Reviews (page 2 of 7)
Amazing, great energy, they are up there with the Ramones IMO
Were these lyrics written by Gene Belcher? I think Cars and Girls especially showed strong Gene Belcher vibes. Overall, fun music, good to drive around with your windows down. Utterly shocked when I opened the wikipedia section to learn this was the first punk rock album and not a prime example of jock rock.
When I read about this before listening I was kind of not excited. Then when I played this I found it to be a total blast! These songs are weird and wild and I enjoyed this completely even if there were a few spots that didn’t age well.
I always wanted to enjoy punk rock from the 70s but had not particularly enjoyed much of it besides The runaways… this album was eye-opening
Before today I'd never heard of the Dictators. They are an early punk band who sound quite a bit like New York Dolls, with the farcical attitude of Turbonegro. Apparently, one of their guitarists, Ross "the Boss" Funichello went on to join Manowar after the band went on a hiatus. There was also, in their early days, a member of the band "Handsome Dick Manitoba" whose sole role was to be the band's mascot (he is seen on the cover of this album). Overall, an excellent album! I really like how the band doesn't take themselves too seriously. The foundations of what these guys were doing would go on to facilitate the formation of punk. These guys just didn't catch their break like New York Dolls or the Ramones because of a few failed record company deals. They would always remain an underground favourite, and they gained a new fan today! Favourite songs: (I Live For) Cars and Girls, California Sun, I Got You Babe, Two Tub Man, Back to Africa, Weekend Least favourite songs: Master Race Rock 5/5
Straight forward 70s punk with a couple of covers. Very enjoyable.
Straight forward rock, proto-punk, punk, whatever you want to call it. Some decent shredding, too. Songs are simple and funny and you can see how this album would go on to influence so much other music that I listen to all the time. One of the few albums that I wanted to put back on again right after listening to it. Great stuff.
Nice theme
Really enjoyed this album! Never heard of the artist before and I'll definitely be listening to it again. Two Tubs Man is a great track, but I equally enjoyed the first four songs on the album. Saved!
10/10 super fun punk album great vibes
Rock and Roll and Wrestling and Handsome Dick Manitoba rule so this gets 5 stars
Great, raw punk sound.
amazinggggggg
Oooops
Like it
Shit that was fun. +1 for the Manitoba mention.
The 1970s version of "DUDES ROCK!" music. Dumb as hell but also quite the fun listen. Interesting how close the band seemed to be to Blue Oyster Cult, given the involvement of Sandy Pearlman/Allen Lanier and the shoutout to Eric Bloom on "Two Tub Man". 8.5/10.
This was fun!
What a cool record! Early punk music at its best.
🙄. First reaction when this popped up. Never heard of it. Well shame on me. This was awesome. Can’t believe I never heard of them or heard anyone cite them as an influence. Great stuff. Fun. Obnoxious. Not taking themselves serious. Refreshing. As the cover shows it’s like professional wrestling in rock and roll form.
(Light 7/10) Honestly a lot more fun than I was expecting, I'm not a huge fan of the surf-punk stuff ngl, but the songs like "Two Tub Man", and the super tongue-in-cheek "Master Race Rock" where they really rock out utilize some truly killer guitar solos (plus the bass in MRR is really fucking good). So yeah, mostly a great time, but I can do without the surfy stuff.
3.8 Very solid, Guitar player was pretty good. I wonder why would they feature Dick Manitoba on the cover, when he was a roadie/back up singer. I did go down a Dick Manitoba rabbit hole but could find how the name came to be
Esenciales, al nivel de los Ramones? Sí. El punk nació de los MC5, las New York Dolls, los Stooges y también de los Dictators. Así de simple. Este debut anticipó todo el 77 y a otros muchos como los Beastie Boys por ejemplo, que tomaron suyo el mal gusto y la ironía (eran neoyorquinos como ellos). No eran cuatro acordes de músicos patosos, calidad tenían de sobra. Sin embargo el disco pasó desapercibido y no fue bien recibido, debido sobre todo a su tono informal (no había esa autodestrucción de los Stooges por ejemplo). Pero bueno es algo que les pasó por ejemplo a los Gran Funk Railroad y tienen un sonido en algunas partes similar (aunque bastantes años antes) o qué decir de Manifest destiny, el siguiente álbum suyo, ya en el 77 aún más ignorado que este, la cosa cambiaría con el tercero. The next big thing sienta las bases del resto del disco: sonidos sucios, algo de distorsión y muy buenas melodías. I got you babe es una descacharrante versión. Es mejor California Sun, aunque prefiero la original. Ojo que los Ramones también hicieron otra versión, también en la línea de los Dictators. En eso fueron también pioneros. Master Race Rock, con un bajo estupendo, cierra la cara A. La cara B empieza como un tiro con Teengenerate y sigue con California Sun, la excelente Two Tub Men y la mejor del disco para mí: Weekend. El cierre con (I live for) cars and girls, con sus coros surferos es un buen resumen de todo el disco. Fundamentales.
I loved this for what it is! Very unexpected but it was a lot of fun. The guitar on Teengenerate was insane. Cars and Girls is my new summer whip anthem. Favorite Songs: Teengenerate, Two Tub Man
1975. Debut album. Considered a precursor to punk rock (New York scene).
A very fun protopunk album. It’s deeply unserious and the covers are great. There’s a couple songs with questionable titles that have the opposite lyrics than what you’d think, which is very punk. You have some Beach Boys meets the Ramones kind of energy to the album. The music is great, it’s a lot of fun. I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would.
3/3 Dicks Taterred
I liked the music for the most part. I am not sure about some of the covers, but in the end I listened to it three times in a row so I think that warrants some generosity.
I had never heard of this. It's got spirit and humour.
Honestly, I was expecting to hate this based off the album art. But it was a dumb fun time. I might normally only give it a 3, but the whiplash of expecting something much worse and being pleasantly surprised is pushing this up to a 4 for me
Had never heard of these cats, but man did they innovate, (or at least consolidate) rock and roll to that point. you can see the rest of the rock and roll wasteland to come stretched out in front of these guys.
70s punk rock. On of first punk rock albums. American. Silly and unserious.
Pretty fun ride
Loved this, good guitars. “I got you babe” is actually well covered (ofc not better than the original)
Awesome find.
All the world’s on a one-way ticket to heck! To heck? To heck!
Another intriguing early (perhaps first ever?) pop punk album that mom didn't know anything about! We had a lot of fun with this one while mom did her workout and you kicked your little toebeans on your playmat the whole time!
