Reviews (page 4 of 7)
Fun!
A bit weird. I won't call it bad, but its not exactly good. Its not serious music and that's why its somewhat endearing. The songs are oozing with sarcasm and smart-ass lyrics. Kind of a punk band but more of a garage rock album.
This was a new album for me and I loved its energy! I was amazed that it was released in 1975!! What an awesome sound.
I really wanted to love this, but it just didn't hit like I had hoped. I really like the Beach Boys gone punk tracks, but there are some misses. I Got You Babe is a great idea for a punk cover, but it sounds really amateurish. Definitely deserves its spot on the list though, for its part in the origins of punk.
Pretty fun album, I liked the cover. I wouldn’t listen again
Interesting proto punk stuff that is worth a listen but didn’t stick with me
Ok early punk album I have no other thoughs
3 - simple punk predecessor
Dumb and fun, but that’s the extent of it.
Big dumb rock, which I like. I could see putting this on once in a while.
Not as "punk" as I was expecting, but you can hear the roots.
When I heard "great-grandfather of Punk", I imagined something like the Ramones. But there are always two kinds of great-grandfathers. The Dictators seem to be the silly nice one who smells funny too, but when he talks about his wild times back then, he doesn't mean the war.
3.75 Fun surprise
Did not know this at all but enjoyed it
Top stuff. 3.5.
Big, loud and (intentionally) dumb, The Dictators are an interesting document of the proto-punk sound, slotting alongside the New York Dolls and Detroit’s obscure Death in bridging the gap between the Stooges/MC5 and The Ramones. “Master Race Rock” is a classic, and other highlights are the cover of “California Sun” and “Two Tub Man.” I don’t need to revisit their cover of Sony Bono, however. The guitar player is occasionally exciting, but I often wish they’d speed up the tempo, and I’m not sure I’d choose to highlight this band above any of the others I mentioned.
A lot of fun, and pretty neat to see some of the birthing grounds of punk as we know it. Rocky Horror vibes. Plus -- it rocks pretty hard! Not the most incredible album I've ever heard, but easy to listen to and great to jam out with. Fave songs: - The Next Big Thing - Back to Africa - Master Race Rock - Teengenerate - Two Tub Man - Weekend - (I Live For) Cars and Girls
I enjoyed it for the most part, but after Ryan mentioned the KISS sound, I couldn't get it out of my head on my second listen and there is definitely a "cheesy" factor that takes it down to 3 stars for me.
nicee
A pretty early punk album, it seems to be making fun of itself which is cool but honestly not that interesting
3/3.5
Very punk. Heavy on sending a message and having an attitude about it with song names like master race rock and back to africa I was worried at first. The artists are talented and I can tell why they were impactful but it's not something I plan to listen to again.
I did not go girl crazy for this one. It was fine.
It was okayish but it's not my mug of coffee
There were some decent songs but all in all the album didn't compete with the greats in this genre
3,1/5
Me gusta lo sucio y controlado que es. Mientras lo escuchaba se cagaron a palos en el tren. Recomiendo como banda sonora. Nota: 2.9
Skapligt, lyssna igen under bättre förutsättningar
Well, this is fun and raunchy. Enjoyed it. One of my best friends has a picture with Handsome Dick Manitoba.
One must be deaf not to hear the resemblance to The Ramones. No wonder, as Shernoff also worked with them as a musician and co-writer. Very tongue-in-cheek, it's fun to listen to.
What to say about The Dictators... They certainly helped to establish much of the template for punk. Their brand of humor influenced the styles of The Ramones and the Beastie Boys. And it's hard not to have some fun listening to this album. On the other hand, some of the humor is deeply uncomfortable. "Master Race Rock" is, I think, a joke but I'm not sure that the joke comes across as clearly as they'd like. But likely they didn't really care. The Dictators are the kind of band who would have said "It's a joke. If you don't get it, too bad." Not dissimilar to someone like Eminem who uses that line to effectively get away with saying anything. Add to this, Handsome Dick Manitoba went after a Canadian artist named Manitoba (now changed to Caribou). That story brought a bit of attention to both The Dictators and Caribou but it's about as antithetical to punk as you can get. The Dictators then have a pretty mixed track record. Given that they're pretty far underground and always have been, they can largely escape scrutiny though. "Go Girl Crazy" remains a footnote in the history of punk but arguably an important one. As a side note, I've hung out in the dive bar in New York's Alphabet City that was (as I understood it) owned by Handsome Dick Manitoba. It was pretty much exactly what you'd expect. Unclean, a bit unsafe, and filled with the very best of New York's counterculture. That was proof enough to me that even if The Dictators didn't earn their punk rock cred, they certainly had their place in its history.
Fun listen. Lots of tongue-in-cheek attitude and ripping guitar work. Hell yeah.
half a way between seventies glam rock and harmonies à la Beach boys.
Straightforward party rock. Nothing too deep but I liked their energy!
3.5 - fun to hear punk rock sound pre punk rock era
Favorite track: i got you babe other picks: the next big thing, master race rock, two tub man
LOVE this version of I Got You Babe. But then the next 2 songs are Back to Africa and Master Race Rock? I get that it’s tongue in cheek but that humor hasn't aged well. Nonetheless, I will admit that there is something overall that’s charming and infectious about this album and I can see how it was a huge influence on the later punk scene.
Guitar sounded good. They sounded like 70’s rock.
