Mondo Bizarro
Encyclopedia
Mondo Bizarro is the twelfth studio album
by the American punk band the Ramones
, released in 1992 (see 1992 in music
). It featured their new bassist, Christopher Joseph Ward (C.J. Ramone), who replaced departed member Dee Dee Ramone
. Mondo Bizarro was the group’s first studio album in three years. The album was re-released by the record label Captain Oi! on August 10, 2004, with a bonus track, "Spider-Man".
"Censorshit" was written by Joey Ramone
about how rock and rap albums were being censored by the PMRC (Parents Music Resource Center
), a group of Washington wives out to put warning labels on records, a practice which has become standard. It has a reference to Ozzy Osbourne
and Frank Zappa
. Quote: "Ask Ozzy, Zappa, or Me. We'll show you what it's like to be free." The song is addressed to Tipper Gore
, former Tennessee senator, and Vice President Al Gore
's wife.
"Take It as It Comes" is a cover song, originally recorded by The Doors
in 1967. "Spider-Man," While having never appeared on the original release but later as a bonus track on the CD version, is a cover of the theme song from the original Spider-Man
animated series. It was originally released as an unlisted Bonus track on the original release of "¡Adios Amigos!" (later editions omitted it) and then a completely different version was available on the Saturday Morning
compilation in 1995.
Although Dee Dee Ramone
had left the band, he provided the songs "Poison Heart
", "Main Man", and "Strength To Endure", as payment for bailing him out of jail due to his long drug addiction. When Johnny Ramone
was interviewed about the album for the End of the Century documentary
, he states, "I don't like it. I don't like it at all.". This contradicts a statement from a 1992 interview in an Argentine newspaper, quote: "Generally I always find two or three songs that I hate. From Mondo Bizarro, I really like almost all the songs and I am very satisfied with the result."
Two singles from the album were released; "Poison Heart
" was released in June 1992, and Strength to Endure was released that October.
The original "Mondo Bizarro" was the title of a 1966 film sequel to "Mondo Cane
".
The album was certified gold in Brazil in 1995.
Studio album
A studio album is an album made up of tracks recorded in the controlled environment of a recording studio. A studio album contains newly written and recorded or previously unreleased or remixed material, distinguishing itself from a compilation or reissue album of previously recorded material, or...
by the American punk band the Ramones
Ramones
The Ramones were an American rock band that formed in the New York City neighborhood of Forest Hills, Queens, in 1974. They are often cited as the first punk rock group...
, released in 1992 (see 1992 in music
1992 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1992.-January–February:*January 11**Nirvana's Nevermind album goes to #1 in the US Billboard 200 chart, establishing the widespread popularity of the Grunge movement of the 1990s....
). It featured their new bassist, Christopher Joseph Ward (C.J. Ramone), who replaced departed member Dee Dee Ramone
Dee Dee Ramone
Dee Dee Ramone was an American songwriter and musician, best known as founding member, bassist and main songwriter of the punk rock band the Ramones....
. Mondo Bizarro was the group’s first studio album in three years. The album was re-released by the record label Captain Oi! on August 10, 2004, with a bonus track, "Spider-Man".
"Censorshit" was written by Joey Ramone
Joey Ramone
Joey Ramone was an American vocalist and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist in the punk rock band the Ramones. Joey Ramone's image, voice and tenure as frontman of the Ramones made him a countercultural icon.-Early life:Joey Ramone was born Jeffry Hyman to parents Noel and Charlotte Hyman...
about how rock and rap albums were being censored by the PMRC (Parents Music Resource Center
Parents Music Resource Center
The Parents Music Resource Center was an American committee formed in 1985 with the goal of increasing parental control over the access of children to music deemed to be violent, have drug use or be sexual.The committee was founded by four women: Tipper Gore, wife of Senator and later Vice...
), a group of Washington wives out to put warning labels on records, a practice which has become standard. It has a reference to Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne
John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne is an English vocalist, whose musical career has spanned over 40 years. Osbourne rose to prominence as lead singer of the pioneering English heavy metal band Black Sabbath, whose radically different, intentionally dark, harder sound helped spawn the heavy metal...
and Frank Zappa
Frank Zappa
Frank Vincent Zappa was an American composer, singer-songwriter, electric guitarist, record producer and film director. In a career spanning more than 30 years, Zappa wrote rock, jazz, orchestral and musique concrète works. He also directed feature-length films and music videos, and designed...
. Quote: "Ask Ozzy, Zappa, or Me. We'll show you what it's like to be free." The song is addressed to Tipper Gore
Tipper Gore
Mary Elizabeth "Tipper" Gore , née Aitcheson, is an author, photographer, former second lady of the United States, and the estranged wife of Al Gore...
, former Tennessee senator, and Vice President Al Gore
Al Gore
Albert Arnold "Al" Gore, Jr. served as the 45th Vice President of the United States , under President Bill Clinton. He was the Democratic Party's nominee for President in the 2000 U.S. presidential election....