On va s'installer confortablement parce qu'il y a pas mal de choses à déballer sur ce disque. On est en 1975, et pour être tout à fait honnête, le rock est en train de se transformer en un énorme gâteau à la crème indigeste. Les mecs jouent des morceaux de vingt minutes avec des titres en latin, ils portent des capes en satin et ils pensent sérieusement que la musique doit être une expérience spirituelle transcendante pratiquée sur des patinoires olympiques. C’est le règne du Rock Progressif, une époque où l’on s’écoute parler (ou jouer) jusqu’à l’asphyxie. Et là, au milieu de cette débauche de virtuosité stérile, débarquent cinq mecs du Bronx qui n’ont absolument rien à foutre de la spiritualité ou de la mythologie arthurienne. Ils s’appellent The Dictators, et leur premier album, *Go Girl Crazy!*, est la réponse la plus brutale et la plus débile possible à cette enflure généralisée. Les Dictators ne sont pas des intellectuels de la scène du CBGB, ce ne sont pas les héritiers de Rimbaud ou de Verlaine comme pouvaient l’être Patti Smith ou Richard Hell. Ce sont des gamins qui ont grandi avec la télévision, les bandes dessinées, le catch professionnel et les hamburgers de chez White Castle. Leur culture, c’est la culture "poubelle" de l’Amérique, et ils le revendiquent avec une arrogance qui frise le génie. Quand j'écoute ce disque, j'entends le bruit d'une collision entre le garage rock des années 60 et la lourdeur du proto-punk qui commence à pointer le bout de son nez. C’est l’album qui a inventé le concept de "Punk Rock" avant même que les Ramones n’aient fini d’accorder leurs guitares. C’est une célébration du mauvais goût assumé, un doigt d’honneur tendu à tous ceux qui pensent que la musique doit être "importante". La figure centrale du groupe, c'est bien sûr "Handsome" Dick Manitoba. Le mec n'était même pas censé être le chanteur principal au départ, il était juste une sorte de "roadie-mascotte" que le groupe trimballait partout. Mais son charisme de vendeur de voitures d'occasion sous speed était tel qu'il est devenu l'âme du projet. Sur la pochette, il pose en tenue de catcheur, le regard défiant, prêt à t'écraser la tête avec un plateau de cafétéria. C'est là que réside toute la force des Dictators : ils ont compris avant tout le monde que le rock n'était pas seulement une affaire de notes, mais une affaire de personnage, de théâtre, de "bullshit" magnifique. Ils jouent aux idiots, mais ils le font avec une précision chirurgicale. C’est du sarcasme en barre, une parodie du rêve américain réalisée par ceux-là mêmes qui en sont exclus. Musicalement, Ross "The Boss" Friedman, le guitariste, envoie des riffs d’une efficacité redoutable. C'est du rock 'n' roll dur, pur, sans fioritures, mais avec une puissance de feu qui préfigure le heavy metal. On sent l'influence des Stooges, bien sûr, mais passée à la moulinette de la mélodie bubblegum. C’est ce mélange improbable qui rend *Go Girl Crazy!* si unique. D'un côté, une agression sonore qui te décape les tympans, et de l'autre, des refrains que tu pourrais chanter sous la douche après trois bières. Des titres comme "The Next Big Thing" ne mentent pas sur la marchandise : c'est un hymne à la gloire, au mépris des critiques et à la domination mondiale. Ils se proclament les rois du rock alors que personne ne les connaît, et c'est précisément cette confiance en soi absurde qui rend le disque si jouissif. Je ne vais pas vous faire l’affront de détailler chaque morceau, ce serait aller contre l’esprit même du disque. C'est un bloc de granit, une décharge d’adrénaline qui se consomme d’une traite. On y trouve des reprises de vieux standards passés à la ponceuse électrique et des compositions originales qui célèbrent la vacuité de l'existence adolescente. Tout est là : l'ennui des banlieues, l'obsession pour les filles inaccessibles et le besoin viscéral de faire du bruit pour se sentir exister. C'est un album qui pue New York, pas le New York romantique des films de Woody Allen, mais le New York sale, dangereux et électrique de la fin des années 70. C'est le son du bitume qui chauffe et des bouches d'égout qui fument. Si je lui donne un 4 sur 5, c’est parce que sans ce disque, le paysage du rock des quarante dernières années serait bien différent. Les Dictators ont ouvert une brèche, ils ont montré qu'on pouvait être drôle, vulgaire, bruyant et incroyablement talentueux en même temps. Ils ont désacralisé la figure de la "rock star" pour en faire un type ordinaire avec des goûts de chiotte et un humour de merde. C’est l’acte de naissance du punk dans sa forme la plus pure et la moins politique. On n'est pas encore dans le "No Future" nihiliste des Sex Pistols, on est dans le "Who Cares?" hédoniste. Évidemment, le disque n'est pas parfait, la production de l'époque est un peu datée, et certains blagues de Manitoba peuvent paraître un peu lourdes avec le recul. Mais c'est justement ce qui fait son charme, car c'est un témoignage brut d'une époque charnière où tout était encore possible. C’est un album qui ne cherche pas à plaire, qui ne cherche pas à être poli. C'est une anomalie dans la discographie des "1001 albums", car il ne repose sur aucune prétention artistique classique. Sa seule ambition, c'est de vous faire bouger la tête et de vous faire marrer, et c'est sans doute l'ambition la plus difficile à réaliser avec succès. En écoutant ça aujourd'hui, on se rend compte à quel point la musique actuelle manque parfois de ce grain de folie et de cette irrévérence totale. Tout est devenu tellement calculé, tellement propre, tellement "validé" par des algorithmes. *Go Girl Crazy!*, c'est le chaos organisé, c'est l'imprévisibilité totale. C'est un rappel nécessaire que le rock n'est pas une science exacte, mais une explosion d'énergie pure. C'est un disque qu'on écoute quand on a envie de tout envoyer valser, quand on en a marre du sérieux et de la grisaille. C'est un burger triple-cheese avec supplément bacon dans un monde de salades de quinoa. Et bordel, qu'est-ce que ça fait du bien de croquer dedans à pleines dents. Alors oui, les Dictators n'ont jamais eu le succès commercial qu'ils méritaient. Ils étaient trop en avance, trop décalés, trop "eux-mêmes". Mais leur influence est partout, dans chaque groupe de garage, dans chaque formation punk qui préfère l'attitude à la technique. Ce disque est un indispensable, un classique absolu qui mérite amplement sa place dans n'importe quelle bibliothèque idéale, ne serait-ce que pour nous rappeler que la musique, c’est aussi et surtout fait pour s'éclater.
Heck yes!
Goofy fun, good times for everyone from 8 years old to like 10 or whatever. Rock and roll forever!
More fun than I thought.
This is by no means a great record. But it’s fun and catchy. It also sounds more punk than their contemporaries, and could be mistaken for a second wave british punk album. At times I get a strong Sham 69-ressemblance. No real standouts, but if I had to choose, it would probably be Master Race Rock
Stupid fun high energy gnarly punk rock, I love it. They called out Lou Reed for the fucking creep he is.
7/10
Would listen again for sure
This was a lot of fun. Felt a little like an American thin lizzy but with a goofier vibe. I have come out against punk as a genre in other posts but this reminded me it can be fun when done with just the right amount of tongue and cheek, and it helps when the band can actually play. I loved the Sonny and Cher cover and there were some pretty rocking guitar parts. I’d never heard of these guys at all, which just confirms my earlier point: we Americans don’t know what to do with wryness in rock music
I love a good proto-punk band. Especially ones from Queens that like to do covers of "California Sun."
