Reviews (page 5 of 8)
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!
this just falls flat for me. it feels of an era, and I can imagine where this is probably hugely influential, but also, it's just not my thing. best song is two tub man, which is pretty good
no
Dug it
Rock and roll just does it for me
Just because you did it first, doesn't mean you were any good at it. 3rd rate pub band, who just happened to do something a little bit like punk before punk. Not 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!
At least it was fun
Not great. Not awful, I suppose. It's just kind of bland. I'll give it a 3. I don't think I really ever want to listen to it again, but I can't really say that it's "bad." but I don't like it.
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
First song was decent, downhill from there
Bit dull
This is just fun music
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.
pfrt
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.
This really reminds me of mc5. Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 5/5
Good and easy punk album
Nah
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.
Getting this the day after I got Dookie by Green Day just reaffirms why I gave that album 2 stars. Great punk album.
???
Wow. This is a lot. It's the right length. And it doesn't take itself to seriously. But it's also just abrasively there.
Nothing of note.
I'm usually all in on "proto-punk", but this is pretty boring -- and stupid.
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.
Another entry under the category, "Why is this album on the list?!". If the album cover didn't signal a crappy album then listening to it certainly does. It was so amateurish that it had me wondering if it was satire. It is marginally fun which barely saves this from being a 1-star review.
Скучно, может и юмор там и новаторство, но мне пришлось скучно.
.
Moins déjanté que les Stooges, mais bien effronté, du plaisir mur à mur
Gotta drop to a 2 here. These guys have the right idea, but fall way short of contemporaries like Black Flag and the NYDolls
Very low 3. Not bad but literally nothing stood out except for maybe the Sonny and Cher cover
Decent album
not my style
I get it and the "California surf punk meets proto-punk" is interesting, but it doesn't really connect for me.
Kinda fun but very forgettable, another questionable edition to the list.
It's irritating
Better than expected but nothing that stands out.
Magnificent.
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
I don’t get “punk” if that’s what this is.
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.
Ross The Boss. It's funny how unserious this band is and his other band is over the top serious. His guitar playing is the highlight of this album
missing link
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.
Often imitated, rarely duplicated.
I guess this is earlyish in 1975 for this kind of attitude, but not a great album
Really good, raw, raucous rock 'n roll. Fun.
Okay, sure
Nothing good, but not as bad as expected. At least it was short.
Not my jam
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.
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.
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.
One person's silly is another person's stupid, I guess. Or maybe it is just that time hasn't been kind to this album. In any case, sort of fun but mostly dumb.
(3)
This great. Just a good laugh, solid riffs, humourous and fun. Mood lifting
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
# 427 - 03/03/2025 : A two line bio doesn't give me much confidence in this LP. Alas it lived up to it's hype. Tracks that were clearly recorded in one take. Some of it is really fun, but there's a lot of dumb bad music here.
2.5
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.
This is more like pre-punk than Pop. Not bad for a virgin esteem but nothing stands out for me. Punk fans may enjoy
4/10
nem egy clash-level album, de igen csodálatos azért, négy és felet kapna ha lehetne!
Funny and fun, but not particularly good.
Hadn't heard of these guys - interesting evolutionary step, bits of Ramones, Radio Birdman, beach boys
Well, it’s 1975 garage band punk at best. I mean there is a place in the world for that. But not in my house.
