The Ramones Once Blew Up a High School

"...Well, I don't care about history."

Okay, so it actually only happened in 1979’s musical teen comedy “Rock ‘N’ Roll High School” (← stream on YouTube). The film has aptly, affectionately been referred to as a “90-minute commercial (for the Ramones) masquerading as a movie” by fellow Substacker and record-biz veteran Brad Kyle.

Full disclosure, despite singing along with the song of the same title countless times over the years, the existence of the cult-classic film featuring the pioneers of punk was unknown to me until around a month ago. These are the types of connections that often go overlooked when streaming music, particularly for those listening to tunes from previous generations they didn’t live through.

Please, cut me some slack. I’m a mid-’80s born millennial who originally got into the Ramones in college. I’ve been an ardent fan for more than 20 years now, but we all have our blind spots.

Since my recent discovery of “Rock ‘N’ Roll High School (the film),” I have both watched the movie and picked up a copy of the stellar soundtrack on vinyl (← find at Discogs) from one of my preferred local antique malls. What a treat!

Exceptional Soundtrack

I am not one to purchase many soundtracks on vinyl. There are exceptions, and this is one for sure.

“Rock ‘N’ Roll High School” features a rare collection of hitmakers joined together on a single record. Of course, the Ramones take the spotlight here with four tracks highlighted by the epic, 11-minute mix titled “Ramones Medley: Blitzkrieg Bop / Teenage Lobotomy / California Sun / Pinhead / She's The One.”

Among other artists included on the album are legends like Chuck Berry and Alice Cooper. Devo, whom I’ve recently written about, and Todd Rundgren pop up as well.

A-Side

A1 - Rock ‘N’ Roll High School - Ramones

A2 - I Want You Around - Ramones

A3 - Come On Let’s Go - Paley Brothers / Ramones

A4 - Ramones Medley - Ramones

A5 - So It Goes - Nick Lowe

A6 - Energy Fools The Magician - Brian Eno

B-Side

B1 - Rock ‘N’ Roll High School - P.J. Soles (lead actress)

B2 - Come Back Jonee - Devo

B3 - Teenage Depression - Eddie and The Hot Rods

B4 - Smoking in the Boys’ Room - Brownsville Station

B5 - A Dream Goes on Forever - Todd Rundgren

B6 - School’s Out - Alice Cooper

Do You Wanna Dance

Five years before the antics of Kevin Bacon and the music of Kenny Loggins did something similar in 1984’s Footloose - another flick with an excellent soundtrack, the Ramones helped a jaded bunch of high schoolers stick it to a tyrannical authority figure in Rock ‘N’ Roll High School.

Not only do the Ramones rock out, but they’ve got a dance number of their own right in one of the many memorable scenes, and my personal favorite, from the movie. Having Joey, Johnny, Dee Dee, and Marky lead a parade of the student body down the school hallway is every punk-rock kid’s dream.

Just ask writer/director Allan Arkush:

“When I was in high school [in New Jersey], I would stare out of the window and make scenarios in my head, daydreaming of crazy things I’d like to happen at school. One vision was having my favorite band come play a concert. As a teenager in the ‘60s, I envisioned the Rolling Stones or the Yardbirds. I knew then it would make for a great movie.” - Variety

Well, Mr. Arkush, it did. Gabba Gabba Hey!

Have you seen Rock ‘N’ Roll High School? Will you?

Are you a fan of the Ramones?

What’s your favorite tune off this superb soundtrack?

Please keep the conversation going in the comments.