I have a hard time thinking there is going to be a punk album that I'll end up liking more than this one. It is unabashedly swinging at so many societal standards in such a simple and otherwise enjoyable manner that ends up feeling way more fun than the other punk records I've listened to. And at the end of the day, that's usually what I want when I'm listening to music. Highlights: I Got You Babe Weekend (I Live For) Cars and Girls Lowlights: Master Race Rock California Sun
This one was a real surprise. I've never heard of this band, and unknown proto-punk is not typically my idea of a good time. But the songs here are catchy and strong, and I was shocked to learn they're still releasing music.
This was very fun! I love the sound, unsurprisingly. The guitar at the end of Weekend was especially nice. Lyrics are very silly and dumb and I'd have to listen again more carefully to form more of an opinion than that :D
These guys don't take themselves seriously and neither should you. They can swing, they'll make you dance and sing, they got no style and no taste, they dance, sweat, and stink.
Enjoyed this...reminded me of D Squad.
Crazy good album, similar to 1950 rock. This is a short but a very pleasurable album, not a one that stick out.
It’s funny how 50 years can mellow something that must of been nuts when it came out! I actually enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would as American “punk” can be a bit shit!
The final 'missing link' between Glam Rock and Punk Rock? Maybe the secret ingredient was the little bit of California surf thrown in the mix? Weird add for a New York band, but I'm not going to complain. You can hear influence from KISS, The Stooges, and David Bowie. You can also hear so many punk bands that would come after this - The Ramones will also record a version of "California Sun", if you want to make direct comparisons. Early band photos, and jacket of their second record, Manifest Destiny, confirm their existence at the transition between Glam Rock showmanship and the rough and tumble working-class aesthetics that will later dominate Punk Rock. A few of these songs haven't aged well, and Dick Manitoba may live up to his name, but it's impossible to ignore how pivotal this album/band are in the timeline of rock & roll. A wildly informative listen. Personal notables: "The Next Big Thing" "I Got You Babe" "California Sun" "(I Live For) Cars and Girls"
I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would, its fun and doesnt take itself seriously. Lacks anger to be defined as punk, cheesy rock.
Simple and fun with some wicked guitar. I quite enjoyed this!
Fun
Light hearted and low stakes punk. I love a good punk record, and this certainly is one. It rarely gets as political as something like the clash, and when it does, it’s masked by obvious sarcasm and stupid humor. The good kind of stupid humor. This album isn’t super insightful like other punk albums, but it’s really fun. And it’s one of the first punk rock albums! It’s super ahead of its time. The guitars are awesome too.
ok ich liebs albumcover vill en melodischere ahfang als ich erwartet han AAAH jz chunnt de punk-rhythmus inne hahaha he es isch punk rock master race rock findi jz echt na cool, chli wirri lyrics aber das isch sicher extra oke ich han scho easy spass hahahahah HAHAHA BEACH BOYS hans gad 2 mal durreglost. macht würkli mega spass und han sicher scho meh chönne zwüsche de songs underscheide hahaha
Kicking ass with a shit eatin' grin!
Punky. I think this is good.
Cracking stuff!
Worth it for the guitar solo in Master Race Rock alone. Rude, crude and totally out of control, the Dictators are the comic book villains of punk rock. I can understand why someone would hate this, but I think it is stupid, teenage fun.
loads of fun!
Never heard it before but loved the garage rock style
Ridiculous, immature and annoyingly enjoyable
I like the cover of California Sun and that’s where I know these guys from. I like how they add their own words for “and I <activity>”. The Ramones’ cover of California Sun is much better though!
protopunk baguncinha não tem erro né papo reto
hard rock proto-punk completamente besta???? lindo demais passaria facinho como trilha sonora do bully ou qualquer besteirol adolescente oitentista. coisa boa demais, rapidinho, não se leva a sério, guitarrada decente, só alegria!!!
This was pretty cool. The time when Rock was starting to veer off and turn into punk was a cool time. This sounds like the Clash but before the clash and on our side of the pond. I was pretty impressed with the simple instrumentation and punchy vocals. It all aged pretty well... maybe not the lyrics.
Thought this was fun. Like the energy. Amused by the rendition of ‘I got you babe’ and strains of linked Beach Boys at times. Had an immediate connection with it, simples but interesting. Would listen again. ‘let’s Go!’ 4 Number of tracks: 9 Fave track: 4, Master Race Rock 11/2/26
The opening chords presage The Ramones, which would come a few years later. The Sonny & Cher cover that came up next made me snort! I instantly thought of Viva Las Vegas as done by DK. So perfect, way ahead of it's time. Loving it! Later tracks indicate this is a product of its time, Master Race Rock may raise some eyebrows, it feels very tongue in cheek, but prepare yourself.
Fun energy. Boarding on classic rock and early punk stuff. The more the album went the more I thought these guys sound fun, I would've loved to hear them first as an opener and then buy their album and tell my friends they should check it out. Not sure I think that album is perfect start to finish (which is my criteria for 5 stars: perfect start to finish and want to listen to again right away) but the energy was so good I'm rating it high
I had never heard of the Dictators before. This band reminded me a little of the Ramones. Upbeat and fun. Really enjoyed the album. Highlights were California Sun, (I Live For) Cars and Girls and The Next Big Thing.
Just when I think I'm going to give up on this 1001 LP list (mostly for its apparently deliberate snubbing of Warren Zevon), they throw me a bone like THIS nearly completely forgotten delight from my youth. Is it totally juvenile? Absolutely! But in a way that seems to me far less mean-spirited (and generally misogynistic) than so many comparable efforts from groups that would tread this same type of path in the decades to follow. This is garage-band vibe at its most fun and energetic.
Fun
C'est semble-t-il l'un des premiers albums de punk de l'histoire (voire le premier, j'ai pas tout compris). C'était très fun, même si une partie de l'humour a pas forcément très bien vieilli (Master Race Rock et Back To Africa, bien évidemment). C'est encore assez proto-punk et apparemment, ça a pas marché du tout à l'époque. C'est un album qui marche très bien, avec une reprise improbable de Sonny & Cher. Vraiment, je ne connaissais pas du tout et c'était une excellente surprise ! 4/5, ma foi.
Haha hell yeah. Great Caribou fact from the top reviewer. Cheers. I vaguely recall stories in the book 'Please Kill Me' of Manitoba being a fuckwit as well. Funny how many bands that aren't the Sex Pistols get labelled as 'proto punk' - protecting Malcolm McLaren's image I reckon.
Missing oink record for me in the history of punk. Very fun, lighthearted and rocking with a nice dash of satire. Love the pro wrestling-esque album cover and in-record references too.
Love the amount of self deprecation and unseriousness of the album when punk afterwards would be nothing but serious
One of the first punk rock records! Super silly and fun. How could you not love it? Great cover of Sonny and Cher's I Got You Babe Best song: Back to Africa
Well, the Dictators are no MC5, but this is worth a listen and not just for historical context.
