The New York Ramones invented punk practically single-handedly in the mid-seventies and enriched rock 'n' roll with a number of beautiful (empty) catchphrases such as 'Gabba Gabba Hey' and 'Hey Ho Let's Go'. Pure cartoon characters who understand that good rock 'n' roll is all about energy and humor and can sometimes be a bit moronic. However, the group's history took on the proportions of a Greek
… tragedy, full of addictions, death and rivalry and hostility. It has already been widely reported in several documentaries. It's good that the double DVD It's Alive shows the band in few words and in all its glory. With live recordings and television performances spanning the 1974-1996 period, we simply see a legendary good band at work. Image and sound quality regularly leave something to be desired, but the Ramones never disappoint. With an average length of two and a half minutes, some songs are also allowed to come back two to three times. All classics, on this DVD that does full justice to Ramones. (MR)more
