The definitive Ramones playlist

One of the Ramones' better efforts from the 1980s. Drummer Richie Ramone, who joined the band a few years earlier, wrote the song. It also features one of the Ramones' heavier guitar riffs, giving an almost metal feel. This was fitting because bands like Metallica and Motorhead considered the Ramones a major influence on their careers. 

Don't let the title fool anybody. This favorite from 1977's classic Rocket to Russia is an entertainingly dark depiction of a nuclear family "sitting here in Queens, eating refried beans." Oh yeah, they're also selling drugs to get by. Family dysfunction at his finest, brilliantly told by the Ramones in less than three minutes. 

This popular 55-second instrumental from 1984's Too Tough to Die opened many Ramones shows and usually followed the theme from The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Tight, clean, and fast-paced, "Durango 95" is a three-chord track. The Ramones were typically a no-frills band; this track is a good example.

The popular "Gabba Gabba Hey" chant was born out of this track from 1977's Leave Home, the band's second album. This might not be a well-known song to casual fans of the Ramones, but it blossomed into a concert anthem thanks to its inclusion in the Rock 'n' Roll High School (1979) movie. The "Pinhead" character bouncing around on stage was also a tradition during live Ramones sets.

The Subterranean Jungle album from 1983 offered elements of psychedelic rock. "Psycho Therapy" delivered some of that but still had enough punk ethos to appease hardcore Ramones fans, who might have drifted from the guys for one reason or another. This track catered to any Ramones fan — old, new, progressive, or nostalgic.

The opening number from Rocket to Russia, the cretins are hopping and have not stopped as the Ramones' legacy lives on. A strong start to a stronger album. This opener is Joey Ramone's way of paying tribute to the group's dedicated and passionate fan base, especially those who risk life and limb to have a good time at the band's high-energy live shows. 

The second single ever released by the Ramones, from its widely acclaimed self-titled debut in 1976. It's the Ramones' version of a love song, but with a more up-tempo sound of a pop/rock track from the 1950s or '60s. It was written by Tommy Ramone, perhaps the most underrated member in the band's history.

Clocking in at a tight 1 minute, 32 seconds, "Judy" is another special moment from the band's self-titled debut. Joey Ramone reportedly paid homage to legendary artists such as Herman's Hermits and Burl Ives on the track, about two troublemakers who, at one point, join the Ice Capades before seemingly meeting their demise.

Yet another gem from the Ramones' debut album. Now, there's no reason to condone violence. Tales differ as to what inspired Joey Ramone to write the song. As far as the sound, it was an early indicator of the kind of force the Ramones would be on the punk rock scene in America.

The closing number on the stellar Ramones debut album should be hailed as one of the great deep cuts off any record. Briskly weaving a tale of one Hitler Youth, it was often played live and was responsible for one of the most special moments during the band's "last show" in Los Angeles in August 1996. It's one Ramones tune that is solid in studio form but takes on a new energetic life when played live in front of a raucous crowd.

The first of back-to-back tracks we'll highlight from the 1980's End of the Century album. The track was produced by the legendary Phil Spector and is an example of the band ushering in a new decade with a more mainstream approach.

No matter which of the three versions the listener prefers, "Rock 'n' Roll High School" was one song that introduced the Ramones to the masses — thanks mainly to the 1979 musical film by the same name. The movie has earned cult classic status (Is it Mary Woronov's best role?), and the song is one that casual fans associate with the group. The song also appears on the End of the Century album. 

Another Ramones fan favorite. In an interesting merger between legends, famed horror author Stephen King wanted the band to write a track for the movie version of his classic Pet Sematary. The song also appeared on 1989's Brain Drain. It's pure musical camp.

This has been one of the band's most well-known hits. The 1977 track is undoubtedly punk but is also one of the group's best mainstream tracks that served as an early example of pop-punk. It's easy to listen to, filled with a 1950s surf-rock vibe that was a major influence on Joey Ramone. The Ramones did not enjoy consistent chart success, which is cool since punk is so not about conforming to the masses. "Sheena," though, hit No. 81 on Billboard's Hot 100.

Who knew that a song about undergoing a controversial procedure like a lobotomy could be so entertaining? For years, "Teenage Lobotomy" opened Ramones shows (following the "Durango 95" intro). Chants of "Lobotomy! Lobotomy!" would send crowds into a frenzy. The Ramones were known for their quirky subject matter, and this is the perfect example of one of the best.

The legend of the Ramones begins here. It was apparent this was a special band after the first time rock and punk fans heard the iconic words, "Hey ho, let's go! Hey ho, let's go! Hey ho, let's go! Hey ho, let's go!" Hardcore Ramones loyalists probably think it's overplayed and too mainstream, but when telling the story of the band, it's an essential beginning to the journey.

It might be interesting for punk fans to know that "Rockaway Beach," from Rocket to Russia, is the highest-charting song in the history of the Ramones — reaching No. 66 on Billboard's Hot 100. Original bassist Dee Dee Ramone wrote the tune about the Queens beach he liked visiting. 

There are various backstories about the true inspiration for this Ramones classic. Whatever the factual basis for the song, it's another special musical moment from the band and the undisputed highlight from 1981's Pleasant Dreams album.

Found in the United Kingdom in 1985 and on '86's Animal Boy, "Bonzo Goes to Bitburg" has become one of the band's best-received songs, earning a big boost from its inclusion in the movie School of Rock (2003). Perhaps the Ramones' most politically-charged track criticizing then-President Ronald Reagan's trip to the German World War II cemetery where several Nazi soldiers are buried. Even when the Ramones are angry, it still delivers the goods.  

Even punks like the Ramones wrote a song about the road. From Road to Ruin (1978), "I Wanna Be Sedated" might be the most recognizable Ramones track. Touring takes its toll on even the most veteran musicians. "Twenty-twenty-twenty-four hours to go" is one of the most iconic lines in punk rock.