It gives murauders vibes, very rock
i like the vibes yes bar highway
I had a lot of fun with this, I like punk that’s fun and not torture; i.e. public image
This is what I was hoping for from this app; discovering new albums from bands I had never heard of, for better or worse. So much to unpack, even from the first three tracks. We open with a 70's hard rock song which is no doubt on a OST somewhere for a film called High School Daze or something. This is followed up with a cover of Sonny & Cher's I Got You Babe, which lures you in to a false sense of complacency, before we get the bizarre Back to Africa - I couldn't quite believe my ears. Spotify even seems to be leaving out certain lines from the lyrics transcript. I'm not sure there is any real malice, the boys in the band are just morons. This is swiftly followed by the clumsily titled and clumsily tracklisted Master Race Rock - I understand this isn't a white power anthem but good god this a dumb name for a song. I was quite relieved that after this the album calms down somewhat and gets a bit more boring. Don't get me wrong, there were still moments my ears pricked up (like when he claimed to have the former first lady of the USA in his pants). I can't deny it kept me entertained (which is more than some of these albums have) which makes scoring it really difficult. Is it an important album? No. Is it stupid and fun album? Yes. It's fun to be fun.
This was a fun surprise and I enjoyed the energy and crass humour immensely.
lol nice intro. This was a good album. I loved the punk element to it.
Never heard of this band till now. Great punk/rock sound similar to The Clash and KISS. Solid, concise track list and great guitar and vocals throughout
Wow! The missing link between The Stooges and Sex Pistols? Can't believe I've never heard this before, but I can tell all my punk heroes did.
Delicious to listen to this right after Brian Wilson's Smile. Balance has been restored. I do wish their sound was a little faster and rougher but I'll take what I can get, which is lots of fun.
Good fun album and I love the old school wrestling references!
Basic. Not bad.
Grower, not a show-er. The comedy is punkish, and the guitars fucking rip. The second half of the album hits a stride and the hooks jam!
Fine
This was way, way better than I was expecting. The songs are good and the covers are inspired. It sounds like they are having a great time making music and just not giving a single fuck. This is a superb album.
This was pretty cool. I was turned off by the cheesy cover, but the pre-punk, 70's rock vibe really worked.
Yeah this is certainly quite punk, although quite a lot of these aren't as fast as some of the later stuff, but I think narratively and tone wise, this is pretty much a punk album. I haven't listened to much of the Ramones, but I'd imagine it sounds a bit like this. I think this also has a lot in common guitar wise with aspects of hard rock from before this like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin and like Deep Purple and stuff. I think vocally the singer(s) sound very punkish. Not really too much else to say its just quite good, I can understand why people liked it back in the day, as it feels like somewhat of a rebellion against probably horrible corporate music. Favourite songs: the next big thing, back to Africa, master race rock, teengenerate, California sun, weekend, (I live for) cars and girls. Overall around 7/10
Favorite Track: Cars and Girls
This was just an all-around fun rock record. Raucous, irreverent garage-band feel with spunk in spades. The lyrical content is hilarious and I can’t tell if they’re serious or it’s a spoof, but I don’t care either way. I particularly enjoyed both covers. A short and sweet little ear candy spin.
Hard to believe this is 1975. I appreciate how refined this sounds from a production standpoint, without compromising the requisite filth so fundamental to the genre. This definitely qualifies for this list - evidently an important listen which illustrates the roots and legacy of punk.
That this was released in 1975 is absolute insanity. I can hear so much that influence grunge bands from Washington in the 80s, mostly Mudhoney, and beyond, this is a legendary album.
Solid, powerful, wrestling-focused novelty rock. We're all going under the thunder of Manitoba!
Pretty fun album.
viikonlopun aikana, monessa paikassa, koss ja sennheiser, qobuz hyvää paskaa!
I don't hear this as a proper "punk" album like I've read, but I can hear plenty of influence on the punk scene here for sure! Sounds more like glam rock to me, with the over-the-top theatrics and fat guitar tones; love that sustain at the end of each verse in their great cover of 'I Got You Babe'. The arrangements are overall much too careful and polished, perhaps oddly, for me to feel that this really prefigures punk like the big critics say, but it just makes for a really lovely glam experience instead!
Shit in a good way. They know that they are and what they’re doing.
It’s kind of hilarious how tame this feels now, but you can see how it inspired the punk scene. Regardless, the album itself shows off musicality and technical skill, while also being a hell of a lot of fun
Sort of a junk food album, but you know what? Junk food is good sometimes. That's how this album feels. You can see punk coming out of it. It's not the most amazing music in the world, but the attitude, humor, and fun totally sell it.
Ah brilliant, someone managed to turn “fuck yeah” into a fully-realised and totally cohesive creative enterprise. Top to bottom, side to side; The Dictators are the real deal. What a shame, then, that they were not – as the first track on the record optimistically portends – “The Next Big Thing”. Cult favourites apparently; influential allegedly; overlooked, certainly. What’s on this record feels like a Troma production, or a record by Municipal Waste – ostensibly dumb shit that, upon further inspection, is so thoughtfully executed and oozing with its own warped sort of artistic integrity that you can’t help but fall for it. The sort of record that gets a person saying things like “If this is wrong then I don’t want to be right”, or slapping a bar and hollering, you guessed it, “fuck yeah”. By the final song – “(I Live For) Cars and Girls” – I’m actually even, bizarrely, moved by the sentiment behind “cars, girls, surfin’, beers, nothing else matters here.” It’s a bodacious line, sure; but the guy’s got a point. Forever more The Dictators now have another co-conspirator. It might have been that, in its day, joke never fully landed; but whatever, this is still seriously good stuff now.
Never heard of this band before. The album is fantastic! Had a very enjoyable Sunday morning shaking my rump to these songs. The older I get the more I'm enjoying OG punk sounds. This is very much my jam. I still know nothing about this band. Think I'll keep it that way.
Dig it. Lots of fun and enjoyable
Fun music with good energy, but I'm subtracting one star for lyrics that made me cringe when I zoned in enough to pay attention. (At least that only happened twice?) As "get shit done" music for my ADHD? Fantastic!
Sarcastic, irreverent, fun. A pretty good early punk record.
This was pretty good. Id read a bunch about it being a really early punk album (I think they forgot about the stooges), but it started out by sounding like kiss. Although it did go more punk later, but I guess more Ramones punk than the more aggressive side. It was pretty fun. I'll give it another go at some point.
This would be awful if it was a recent release but the fact that it is some proto-punk/metal from way back in the day makes it less awful. By the end, I was enjoying it and smiling along to the lyrics. I will probably seek out some more Dictators in the future.
One of those bands I'd never heard of, but they nail this sound. They're cheeky and crude at times, sounding ahead of their time. And they can rip on the guitar and drums. Good time
Punk? Or Protopunk? Garbage. Just shows that the US idea of punk is crap. Punk has to be fast. Anarchically fast. It has to be in your face. It has to be loud. But not tunefully. Only the UK can do real Punk. This album is not punk. Nowhere near it. What it is is rock n roll. And good rock n roll at that.
Fun listen, some fillers, some classics
I liked this. I like how clear it makes the through-line from surf rock to punk.
Awesome album, certainly revolutionary for 1975. One of the first examples of what would become punk rock. I loved this album.
fun album. catchy
this album is said to be one of the first examples of punk rock. i can definitely hear it! according to wikipedia it wasn't exactly a bestseller, but it really helped create that foundation that a lot of other punk bands would write and record in the future. it's not perfect and there's a track or two that hasn't aged too well, but i'm digging the energy here. rowdy, a lil vulgar and messy, it's like the kind of music that a teenage 50s rock and roll band would make once they actually start taking mind-altering substances and not puffing on their upteenth cigarette.
