Osakas own Shonen Knife share a bill at New Vintage with C.J. Ramone, who was the Ramones bass player from 1989 until the band called it quits in 1996.
C.J. Ramone
Ramone (aka Chris Ward) is touring in support of his 2014 solo album, Last Chance to Dance, and reportedly will play originals with some Ramones classics sprinkled in (he wrote and sang lead on a handful of Ramones songs, including Scattergun and Got a Lot to Say). I remember first hearing his voice on Strength to Endure, a song penned by original Ramones bassist Dee Dee. C.J. exudes a bit of a Motorhead vibe. Expect volume and intensity.
Shonen Knife
Shonen Knife, meanwhile, is a natural fit for a Ramone pairing, as the all-female group embodies a love of crunchy power-pop and punk and they also released a Ramones tribute album titled Osaka Ramones in 2011. Dont be surprised if they whip out a Ramones cover or two as a result. The band will be promoting its latest album, Overdrive, which pays tribute to 1970s hard rock, while also using the U.S. tour to bid farewell to drummer Emi Morimoto, who is moving on from the band. But one of the best things about Shonen Knife is the bands inherent irresistibility. Often wearing matching, 1960s-esque outfits, their sunshine-evoking vocals could win the heart of Satan himself. And if they pull out their winsome cover of the Carpenters Top of the World, there wont be a soul in the place not dancing.
It all happens at New Vintage, 2126 S. Preston St., on Wednesday, June 17. Tickets are $15, and doors open at 8 p.m. (Note: This show is 21 and over.)
This article appears in June 17, 2015.
