The Ramones burst onto the music scene like a breath of (if not fresh than) New York City air. The foursome played a high-speed, stripped down punk version of rock \u2018n\u2019 roll, and their approach \u2013 from music to their distinctive visual aesthetic \u2013 wold prove hugely influential. But the Ramones didn\u2019t come out of nowhere: the group made no secret of its love for the pop music that had come before. The Ramones would include a cover song on each of their first several albums, each delivered in the band\u2019s own inimitable style. Their choice of songs provided clues that helped place their original music in its proper context.<\/p>\n
Later in their career, the Ramones would record an entire album\u2019s worth of ace covers, 1993\u2019s Acid Eaters<\/em>, but the earlier tracks \u2013 five of which are featured here \u2013 arguably capture them at their best.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s Dance\u201d from Ramones<\/em> (1976)<\/strong>
\nChris Montez recorded \u201cLet\u2019s Dance\u201d a pop song written by Jim Lee, in 1962. The song was wildly successful on release, climbing quickly to the #4 spot on the Billboard<\/em> singles chart. It fared nearly as well in England, where it reached #2. Re-released a decade later, \u201cLet\u2019s Dance\u201d charted yet again, making it to the top five in both Germany and the U.K. The tune would be covered by many other acts, including Sylvie Vartan, Tony Sheridan and Slade. The Ramones\u2019 version would be the sole cover on their debut album.<\/p>\n