According to Thomas Erdelyi, old-time folk music and punk rock have a lot in common. He should know. He was the Ramones' original drummer, back when he was known as Tommy Ramone. These days, Erdelyi is pickin' and grinnin' with Claudia Tienan in the acoustic bluegrass duo Uncle Monk. "It's more about emotions and feel," he says. "Virtuosity can come into play, but that's not the prime idea behind it. It's just, get out, pick up an instrument, and play." Banjos, mandolins, and Carter Family-style harmonies figure into the mix, as does some modern-day angst from singer Tienan. "A lot of Ramones fans have never heard music like this," says Erdelyi. "A lot of times, their reaction is, they like it. They just don't quite understand why they like it."
