FOR SERIOUS RAMONES FANS ONLY

Leathers From New York is a small book and a 4-track CD. The book (written in English and Italian) is an interesting (although poorly written) biography of the band, and contains some good photos. The CD is worth having for the songs "Chop Suey" (from the "Get Crazy" soundtrack, very difficult to find) and "The Wonderful Widow of Eighteen Springs," which is the strangest song you will ever hear Joey sing. Actually, he doesn't sing, but chants over a bizarre drum track. The other two songs are a live version of "Blitzkrieg Bop" and the famous "Carbona Not Glue." If you have some money to spare and do not have "Chop Suey" in your collection, this CD is worth buying.

Spend your money some other way

Hey, if you've got money to spend (waste), get this CD/book. The book and CD are packaged in a plain white sleeve with no place to store the book. The selections are fine and I especially liked "Carbona Not Glue" and "Chop Suey"; the live version of "Blitzkrieg Bop" is good and clear, but I could have done without "The Wonderful Widow..." with its '50's beetnik style. The book that comes with it is only marginally fun and you'll need a magnifying glass to read it. I expected more for my money.