Ramones: Hey Ho Lets Go

The line "Dedicated to Joey, Johnny and Dee Dee Ramone" in the album credits is sad but true. Joey and Johnny died of cancer and Dee Dee of a heroin overdose, all within the past five years. This 20-song beast is a mighty fine tribute to the great original punk rockers and is jam-packed with tracks from the band's four best albums, starting with the 1976 self-titled debut to 1978's Road To Ruin.

The remaining seven tracks, including the scuzzy and zany Do You Remember Rock'n'Roll Radio?, takes us through to Wart Hog from 1985's Too Tough Too Die.

Crikey, this is simple yet trailblazing stuff, and it's no better flaunted than on the mid-album highlight I Wanna Be Sedated.

The Ramones didn't sell many records and had few hit singles, and it took years for many music lovers to cotton on to the music of these lank-haired punk rockers. Even now, people are discovering the charm within timeless Ramones' songs such as Blitzkrieg Bop, Beat On the Brat, and Sheena Is A Punk Rocker. The only factor stopping Hey Ho Let's Go from being a must-have is that there have been many Ramones' compilations in the past. But don't let that stop you.

Label: Sire/Rhino