How many of you are suffering from Johnny Thunders fatigue? I know I am, but this shit just keeps popping up. This is really just a heads up. Probe is Turning-On the People just posted four different versions of "Chinese Rocks", three with different writing credits. As per usual, he doesn't offer much comment. That's great, I often wish I could keep my mouth shut. Anyway, here's the four versions and what I know of them.
The first version is the earliest, when Richard Hell was in the band. He does the singing. It's either a demo or a practice tape. Being the earliest version, from 1975, this gives it provenance. The writing credits Colvin and Hell. Colvin is Dee Dee Ramone. Then the Heartbreakers (Mark II) recorded it with Hell gone and Thunders and Walter Lure singing, what most people recognize as the version. Recorded in 1977, this time credited to Dee Dee Ramone, Thunders, [Heartbreaker Jerry] Nolan and Meyers [Hell]. There's actually at least a couple versions of this one with different mixes. There is another version from 1979, a live version from the Live at Max's Kansas City LP, with the same credits. The third version that the Probe posted is the Ramones' version, this one credits the Ramones as writers, The last version that the Probe posted is a live one from CBGBs in 1975 with Thunders and Hell singing. No writing credits on this one, but it you just can't get enough of this "Chinese Rocks" intrigue, I ran into a post on a blog that goes into real detail about the song, lyric changes, claims of ownership, the whole shooting match. Dude has more time than I do.
The Heartbreakers - Chinese Rocks - Four versions at Probe Is Turning-On the People Note: As of today it is the post at the top of the page, labeled Session 644, If time has passed since this was posted, you may have to scroll down.
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