Loud basic low brow punk rock
Album cover has me worried. Nothing I have ever heard of. Early punk can be really hit or miss. Doesn't look boring at least. The Next Big Thing Ridiculous intro. Humorous, dumb, high energy. Powerful guitars, full of testosterone. Sense a bit of irony. Decent 3/5 I Got You Babe Sounds like a standars rock love-ballad. The vocals have a strange delivery to them. Strange inflection. This is a joke song right? Goes on too long. Not a fan. 2/5 Back to Africa Worrying title. Ooga-chaka? Seriously? No thank you... Humour comes across as misguided and slightly racist. If there's an attempt at commentary here it's pretty poor. Has decent energy I suppose. 1/5 Master Race Rock What are they thinking... Juvenile and dumb. A party anthem with a chorus where they're blurting out "we're the members of the master race" is just poor taste, especially since there's no commentary or self awareness there. Just has not aged well at all. Otherwise sounds pretty bland, same high energy as previous tracks. Much of the playing sounds a bit sloppy and theres very few interesting bits anywhere. Bad. 1/5 Teengenerate Honestly pretty fun. Repeating a lot of themes here. Carefree song about embracing being a dumb irresponsible kid. There's something rebellious and free spirited about that. Decent punk song. 3.5/5 California Sun Surf rock vibes, fitting with the title I suppose. Fun guitar riff. Really simple, but succeeds at what it's trying to do. Fun track. 3.5/5 Two Tub Man Shoutout to the intro. Whoever this character is they're building some interesting charicature. Tongue in cheek. Charming in a crass, juvenile way. I find it funny as terrible as it is. Had a good time. 4/5 Weekend. Exactly what you'd expect when you read the title. Loud guitars and singing about how great the weekend is, with all the things he's gonna do. Some gross-out humour and childish energy. Average. 2.5/5 (I Live For) Cars and Girls Obnoxious. Background vocals sound heavily inspired by a Beach Boys song. I guess the sound of the track works. A continuation of the same dumb energy from previous tracks. In the right context it is definitely possible to have fun with this, but to me it just doesn't do much. Do not like. 2/5 I was right that it wasn't boring at least. From the first track I was expecting a bit more depth, some irony or perhaps some messaging relevant at the time, but I didn't pick up much of that. What I did pick up however was a sense of rebeliousness and a love of being young and dumb. A celebration of stupidity and childishness, the album succeeds in being charming at times. Highlighted by ridiculous deliveries, blaring guitars and a long list of tongue in cheek lyrics. I truly believe they had a lot of fun making it. I wouldn't however say there's a lot of quality here. Most of it hasn't aged very well, with lyrics and creative choices that today would be seen as in bad taste. Most of the songs are quite basic, and the performances are quite sloppy at times, lacking polish. While the attitude of being care free might be intentional it really doesn't translate into a consistent and fulfilling product. It fails at remaining much more than a novelty, and I personally wouldn't be surprised if I forget about this album completely in a few months time. Not irredemable, though there are plenty of other things I'd rather be doing than listening to this album. Fave Track. Two Tub Man Least fave track. Master Race Rock
Eh. Pretty generic to me.
A lot of satire. Better than it looks.
22/02/25 Oddly enough, this wasn't as bad as I expected it to be.
Not sure if this is a spoof or not, but we’ve heard it all before
Its like kiss meats the beastie boys and kiss. 4/10
While there is some good instrumentals in here, the lazy and sophomoric songwriting is very tedious. The two problematic titles on the album (while not entirely "problematic" in their content) are still juvenile. Not a great listen. 2/5
this feels like it goes on for an eternity, and the album is only 34 minutes
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.
I hadn't heard this before. Just gave it a spin - very good power pop influenced American punk. I'll certainly listen again!
Not exactly sure what to say. This is a strange album and a strange hybrid band that don't really know what they are? Certainly not Punk- shadows of Glam, Pub rock and even pop.
Quick listen. Classic punk. 3 stars.
Weird music. Rock/ punk, not sure.
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 had a few punk rock pals who thought the Dictators were the best thing since Wonder Bread and pro wrestling. They loved being in on the joke, reveling in the spoof all while giving you a knowing wink. But I never felt the hook—whether gimmick or song—was all that strong. Coming up in the same mid-'70s NYC scene that gave rise to my favs the Ramones and the Dead Boys, the Dictators leaned harder into Lenny Bruce like humor, a mix of garage rock and wrestling-ring bravado. And, to those old pals of mine: I get it. Sometimes, it’s fun to root for the underdog, to champion the cult band, but other times, the magic just isn’t there. I had no missing piece the Dictators could fill, so it was easy to leave them behind—at parties, in the car, wherever they were being blasted with enthusiasm. Eventually, those pals drifted away, and with them, the band’s presence in my life. No more conversations about their misunderstood genius. And honestly? Life is better without dictatorships, don’t you agree?
