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Recorded in 1993, towards the end of the Ramones' career, the album Acid Eaters is often set apart from other Ramones releases in that it is entirely comprised of covers. While the Ramones positioned themselves as an alternative to the cocaine-and-cash-fueled guitar-hero rock of mainstream music, they were never afraid to acknowledge their musical influences. Unlike other punk bands of their time, such as the equally popular Clash or Sex Pistols, the Ramones embraced some of the music from their childhood and welcomed it into their own unique sound. Acid Eaters forms a musical tribute to the Ramones' 60s favourites, and highlights the influence that earlier bands such as the Beach Boys, The Who and The Rolling Stones, (all of whom are covered in this album) had on their music.

1 The Recording

Acid Eaters wasn't the first time that the Ramones had played or recorded cover songs. Covers had always formed a minor part of the Ramones' act, and a version of Chris Montez 's hit "Let's Dance" (written by and credited to Jim Lee) even appeared on their debut album. Other notable covers previously performed by the group include The Searchers' "Needles and Pins" (written by Sonny Bono and Jack Nitzsche ), "Baby, I Love You" by The Ronettes and "Surfin' Bird" by The Trashmen. Acid Eaters, however, was the first complete set of covers, and the songs it contains are much more significant than the seemingly randomly distributed covers on the Ramones' other works.

Musically, Acid Eaters is of a high standard, both in terms of recording and performance. The songs are well chosen, as covers such as "Surf City" by Jan and Dean can easily be related to the Ramones' previous surf-rock influenced songs such as Rocket to RussiaRocket to Russia is one of the most popular albums by American punk rockers The Ramones. Released in November of 1977 (see 1977 in music), the album incorporates surf rock and other influences. Rocket to Russia includes one of The Ramones signatures songs 's "Rockaway Beach". The Ramones' interpretation keeps the original flavour of the covers - with Pete TownshendPeter Dennis Blandford Townshend (born May 19, 1945 in Ealing, London) is a rock guitarist and songwriter best known for his work with The Who. Biography Born into a musical family (his father was a professional saxophonist and his mother a singer), Pete supplying backing vocals on The Who song "Substitute" - whilst staying true to the band's standard no-frills version of punk.

2 Track Listing

It's worth noting that the track order may be different on the vinyl and CD issues of Acid Eaters, and between the various labels (legal and otherwise) that it has been released on.

Playing length: 31:05

Side A:

1. Can't Seem to Make You Mine - The Seeds
2. The Shape Of Things to Come - The YardbirdsThe Yardbirds were an early British rock band, noted for spawning the careers of several of rock music's most famous guitarists, including Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. Formed originally as the Metropolitan Blues Quartet in 1962 63 in London, t
3. 7 and 7 Is - LoveFor the 1960s band, see Love (band). The term is also used in tennis. Love has many meanings in English. It can mean an intense feeling of affection, an emotion or emotional state. In ordinary use, it usually refers to interpersonal love. Love is one of t
4. I Can't Control Myself - The TroggsThe Troggs a successful English rock band of the 1960s, had a number of hits in Britain and America. The Troggs are from the town of Andover in southern England. Trogg is short for troglodyte. Band members included: Reg Presley (real name, Reginald Ball)
5. Journey to the Centre of the Mind - Amboy Dukes
6. Out of Time - Rolling Stones

Side B:

1. Have You Ever Seen the Rain - Creedence Clearwater Revival
2. Substitute - The Who
3. Somebody to Love - Jefferson Airplane
4. Surf City - Jan and Dean
5. When I Was Young - The Animals
6. My Back Pages - Bob Dylan