Kind of dumb but fun, just what I’d expect from a punk album.
I enjoyed how chaotic this band is, cars and girls? Fantastic love it
Fun listen, doesn't really feel like the Punk predecessor it is claimed to be. You can hear what was supposed to become Punk in the later years, but it feels more like a collection of Glam party anthems to me. I like how the band doesn't take itself too seriously, from the silly album cover, to the Cher & Sonny cover to the silly lyrics all throughout. It seems to achieve what it wants to do pretty well. That is where it also struggles a bit I think, there isn't that much to this album besides some fun songs. Can't blame an album for not trying to be something it's not though.
What’s not to like? Shades of the New York Dolls, tongue in cheek humor, and a recorded off the floor feel! I will be taking a deep dive into their catalog! These guys could be in heavy rotation in my house! Very pleasant surprise indeed!
Was very surprised. Had never heard of these guys, but would recommend to all who enjoy Rick/punk. Some good guitar licks, cool lyrics. They are now in my favorites.
Fun! I like it! 4/5
Great! :D
One of the first punk bands to have fun doing it! This is a breath of fresh air in the early days of the genre compared to the rebellion through incredibly discordant and inane music of some of their peers in NYC.
This album was fun as heck
Honestly pretty good album. I used to like this early, shitty, glam rock bands. This to me is more creative than a lot of other albums on here. A little bit goes a long way but it's worth noting
fun
This is a really fun album. What Rock and Roll should be, not taking itself too seriously. I love finding this stuff on the list.
Dope
Well that was a pleasant surprise. They call this a precursor to Punk Rock, and I totally get all of that. Loud and fun - but of all just really good music. Feel like i need to dig a little deeper in The Dictators catalog.
On first listen, I dig this a lot. I’ve long ignored this band for no particular reason at all; chalk it up to “so much music, so little time”. I know they’re well respected as one of the “first punk bands”, and while I put that term in quotes because I don’t think it’s quite accurate, I understand the general thought process. They’ve still got a few toes in the power pop/glam waters, but they execute those elements in a slightly grungier, more subversive manner that appeals to me. They’re clearly excellent musicians - some of the guitar and bass work in particular is quite stellar - but their performances are far more visceral than they are over-calculated. I can see why songs like “Back to Africa” and “Master Race Rock” might come across the wrong way, but I think that even if elements of their lyrics haven’t aged well if you apply them to today’s standards, they’re a bit more nuanced and clever than they appear on first listen. In general, I think a lot of their lyrics are quite funny without being overly stupid. I’ll definitely be coming back to this one and seeing how/if my opinions evolve. 4/5
Llegamos al miércoles de un mes que se sentirá larguísimo con una banda que desconocía por completo. Su comienzo me recuerda al glam (sobre todo, Bowie), a otras bandas proto-punks como Death y a los sonidos de los Ramones (de hecho tienen un cover de "California Sun"). Ya lo he comentado varias veces en éste reto, pero el proto-punk como momento de quiebre me fascina. Todas las bandas que hay impulsoras de ése género me hacen envidiar a esas épocas. Gracias por el hallazgo, que debo reconocer me gustó. Hasta mañana.
Can appreciate this a lot given the context of punk, this is another proto-punk one, before the whole genre really kicks off. Does it well, plenty of energy, doesn't take itself too seriously.
New to me. And oh, kind of glam rock as much as punk. Simple, direct and fun. In the line of New York Dolls through to the Ramones. Couple fun covers in there. 3.8☆
That was fun! It's like if the Beach Boys were more rock oriented
Banger!
It's nice to listen but didn't find there anything special. Still likeable a lot
Dug it
Rock and roll just does it for me
"The Next Big Thing" was funny. "I Got You Babe" is great. The album is reminding me a lot of The Clash at the moment. It looks like this album came out a year before The Clash formed, so maybe they were from the same circles. "Back to Africa" was a strange song and I can't tell how I should feel. It was pretty rocking though. "(I Live For) Cars and Girls" is also funny, it sounds like they're clowning the Beach Boys. I really liked this album. It was funny and not too long. The music was great too. 8/10
Never heard of these guys, not really a genre that I know much about but I like it!
This is just fun music
This really reminds me of mc5. Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 5/5
Moins déjanté que les Stooges, mais bien effronté, du plaisir mur à mur
I mean, this is kind of terrible but I think it is supposed to be. I enjoyed it a lot, but still might not ever listen to it again.
missing link
Often imitated, rarely duplicated.
Really good, raw, raucous rock 'n roll. Fun.
Those French pretenders and their silly plastic hats aren’t daft punk - THIS is daft punk! Really enjoyable album, with some surprisingly excellent guitar work.
This great. Just a good laugh, solid riffs, humourous and fun. Mood lifting
nem egy clash-level album, de igen csodálatos azért, négy és felet kapna ha lehetne!
22/02/25 Oddly enough, this wasn't as bad as I expected it to be.
A undiscovered gem of the pre punk era
Much better than I expected from a group I've never heard of. It's irreverent and silly, but it's still good rock and roll with punk elements. I'm a sucker for guitar solos. I liked the covers of I Got You Babe and California Sun. I laughed out loud when I heard that pro wrestling promo name-dropping Vern Gagne and Dick the Bruiser. Maybe it'll be a 5/5 when I revisit.
It’s albums like this that make me glad I’ve taken on this listening challenge. I picked up on some early Who and Alice Cooper band vibes. The album rocks and is elevated by its humorous approach. Just a lot of fun and great grooving music!
- Personality: 5/5..."Handsome Dick Manitoba" may be the greatest name for a frontman ever. And I am in love with the album cover. - Considering the emphasis on humor, this is surprisingly strong with regard to how much the guitar gets your blood pumping throughout. - Not sure if "Back to Africa" has aged well...but it is super catchy. "The Next Big Thing," "California Sun" (a cover, no less), and "Two Tub Man" are straight bangers. - I bet their greatest hits album is spectacular.
Better than the Beatles
Tässäpä on kelpo biisejä toisensa perään. Hienoa! Ei pidä aliarvioida yksinkertaisen kitaramelodian voimaa, saati sitä, että kerroksia tarttis olla kovin monta. Niin vahva 3 että pyöristyy 4.
You're favourite punk bands favourite punk band. Back to Africa slapped. Not a big punk fan personally, however this album could be the gateway drug.
Gotta love when good musicians just make goofy music. It’s a great sendup of bands like KISS or The Beach Boys.
That was superb. I went in blind, not having a clue about the band or the type of music. You could hear the precursor to punk in there clearly, but a very strong rock and even folk thread too. I loved the cover of Sonny & Cher, it was better than the original.
This album was good fun. Great guitar work also. 4 stars
I didn't know what to expect from this, but I enjoyed it quite a bit. You can definitely hear elements of American punk here -- they kind of seem like the missing link between the New York Dolls and the Ramones. The do bring an element of goofiness to the table, but I don't think it gets in the way too much. 4 stars.
I have never listened to this before or even heard of this band. This was a fun listen early punk and garge rock with a adolencent agnsty feel.
fun early punk songs
Wasn’t sure to start with but they settled into a great fun stoner rock album
Muy bueno
Bonkers! Liked it!!
