I just checked out a Ramones live footage documentary -- Ramones: It's Alive: 1974-1996. It's a must-see for all Ramones fans and fans of New York punk rock.

"Pioneers of punk the Ramones are one of the most celebrated rock acts of all time, and their place in music history is undeniable. As the quintessential garage band, the Ramones made their earsplitting mark with electrifying live concerts. This historic release -- chock-full of more than hours of previously unreleased performance footage -- covers it all, from early appearances at the legendary CBGB to sold-out stadiums across the globe."

Some of the early CBGB's footage is unbelievable like this video of Judy Is A Punk. It's so rough and so raw, you wonder how anyone knew there was something there. On many of what will become their most popular songs, you can barely tell what the song is from the music or the lyrics. They tighten things up amazingly as time progresses, as you see over the course of the 2 DVD series. Joey's stage presence is insane. He's got to be the most awkward lead singer of any band ever. My favorite part, though, is the fact that at the end of every song (aka the beginning of the next song), Dee Dee screems 1, 2, 3, 4. Over and over and over. It's hot.

I'm also generally a big fan of bands sounding like their recorded tracks, but came to love the fact that the Ramones in the early stages and even later on never quite sound identical to their recorded tracks and that's one of the special things about them and seeing live music.

Checkout all the Ramones documentaries and their feature film:
End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones
The Ramones: The True Story
Ramones: Raw
Ramones' Blitzkrieg Bop: Live and Loud at CBGB
The Ramones: Around the World
Lifestyles of the RamonesWe're Outta Here (their final concert)
Rock 'n' Roll High School