I remember the first time I heard “Bonzo Goes to Bitburg”. I was about 14 years old, at home watching Jack Black’s classic movie School of Rock (an absolute favorite of mine). The song is playing during a montage scene that features Black showing the kids a history of rock genres and footage of some of the all-time greats performing live– it’s a perfect fit for the moment and mood, one that makes me emotional every time I see it. The song is is a striking blend of sharp political commentary that delivers a biting critique of Reagan-era politics with unexpected depth and sincerity and features that classic infectious melody which showcased the Ramones’ ability to fuse punk energy with pop sensibility. Its mix of anger, melancholy, and singalong hooks has made it my favorite Ramones song, and frankly one of my favorite rock songs of all-time. Immediate goosebumps every time it comes on.
By the mid-80’s the Ramones had lost a lot of the heat that made them such legends in the 70’s after the release of their debut album. What makes Animal Boy so disorienting in that respect is that the rest of this album is kind of a throwaway, especially when juxtaposed with the rest of their catalogue (and the brilliance of “Bonzo Goes to Bitburg”).
Standout Songs: “Bonzo Goes to Bitburg”, “Something To Believe In”