Looking into the Dictators and how much they meant to later acts, I really appreciate what they did. As someone seriously interested in how rock and popular music developed and evolved, I have to respect their place in the development of punk and other genres that followed. https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-the-dictators-go-girl?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
fun music for retards, will give it a 4 because i respect the disabled
Just good fun.
super fun pop punk
Way more melodic and fun than I was expecting based on reviews.
Somehow people listened to this and said "yeah, this is a new genre" while it's basicly RocknRoll with funny lyrics. Anyways, better than most punk that came afterwards
Liked some songs
Wow! This is great garage band punk!
Goofy and knowingly stupid; reminded me a little of Andrew WK.
I had fun with this one and listened to it twice. I'll definitely come back to this.
Good stuff all around here. Fun listen.
It’s a pretty solid early punk(-ish) album. Fun and snarky.
This is like if Deep Purple met The Ramones. You can definitely identify the similarities with The Ramones here, but I believe this record came first. I love punk, and this is probably the first example of punk rock that's identifiable, hence the label proto-punk. The album definitely trailed off toward the end, but man the covers on this album were great. I Got You Babe and California Sun (Ramones did it better though) were so good. I honestly can say I enjoyed every song on this album, probably with the exception of 'Master Race Rock', that was a bit weird. This album was a super fun listen, and the instrumentals were on point. It's not perfect though, and I couldn't see myself running back to listen to this one in a single sitting again, but I've already added a few songs to my playlists. Glad to see some punk rock history appearing on this list.
I admire the guitar work and lyrics on this energetic album. Great work overall The Next Big Thing - incredible track, an instant add to the rotation. I Got You Babe - I adored this cover; it was very enjoyable. Back to Africa is a fun one Master Race Rock, another wicked tune that I got a kick out of. I also Live for Cars and Girls
3.5 rounded up i think i kinda hate handsome dick manitoba but this was pretty solid tbh highlights: master race rock, (i live for) cars and girls (aug 19 2024)
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Silly early punk fun
3/4
Good old time rock and roll...fun album. Could easily have heard some of these songs in "School of Rock".
Просто для тех времён, для нынешних это сложно
Прикольный протопанк! Понравилось
Had never heard of, but quite enjoyed this one. Definite +0.5 for the album cover as well which is excellent. The early punk vibes are strong with this one - enjoyable thrashy nonsense
Ended up listening to this about 3 times yesterday. Definitely a gem from a band I didn't know before.
You know, for being one of the first punk albums ever, Go Girl Crazy does its job very well. The instruments and rhythm were all fun and lively and the album also cut a pretty fast pace which i really like in a punk album. Granted the lyrics are really stupid throughout a majority of the album but it is a punk album so you really shouldn't expect Shakespeare like lyrics from music like this. I really don't have too much left to say about the album, Its just a fun and good one that is worthy of a 3.5 Best Song: Master Race Rock Worst Song: Two Tub Man
Divertidos.Proto-punk
Some ripping guitar playing and a wild authentic punk recklessness
I love this fun, early punk album
Nice energy from the electric guitarre.
I listened to this last night and I enjoyed it, and then I listened to it when I went to the gym today and it was alright. Then I listened to it again and it was pretty good. I feel like there is probably other stuff out there that sounds exactly like this, but it was a fun listen.
how do these guys have less than 37K monthly listeners on Spotify bc they are kindve really good.
now this is the type of punk that i enjoy. stripped down, simple, and just rocking hard. also, the song 'I Got You Babe' is fire.
Interesting precursor to punk. I didn't read about this album beforehand so I had no idea when it was made while I was listening. I originally thought it was early post-punk. It reminded me a little bit of The Hives, but I could be convinced that other famous bands took inspiration from this as well.
that was fun
Great! 4*
These guys are great, kind of crazy! 4 stars
Goofy, solid rock that I laughed out loud to multiple times. It's fun hearing that proto punk sound including the 70s era rock solos, they can feel very out of place, but I think that's at least partially driven by most punk drifting away from that. Listening to those solos feels like a observing an intermediate species in the path of evolution.
Great album, definitely an underrated classic.
Enjoyable, punky, short. Some fun covers.
This album was a lot of fun! Can’t believe I’ve never of this band before.
Liked this, it is simple, it is stupid, but also feels more vibrant than all the other Yank garage rock we are supposed to respect. Excellent guitars, great vibe throughout
Better than I was expecting. Fun lyrics and somewhat melodic punk.
Really enjoyed this one. It reminds me a lot of Ramones, but slowed down. I like the sassy attitude shit a lot too. They are a good time. 4/5
Liked this more than I thought I would – it has a sense of humor
Looking at some of the other reviews, I see one talking about how dumb the album cover is and others talking about how the songs are dumb. That's the point! As another reviewer said, it's just good dumb fun. Don't take it so serious. When the Ramones sing "Beat on the brat with a baseball bat", do you take that literally? Lighten up and just enjoy the stupidity. You don't actually think the guy on the cover is trying to be taken seriously, do you?! It's the same with the songs -- they're just fun. Relax and enjoy. (Another reviewer said this was a poor version of Kiss. I actually think it's the other way around.) Musically, I would probably just give this 3 stars, but given its influence and how many people seem to misunderstand the music, I'm actually rounding up to 4.
I love a satirical album as much as the next guy but I do think there is a point where you go over the top with it. It’s a lot like SNL, we get it you’re being satirical about people you don’t like, it doesn’t make you clever. And a lot like SNL I’m sure that it hit better in the 70s than it does today. Music does rock though.
Real dumb and fun new yawk proto punk.
Some depth and even politics!
Honestly, one of the funnier albums I've had on this list. Starting it off with a guy boasting about how much money he already has and how he's only doing the crowd a service by showing up is just peak comedy for a punk album. Feels like punk with just very rounded edges. The covers keep it rather interesting as well. 7/10
Can't believe I never came across this album. Absolutely awesome. Awesome guitar work. I really like how the lyrics can easily seem really offensive but if you look at the context it's all a joke.
This is my type of punk. Less screaming and more music. Really like it.
cant believe i missed this! I can see where the DNA of so much original punk came from in this album.
Surprisingly, I liked this. It was a lot of fun — especially the cover of “I Got You Babe.” I wouldn’t mind listening to this again.
Ik zie de hoes, lees de wiki en huiver. Dit gaat ongelooflijk slecht worden. Maar op het moment dat de gitaar aangeslagen wordt, klinkt het eigenlijk best goed. Die gitarist kan meer dan alleen maar 4 akkoorden zo snel mogelijk achter elkaar proppen. Het is duidelijk bijna 50 jaar oud, maar het is een soort glamrock meets Led Zeppelin meets Neil Young. Ze nemen zichzelf niet zo serieus, het is een grote schijtlolligheid, ik moet bij het 2e nummer gelijk aan Beavis & Butthead denken. Deze gasten kunnen prima spelen en er zit veel meer muzikaliteit in dan "1-2-3-4 raggen maar!". Ze zijn niet zo bekend bij het grote publiek als de Sex Pistols, de Ramones of andere glamrock protopunk bands. Waarschijnlijk omdat er afgezien van het schijtlollige het verder stiekem best braaf is. Er is niemand op een tragische manier aan zijn einde gekomen, ze hebben geen knallende ruzie gehad en ze hebben zo te zien geen heftig verleden met allerlei wazige verdovende middelen (aldus niet volgens de wiki pagina's). En onbekend maakt onbemind bij het grote publiek. Ik heb me hier kostelijk mee vermaakt. En omdat ik gelijk het ergste vreesde aan het begin, is dit een enorme positieve verrassing.
