The Ramones are the quintessential American rock band--the band that launched punk rock on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Their influence is felt across the spectrum of rock music and even seeps into other media.

The If You Like series installment on The Ramones is a fun blast through the odds, ends and oddities that shaped The Ramones, as well as everything that remains under the scorched earth the band left behind in three decades of unrestrained rock ‘n’ roll.

You can draw a line from any punk band since 1976 and eventually reach The Ramones. What’s most interesting is the other elements that influenced the band other than music. Cartoons, comic books, horror movies and more shaped the band’s consciousness.

The Mad Magazine element of Aaron’s book is the most fun and most enlightening and colors the band in a unique way. That section will provide some insight for more involved fans.

New fans will find an untold number of new bands to discover. Many went on to unique and incredible careers (Sex Pistols, The Clash) while several toiled away as Ramones rip-offs.

Aaron’s book has a little something for everybody and demonstrates how the band was able to distill all of those elements into such a primal, definitive take on rock ‘n’ roll music.