We don’t need the same genre 100+ times
Meh. At least tracks were short & sweet
Fun album that doesn't take itself too seriously. Especially the last track: Cars and Girls.
I didn't like it nearly as much as the first Sabbath album, but it reminds me of that, if only because it represents a genre of music before that genre got defined. At times it feels very punk, but then will become something more akin to hard rock or garage. I do appreciate hearing bands that sort of were making up a genre, whether they knew it or not.
3.2
3.5/5 Very fun
Some of these riffs and solos are seriously carrying this album away from being a piss poor showing, low 3
I can see why this was influential, but I feel like it’s not really saying anything. Musicianship is surprisingly good though.
hard album, really fun listen
Another day. Another debut album by another American punk band. Much better than yesterday's though (Big Black). The fun that they were obviously having filtered through on this record, even though the sound is very garage band. And the drummer seemed to be using it as an audition for any other band that might be listening. Add a point for being on time for punk. Lose a point for the dreadful 'I Got You Babe' cover.
Huutista levyn kuvalle. Aattelin että tää on joku ihan vitsi levy, mutta ilmeisesti tätä pidetään ensimmäisimpinä punk levyinä. Siihen nähden tää kuullostaa ihan hyvältä. Ja kyl ihan muutenkin :D On kyllä oikeesti ihan menevää. Pari coveria kanssa mukana. Parhaat: Teengenerate, California Sun, Two Tub Man, (I Live For) Cars and Girls
American rock, little bitty punk
As much as I was entirely overstimulated after listening to this album, I have to admit it’s a hell of a vibe. The individual songs were 50/50 for me.
this was fun. not much else to say. some fun songs and i had a good time listening. some lyrics i ummmmmmmm just tried to ignore. a lot of it is just fluffy and silly and sometimes that's all you need. i was in a good mood afterwards. CARS AND GIRLS CARS AND GIRLS
Fun one, I like the covers on it. Definitely influential on stuff I like, didn’t realize before it was 1975. Kind of amazing that this is generously 20 years after the start of rock music, and it’s already got to a point of a punkish tongue-in-cheek thing. Bo Diddley wasn’t even that old yet!
Bought manifest destiny when It came out 100 years ago. Enjoyed the sound and listened to all available albums. Still like the sound.
This is not targeted for me. But they know how to play I guess
Nice
This is one i enjoyed probably far more than it deserved. Clear line from Alice Cooper to punk. Would I listen to it again? Probably, yes.
Yeah, sure, I guess, go on. It's very VERY proto-punk, but not quite focussed enough on what it wants to be rather than what it doesn't want to be. Is it satire, or do you actually think that way guys? It'll get a 3 because I think I enjoyed parts of it, but that's me being generous!
At least it was fun
Decent album. Solid instrument work, guitars were great! The album is silly and juvenile but it’s fun in its own way. My last album was You Want It Darker by Leonard Cohen and it’s certainly a trip going from that to this!
I didn't realize that I'd heard many of the songs on this album, either in passing or because they were used by some tv show or movie I'd seen. Sounds like early punk music with a mix of older influence from the 60's. May check out some of their other albums.
Surprisingly happy with this one. I had low expectations after reading the very short wiki entry. This is a goofy album for sure and there are some cringe moments. Like "I live for cars and gug gug gug gug girls!". But overall it was a solid punk album with some really tasty solos.
Liker denne altså. Fengende og underholdende, men ikke helt på 4ern - den sitter ikke så løst. 3,5/5!
It's not a bad album. But it's honestly just a pretty forgettable standard rock album. Not really much of note here.
Don't care for it, light 70's. Funny album cover from MB
Early "punk" in the fashion of The Ramones. I prefer Ramones, of course, but this wasn't all bad.
Classic punk album which has simply gone stale due to it being copied so often. None of the songs are offensive, but they just sound a bit boring and too "generic" these days. It reminds me of Ramones and AC/DC. It is good listen, but nothing that I would personally listen to again. Definitely super important in the history of punk rock and I am happy to have listened to it. Stand outs: Two Tube Man - Nice guitar electric guitar riffs and a strong rhythmic pattern base Master Race Rock - classic antifa lyrics making fun of Nazis which is always welcome
Ah good, now my Spotify algorithm has an album by a band called The Dictators, with about six different fascist-adjacent song titles in it. How could that possibly hurt in the Year of Our Lord 2025? Actually, this is a lot of pretty fun stompers, and quite obviously tongue in cheek. It's not good, but it's not actively bad either.
A lot of fun.
