Hits is something of a misnomer when it comes to the Ramones. It's more like the tongue in cheek title that the Red Hot Chili Peppers gave their 1993 EMI collection, "WHAT hits?!?" I am sure that anyone who is a die hard fan probably has all these on CD somewhere, or would have picked alternate titles than the ones presented here. It is going to be a damn long time before we have the likes of the Ramones on this earth again, or a band with this kind of influence. So since Johnny Ramone was the one with his hand in the title hat, I'll not quibble over what should and should not be here. Suffice to say that it's all good...and just to have a single disc that spans the entire legacy of the Ramones' recordings (and leaves the redundant live records out of the picture) is reason to believe in a higher power.

For all the critical nit-picking that has occasionaly been leveled about the lack of variation in the Ramones' style, this CD lays that argument to waste. "Do You Remember Rock And Roll Radio" would be a classic out of anybody's songbook, the Phil Spector production should have made this the breakout record that the band so obviously longed for. But it isn't the same song as the rappy "Wart Hog" which isn't the same song as the near metal "Psycho Therapy" which isn't the same song as the trippy "Highest Trails Above" which isn't the three chord attack of "Blitzkreig Bop" etc., etc.

The unifying thread through almost all of these songs was Joey Ramone's voice, which became more and more soulful as their career proceeded. If Dee Dee and Johnny gave guts to the band, it was Joey's voice that gave it heart. These may have been the "toughest" of the Ramones' songs, yet these "brothers" were never without spirit. When listening to this disc, it's the Ramones' spirit and heart that will stick in your memory, just as much as any of the classic rock hooks they were so adept at creating.

Like so many groups whose appeal surfs through multiple generations, The Ramones have had a bunch of compilation albums, and we will probably see more in the future. I have yet to come across a lame Ramones collection, but this particular compilation gives you the greatest adrenalin rush for your buck.

The first three tunes are identical to their debut album, but instead of easing into the sweet "I Want To Be Your Boyfriend," they follow up with more high-energy ear fuel with "Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment," and "Commando." No Lagardian pauses here, folks! In fact, if you want a wide variety of Ramones songs that include their semi-mellow side, you are best off buying each individual album instead of any compilations, since most of these collections focus on their high-octane classics (which, I admit, is what they did best!)

If you are one of those Ramones fans who preferred their earlier years, "Loud, Fast" delivers more of their classics, but gives their later years a decent backseat. A nice addition to these memorable cuts are several solo tunes by Dee Dee Ramones, including "The Crusher." Very trippy,as Dee Dee's material strayed from the traditional Ramones aura; he had a unique vision!

The only reason I would discourage anybody from buying this CD has nothing to do with flaws. I believe The Ramones are one of those rare groups who put out so much great material, so much which didn't wind up in any "Greatest Hits" collections, that buying each and every one of their releases is worth every penny. But--- to each his or her own, so if you want to buy just one Ramones CD, and get a great sampling of their work, this is the album to buy.

I generally despise greatest hits albums. To me, they always seem to miss the mark somehow. However, Rhino Records & Johnny Ramone really created an amazing compilation spawning the Ramones 20 year history. The collection, for the most part, collects some of the Ramones toughest moments though, as with all greatest hits packages, omits a few songs that I feel should've been included. We have 4 songs off Road to Ruin while there are only 3 songs off the debut. How about giving "I Wanted Everything" the boot to free up a little over 3 minutes for something else. It was nice to see "I'm Against It" as well as a surprise inclusion of "Highest Trails Above." But... "Chinese Rock" is missing (though included on the incredible live bonus disc)... "Garden of Serenity" seems a bit out of place... it would've been nice to have either "Animal Boy" or "Love Kills" in it's place. Also, the album seems to end on an odd note. I love C.J.... "The Crusher" is one of my favorite songs... but to have it as the last song? Odd, in my opinion. Having "Spider-Man" close the album would've been nice. But... I'm not Johnny Ramone... he has his reasons for choosing the songs he did and that is good enough for me.

As a whole, the record rips through your speakers like a tornado. The digital remastering on the tracks make everything sound crisp & clear... with the exception of "Rock & Roll High School." Please... if this song ever shows up on a compilation again, we need to use the Ed Stasium version... the soundtrack version makes it sound like Joey is singing into a metal can. Minor gripe... but still not a big deal.

The album is a great way to introduce your friends to the Ramones or serve as a great mix for longtime fans. The bonus, 8-track live CD is amazing... absolutely amazing. The band tears through the songs with reckless abandon... Joey's voice is still crisp, and the rhythm section cranks out the tunes in that Ramones buzzsaw fashion.

Overall, a great compilation... pick one copy up for yourself, and buy copies for your friends. They won't be disappointed.

First of all, let me clear up something. This is by not by any means a perfect Greatest Hits CD. As one reviewer said, about half this CD is incredible and the 2nd half is mediocore. But this is only a byproduct of Johnny's attempt to make the CD broader in musical scope and a more career-spaning effort, and I think this is an important thing for any GH CD to try and do. Even though I don't really like any songs past "The KKK Took My Baby Away," I appreciate what Johnny tried to do here.

With that said, if you want to get into the Ramones, this is the CD to do it. I used to be this kind of "Clash-elitist" for the longest time, and I always thought that the Ramones were these no talent, three-chord mainstream bore-fests, until I got this CD. While I still think the Ramones are less-talented than the Clash and a lot of other punk bands, I think they possess a quality beyond talent, something that so many bands of that era, this era, and any era really lack: raw, raw passion. This band is so pure and so stripped of all flashiness and bs rock 'n' roll glam that it is absolutely inspiring to listen to. The Ramones really knew how to make you want to get up and break something, and it was only '73 when they started doing it, just 4 years after the biggest hippie bash ever. Songs like "Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment" "I Wanted Everything" and "Beat on the Brat" are just so simply powerful. They are an incredibly unique band in this regard. And of course, you have to give them respect for being the first real punk band to land a major record deal.

I used to hate this band. This CD taught me to wise up, shut my mouth, and respect this amazing group. There will never be another band like them. NYC punk at its greatest.

THE original punk band.If you like the Ramones,this is THE cd to buy.If you're just starting to get into the Ramones,or don't have any of their cds,this is the one.With some of their most popular hits, "I wanna be sedated","Blitzbkrieg Bop","Judy is a punk" and "The KKK took my baby away" this is a must for any lover of punk music.