Review Summary: Long live The Ramones
In the early 70s there were bands such as The Stooges & MC5 who are considered some of the first punk rock groups and that may be true but in my opinion The Ramones were the first punk rock band. I'm not saying that there wasn't punk before them but I think The Ramones combined their influences and created something unique. Not only do they show it in their music but also in their style and rebellion.
Out of The Ramones first four albums, this album is my favorite. It has a very distinct sound the way it was produced and really makes the music that much more enjoyable. The way the music coming from the left and right channel is interesting and unique. Some of my all time favorite songs by The Ramones are on this album and in my opinion there is no filler songs. Sure the song structures may be simplistic and the songwriting may be a little repetitive at times but overall you can't deny the magic that these songs have. If I had to choose a favorite song on here it would probably have to be Beat On the Brat. It has one of the catchiest choruses that I can't help singing along to and the way the guitar, bass and drums blend so well together is fantastic. Another favorite of mine 'I Don't Wanna Go Down to the Basement' I think has one of the best bass lines in punk rock and just lines up with the guitar and the drums. I think Joey's singing is just unique and the way he sings is great. The fast upbeat punk rock drumming by Tommy really shine on this album with the fast high-hat snare beats and nice ride, crash and tom tom rhythms. Johnny and Dee Dee's guitar and bass work blend really great together with the 3 chord punk rock guitar and jarring bass lines.
The Ramones were one of the most important and influential punk bands and without them a lot of bands wouldn't sound the same. Even though the four original members of The Ramones are gone their music legacy will live on until the end of music. This album is a classic punk rock album that anyone who listens to punk or rock n roll should listen to in their lifetime. A lot of their best material is on this album and you can't go wrong with any of the songs on this masterpiece. If you want to start listening to The Ramones I recommend to check out their first four albums. In my opinion they are the best in their discography.