Cava nog, op zich een wijze sound. Beetje simpel misschien als je een nummer maakt over cars en girls. 3.2
"The Dictators Go Girl Crazy!" Is the debut album by American punk rock band the Dictators. The Wiki-listed genre is proto-punk and it is considered one of the first examples of punk rock. An interesting description of their music is "a blueprint for bad taste, humor and defiance. The album was produced by Murray Krugman and Sandy Pearlman of Blue Öyster Cult fame. The band included Andy Shernoff (vocals, bass), Ross "The Boss" Friedman (lead guitars, backing vocals), Scott Kemple (rhythm guitar) and Stu Boy King (drums, percussion). The album was well-received critically. The album opens with an audience clapping and a guy yelling at the crowd in "The Next Big Thing." Guitar, pounding drums and a cowbell sounding like somewhere between Spinal Tap and Peter Frampton. A lengthy guitar solo. Friedman does that in all the songs. Shernoff is singing about them being the next big thing. The band next tackle the Sonny and Cher song "I Got You You Babe." Nasily vocals and overly dramatic. Shernoff and Friedman are singing to each other. This is pretty funny. They also cover Joe Jones' "California Sun." They punkify it with a rockabilly vibe. They do a decent job here. The album closes with "(I Live For) Cars and Girls." Guitar slashes and a revving rhythm guitar. A pretty standard rock sound. A good job with the Jan & Dean backing vocals. Shernoff likes to get high on a Friday afternoon think of nothing but cars & girls. The best way to describe their music to me is fast-paced glam rock with goofball lyrics. Their sound fits perfectly in their time: just after the New York Dolls and just before the Ramones. There are highlights: The guitar playing is excellent and there never really is a dull moments. Shernoff's nasily vocals and sarcastic and snotty lyrics can be somewhat annoying. The topics they humorously cover include master races, Sonny & Cher, salf-parodying themselves, getting high, partying, girls and cars. Overall, this is a fun album. I didn't think it reached the levels of the New York Dolls or Ramones' music but if you like their music, you probably enjoy this album.
3.
Good and easy punk album
Mid, DNF
The Dictators Go Girl Crazy! is a gloriously trashy, tongue-in-cheek slab of proto-punk brilliance. Frontman Handsome Dick Manitoba is equal parts pro wrestler and rock frontman, delivering lines with a bravado that flirts with parody but never quite winks. The album is packed with riffs that feel like they were ripped straight from a cheap beer-fuelled garage, and lyrics that veer between adolescent fantasy and ironic self-awareness. Songs like “I Live for Cars and Girls” and “Two Tub Man” push the macho image so far that it’s hard not to see the humour. In hindsight, Go Girl Crazy! was ahead of its time, laying down a foundation for punk while also mocking the genre’s macho posturing before it even really existed. So ridiculous it loops back around to genius.
Glad punk! (?) Kul med ett punkband som sjunger om brudar och bilar. Och att dansa i Kaliforniens som (en cover men ändå). Och lite lattjo cover på i got you babe. Så 7 låtar. Mindre än 30 min. Liten skiva. Klassisk punkrock. Men de känns ändå bra på att lira, men soundet är som det är.
Ptja, det här var väl helt okej och lite tramskul, med ett par hyfsade covers. Är väl inget som kommer att gå varmt framöver kanske, men en trea ska dom ha.
You're allowed to have fun with this carnival punk album. I also recommend looking at the album's backside artwork to see how seriously they took themselves (not at all). It's a fun punk album.
It’s ok.
Oof some parts of this one were rough to get through. The music itself is fine, punk-esque hair band/jock rock vibes.
Very low 3. Not bad but literally nothing stood out except for maybe the Sonny and Cher cover
Decent album
I get it and the "California surf punk meets proto-punk" is interesting, but it doesn't really connect for me.
Better than expected but nothing that stands out.
J'me sens paresseux, faque je vais copier sans vergogne un des commentaires: «Like a deeply discounted Kiss», mais j'haïs pas Kiss tant que ça, donc 3 et ont en reparle plus
It all makes sense now! Groups like Ramones listened to The Dictators and thought they were being dead serious and ran along with all of the attitude and none of the humor and self-depreciation. It's still not my thing, but at least Go Girl Crazy is an interesting listen with occasional chuckles along the way.
Nothing good, but not as bad as expected. At least it was short.
The Dictators were a tongue-in-cheek New York Band that help define the early sound of punk. Their shows were an intentional spectacle, including a "professional wrestler" as an MC, of sorts. Their music is brash, defiant, and campy, inspiring a range of acts like the Ramones and the Beastie Boys. Go Girl Crazy is their debut album, which was released in 1975. It was a bit too focused on sarcastic humor to find much commercial success, and with it, they helped add a part to punk that is, for lack of a better word, weird.
Ordentliches Punk/Junk Album aus UK der Mid-70er mit zwei guten Tracks „The Next Big Thing“ und dem Cover von „I Got You Babe“. Die weiteren Tracks sind durchschnittlich punkig.
Another new album (to me). I could definitely see the influence these guys had on punk music. The biggest thing is that their songs are too long for punk, but the music and lyrics fit perfectly. I liked it overall, a fun Friday listen. 3.1/5 = 3.
(3)
I thought that was fine. It was a bit too satirical in places. The music was good but did feel like a copy of a lot of other things, nothing really imaginative.
oh man what a fun album of bluesy, punky goodness. It ain't high art but it is high energy. 3 stars
I didn't know what I'd been given when I started to listen to this but actually this seemingly iffy album is actually pretty entertaining if you pay attention.
Hadn't heard of these guys - interesting evolutionary step, bits of Ramones, Radio Birdman, beach boys
A lot of satire. Better than it looks.
I hadn't heard this before. Just gave it a spin - very good power pop influenced American punk. I'll certainly listen again!
Quick listen. Classic punk. 3 stars.
It's raw and it's original. It's simple. It's the beginning of what would eventually become American punk. As I understand it, this album came out before the first Remones LP. 3/5.
I feel like this is here partially because of their cover of "I Got You Babe". But, honestly, that song kind of sucks here. What's really weird is that the rest of the album is actually pretty good? It's at least fun to listen to. There's nothing about this album that is great, in my opinion. It's just a really solid, pretty good listen. I don't know if it really belongs to be on this list, though. Favorite Song(s): Back to Africa
Like the punk beach boys
I almost like this record. If I hadn't heard thousands of bands who did the same thing better (especially the lyrics), I would have. That being said, they were definitely ahead of the curve and deserve some credit for that. I don't like their sense of humor. The album doesn't have any songs that stand out. They're all OK-ish if you don't mind the singing and the lyrics. None of them are better than OK-ish.
