Ramones

Counting off their three-minute, three-chord sonic explosions with a "one, two, three, four!" the Ramones launched into the likes of "Blitzkrieg Bop" and "Beat On the Brat" like they were charging enemy lines. Actually, what they were doing was igniting not one, but two punk rock revolutions: the one they spearheaded in the '70s, and the '90s revival.

Through most of their two-decadelong recording career, the Ramones inspired an affection among fans and fellow musicians that, somehow, didn't translate into sales. Regardless, the group explored new avenues without compromising their punk approach, teaming with legendary producer Phil Spector on 1980's End of the Century and integrating metal elements into the mix.

Yes, a lot of Ramones songs sound similar — and, yes, that's a compliment. Deep into their output, we're constantly coming across nagging hooks and clever (but not too clever) lyrics delivered with Noo Yawker flair by lanky frontman Joey Ramone. Dozens of bands followed their lead (and the music was simple enough to copy), but the Ramones were unmistakable.

If only (as the title of one of their albums boasted) they really were too tough to die. Eight years after hanging it up, the three principal members of the Ramones (vocalist Joey, guitarist Johnny, and bassist Dee Dee) had passed away. But the Queens, New York, foursome left in their wake the punk rock blueprint, and songs like "I Wanna Be Sedated" and "Sheena Is a Punk Rocker" will be with us as long as fans are around to chant, "Hey! Ho! Let's Go!"