's wife.
"Take It as It Comes" is a cover song, originally recorded by The Doors
The Doors
The Doors were an American rock band formed in 1965 in Los Angeles, California, with vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, drummer John Densmore, and guitarist Robby Krieger...
in 1967. "Spider-Man," While having never appeared on the original release but later as a bonus track on the CD version, is a cover of the theme song from the original Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
animated series. It was originally released as an unlisted Bonus track on the original release of "¡Adios Amigos!" (later editions omitted it) and then a completely different version was available on the Saturday Morning
Saturday Morning
-Album credits:*All tracks produced by Ralph Sall for Bulletproof Recording Company Inc.*Executive Producer/Concept: Ralph Sall for Bulletproof Recording Company Inc.*Engineered by Peter McCabe and Larry Fergusson....
compilation in 1995.
Although Dee Dee Ramone
Dee Dee Ramone
Dee Dee Ramone was an American songwriter and musician, best known as founding member, bassist and main songwriter of the punk rock band the Ramones....
had left the band, he provided the songs "Poison Heart
Poison Heart
"Poison Heart" is the 1992 single by the Ramones written by ex-bassist Dee Dee Ramone. It has a different pace to normal Ramones works. It was given to the band in exchange for bailing Dee Dee out of jail. The song was also included in the film Pet Sematary 2...
", "Main Man", and "Strength To Endure", as payment for bailing him out of jail due to his long drug addiction. When Johnny Ramone
Johnny Ramone
John William Cummings , better known by his stage name Johnny Ramone, was an American guitarist and songwriter, best known for being the guitarist for the punk rock band the Ramones. He was a founding member of the band, and remained a member throughout the band's entire career...
was interviewed about the album for the End of the Century documentary
End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones
End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones is a 2003 documentary film about highly influential New York punk rock band the Ramones. The film, produced and directed by Jim Fields and Michael Gramaglia, documents the band's history from their formation in the early 1970s and 22 subsequent years of...
, he states, "I don't like it. I don't like it at all.". This contradicts a statement from a 1992 interview in an Argentine newspaper, quote: "Generally I always find two or three songs that I hate. From Mondo Bizarro, I really like almost all the songs and I am very satisfied with the result."
Two singles from the album were released; "Poison Heart
Poison Heart
"Poison Heart" is the 1992 single by the Ramones written by ex-bassist Dee Dee Ramone. It has a different pace to normal Ramones works. It was given to the band in exchange for bailing Dee Dee out of jail. The song was also included in the film Pet Sematary 2...
" was released in June 1992, and Strength to Endure was released that October.
The original "Mondo Bizarro" was the title of a 1966 film sequel to "Mondo Cane
Mondo cane
Mondo cane is a documentary written and directed by Italian filmmakers Paolo Cavara, Franco Prosperi and Gualtiero Jacopetti. The film consists of a series of travelogue vignettes that provide glimpses into cultural practices around the world with the intention to shock or surprise Western film...
".
The album was certified gold in Brazil in 1995.
Track listing
- "Censorshit" (Joey RamoneJoey RamoneJoey Ramone was an American vocalist and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist in the punk rock band the Ramones. Joey Ramone's image, voice and tenure as frontman of the Ramones made him a countercultural icon.-Early life:Joey Ramone was born Jeffry Hyman to parents Noel and Charlotte Hyman...
, Mickey Leigh) – 3:13 - "The Job That Ate My Brain" (Marky RamoneMarky RamoneMarky Ramone is an American musician. He is best known for being the drummer for the Ramones, but has also played in other notable bands like Dust, Wayne County and the Backstreet Boys, Richard Hell & The Voidoids, and the Misfits.Although he is not the original drummer , Marky is the only living...
, Garrett James Uhlenbrock) – 2:17 - "Poison HeartPoison Heart"Poison Heart" is the 1992 single by the Ramones written by ex-bassist Dee Dee Ramone. It has a different pace to normal Ramones works. It was given to the band in exchange for bailing Dee Dee out of jail. The song was also included in the film Pet Sematary 2...
" (Dee Dee RamoneDee Dee RamoneDee Dee Ramone was an American songwriter and musician, best known as founding member, bassist and main songwriter of the punk rock band the Ramones....
, Daniel ReyDaniel ReyDaniel Rey is an American musician, music producer and songwriter from New York City best known for his work with the Ramones....
) – 4:04 - "Anxiety" (Marky Ramone, Garrett James Uhlenbrock) – 2:04
- "Strength to Endure" (Dee Dee Ramone, Daniel Rey) – 2:59
- "It's Gonna Be Alright" (Joey Ramone, Andy ShernoffAndy ShernoffAndy Shernoff is a musician, songwriter, record producer and oenophile.He is a founding member of The Dictators, one of the original New York punk bands, in which he wrote nearly all of the songs, played bass guitar and keyboards, and sang backing vocals and occasional leads...