New to me, I think. Roller coaster ride for me. Some I loved. Some not so much. Mix of rock and punk sounds but always with lyrical punch.
Tasainen, onnistunut LP, jonka huumori kuuluu välillä väärissä paikoissa, kuten laulajan äänensävyssä tai soiton liiallisessa koheltavuudessa. Monia hyviä biisejä joka tapauksessa. 3,5
Good album I really enjoyed the song and instrument the guitar is especially good to my ears, but I don’t think any of these songs are going into my playlist
This was fine. I had never heard of The Dictators before, but they certainly sound like a 70's punk band. 3.0
First three songs really set a negative tone. Got much better after that.
Certainly pushed the boundary and created a new space in its time. The beginning of the album feels dated and uninteresting. The guitar and bass breaks in Master Race Rock are great and the album picks up in the back half.
Funny punk rock from 1975. 3/5
Historically important and decent music. Well produced
Light punk, a bit whiney/complainy
It’s a punk party record Very of its time and ahead of its time as well
Unexpectedly nice 3/5
That was a fun lesson! Some covers that I hadn't heard before and need to check and see if they are the originals or covers haha
Grew on me. Basic stripped down rock
You can't be all bad if you're lead singer's name is Handsome Dick Manitoba.
3.5
I enjoyed it but it was not for me
Cloche à vache Un peu de KISS, de Twisted Sisters, mais sans les riffs accrocheurs. Les dernières tounes sonne comme du Ramones stock Pas mauvais, mais pas excellent non plus. 5.7/10
The Dictators - Go Girl Crazy It's a nice short 30 min album that's consistent all throughout. It's mostly filled with good-sounding rock songs, with a lot of electric guitar and bass riffs a lot of the times. The vocalist really does bring an 80's feel to it, which I appreciate it, because it does sound really iconic and nostalgic. Not incredible, but it is a fun album to listen. Overall, this is good! 1.- The Next Big Thing = 6/10 2.- I Got You Babe = 8/10 3.- Back to Africa = 7/10 4.- Master Race Rock = 7/10 5.- Teengenerate = 7/10 6.- California Sun = 8/10 7.- Two Tub Man = 8/10 8.- Weekend = 6/10 9.- (I Live For) Cars and Girls = 7/10 FINAL SCORE: 7.1/10
3
Clearly not much effort went in to the writing of these songs, but the DIY sound is what punk is all about, and the songs are fun.
A fun album!
I have to say, this one surprised me, and I enjoyed it much more than I anticipated. Despite a couple of the song titles, the lyrics themselves aren’t that objectionable. I’ll give this one a three.
Никогда не слышал про эту группу, несмотря на очень такое теплое и близкое название кек. Панк-рок, довольно формульный, по ощущениям. Чувствую себя странно по поводу "лучшей песни", но прямо запомнилось. Мега обложка. Лучшая песня - (I Live For) Cars and Girls.
This album is supposed to be funny right? Because it's pretty funny. I love the satire, I love the intentionally (I hope...) stupid and sophomoric lyrics. The cover of Sonny and Cher made me laugh out loud. But the music is actually played well. Of all things it reminded me most of what we now have with Steel Panther, albeit tamer and a little more innocent. But in parodying the hard rock lifestyle in the 70s they sort of laid the groundwork for what would be punk. I mean I like that this album is on the list, but if we were looking for an early punk album I think I'd pick something else. This one, though it isn't bad and does show what punk was like in the very early stages, does sound like a semi-talented high school band. Which I guess it was. And I guess that's the point. And that's where punk all came from anyway I suppose. As a concept, I think this is hilarious. I hope I didn't misunderstand this one, but I would call it a satirical, well played, and fun album that is not supposed to be taken seriously. For that, I think it was a success. As for a rating? I mean I probably won't listen to this again but I did enjoy it one time through. I don't know. I might come back to it now and then when I need something fun. 3.5/5 but will round down because I can't give it a 4.
2.6 2x
Good fun album. From the album cover to the lyrics, The Dictators obviously don't take themselves seriously and are enjoyable to listen to.
This was …. fine. I guess I don’t get what it’s doing here. (ntm.)
Lyrically a bit dated, but I like it musically!
This ended up being a bit of fun. Given the era, I understand why I didn't know of them. Had potential to be a great cover band
Good stuff not too shabby
Interesting, but not really memorable in the slightest. I definitely wasn't expecting a cover of I got you babe though.
I ain’t got nothing to say
Surprisingly better than expected, not by much tho, and I was expecting much either
Pretty average rock punk album, a couple of fun songs to listen to and a couple of nice covers too
A banda flertou entre Beatles e Sex Pistols! Várias músicas que nem sabia que fossem eles. Ótima mistura!
A bit immature, definitely some things that on surface level haven't aged well but aren't what they appear either. It's actually a pretty good listen, but it's not the greatest album ever written and it doesn't have to be. You can see where later punk pulled from here. 3.5/5
Pretty standard 70's punk. Feels like the Ramones at times.
Zany, unexpectedly cool!
Fun and amusing.
