This two-disc anthology of live Ramones footage is assembled chronologically so the viewer can really get a sense of how the band developed. Disc one features the original line-up of Johnny, Joey, Dee Dee and Tommy and begins with footage of a disorganized appearance at New York’s CBGB from 1974.
The group’s play is sloppy as they pummel their way through “Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue,” and hardly anyone in the small audience applauds the performance. To make matters worse, the band then argues about what song to play next, with Tommy complaining the loudest and looking like he’s about to storm offstage.
The act would very quickly come together, though, and it’s amazing to see how “polished” the rough edges are by 1977, represented here with a 14-song set recorded in London. Joey has even loosened up enough by then to joke that his dinner of chicken vindaloo has made him ill as he introduces “I Wanna Be Well.”
Disc two covers 1978 through 1996 and features various line-ups as Marky, Richie and C.J. come into the fold and Tommy quits the band. This retrospective is packed with classic, powerful performances throughout, but disc two also holds oddities like the campy, lip-synched performance of “Rock’n’Roll High School” that includes greasers and guys in drag dancing around as the band “plays.”
Another unusual bit features the band on England’s “Top of the Pops” TV show playing a schmaltzy version of “Baby I Love You” complete with a string section. The outside of the DVD package doesn’t list what lies within, but there are over a hundred song performances in this treasure chest with some tunes being represented multiple times.
Grade: A
It’s Alive 1974-1996 is currently available.
Article posted on 12/11/2007
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