Duff McKagan’s column runs every Thursday on Reverb. He writes about what music is circulating through his space every Monday.Rock and roll was having a great go at it from the ’50s into the ’70s. Somewhere around 1973 or so though, things became less unpredictable and more soft and corporate. There seemed to be a formula for success, and that formula was getting dull edges. Then came the Ramones. Without the Ramones it can be argued that there would be no Sex Pistols and Clash…or Bauhaus, or Joy Division. In fair turn, we may not have then seen Metallica or Nirvana or Nine Inch Nails, or-well, you get my drift.May I present to you, three of MY favorite early Ramones rock anthems:”Blitzkrieg Bop” (Ramones): The Ramones careened into the New York scene with nary a clue of how to play more than three or four chords. But they made those chords rip and count and “Blitzkreig Bop” is one of the most solid rock songs ever written.”It’s A Long Way Back” (Road To Ruin): I remember when I first heard this song (at the ripe age of 13 no less), I thought the Ramones had gone soft. But even at that young age, it only took me a few more listens to realize that the Ramones were just plain getting better!”Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment” (Leave Home): Maybe this song was THE predecessor to hardcore punk-rock. You could tell me I am wrong, but I wouldn’t care…’cause I know I am right!Long Live The Ramones!