This is bad....very very bad
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
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!
The fire alarm in my building went off while I was listening to this and for a few seconds I didn't even notice because I couldn't tell it wasn't an intentional part of the song
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.
2.33
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.
- 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.
Niet boeiend, en niet goed
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.
Tasainen, onnistunut LP, jonka huumori kuuluu välillä väärissä paikoissa, kuten laulajan äänensävyssä tai soiton liiallisessa koheltavuudessa. Monia hyviä biisejä joka tapauksessa. 3,5
2.5
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
Did not care for it.
You know how 10 years ago, when your parents would watch Jackass with you they'd roll their eyes and something like "Well, now I know why they call this show 'Jackass'?" Meanwhile, they'd be thinking to themselves, "I remember the Dictators and that was some funny shit." This is not funny. It's fucking stupid. The thing that makes it even less funny is 'Manitoba' or whatever the fuck he calls himself THINKS it's funny. It's like when a 6 year old puts on a wig and sunglasses because it makes their parents laugh. This is terrible. "Go Back to Africa...?" and "Master Race Rock...?" At least Johnny Knoxville and Bam Margera know they're idiots but continue to snap their nuts in mousetraps even if cameras WEREN'T rolling. I found this album stupid, disingenuous and lacking relevant personality.
I hate to say it, but there was a time to say “no more cowbell” on the increasingly grating “Next Big Thing.” The Dictators may have paved the way for punk (pre-dating The Ramones by a year), but none of it’s very good. They just seem like they are edgy for the sake of being edgy, the original edgelords, and don’t do the edginess or the music very well.
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
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.
Funny punk rock from 1975. 3/5
Garbage
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.
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
Never heard of them and for a good reason it seems. On principle I'm skeptical of American bands from the 70s that are called punk because I think The Ramones are one of the most embarrassing bands ever. This band here? About as proto-punk as Cher whose cover is on this album for god knows what reason. The Stooges were 10 times more proto-punk 6 years earlier. The Dictators clearly haven't heard of them. 1/5
1.75
Damn this sucked
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
Probably an important album for punk music, but didnt really enjoy it. Standout songs: The Next Big Thing California Sun
You can't be all bad if you're lead singer's name is Handsome Dick Manitoba.
3.5
Starting with what I liked, some of the guitar work on this is pretty damn good. I had two big issues with the album one the lead singer seems to be leaning into this bawdy juvenile character and it feels more like a caricature rather than something I can believe. My second is personally I think the songs are shit. I dig good rockin glam based rock, but this felt like third rate Brownsville Station. As far as them being the first punk album. I don't buy it. It contains nothing of the visceral anger of bands like say the Clash or even the Sex Pistols. In fact it feels more like the songs and vocals are playing to the mic. If I heard this when I was 12, I might find this clever and funny, but as a 55 year old coot, it just seemed silly (5.3) ★★½
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.
Hard to go crazy anything with punk music this schlubby and ordinary. Timeline-wise I guess this fits in quite early on in the punk scene between New York Dolls and Ramones but it doesn’t really matter because the record doesn’t hold up as anything special. The very best songs are probably the cheesy garage covers of I Got You Babe and California Sun.
Ok
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
It referenced random NWA wrestlers, no notes, top marks excellent work. Also the bass was good.