At least five times more memorable than the Led Zeppelin album I got two days ago what the hell
No sé qué le pasó después al punk, pero este disco suena bien y con un montón de matices.
Blind album and artist. I liked some of the bluesy feel and im becoming very fond of this style of earlier punk and I like it!
Na medida a dose de punk.
Not bad but may feel better about it if I didn't wake up with a headache today.
Love this punk and glam rock crossover!
Punk before punk was even a thing.
Listened Before? No Vocal sample opener is pretty bold. Followed up by some big room rock riffs. Reminds me a bit of Iggy Pop or Twisted Sister mixed with Bowie. Gotta say I far prefer this cover of I Got You Babe over the Sonny and Cher original. Back to Africa is a jam. Sick guitar solo work through the first half with punchy drum work alongside. Seems like an obvious Beach Boys reference on (I Live For) Cars and Girls. I'm sure there is meaning or some tongue in cheek meaning there, but I've been too distracted to pay attention to lyrics. I enjoyed this album a lot. I mean first impressions were great with the quality album title and cover. Music itself was varied and quite enjoyable. This strikes me as some middle ground between punk (a la Ramones) and arena rock (a la Kiss or Twisted Sister). I would say the former influence wins out given the subject matter and production (dusty, lo-fi) with solid instrumentals and vocals to boot. This is something I wouldn't have found otherwise, but enjoyed it enough to go back to back on consecutive listens. This is a low-solid 4 / 5 for me. Added to Library? Yes
This was far more fun than I expected. Stupid in the best of all possible ways, and a gem I'd never heard of before. The Ramones probably owe them some royalties...
Wacky fun, childish humor, lot's of yelling, basically a High School party on most tracks. Categorized as Punk Rock, which is arguable, but still has more "Fuck you" than "I'm fucked" which is how I usually separate Punk from every other form of music. Anyway, lot of unexpected fun.
I think I found my new favorite version of I Got You Babe. California Sun, not so much. This was fun, full of energy, and seemed to inspire a great deal of artists.
Amazing debut album from a band I’ve never listened to. Punk with some hard rock guitar riffs.
Really enjoyable record - an early iteration of punk. Favourite tracks: The Next Big Thing, Master Race Rock, California Sun, Two Tub Man, (I Live For) Cars and Girls
Simple, fun and enjoyable. Standouts: California Sun, Next Best Thing, I Got You Babe, Back to Africa, Weekend, 4/5
Lyrics: Pros: The lyrics of "Go Girl Crazy" are a highlight, characterized by humor, irreverence, and social commentary. Songs like "Master Race Rock" and "Two Tub Man" showcase the band's satirical take on societal norms. The clever wordplay and cultural references add depth to the album, making it more than just a collection of punk anthems. The lyrical content reflects the band's disdain for conformity and their embrace of a rebellious, anti-establishment ethos. Cons: However, some may argue that the lyrics, at times, border on being too tongue-in-cheek and may not resonate with all listeners. The heavy reliance on sarcasm might make it difficult for some to fully connect with the message, especially if they prefer more straightforward and earnest expressions. Music: Pros: "Go Girl Crazy" is a sonic assault, featuring a blend of punk, rock, and garage influences. The guitar work of Ross the Boss and Scott "Top Ten" Kempner is a standout, delivering riffs that are both aggressive and infectious. The rhythm section, comprised of bassist Andy Shernoff and drummer Stu Boy King, provides a solid foundation for the album's high-energy sound. Songs like "The Next Big Thing" and "Weekend" capture the essence of punk, with their short, punchy durations and memorable hooks. Cons: On the downside, some critics argue that the album lacks musical diversity. The relentless pace and aggressive tone may be overwhelming for listeners seeking more variety in terms of tempo and mood. The relatively straightforward song structures might also be seen as a limitation, especially when compared to more musically intricate albums within the punk genre. Production: Pros: "Go Girl Crazy" benefits from a raw, unpolished production that perfectly complements the punk aesthetic. The stripped-down sound captures the live energy of The Dictators, providing an authentic listening experience. The decision to keep the production minimalistic enhances the album's rebellious spirit and distinguishes it from more polished rock records of the era. Cons: However, the lo-fi production may not be to everyone's taste. Some listeners might find the lack of polish and refinement a hindrance, especially if they are accustomed to the cleaner sound of more mainstream rock albums. The sparse production might also obscure some of the subtleties in the instrumentation. Themes: Pros: "Go Girl Crazy" revolves around themes of rebellion, non-conformity, and a rejection of societal norms. The album embodies the punk ethos of the 1970s, serving as a rallying cry for those disillusioned with the mainstream. The themes resonate with a sense of youthful defiance and a desire to break free from the constraints of a conformist society. Cons: Critics might argue that the thematic content, while powerful, is not particularly groundbreaking. The rebellious stance and anti-establishment rhetoric were common in punk at the time, and some listeners may find the album's themes somewhat clichéd in retrospect. Influence: Pros: "Go Girl Crazy" is a seminal work that significantly influenced the punk rock genre. The album's impact can be heard in the music of subsequent punk bands, with its straightforward, DIY approach serving as a blueprint for the emerging punk scene. The Dictators' influence extends beyond punk, reaching into the realms of garage rock and even influencing some elements of hard rock. Cons: While the album's influence is undeniable, some critics argue that its impact has been somewhat overshadowed by later punk releases that pushed the boundaries of the genre. The Dictators may not have achieved the same level of mainstream success as some of their peers, leading to a perception that their contributions to punk history are often overlooked. Conclusion: In conclusion, "Go Girl Crazy" by The Dictators is a pivotal album in the punk rock canon. Its strengths lie in its clever lyrics, high-energy music, raw production, and lasting influence on the punk genre. However, it is not without its shortcomings, as some may find the lyrics too tongue-in-cheek, the music lacking in diversity, the production too raw, and the themes somewhat conventional. Nevertheless, the album's impact on the punk landscape cannot be denied, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the roots of the genre.
Pretty good!
Listened to it while driving. Sound cool and punky, didn’t pay enough attention
I liked this one much more than I thought I would from the description. Pretty fun!
Really fun
good, fun music!
I was not expecting much. Really. The cover told me this was going to be dumb. It's like if you crossed the Beach Boys and the Stooges or the Ramones. This shouldn't work at all. And somehow, I find it remarkably stupid and charming at the same time. Things like "(I Live For) Cars and Girls" is just so on the nose, it's hilarious. It was definitely a fun time to listen to, and I would listen to it again.
