The Ramones: Joey Ramone (vocals); Johnny Ramone (guitar); Dee Dee Ramone, C. J. Ramone (bass guitar); Marky Ramone, Richie Ramone, Tommy Ramone (drums).

Recording information: 1976 - 1989.

Ubiquity with punk rock, New York City, attitude, and youth rebellion are what the Ramones have come to symbolize since their late 1970s and early '80s heyday... but when is the last time their music has been taken to task? GREATEST HITS--a collection of their groundbreaking works for the Sire label, from 1976's "Blitzkrieg Bop" through 1989's horror movie soundtrack "Pet Sematary"--finds the band's singular and unstoppable legacy completely intact, even in the light of its primary members' deaths and unflattering documentaries about the band's tumultuous career.

The sound they are responsible for is still not only the blueprint for punk rock, but also an architecturally sound artifact of pure rock 'n' roll stamina: '50s rock hooks pummeled with an aggression unmatched in music upon its release and strong enough to drive over a tank. These 20 songs represent some of the most lasting and vital music created in America since the '70s.