Best: The Next Big Thing Worst: I got you babe Liked songs: 56%, 5/9 Strong 2 As is becoming pretty common with most proto punk albums, the only reason that I like any of the songs is simply the guitar. The lyrics are pretty dookie and the vocals are lowkey pretty annoying after a while, but its hard to ignore how fire that guitar is. That said, I can't really give an album with songs called "master race rock" and "i live for cars and girls" a score much higher than a strong 2. Hard to believe this is an album you need to listen to before you die tbh.
this just annoyed me
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
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.
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.
fun early punk songs
Wasn’t sure to start with but they settled into a great fun stoner rock album
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.
Muy bueno
Bit of an oddball package but there's things here I like. Cool riffs in the opener Next Big Thing and it's a pretty crunchy sound throughout. Lyrics can get weird and it's quite a mix of genres, ranging from proto punk to surf rock. There's a cover of I Got You Babe as well. Probably not one I'd return to but it's a tidy package.
straddling hard rock and doo-wop, doo-whoa
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
This list is making realize a lot of rock bands in the 70s sounded the exact same. It’s fucking boring. Our parents like this music because they were teens and feeling rebellious. This music sucks.
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.
Instant Classic! Amazing! Now I know where those epic tracks from Personal and the Pizzas were inspired from, incredible, i gotta dig in.
2.6 2x
Fresh 70's anthem rock!
Good fun album. From the album cover to the lyrics, The Dictators obviously don't take themselves seriously and are enjoyable to listen to.
fun music for retards, will give it a 4 because i respect the disabled
This was …. fine. I guess I don’t get what it’s doing here. (ntm.)
Not very interesting. New, I guess for the time, but not much to get my attention.
Lyrically a bit dated, but I like it musically!
Not sure if they are trying to be cute or what.
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!
altså joken er fin nok et par numre, fin nok ide for et punkband at lave sådan en parodi på et rockband. Luften går bare hurtigt af ballonen
Pænt dumt. Mens UK punkerne var sådan "riv systemet ned! anarki nu!", var US punkerne sådan "elsker biler og piger hell yeah!"
Really loved the first song, the rest wasn't as good :(
Kiss for the functionally unemployable. I bet it was a lot more funny to make a punk version of a Sonny and Cher song in 1975 than it seems today 50 years ago, but I'll bet these knuckleheads didn't think anyone would listen to their stuff this far into the future. Let that be a lesson to all of us. Not every beer-addled hilarious idea should be recorded.
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!
Just good fun.
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.
I saw "Back to Africa" and "Master Race Rock" and was ready to give it a zero 'cause racism sucks. After listening to the album, I realized it was more of a piss-take than anything. The tunes are decent power pop songs that hint at the future of punk rock. Most of the songs were decent, including a cover of "I Got You Babe", but ultimately I probably won't listen to it again.
Interesting.
No can do. 1
5 out of 5. Banger album from a banger band.
Ok, not my favorite.
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.
super fun pop punk
#62 It's fine
Maybe the politics are good, but they feel super bad.
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.
I don't think the satire and self-awareness of the album overcomes how annoying it is to hear the music. Some melodies are catchy but it's overshadowed by unbearable singing. However purposeful, still unpleasant.
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.
nothing too special, i think the singer is annoying
Fun to revisit the early days.
I lectured in popular music. That included punk. I can tell you who Stiv Bators is. Jayne County. Johnny Thunders. I know the difference between the New York heartbreakers and the Florida Heartbreakers. (Yes the Floridians aren’t really punk.) A hundred others. Never heard of this and listening to it I can see why. It has an energy. But no musical value. Very little entertainment value. Some ok lead guitar. But compared to Johnny thunders nothing terribly special. And the between songs introductions are annoying and amateur. Talentless white boy vicarious fantasia. 1.5/5
Clearly it's here because it's considered one of the first Punk albums but it's not actually that interesting
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.
