The Dwarves, Richie Ramone

The Dwarves | by Ester Segarra

Richie Ramone and the Dwarves might seem like a strange mix for a tour; after all one was the catalyst for the Ramones resurgence in the 80’s and the other put out what is considered by many to be one of the most controversial albums: Blood, Guts & Pussy; ever, even by punk standards. However, these two tastes are more peanut butter and banana sandwiches, than oil and water.

Richie Ramone joined up wth the Ramones for the band’s 1984 rager, Too Tough to Die. Critics praised the album as a return to form and even a response to the emergence of hardcore punk after their 60’s pop tinged, Subterranean Jungle. Richie would go on to have the distinction of being the only drummer in the band with 6 songs to his credit, including Somebody Put Something in My Drink; a tune that has enjoyed some credibility as a cult favorite for new generations of Ramones fans. He left the band over creative differences and has gone on to make some very credible rock and roll records since. “I Fix This” the new single off Ramone’s new album, Cellophane, is all the swagger and rock and roll that one would expect from such esteemed alumnus. Where other musicians attempt to rock the iconic look of tight black denim and chuck tailors, they look like they’re wearing a costume. Richie looks like he was born with the garb of rock and roll royalty stitched to his skin.

Richie Ramone

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The Dwarves are one of the most combustable bands in punk rock. Their seminal, cocaine bender of a record, Blood, Guts & Pussy, is 15 unrelenting minutes of bad attitude and worse people skills. Its loud, fast, rules; personified and it warped this author’s brain at a young age when the album was out of print and the only copies available were third generation tapes dubbed by touring bands crashing at our houses. They have since found a poppy groove while adhering to break neck speeds and employing a bevy of nude beauties and, literal, dwarves for their album covers. While time has softened their sound, a bit, on record; the Dwarves spectacle of a live show endures with flying bodies, nudity and a very cantankerous (at times) singer; Blag Dhalia. Lock up the kids, leave your wife at home and down a fifth of whiskey with whatever pills are lying around for this show. There will be blood.

The Dwarves and Richie Ramone play Propaganda, July 3rd with Whiskey Walls and the Shakers. Doors at 8pm, $15 advance, $20 at the door.
~Tim Moffat