LP Ramones – Animal Boy

LP Ramones – Animal Boy

label: Expresso Monofonico Discos – EMD156

format: vinyl, LP, Album, Repress, Unofficial Release

released: 2022

Animal Boy is the ninth studio album by American punk band the Ramones, released through Sire Records on May 19, 1986. Due to conflicts within the group, the album features less of lead singer Joey Ramone, both in performing and writing, and less performing from guitarist Johnny Ramone. Bassist Dee Dee Ramone wrote and sang more on this album than on previous albums, and Richie Ramone became the first drummer to write songs for the band since Tommy Ramone, the band’s original drummer. The album spawned four singles, all of which charted on the UK Singles Chart, as well as other charts. In addition to singles, the band promoted their album using a music video for “Something to Believe In,” which parodied the contemporary benefit concert Live Aid and Hands Across America.

Lyrical themes of the album range from band members’ frustrations with one another, themselves, and loved ones, to more politically themed songs—a rarity in Ramones music. “My Brain Is Hanging Upside Down (Bonzo Goes To Bitburg)” saw the Ramones criticizing U.S. President Ronald Reagan for his controversial visit to a military cemetery in Bitburg, Germany, despite Johnny Ramone disagreeing with the song’s message. Critically, Animal Boy was not nearly as acclaimed as its predecessor, Too Tough to Die, receiving generally mixed reviews. Critics were quick to point out that the band had strayed far from their original style and were experimenting with several genres by this point. However, the album charted in four different countries, including the United States and United Kingdom.