Road To Ruin

Marky Ramone joined the band for Road to Ruin, a record that opened more space for acoustic guitar and pop arrangements without losing the Ramones' clipped attack. “I Wanna Be Sedated” became its lasting calling card, compressing exhaustion and absurdity into an immediately memorable chorus.

“Don't Come Close” and the cover of “Needles and Pins” show how naturally the group could work with older pop forms. The songs remain short and direct, but the record makes a broader case for their melodic instincts than their reputation for speed alone suggests.