The Ramones: ‘The Sire Years 1976-1981’

BREAK out your leather biker jacket and put on your best punk-rock snarl for this six-disc set from the genre’s American pioneers. All the songs that made you want to grow your hair long and play power chords are here: “Blitzkrieg Bop,” “Sheena is a Punk Rocker,” “Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment” and “I Wanna Be Sedated.”

“The Sire Years” comprises the Ramones’ first six albums: 1976’s “The Ramones,” 1977’s “Leave Home” and “Rocket to Russia,” 1978’s “Road to
Ruin,” 1980’s “End of the Century” and 1981’s “Pleasant Dreams.”

Each album has its standout tracks—the ones you loved back in high school or whenever you discovered these shaggy-haired New Yorkers.

The albums are presented with the original song order, cover art and arrangements, making the collection familiar, if beloved, territory. It’s nostalgic and comprehensive, but probably redundant for most Ramones fans. (AP)