Appreciate the obvious punk origins
Surprisingly really good Punk album. I was expecting just another run of the mill heat of the movement record, but this one combines a lot of different sounds into its completion and I like the blend of psych, blues, punk, and surf
If the Modem Lovers lyrics were written by an edgy 14 year old
i like cars and girls too!
You can hear how the Dictators influenced the Ramones and the Beastie Boys…The Offspring. And heaps more bands I’m sure.. ‘Go Girl Crazy!’ is a lot of fun. A bit slight, but fun, nonetheless.
Interesting. Didn't mind it, but nothing stood out as amazing.
Interesting.
Super dumb but decent enough early punk. The humour didn't quite work for me, nor did the I Got You Babe cover, but I suppose the album as a whole wasn't without its charm. Lets call it a weak 3.
#62 It's fine
Pretty standard proto-punk album. It's cool to see where the influence came from, but I wouldn't listen to it much outside of this once.
Not an album I would choose otherwise to listen, but I enjoyed the exposure. The collection of songs and covers were all punchy, say "pre-punk", and the band seemed to enjoy poking fun at themselves. Aside from the quirky originals and clean covers, the lead guitarist's solos were actually pretty good.
Like everyone else, I'll use the word "fun". I like a band that doesn't take life too seriously, and I'm glad to have filled in another jigsaw piece (had never heard of them). Not good enough for a fourth star though.
Fun to revisit the early days.
A lot proto- and early punk has a lot of humour in it; the New York Dolls, the Ramones, the Stooges, etc. It's one of the things I love about a lot of punk; it can be angsty and aggressive, but also funny. But where does a band tip over from being a rock'n'roll band with a humourous awareness of the ridiculousness of life and music into an out-and-out comedy band? I can't say exactly where the line is, but I reckon the Dictators have crossed over it by a mile. The sound is certainly great -- hats off to the production by Sandy Pearlman, best known for Blue Oyster Cult. the Dictators are pretty average musicians (there is some pretty ham-fisted guitar playing), but they sound big and powerful. But the songs aren't always great; the covers are generally head and shoulders above the originals (although I really dig Next Big Thing). The propensity for frat boy humour and proto-edge-lord provocation I could live without. I feel like this a record I should have listened to 40 years ago but didn't. Now I have. It's OK, but there have been plenty of better albums since. 2.5 stars, rounding up.
overall not a bad sound and i really liked some moments on this album but i’ve just heard better versions of this
It's okay
Favorite Track: California Sun I Got You Babe (I Live For) Cars and Girls
Not really sure what to make of this but at least it sounds like they’re having fun and it’s more entertaining to listen to than Coldplay.
Nice antidote to the treacly Sonny and Cher and to treacliness everywhere. Rollicking, jaunty, satiric, in-your-face, joyful, all at once. Pick your shibboleth, including rock and roll, it's in the crosshairs. I found my spirits lifted.
This is quite fun - I’d have called it New Wave - very much like Richard Hell or a Buzzcocks vibe. I would have liked it a lot more back in the day but it’s wearing a bit on me now.
New one to me. Found it funny and interesting enough. More my flavor of punk than many others (if punk is really the right genre for this) — just enough musicality to bring it over the line. That said, not quite ready to bump this into 4-star territory. I'd call it a better-than-average 3-star album.
this was fun. never even heard of these guys before, so a cool find. Not sure it's an all-time classic (the two covers weren't great), but i dig their spirit. they're funny and immature and ridiculous. they walked so the Ramones and the Beastie Boys could run. anyway, glad it's on the list.
I enjoyed this way more than anticipated.
Entre los grupos que anticiparon el punk rock en la escena neoyorquina, The Dictators fue uno de los más aclamados, y lo fueron un poco antes que los Ramones. Este, su primer disco, todavía contenía rasgos comunes con el hard rock y un humor repleto de sarcasmo que no conectó con los críticos que lo veían equidistante entre el rock duro y esa nueva música acelerada que estaba empezando, aunque el tiempo lo colocó como uno de los pioneros del punk. Me gustan las dos versiones de los 60 "I Got You Babe" y, especialmente, "California Sun". Pero lo mejor del disco está al final, con tres divertidísimas canciones, "Two Tub Man", "Weekend" y "(I Live for) Cars and Girls".
This was actually pretty funny. I’m not really into the vocal sound.
After reading the reviews, I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this album, but it turned out better than I thought. The Dictators were likely one of the first punk bands to mix in humor and satire with their music. You can see how they influenced bands like Dead Milkmen, Green Jelly, and Butthole Surfers. The music itself isn’t bad, but the humor feels like it’s aimed at a certain age group or maturity level to really appreciate it. Over all, it’s decent, but you’ve got to be in the right mindset to enjoy the humor.
35 minutes of nice punk rock, although there is no outstanding track. 2,5
These girls sure went crazy
Some good, solid early punk vibes here, but clearly showing it’s age
Okay- give it a 3
Bonkers fun
The songs sound like good punk, the lyrics are silly and funny which is a good sign but for some reason I found the album a bit stale at fist. After a second or third listen though I grew to love some songs, and it really changed my opinion on the album. The cover of I got you babe is quite unique and California sun, two tub man and I live for cars and girls are great songs. It’s a fun album. Favourite song: California sun and two tub man are great songs. Least favourite: Master race rock Album artwork: Interesting cover
Early punk that's good dumb fun but lacks substance.
Not bad, cool to hear how later bands took their influences from records like this.
