A new record deal and the addition of an enthusiastic new bassist (
C.J. Ramone) revitalized the
Ramones, making
Mondo Bizarro the band's strongest release in years. Returning longtime producer
Ed Stasium certainly deserves much credit for helping the "bruthas" rediscover their unique combination of pop hooks, savage guitar riffing, and most importantly, sense of humor. This is immediately obvious on songs like "Censorshit" (which addresses the Tipper Gore - P.M.R.C. issue), "The Job That Ate My Brain," and the absolutely hilarious "Cabbies on Crack." Recently departed charter member
Dee Dee Ramone also contributes a few surprisingly commercial (but still awesome) songs in "Poison Heart" and "Strength to Endure," the latter is sung by rookie C.J. "I Won't let it Happen" as an acoustic ballad in the classic
Ramones mold. Although "Touring" is little more than a poor remake of "Rock'n'Roll High School,"
Mondo Bizarro still marks a solid return to form for punk rock's greatest institution.