The Ramones were formed in 1974 and are often considered the first true punk band. Because of this, the band was highly influential although their commercial success was somewhat limited. The band consisted of Joey Ramone on vocals, Johnny Ramone on guitar, Dee Dee Ramone on bass, and Tommy Ramone on drums. They adopted these stage names after Paul McCartney's habit of checking into hotels as Paul Ramon. The band continued recording and touring until they broke up in 1996.
The Ramones's self-titled debut Ramones was released in 1976. It features many punk rock signatures such as very short songs (the longest song being 2:35). Although it only charted at 111 on the US Billboard, it received many rave reviews upon release, was highly influential in the development of punk rock, and is considered one of the greatest albums of all time.
Ever since a certain Dylan revolutionized lyrics in the early 60s, dimwits in every corner of the rock scene have felt obligated to attain some deeper lyrical and poetic meaning in their songs. The Ramones say to hell with that, often doing away entirely with verses and writing choruses as simple and inconsequential as "I don't wanna walk around with you/So why you wanna walk around with me? (Ooo)" and "Next time I'll listen to my heart/Next time I'll be smart." I love this record and think so many meaningless lyrics prove the brief flirtations with violence and Nazi imagery reflect no deeper significance or seed of hate. Though the instrumental amateurism and staunch stance against guitar solos of Johnny provide a musical satisfaction I didn't know was possible, it's Joey's barely pronunciation of lyrics such as "Well I'm a shock trooper in a stupor, yes I am" that really elevates this record to be one of the funniest and most powerful rock records to be released since prog rock took over the radio. A [Later: A+]