Similar review to the one I did for Big Black, but I definitely liked this album more. There were so many genres explored, and so many songs that reminded me of songs I’ve heard before. From Beach Boys, to Gorillaz, to MGMT, to obviously Sonny and Cher (they came first!). It almost seems like a satire album, but it’s actually good! Listen again: yes Purchase for my collection: if I found it cheap Favourite Song: Two Tub Man
this era of punk isnt for me. i dont like the blown out over-distorted guitar or the tinny bassless drums. but the vocalist is fucking good and funny, and almost gives me some zappa vibes at times. entertaining album, but not one i'd listen to agian.
The sound here does exactly what it says in the Spotify artist description. Clearly influential to a lot of punk acts but kind of hit or miss, fortunately the misses were okay rather than bad. The riffs on next big thing were real fun and the writing is silly and fun throughout. Cars and Girls was the worst song on the album because while I can only assume it’s a parody of Beach Boy—esque music it still sounds like the Beach boys.
It was good but not great, can definitely see how influential it was and where the influences went but probably wouldn't return to it aside from a couple songs. Genuinely feels like we've had three albums in a row that definitely deserve to be on the list but aren't great. 7/10 Fav tracks - The Next Big Thing, Back to Africa, Master Race Rock, Two Tub Man, Weekend Least Fav - None
Not sure I finished it but that was for reasons unrelated to the music, it was fine
Wham! Bam! Mostly Glam!
dorkcore goofpunk
Definitely a strange one here, but it’s not bad. The influence on the punk that would follow is evident.
Fun. Not necessarily always very good, but fun.
I liked it, short album, quite daft, but backed up with some decent 70s punk.
This was a blast. Some of the songs have some peculiar lyrics, but it seems to all be one big joke from start to end, so I chose not to dwell on it. I don't think it deserves more than 3 stars, but it's a particularly strong 3 stars.
3.5☆/5 09.04.2024
Nope. Not one bit.
Manitoba mentioned, 20 stars out of 5 August 31, 2024 HL: “The Next Big Thing”, “Master Race Rock”, “Cars & Girls”
Good punky rock, a little unfocussed as the album unfolded
Lovely energy, unfortunately this piece of work did not age very well.
This feels like punk that's faded in the wash. You can see what the colours used to be, but, they just aren't there now.
Like others I enjoyed this more than I expected to.
Quite cool. Nice guitar work.
It took 299 albums, but I finally found a punk album I don't hate! I enjoyed the humor, and the Cats And Girls song (with the signature Beach Boys Whoo on the background) cracked me up.
Never heard of The Dicktators, but I have heard of Manitoba's Wild Kingdom, a later incarnation. I wouldn't have thought this band would appear on this list, but the fact that this album came out in 1975, They must have been pretty unique to not take themselves too seriously and to go this direction. Definitely can see that it might have influenced later bands (Beastie Boys come to mind). Still not what I would consider a great album, but more listenable than I thought it would be.
First off I didn't take this album seriously from the get-go... Due to the album artwork. Some of the song titles and lyrics would be seriously questioned today but once you hear the lyrics and the delivery you can tell that these guys almost are Weird Al influencers. I never knew whether or not to take them seriously. It's raunchy and sloppy, but fun in a juvenile kind of way. Probably exactly what an early punk album was supposed to be.
Pretty good. Like a polished Ramones.
Guh gut gut goodbye
For an obscure Rock/Punk record from 1975 this is surprisingly fun. Nothing I would absolutely have to listen to again, but I wouldn't mind if it played somewhere in the background. The I Got You Babe cover was especially good for what it was. 3/5
Decently fun early punk album. In perspective that it’s the first punk album, that’s pretty cool.
My friend used to go to this guy's bar in NYC. For that he deserves at least 3 stars.
Eh. Ok.
Interesting…a mix of 70‘s Rock and Punk…6/10
Funny and fun but also kinda silly and stupid. This feels a little too arch and perhaps a touch too competent and too focused on (well) cars and girls (see backing vocals on that cut) to be considered full-on (or even proto-) punk, but the hair-splitting, genre-defining argument doesn't seem much worth pursuing. "Weekend" is decent as are "Cars and Girls" and "I Got You Babe" and "Back to Africa. This seems less than some lost classic, than a just-a-bit-more-than-minor footnote of the evolution of '70s rock. One takes it no more seriously than one is encouraged to do by the music itself.
It's fine. Some songs are pretty fun. Wish I could give half stars
Some early punk rock written by some kids that don't take themselves too seriously.
Reactions in real-time. I would be really surprised if the Dead Milkmen didn't listen to these guys. Wow... Racist, much? These guys' covers are better than their originals. It's fun, I guess. Juvenile garage band humor. ok.
Sweet dumb fun - I particularly enjoyed the cover of "I Got You Babe" and the final track, the Beach Boys parody "(I Live For) Cars and Girls"
Fun campy punk with great energy.
Production and instrumentals feel very polished for a punk album.
punk rock
Hard not to like punk that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Something to be said for hearing the first of a genre. Thankfully there were others that liked the sound but believed they could do better. The two covers aren’t as good as the originals. Quite a silly album - and there’s a place for that.
Punk with adolescent humor and catchy tunes. This was almost a 4
I liked it better than most punk I've heard. But that's not much of an endorsement from me.
Never heard of this band, and based on their listener count, it seems like one of the least known artists on the list. Likely an influential album with a devoted cult following. I liked it. I live for cars and girls!
1/5 for first half, 4/5 for 2nd half.
