Leave Home
Slightly less primitive than the Ramones' debut,Leave Homeis somehow more melodic, poppier,andheavier than its predecessor. "Glad to See You Go" name-drops "the passion" of Charles Manson, while the terrific "Commando" ("First rule is the laws of Germany / Second rule is be nice to mommy") brings to mind a funnierMC5. But "Oh, Oh, I Love Her So" is pure classic pop--metallic bubblegum and their first foray into theBeach Boys-inspired harmonies that would be used to greater effect onRocket to Russia. The "bruddahs" even do a speeded-up version of "California Sun" to drive the point home. "Pinhead" gave birth to the "Gabba! Gabba! Hey!" rallying cry. This splendid remastered reissue includes the original artwork, superior sound, and excellent liner notes by heavy-metal Ph.D. Dr. Donna Gaines. Also included is the band's August 1976 L.A. debut show at the Roxy Theater.Leave Homeis the album that clued in a lot of people that this band was more than a novelty.--Bill Holdship