I’ve loved nearly everything Travis Ramin has ever been associated with. The Fevers. Candygirl. Tina and the Total Babes. Nikki Corvette. Whether in the background as a drummer or producer or up front on vocals and guitar he has an impeccable sense of sugar-coated guitar pop. Recently I found out that he’s started a label, Ramo Records. There is some of his patented pop but there’s also country and punk and garage rock. Here’s what I’ve found.
“You Blow My Mind” b/w “Do You Know What Love Is” 7”
Miss Georgia Peach
Two great country songs. They remind me of the Loretta Lynn tribute single that Niko Case and Kelly Hogan put out a few years ago. Outspoken “know your place, chump” lyrics with a little more kick in the tempos and and guitar. Blaine Cartwright (Nine Pound Hammer) guests. Both cuts are excellent.
“All Talk No Action” b/w “Put the Blame on Me” 7”
Miss Georgia Peach and Scott Morgan
Seems like a great idea, pairing Miss Georgia Peach with a Detroit legend like Scott Morgan (Sonic’s Rendezvous Band, among dozens of others) but neither song stuck. It’s neither like the single reviewed above nor the pop that we usually get from a Travis Ramin project. More like the lesser tracks from Travis and Georgia’s old band the Short Fuses.
“Pretty Wild” b/w “Why You Gotta Roam” 7”
Tough Shits
Despite the “slug you in the gut” image of the band’s photo and moniker these guys play it delicate, pretty even, especially on “Why You Gotta Roam.” Half country, half rock. A little Buck Owens, a little Roy Orbison. “What did I do to make you run away?” I love that the narrator turns it back on himself instead of blaming her. They rev it up a bit on the “Pretty Wild” and the result is another great Ramo single.
Yummy Yummy Yummy 7” EP
Nikki Corvette
Two outtakes recorded in 1978 and interview with Rodney Bingenheimer. The title track might be the definitive bubblegum song of all-time. It was recorded by the Ohio Express and the 1910 Fruitgum Co. Makes sense that bubblegum queen Nikki Corvette would take a shot at it. The first time my daughter heard this cover of “Yummy Yummy Yummy” she tossed her crayons aside and started jumping around the room. I can slather on adjectives all day but they’ll pale compared to the testimony of a three-year-old bouncing on the couch. “Summertime Fun” is pretty fun, too.
“Monkeyshines” b/w “I Go Ape” 7”
Chimptastics
Two songs about primates with pictures of monkeys playing instruments on the cover. I’m old enough to know better and probably would have resisted this single were it not for the involvement of two trusty participants: Dave the Spazz (WFMU, Sea Monkeys) and Travis Ramin (him again!). These guys know ridiculous. If you like “Twist and Shout,” then “Monkeyshines” will treat you right. “I Go Ape” moves like a Chuck Berry song. Don’t let pride get in the way.
“Gimme the Shakes” b/w “20 Flight Rock” 7”
Dogmatics
This one’s ok. One time it sounds like Alex Chilton fronting the Stooges. The next time it comes and goes without making a mark. I like the Eddie Cochran cover better.
That’s four in the “Keep ‘em” pile (Miss Georgia Peach, Tough Shits, Nikki Corvette, Chimptations) and only two in the “Toss ‘em back” (Miss Georgia Peach & Scott Morgan, Dogmatics). Based on the early results any release with the Ramo stamp is worth investigating and likely to make its way on to your mixes.
-- Mike Faloon
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