Archive Review: The Ramones’ Acid Eaters (1993)

When the generally useless Guns ‘N’ Roses went to the well to draw forth an album of covers to record, they turned mostly to 1970s-era punk and metal in illustrating their somewhat shallow roots. Even though bands like the Damned, Fear, and the Germs produced some great music, the first rule in remaking a song is to improve upon it; failing that, honor it by playing it as close to the original as possible. G’N’R did neither, instead merely coming across as tired poseurs cranking out an album to meet contractual obligations.

The Ramones’ Acid Eaters

Now along comes Acid Eaters, the Ramones’ entry into this covers circus. That the foursome from Queens should do an album of cover tunes should really come as no surprise to longtime fans of the band. It certainly came as no surprise to this critic – the handful of brief interviews that I’ve had with frontman Joey Ramone have always degenerated into drunken discussions of old records. That Joey, et al should reach into their record collections and pull out such a handful of musical gems is a testimony not only to their collective tastes, but also to the hidden talents of a band most often dismissed as ‘one dimensional.’

Whereas the aforementioned chart idols predictably championed the ‘70s as their main musical influence, the Ramones turn to the ‘60s godfathers and forebears of punk for their cover selections, including on Acid Eaters a number of expected choices and more than a few pleasant surprises. There’s really not a bad cut to be found on Acid Eaters, as the Ramones provide their typical edge and three-chord manic energy to such oldies as the Who’s “Substitute,” the Stones’ obscurity “Out of Time,” or Love’s “7 and 7 Is.” 

Quite surprising is the inclusion of John Fogerty’s CCR classic, “Have You Ever Seen the Rain,” a Byrds-influenced rendition of Dylan’s “My Back Pages,” and an inspired nod to the Animals with Eric Burdon’s “When I Was Young.” Covers of the Yardbirds, the Amboy Dukes (the 17-year-old Ted Nugent’s first band), the Beach Boys, Jefferson Airplane, the Troggs, and Sky Saxon round out Acid Eaters.

The Reverend’s Bottom Line

At its best, recording an album of other people’s songs should showcase an artist’s roots, the influences that served in creating his or her own work. At its worst, an album of covers still managed to introduce young fans to the work of older artists. With Acid Eaters, the Ramones accomplish both, and do it well, opening new musical doors for its young listeners even while the band pays their respects to their elders and peers. No higher praise could be given... (Radioactive Records, released December 1st, 1993)

Review originally published by R.A.D! zine, March 1994

The Ramones photo by Danny Clinch, courtesy Fox Broadcasting