'Unmatched To This Day': CJ Ramone Lists His Ten Favourite Punk Songs Of All Time

Having kicked off his last ever Australian tour this week, CJ Ramone has shared his top ten favourite punk songs of all time with The Music.

The New York musician, best-known for his stint in seminal punk group The Ramones, where he played bass from 1989 to 1996 after taking over from Dee Dee Ramone, will next perform in Melbourne, Geelong, Canberra, Sydney, Newcastle, Narrabeen, Ballarat, Adelaide, Hillary and Bunbury, before wrapping up the tour in Perth.

For details on venues and dates, check out theGuide.

CJ RAMONE'S TOP TEN FAVOURITE PUNK SONGS OF ALL TIME

The Clash - White Riot

From the opening police siren, to the unrelenting tempo, to the call to rebellion, what UK punk was all about.

The Sex Pistols - God Save The Queen

The Pistols' talent and great songwriting was overshadowed by the controversy they brought with them. Great rock'n'roll riffs, Steve Jones’ killer guitar sound, Johnny Lydon's whiny, snotty voice, Glen Mattlock's thumping bass and great songwriting all built on top of Paul Cook's rock solid foundation created a sound that is unmatched to this day.  

The Damned - Neat, Neat, Neat

My favorite of all the British bands. In all their reinventions they never disappointed.

The Vibrators - Baby, Baby, Baby

Want to win the heart of a punk rock girl? Sing this one to her!

The Buzzcocks - Harmony In My Head

Punk played with heart, mean chops, and serious melody. Pete Shelley was a master songsmith, this one is tops in my book.

Radio Birdman - Aloha Steve & Dan O 

What AC/DC did for rock'n'roll, Radio Birdman did for punk. The Aussie twist of firing it up, playing it tight and adding a pointed sense of humor made them legends. Throw in lyrics about a classic American TV show and you get pure punk rock genius.

Black Flag - Rise Above

California punk was decidedly more political than the east coast, but when I heard this song I joined in! “We’re all born with a chance!”

Sham 69 - If The Kids Are United

Don’t think I need to expand on this one.

Dead Boys - Sonic Reducer

Nihilism at its punk rock best. Stiv Bators was one of the greatest frontmen ever.

The Stooges - Search & Destroy

This song is the beginning of punk.