Pleasant Dreams (Deluxe Edition)

After the challenging sessions with legendary record producer Phil Spector for 1980’s End of the Century, the Ramones hit the studio with 10 C.C. multi-instrumentalist Graham Gouldman who gently emphasized the group’s pop appeal while himself keeping a low profile. The punk era itself had radically changed; underground punk was turning angrier towards the harder, faster rules of hardcore, while those looking to connect to the mainstream aligned with “New Wave” and cleaner, tighter productions. The Ramones soldiered on with another strong set of songs that recalled the compactness of ‘60s AM radio pop of strong melodies and harmonies with the simplicity and force of their earliest punk days. “We Want the Airwaves” was singer Joey Ramone’s literal call for the always-denied radio domination, which he further backed up with the irresistibly catchy “It’s Not My Place (in the 9 to 5 World),” “She’s A Sensation” and “7-11.” Bassist Dee Dee Ramone added the more Ramones-esque, “You Sound Like You’re Sick” and “Sitting In My Room.”