A unique Ramones collectible–two 10″ reels of rough mixes of the Ramones classic album Leave Home.  Included are alternate mixes of 15 songs.

We acquired these from Ed Stasium, longtime Ramones producer/engineer/mixer/collaborator. Included is his signed letter of authenticity detailing the history of the tapes, as well as high resolution digital transfers on CD made by Ed.

Stasium’s letter (below) explains that “Ruff” mixes are quick one take reference mixes used for artist, producer and engineer and/or record company for listening and evaluation during the process of the recording.  The individual track balances, panning, EQ, compression, reverb/delay effects etc. are entirely dissimilar from the ones used on the final mixes.  In addition, “ruff” mixes often are one before overdubs and final vocals have been recorded–so these vary considerably from the final mixes that appear on record.  When doing final mixes, we only mixed a song a day (maybe two) spending considerably more time on the mixing as opposed to the “ruffs” which were probably done in one take.”  He continues “These are my personal, original “ruff” mix reels for Ramones tracks for “Leave Home” that I used for my own evaluation and to play for visitors in the studio….I don’t believe that even members of the band had a copy of this tape, although Tommy may have gotten a cassette copy…”  Stasium goes on to describe the mixing after these roughs were made.

Included are versions of Pinhead (without the “Gabba Gabba Hey” chant at the end,) Babysitter (not included on the original release,) Open That Door, I Know Your Name, Gonna Kill That Girl, Swallow My Pride, Glad To See You Go (with false start,) Shock Treatment, I Remember You, Suzy Is A Headbanger, Commando, Oh Oh I Love Her So (with different guitar chord at end,) California Sun, Now I Wanna Be A Good Boy, and Carbona, Not Glue (without fade.)

As Stasium explains in an accompanying document, tapes from the 1970’s need to be “baked”–or heated in a controlled enviornment–before playback; the binder used to attach the magnetic particles to the backing can be unstable after many years.  Ed baked this tape before transferring it digitally in his recording studio; we suggest the owner not try to play it.

This auction is for the tapes, CD transfers and documentation, sold as a collectible only.  No rights of reproduction or copyright are included or inferred. As illustrated below, we have commissioned a frame for thise tapes which can be hung on the wall or displayed on a table.  The frame can easily be slid open and the tape removed.  The frame is shown only as an example of how this tape might be displayed and is NOT INCLUDED but can be ordered separately.

A unique opportunity to obtain a truly one-of-a-kind Ramones collectible.