Some decent tunes
Americana
Who would’ve figured. But pretty damn good
Funny, American punk. It was a lot of fun to listen to that. But it doesn't have to happen again. 3/5
It was aight, kinda basic rock and roll 7/10
5/10 - It was pretty okay. It sounded pretty similar. I thought the song cars and girls was pretty funny though. The rest were just fine.
Honestly pretty tolerable as far as punk goes. Probably not gonna return to any of this, but it fine to listen to once
Weird classic rock, kind of a Kinks vibe. Fine.
Classic stuff but kinda reductive by modern standards
What a gem! I love proto-punk. You can definitely hear the influence that The Dictators had on bands like the Ramones. The fast tempo, the shitty singing. But most of all, the irrelevant and satirical nature of the songs. They're all over the place, and kind of unhinged. Its so punk rock. I had a blast listening to this today.
Very interesting album. Can definitely see this album's influence on the future punk movement. 3/5
As others have said, this feels like the grandfather of punk rock. Sometimes I feel the same way about the grandfathers of hip-hop where I can understand the importance but I don't fully enjoy it on its own. 2.5/5
30 minutos y 9 canciones, perfecto para un viernes. Proto-punk con mejor sonido que muchos discos de los 90. Back to Africa, California Sun o Two tub man. Hay que oírlos.
3.25
I’m not familiar with The Dictators, but that’s’ certainly some interesting cover art. I might need to look into a jacket like that for myself. This album didn’t really blow me away, but it was pretty fun, and it carries a lot of weight culturally as a part of early punk rock. The guitar licks and drumming are simple and not particularly memorable, but they’re serviceable enough for the sarcastic and humorous lyrics. There’s plenty of early adulthood apathy and disillusionment to go around in the original songs on this album, and there’s still room for a couple of fun covers in “I Got You Babe” and “California Sun.” This album might not light the world on fire, but its simple hooks and fun lyrics are a perfect encapsulation of how punk rock evolved from garage rock.
Stupid and goofy but kind of good. The joke might wear thin with repeat listens but will risk repeat listens.
I guess this was influential, which is the only reason I can see it being included on this list. Nothing really jumped out at me as interesting, but when it was first released there might not have been anything else like it. Fine for one listen, but nothing to return for.
Despite the sh*thouse album cover, this wasn't too bad. I liked the Sonny and Cher cover the best - which doesn't say much about their original stuff. But it was a good 35-minute listen for my drive home.
Not great music but still kinda fun.
This was recomended to me. It's nice, but I don't think its earth shattering.
Well it’s a 3 album isn’t it, completely listenable but never gonna listen to it again. I had no idea who they were so had fun guessing where they fit in the general garage/punk music timeline and how much they must have influenced the Beastie Boys. So fair play for the latter.
Thought I would hate it but catchy tunes about MacDonalds and fast living is a winner for me. Can imagine having a riot listening to this at a toga party back in 75.... maybe not now as kids today are so woke.
Good album. This one was a fun listen with some punk, surf, and rock vibes with some hilarious songs. This was a great listen and interesting to read and hear the influence on the punk rock movement. There were some solid songs on here. ***
This was a fun listen. It's pretty light and simplistic but that's fine. I enjoyed it and I can see coming back to it when I am in the mood for something like this.
79/1001
Kinda sick actually. Insane album cover. Somehow not as weird as I expected for proto punk.
This album was pretty fun; had a very proto-punk sound to it. Would need to listen to again to fully appreciate, I think.
Pretty primitive proto-punk, which I find charming but not something I aspire to listen to much. Definitely belongs here though. C+
Go Girl Crazy wasn’t what I was expecting. It was much more melodic, almost Beach Boys if they were punk. It was a bit ridiculous lyrically. It always was ahead of its time. 6.3/10
If this was only instrumental, this would be an easy 4 for me. I honestly think the vocals weaken the songs because the instruments fucking SLAP
3.7 - Unlike other punk outfits that rage against capitalism and consumerism with angry screams and unbridled guitars, the Dictators take a more ironic approach. They create caricatures of Americans obsessed with "cars and girls", "eating at McDonald's for lunch" and "that warm California sun." Some searing guitar solos on here, too!
This was pretty cool.
A cool early punk album that got me bopping my head in the office. You can tell that The Dictators had a hand in influencing a bunch of later artists including the likes of The Ramones. Lots of references to TV and youth culture of the time, they were able to provide the context of the mid 70s to any future audience. Best: (I Live For) Cars and Girls Worst: Back to Africa 3.5 Stars
3.75
Kind of comical.
Fun, energetic.
I thought I was going to hate this but I actually kinda enjoyed it. People did age quicker in those days so it does sound like 30 year olds playing teenagers (Grease - I’m looking at you) but quite endearing.
Fun surfin' punk
decent rough punk
Some fun pop rock but not something I’ll seek out
Pokes fun at the excesses of the rock and roll lifestyle. Seems lkkeba more modern album in some ways. Like the 70's guitar tones.
Joo ihan jees protopunkkia, vaikka garagen puolelle kyllä vahvasti jää. 3/5
Hauska levy! Ei ehkä musiikillisesti kovin kummoista mut eipä sitä tässä genressä haetakaan. 3/5
Better than expected. Most punk just sounds the same but the songs here actually sounds a little different than the others. Good length.