This album was fun, and a perfect example of what I think as punk - irreverent and a little bit goofy but still some musical ability. Look no further than their cover of I Got You Babe, especially the last verse - two macho dudes singing with an almost questioning voice and kissy noises. I loved it. I also loved their cover of California Sun (the drums kick ass). The vocals are always limited but they have some nice musical harmonies on songs like Master Race Rock and Teengenerate. And the start of The Next Big Thing kind of made me think of Alice Cooper. But Cars and Girls totally made me think of the Beastie Boys before the Beasties existed. Just a couple all Jewish bands doing what they love and not taking themselves too seriously, and rocking out while they do it. Even more than the Beastie Boys, I'll bet people had no idea what to do with these guys or what to think about their music. And for that trailblazing work, it's a 4 for me. Because they aren't the most talented band and this album isn't much more than average and fun. But stepping out and doing that when barely anyone else was? Many kudos.
Enjoyed this! It was pretty silly and I think having two covers on a debut album is a bit suspect but - still liked it!
This is punk I can enjoy. Reminded me of The Replacements.
I really enjoyed this. Is it brilliant? No. Does it deliver? Yeah
I went into this expecting absolute nothing but disappointment. It's one of those albums on Spotify that no one's ever listened to, it's defined as "proto-punk" and my initial thought was "these are guys who tried to make punk happen but weren't any good." I ended up rather loving this. They're the Ramones before the Ramones -- and honestly (as bad a New Yorker as that may make me), I think they're better. There is the strong rebellious, irreverent middle finger to the mainstream present, but with more than just three chords, and you can totally hear how they're starting to bridge rock into punk. I love it. There are also fun covers of "I Got You Babe" and "California Sun." Yes, that California Sun, you know, the one the Ramones recorded in '77 (two years after The Dictators) and used in their '79 movie "Rock 'n' Roll High School." These guys did it first, and it's great. :)
Divertidos.Proto-punk.
This record is fire and really doesn't let up after you started it. Funny and charming.
Petty cool, big fan of this style
Very solid. I'm not huge on this style of tongue in cheek satire, but still great tonality and wonderful rock riffs.
Punk, early punk? If in a punk mood, a very nice albul. 3,5 stars. (REally like the intro "The next big thing" a little bit like progressive rock)
Surprisingly early punk sound, mixing a bit of punk and surf guitar. Songs are pretty straightforward, raucous and fun. I feel like the guitar work is what sets this above the standard rhythm guitar heavy punk work... the guitar flourishes and riffs that are peppered through keep it engaging.
uhhh...but surprisingly fun and catchy!
This album is a little nuts and I’m here for it. Some cool covers lay on top of really dope sounding punk originals. New York punk doesn’t exist without these crazy fellas. This album highlights the best part of them.
- wow I am surprised by how much I enjoyed that - right amount of funny, lots of personality shining through - grooves and riffs were great -4.5
Fun stuff, just wish the guy was a better singer
7/10
Fun riff based rock with easy to chant to songs.
Enjoyable, surprisingly not raw but catchy punk album
Who woulda thought that I’d be such a fan of proto-punk? Well, me, I guess because I like punk. I confess to knowing NOTHING about this album, this band, zero. I liked it a lot. I also hear Black Flag, the Beastie Boys, and Sonic Youth. Trailblazers and then blazed out. So curious.
Proto punk a la NY Dolls and Iggy. That weird crosspoint between glam, primordial rock n roll and metal. Gleefully sleazy.
Is this witty or is this dumb? Are the songs catchy or predictable? Is it an important record from the prehistory of punk, or a mere footnote in modern music history? Mileages seem to vary according to people when it comes to this one. As far as I'm concerned I find this record well done, quite funny (if not hilarious), and lively. Yet its global score on the app seems outrageously low. I agree that it's not the album of the century, but still... Now I need to revisit said album to see of those songs will stay with me in the long run. I already have a feeling that side two is better than the first one, and that it's there that the best cuts are. And maybe unconvinced reviewers should listen to those again, without dismissing the whole thing as irrelevant. In the meantime... 4/5. Number of albums left to review: 515 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 232 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 111 (including this one) Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 141
Wow, shout out Dick Manitoba, this is a really fun and funny punk album. I love the punk sound but I particularly thought the satirical lyrics and random joke lines raised this album up.
formative
what the hell did I just listen to? 4 stars
4. Satirical and well played. Saved a song, and its right up my alley. Pioneer for the stuff I like
Really fun and way ahead of its time it would seem. Most of it sounded exactly like what I think of as punk, unlike the new York dolls say which was kind of half way between punk and hair metal. Would definitely listen again.
Never heard of the dictators. It's definitely fun and must have inspired a lot of stuff I like. Not sure there's too many songs I'd go back to but I largely enjoyed it. Wasn't a fan of the I got you babe cover. Two tub man was probably my favourite. 3.5 if I could
Went into this album with kinda low expectations but was pleasantly surprised. You can really hear the punk sound in the vocals. I also love the production here, sounds really good. I also love that the album ends with a goodbye, love when that happens
Yeah, pretty good. I don’t care for the cover of “I Got You Babe”, but the rest is solid. Seems like the sort of record that if I had heard it at the right time could have been a favorite. Smart, funny, energetic.
Really good
Punk-rock suave de principios de época, divertido de escuchar, con buenos instrumentos y buena voz. Interesante.
Albores del punk. Un 4.
Divertidos.Proto-punk
Maybe 50 years ago (crazy that 1975 is almost 50yrs ago…) Master Race and Africa songs were progressive and inclusive, but it made me uncomfortable. The rest of it - loved it. Imaging a concert where the band is in a small venue, low ceilings, no stage - band is same level as audience, and amps are ear drum busting, beer-sticky floors.
Nära en femma.
Punk bangaz
This is revelatory. It's like a very early Pop punk album, including the childish humor.
Oh, this is tremendous fun! And 1975!? Wow! Some of the widdly-widdly guitar solos sound like they're taking the piss out of 80s glam metal, so I totally woulda believed this was from later - I'd probably believe you if you told me it was from this decade, in fact. A bunch of guys goofing around is kinda timeless, I guess. Fave track - "The Next Big Thing" is a fantastic opener.
Simple, but fun. I can definitely see how this influenced/changed/made the scene. Love the lyrics and album cover. Fave track(s): Master Race Rock
El proto punk dels novaiorquesos és infecciós i excitant com pocs discos de l'época. La poca més de mitja hora que dura el disc es fa curta i els temes van deixant petjades d'actitud i so del que hauria de venir pocs anys després. Una banda (i un disc) injustament oblidats
That cover of I Got You Babe is glorious. Overall this was pretty good fun with the last track being a glorious surf rock throwback.
Old school sarcastische amerikaanse punk, mooi. Beetje ongelukkige titels soms
Sounds like a bonus A-way album
I didn’t know I knew some of this!
Ok ok ok, I liked this. I can see they influenced many bands to come after them and it was a quick and enjoyable listen.
Some of the tunes border on novelty song territory and that turns me off. Other songs are tuneful punk singalongs that I can totally get down with.
Hell yeah!
Somewhere between The Stooges and Ramones. Not the most amazing punk album ever but apparently one of the earliest? I listened twice and saved it to my collection.
It was a solid album. An interesting sound that reminds the listener of the Ramones. Standout song are I Got You Babe and Weekend.
Crazy punk record. I like it!
Protopunk apparently—pretty solid—riffs licks and soloing is very punky, lyrics were pretty cheesy at times which was funny