From ’76 to ’78, the Ramones were a skyrocket, releasing four more or less flawless albums. Then they turned into a Ford Econoline, touring the world and releasing 10 more studio albums. Many were worthy, though only 1985’s Too Tough to Die is as good as most of the 21 ’70s tracks omitted from this, their fourth or sixth anthology, depending on how you count. It’s their first box, selected by their late guitarist-leader Johnny Ramone, who was prouder than necessary of both their longevity and his ability to retire at 45 off his catalogue and investments. The ’70s albums end on disc one, and the fourth disc is devoted to a recycled video comp that further emphasizes their careerist period. All 21 omitted songs would have fit on that disc. In descending order of preference, buy Ramones, Rocket to Russia, Road to Ruin and Ramones Leave Home, all available separately. Program out the bonus cuts.

DOWNLOAD: “Blitzkrieg Bop”