Catchy. I bet chadbutt loves the third and fourth song. 3.5
Ugly album cover, but good sounding punk
Okay
No context Back to Africa is a crazy song. I hear the influences in other bands like alot of the misfits are in here and wavves cloud nothing too also they reference beach boys alot. It is cheesy af and its surf rocky. As a debut I would have this it is interesting and fun. Live for cars and girls LOL like come on it doesnt get more fun and silly than that. This is hilarious and corny as heck. Not all the songs work like anything after california sun until the end but it isnt bad.This is is a 3.5 for me but its closer to a 3 I liked this and it feels right for this list as the beginning of punk rock. I will be playing Cars and Girls and Teengenerate for a long time. I am glad i was shown this :)
Overall, not great, not bad. Some of the songs gave me ska vibes without the brass, which was interesting. I can’t say there was a huge amount of creativity though, in my opinion. I Got You Babe made me realize that I forgot to watch Groundhog Day this year. *sad face*
I’ve never felt more like a midwesterner in the 70s knocking back a six pack of cheap beer in the truck on the way home from work. It’s really a fun listen and it has an all-American rock vibe. I’m not sure how much influence they had on the later punk movement, but it seems like a lot. It’s not my kind of music but I still appreciated it.
Fun album
Punk lees ik. Nummers als Weekend laten ook wel wat lichte Punk-zang horen. En ze vinden het ook belangrijk om te benadrukken dat het slechts een hobby is. Maar tegelijk doen ze hun best om muzikaal er iets van te maken. Het laatste nummer lijkt bijvoorbeeld heel erg uitgedacht, en past best op de radio. Het voelt dan soms ook mijlenver van de afzet-Punk die we al veel te vaak kregen. Veel liever dit, maar tegelijk ga ik dit ook niet een tweede keer opzetten.
Ok
It was ok- I guess not all 70’s rock was spectacular.
Enjoyable but nothing very unique
Very fun and silly, but still well done musically
- Never heard of this before - Interesting to hear a punk album this early - I enjoyed some tracks more than others - Might be rating this slightly higher than I would if it was even a couple of years newer, just seems slightly ahead of its time
Juvenile and in your face rock. A lot of fun.
- this was originally a 2 because it wasn’t my style but they kinda won me over by the end
Ok
Crappy remakes of songs I never cared for.
Proto-punk. I didn’t hate it, but I should give it a listen when I’m in more of a mood for punk. 3
Sounds like early punk, I like it, but also kinda don't.
Not familiar with this music. Fairly fun listen. Would revisit.
Not my thing. Grill liked it.
Ок, немам неки посебан коментар и утисак
dad punk
They've got an irreverent surf punk thing going on here that's not bad. Dick Manitoba sounds like something you get taunted with if you're at a Moose Jaw hockey game rooting for Flin Flon. If you get the reference, give the album an additional star.
Cómo The Clash pero gringos
It's compelling as an example of proto-punk. It's fascinating to see genre staples like cringeworthy humor and cheeky covers of pop songs were there from the jump. Beyond that, it's not super listenable or memorable, but I love the idea of a band just having a guy dressed like a pro wrestler who's whole job in the band is just to shout LET'S GO and I DRINK COCA-COLA FOR BREAKFAST.
Early punk? Fun listen.
decent rock/punk/etc ... with some crazy good guitar work for the time. I can see young future guitar players listening and learning some solos.
I’m conflicted on this one. I like it musically, but man the lyrics rubs me the wrong way. Two Tub Man is a reminder that for some, Punk wasn’t an opportunity to engage in radical politics, or express your dissatisfaction with an unjust system, but rather an opportunity to revel in mindless Libertarian Hedonism. Maybe it’s a case of humour not translating nearly 50 years after the fact. But on the other hand, I think I can point to why I’m struggling with the humour. I think it’s trying too hard. Kinda like the high school drop out class clown schtick they’re going for with the character pieces, it’s lowest common denominator humour. Saying bad words like ass, putting on silly voices, pretending to be gay. It’s stuff that’ll get a reaction when you’re 13, but should be passé by your mid 20’s. If you compare it to The Ramones the difference is crystal; The Ramones are still funny because they play it deadpan. By not trying to provoke the reaction, the reaction comes more naturally. Also, I don’t think that they’re really Nazi’s, but using the Master Race imagery is a little troubling. But again, it does fit with the high school loser persona. There are a worrying amount of people I know of from secondary who flirt with Far Right ideas. Another problem I have with the humour is the character. I knew the sort of loser characters they’re trying to portray, and they aren’t getting it. The seem more like preppy douchbags pretending to be high school drop outs. Compare them to The Dead Boys say, and it becomes obvious how off the mark they are. The real influence of this albums is in the music, and because of that, I can see why the album’s on this list. It is a really well crafted Hard Rock album. The riffs are fantastic, it moves through parts of the song effortlessly. I can see how this was a big influence on later American Punk. But, it’s not as good as various other influences I could name. It just hasn’t stood the test of time
I'm not sure how they avoided falling on my radar during my punk phase, but here we are.
Pretty solid punk. Loved the cover of I Got You Babe. Definitely got a bit raunchy during some of it which I digged. Solid 3
Ramones with Phil Spector vibes
Interesting album but, lacks more polish.
Fun
Did not do it for me.
Thought this was pretty solid for an old punk album. This is one of the rare terrible album covers where the music that follows is actually interesting. 6/10.
sounds like the ramones if they were able to control their bpm. thing is you dont want the ramones to do that
Fun album, reminded me of a parody album at times, especially ‘cars and girls’, like it was making fun of The Beach Boys.