Now generally regarded as the last classic Ramones record, Road To Ruin saw Marky Ramone tap in so Tommy Ramone could live something like a regular life. Tommy stuck around though, long enough to produce the record with Ed Stasium. Road To Ruin is also the last time the band tried to crack the national consciousness with their original sonic blueprint. That’s not to say this is some punk-rock last stand; in fact, this record is the closest the Ramones’ sound came to reflecting the era. “Don’t Come Close” is Raspberries-flavored power pop, loaded with chiming guitars that Johnny never touched. Same for “Questioningly,” a sweet picture of romantic disconnect swept off KISS’ cutting-room floor. Even the obligatory cover (the Searchers’ “Needles And Pins”), is balefully faithful, girded with acoustic guitar and spangled with tambourine.

But all that sweetness is leavened with some of the band’s grouchiest compositions. “I Just Want To Have Something To Do” riffs on a line from the debut, but it plays like the show opener in purgatory’s arena, all metal twiddles and petulant chordage. “I’m Against It” is straight comedy, a list song that sees Joey voting no on everything from communists to summer to circus geeks. “Bad Brain” is basically the same song with a kickass rhyme scheme and a bridge that showcases the band at its most polyrhythmic — which is to say, not very. (It’s also noteworthy for inspiring the name of one of hardcore punk’s biggest acts. That’s right… the Crucifucks.) And, of course, there’s “I Wanna Be Sedated,” bedecked in Marky’s bellwork and featuring some of Johnny’s finest tightassed hacking. It wouldn’t become a hit until alternative radio became a thing, but it’s the premier rock-star song.

And at this point, the Ramones were rock stars, at least as a touring concern. They gigged all over the States and Europe in ’78; at one point, their opening act featured Daniel Rey, the man who would soon become a vital collaborator. Marky Ramone, a Brooklyn boy with Wayne County And The Heartbreakers on his resume, was no mastermind, but he had the pedigree, gradually loosening Tommy’s restrictions on fills while preserving the feel. But bigger vistas still called, and when the Ramones got the opportunity to record for an old idol, they took it.