Review of The Ramones: It's Alive 1974-1996

As a Ramones fan of 30-plus years' standing, this double DVD set is a treasure. The content takes in all 22 years of the band's existence, and features every line-up (bar the short-lived drum-stool tenure of 'Elvis Ramone', better known as Clem Burke from Blondie. A truly great pop drummer, he couldn't handle the rigid, martial beat-discipline required). Much of the original 'It's Alive' album is here in video form, but is dwarfed by the sheer amount of footage. Of particular note are three endearingly sloppy songs from CBGBs in 1974, a storming four-song set from 'Don Kirshner's Rock Concert' in 1977, and two songs from 'The Old Grey Whistle Test' with ace drummer Richie Ramone (including an awesome version of Dee Dee's 'Wart Hog'). Sure, they got older and formulaic, but this DVD shrewdly emphasizes and showcases their glory years. About the only thing I could criticize about 'The Ramones: It's Alive 1974-1996' is the close-fitting glossy pink(!) cover, which makes extracting the DVD case irksomely difficult.