The Ramones
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This live document from the archives of the King Biscuit Flower Hour dates from January, 7, 1978, a week after the Ramones' landmark New Year's Eve gig in London that later became It's Alive. Playing to a rabid hometown crowd packed into the Palladium, Joey, Dee Dee, Johnny, and Tommy run through exactly the same set, with the same attention to brevity over bombast. Joey even uses the same gag to introduce "I Wanna Be Well," switching out "chicken vindaloo" for "dressing room food." The album is also a sonic cousin to It's Alive; its mix is dominated by the slashing treble of Johnny's guitar, and the rhythm section is fuller. NYC 1978's first three songs are a rock & roll history lesson, while the stopping and starting bassline of "California Sun" helps the track sizzle with anticipation. Joey's fake British accent is particularly satisfying over the initial crunch of "I Don't Care," and the set ends strong with more furious guitar from Johnny on "Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue" and the anthem "We're a Happy Family." Of course, it's over too quickly. The Ramones' two chords and the truth defined punk rock. Now that the band is officially defunct, another document of its influential sound -- especially one recorded in the heady days of its first three albums -- is like a present gift-wrapped in torn Levis. Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide Tracks:
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