums of their joyous mixture of pop, punk, food and fantasy for the world to enjoy. Since their inception in Osaka in 1981 (featuring Naoko's sister Atsuko and their friend, bassist/vocalist Michie) to their current lineup featuring members Ritsuko (b,v) and Emi (dr,v), SK have maintained their rightful place in the ever changing indie rock scene. In celebration of this milestone Shonen Knife is paying tribute to one of their biggest musical inspirations since the infancy of their still vibrant career 3 decades ago … NYC's legendary Ramones. "Osaka Ramones" is not only the name of this tribute album, but is also the name of the side project which has made its way in and out of Shonen Knife's performing history for decades. This East meets West punk rock combination is now captured in an album recorded and mixed between Osaka, JP and New York over the last year and was co-produced by Robby Takac of the American rock band Goo Goo Dolls. The album release will be supported by a North American tour, the dates and a track listing is included below, please enjoy this awesome collection of songs and celebrate the music of the world's greatest punk rock band while we celebrate the 4th decade of Japan's indie rock icons, the mighty Shonen Knife… Hey Ho, Let's Go ! … "Ramones were my all-time idols since I first heard their music from a radio and rushed to a record shop. This year is the 30th anniversary of Shonen Knife. For celebration, we decided to record a cover album of our favorite band the Ramones. The title is "Osaka Ramones" with our respect. I'm very happy to release an Osaka Ramones project and to recognize their contribution to the evolution of Shonen Knife." Naoko, Shonen Knife |