This two CD and book release poses a bit of a problem for the Ramones fan. The book, as one expects from Rhino, is written in the breathless yet informative style common to the serious devotee. The track listing reads like what you and a couple of friends might have settled on if you spent an afternoon coming up with two CDs of Ramones music.

The only track on the albulms that you don't already own, however, is that none-too-inspiring Motorhead cover ("R.A.M.O.N.E.S."). How much of a completist do you need to be? This isn't a "throw in the CD changer for a party" greatest-hits collection, either (you've already got "Mania" for that).

These two disks, however, are the perfect gift to convert any friends fortunate enough to still have the discovery of the Ramones ahead of them in their lives. Wisely focusing on the pre-C.J. period, the selected tracks highlight many of the Ramones' greatest moments, and represent enough variety to put to rest any newcomer complaints that the songs "sound the same".

So get this set, listen to "R.A.M.O.N.E.S.", maybe read the book, and then give it away. You're saving yourself the bother of making that perfect Ramones mixed tape. It's here, or close enough.