) – 3:20 - "Take It As It Comes" (Jim MorrisonJim MorrisonJames Douglas "Jim" Morrison was an American musician, singer, and poet, best known as the lead singer and lyricist of the rock band The Doors...
/John DensmoreJohn DensmoreJohn Paul Densmore is an American musician and songwriter. He is best known as the drummer of the rock group The Doors.-Early life and The Doors:Born in Los Angeles, Densmore attended Santa Monica City College and Cal...
/Robby KriegerRobby KriegerRobert Alan "Robby" Krieger is an American rock guitarist and songwriter. He was the guitarist in The Doors, and wrote some of the band's best known songs, including "Light My Fire," "Love Me Two Times," "Touch Me," and "Love Her Madly."...
/Ray ManzarekRay ManzarekRaymond Daniel Manzarek, Jr., better known as Ray Manzarek , is an American musician, singer, producer, film director, writer, co-founder and keyboardist of The Doors from 1965 to 1973, Nite City from 1977–1978 and Manzarek-Krieger since 2001.Manzarek is listed #4 on Digital Dreamdoor's "100...
) - 2:07 - "Main Man" (Dee Dee Ramone, Daniel Rey) – 3:29
- "Tomorrow She Goes Away" (Joey Ramone, Daniel Rey) – 2:41
- "I Won't Let It Happen" (Joey Ramone, Andy Shernoff) – 2:22
- "Cabbies on Crack" (Joey Ramone) – 3:01
- "Heidi Is a Headcase" (Joey Ramone, Daniel Rey) – 2:57
- "Touring" (Joey Ramone) – 2:51
Ramones
- Joey RamoneJoey RamoneJoey Ramone was an American vocalist and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist in the punk rock band the Ramones. Joey Ramone's image, voice and tenure as frontman of the Ramones made him a countercultural icon.-Early life:Joey Ramone was born Jeffry Hyman to parents Noel and Charlotte Hyman...
– lead vocals - Johnny RamoneJohnny RamoneJohn William Cummings , better known by his stage name Johnny Ramone, was an American guitarist and songwriter, best known for being the guitarist for the punk rock band the Ramones. He was a founding member of the band, and remained a member throughout the band's entire career...
– guitar - C. J. RamoneC. J. RamoneChristopher Joseph Ward , better known as C. J. Ramone, is an American musician best known as working as the bassist of punk rock group Ramones from 1989 to 1996.-Background:...
– bass, backing vocals & lead vocals on "Strength to Endure" and "Main Man" - Marky RamoneMarky RamoneMarky Ramone is an American musician. He is best known for being the drummer for the Ramones, but has also played in other notable bands like Dust, Wayne County and the Backstreet Boys, Richard Hell & The Voidoids, and the Misfits.Although he is not the original drummer , Marky is the only living...
– drums
Additional musicians
- Vernon ReidVernon ReidVernon Reid is an English-born American guitarist, songwriter, composer, and bandleader. Best known as the founder and primary songwriter of the heavy metal band Living Colour, Reid was named #66 on Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.Critic Steve Huey writes, "[Reid's]...
– guitar solo on "Cabbies on Crack" - Joe McGintyJoe McGintyJoe McGinty is a composer, keyboardist and arranger who was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey.-Background:McGinty is most widely known for his five years as the keyboardist for The Psychedelic Furs ....
– keyboards on "Take It as It Comes" - Flo & EddieFlo & EddieFlo & Eddie are a comedic musical duo.The two were the original founding members of the Top 40 rock group the Turtles. After the Turtles dissolved, Volman and Kaylan first joined the Mothers of Invention as "Phlorescent Leech & Eddie"...
– backing vocals on "Poison Heart" and "Touring"
Additional personnel
- Bryce Goggin – assistant engineer
- Joe Warda – assistant engineer
- Gary Kurfirst – executive producer
- Greg Calbi – mastering
- Ed StasiumEd StasiumEd Stasium is an American record producer and engineer who has worked on albums by The Ramones, Talking Heads, The Smithereens and Living Colour.- History :Stasium first surfaced in 1970 fronting the band Brandywine, appearing on their sole LP Aged....
– mixing, producer - Paul Hamingson – engineer
- Eugene Nastasi – assistant engineer
- Garris Shipon – assistant engineer
- George DuBose – art direction, photography, design
Album
| Year | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | The Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
190 |
Singles
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | "Poison Heart Poison Heart "Poison Heart" is the 1992 single by the Ramones written by ex-bassist Dee Dee Ramone. It has a different pace to normal Ramones works. It was given to the band in exchange for bailing Dee Dee out of jail. The song was also included in the film Pet Sematary 2... " |
Modern Rock Tracks Modern Rock Tracks Alternative Songs is a music chart in the United States that has appeared in Billboard magazine since September 10, 1988. It lists the 40 most-played songs on modern rock radio stations, most of which are alternative rock songs... |
6 |