Way more melodic and fun than I was expecting based on reviews.
overall not a bad sound and i really liked some moments on this album but i’ve just heard better versions of this
Pre-listening thoughts: we’ve been on quite the streak of artists and albums that I’ve actually heard of. Not surprised that came to an end with this one. Post/during listening thoughts: I expected this to be a little bit more hardcore. It’s ok I guess, the production dates it a little bit. The cover of I Got You Babe didn’t really add anything, it’s mid. I expected a complete twist on the song considering the supposed genre of this album. WHY ARE THERE NOT ONE BUT TWO RACIST SONGS ON HERE????? Maybe I misinterpreted the lyrics but uhhhhh??? Yeah for that alone it’s a one star😭 shame cause it’s a decent record otherwise! 2/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no!!!! Fav tracks: California Sun, I Live for Cars and Girls Least fav tracks: Back to Africa, Master Race Rock
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
Not my cup of tea. Just okay overall. No real faves either, but 'I Got You Babe' was fine.
Wow! This is great garage band punk!
It's okay
Favorite Track: California Sun I Got You Babe (I Live For) Cars and Girls
I can’t tell if I love this or hate it. The cover of I Got You Babe is great though.
Fav: (I Live For) Cars And Girls Least Fav: Back To Africa There’s a couple really good songs here that are surrounded by mediocre to bad songs, this could’ve been so much better
proto punk. new york. ross the boss manowar
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.
All killer no filler. Dumb, snarky, sarcastic, camp, very danceable, everything that punk music should be.
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.
The Dictators Go Girl Crazy! Not sure if I’ve heard of The Dictators or not. The name sounds familiar but it also sounds like the name of a lot of bands from the mid to late 70s who presaged or followed punk. I thought it might be more like that Germs album, but it’s more listenable than that, reminding me a lot of the New York Dolls, with that sped up frenetic glam rock and blues rock sound, and a bit of the Ramones (esp the cover of California Sun), but without being quite as good or as exciting as either of those bands. I can see how this would be influential on punk and puncturing some rock posturing, and while some of it is decent, California Sun, Weekend and Cars and Girls, and some of it is a dumb sort of fun, like Back to Africa, Master Race Rock and Teengenerate and the rest just sort of dumb and not that much fun. One of those albums that, although I didn’t fully enjoy, I'm glad to have heard, even if I’m unlikely to come back to. Solid 2. 🤪🤪 Playlist submission: Cars and Girls
I respect their influence in the punk music scene, but I've listened to this more than a couple of times trying to get something out of it, and I've accepted it's just not for me. The tracks I liked best were the two covers. Yesterday's album was Group Sex by Circle Jerks, which I thought was a great punk album, so this was a tough follow-up.
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".
idk man
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
Oh boy. Ever formed a garage band with your friends? One where one guy has some talent and the rest are there to hang out? No? Well listen to this and you’ll get to experience it.
These girls sure went crazy
Some good, solid early punk vibes here, but clearly showing it’s age
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.
Okay- give it a 3
Just a bit wank really
Bonkers fun
I discovered this band as a teen. After reading in a Trasher magazine issue that some skater named them in their favorite music to skate to but cant remember who. Took me years to actually find a cassette of them in Puerto Rico. They were too old and too raw for the stations. I had never heard a whole album after the 80s until today. Would just have my 2 fave songs in my mix tape. Theor importwnce for the scene and the genere is incalculabe. They are part pf the first generation of punk hard rockers that could actually play and write. They are hardly ever named or mentioned but they are rowdy and loud. Love this hope everyone hears this album cause its great.
Sounds like Alice Cooper and the Rocky Horror Picture Show, both of which I'm fine with, but not so much this.
Nothing memorable 2/5
It’s a pretty solid early punk(-ish) album. Fun and snarky.
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
After reading the Wikipedia page on The Dictators, I understand why the album is in this list and what it's place in history is. Maybe when you first heard it in 1975, this would be something special, but at this moment it's not :)
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.
