Slightly less primitive than the Ramones' debut, Leave Home is somehow more melodic, poppier, and heavier than its predecessor. "Glad to See You Go" name-drops "the passion" of Charles Manson, while the terrific "Commando" ("First rule is the laws of Germany / Second rule is be nice to mommy") brings to mind a funnier MC5. But "Oh, Oh, I Love Her So" is pure classic pop--metallic bubblegum and their first foray into the Beach Boys-inspired harmonies that would be used to greater effect on Rocket to Russia. The "bruddahs" even do a speeded-up version of "California Sun" to drive the point home. "Pinhead" gave birth to the "Gabba! Gabba! Hey!" rallying cry. This splendid remastered reissue includes the original artwork, superior sound, and excellent liner notes by heavy-metal Ph.D. Dr. Donna Gaines. Also included is the band's August 1976 L.A. debut show at the Roxy Theater. Leave Home is the album that clued in a lot of people that this band was more than a novelty. --Bill Holdship