Album of the Day

The Ramones’ first live album, IT'S ALIVE, was recorded in London on New Year’s Eve 1977 and eventually released as a double album in 1979. Taking its name from a 1974 horror film, the concert collection was the last album to feature all four original band members and delivered a blistering barrage of live takes on classic tracks from the group’s first three albums. “We'd honed our craft really sharp by then,” noted drummer/co-producer Tommy Ramone of the set, which includes electrifying performances of “Blitzkrieg Bop,” “Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment,” “Sheena Is A Punk Rocker” and “Rockaway Beach” plus two dozen more. The final Ramones show took place on this day in 1996, and IT'S ALIVE spotlights the legendary punk pioneers at their best.