This was an awesome surprise. I was initially sceptical when I was told this was early punk/protopunk and saw the global rating. I was imagining some swampy gurgling over the top mess performed by people with so many piercings they would cause a national tragedy if they stood too close to an MRI machine. What I got however was a very accessible album with was solid to good all the way through. I don't know why my expectations went the way they did. Hearing the protopunk makes so much sense. It really sounds like a metamorphosis between 60's-70' classic Rock 'n Roll to something with a little more edge to it. The lyrics are all pretty nonsense but it fits with how silly the album feels as a whole. I really liked the lead guitar in this, especially whenever they got a moment to just shred away on their own on songs like Teengenerate and California Sun. I'm kinda surprised with how low the global score is on this one. From what I read it seems like quite a few were from people who were not impressed with the lyrics on songs like Back to Africa and Master Race Rock. Both songs were too goofy for me to find myself offended by but I don't know how I'd feel singing the hooks to some of these songs out loud. Also, last but not least I'd like to shoutout the bands Backup Vocalist/Poster Boy/Self Described 'Secret Weapon' Handsome Dick Manatoba. He was pretty funny in the songs he was in the back of and I liked his pro wrestling style and how he cut little promos before some of the songs he was on like The Next Big Thing and Two Tub Man. I feel like these guys would be pretty cool to see live. So yeah, surprisingly awesome album. I feel like it's just on the cusp of being a 5 for me if it maybe had 1 or 2 super stand-out songs. The only one I wasn't a big fan of was Cars and Girls but while everything else is good I wouldn't say I was completely in awe with them. Great album nonetheless that deserves a bit more recognition for the goofiness on display
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
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
How have I not heard this before? It feels like the Sonny and Cher cover was literally made for me. The lyrics are clever and pretty funny, the band clearly had a great time playing these songs. Master Race Rock really feels like it came from the Frank Zappa school of 'write the dumbest thing you can think of and make it funky'. One thing I wish that future punk music would have taken from this album also is great sound mixing! But I suppose it's easier to play like shit when nobody can tell what's going on. Side 1 is fantastic, the only weakish song on here is Back to Africa. First track on side 2 was good, but when California Sun started playing and that bassline kicked in I was hooked properly. If I were a music journalist in the 1970s and I heard this, then I too would have become a massive dickrider for punk music. This album totally explains (but doesn't excuse) the mass hysteria that music journos experienced at the time. 5/5 would get fucked up to this album
Not sure I finished it but that was for reasons unrelated to the music, it was fine
Wham! Bam! Mostly Glam!
dorkcore goofpunk
Two punk albums in a row, what am I in 10th grade again?? Widely regarded as a precursor to American Punk Rock, this album goes fast, hard, and pokes fun at the seriousness of heavy metal at the time. This was a fun listen, but that’s about the only thing I had to take away from the album. Won’t revisit, but I respect its impact on the growth of the punk culture.
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
Definitely a strange one here, but it’s not bad. The influence on the punk that would follow is evident.
Ive heard so many variations of this on this list, but it all sounds the same. It's getting boring.
They remind me of Bruce Springsteen singing Santa Clause is Coming to Town: there appears to be no serious intention to sing the songs in key or take themselves too seriously. Unfortunately, like Springsteen's attempt, it falls flat on its face, without leaving much impression.
Like listening to a terrible band
Fun. Not necessarily always very good, but fun.
I quite like reading what the artists (out their label) write about themselves on Spotify. The Dictators wrote, "it seemed that nothing said on the way of The Dictators and mega-popularity. But that's not what happened. There were complications with the record companies ... personnel changes, radio hated them, critical responses were wildly mixed, and lots of audiences didn't get the jokes;" So, all that stood between them and success was that they weren't all that popular. I have no idea why this is on this list. The covers are tedious, the non covers are basic American punk. Nothing stands out for me.
I liked it, short album, quite daft, but backed up with some decent 70s punk.
I
Did not listen
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.
I hadn’t heard of The Dictators before. I will say that the album cover is certainly interesting though! My honest reaction to this album was that it was quite bad, being a generally messy rock record that wasn’t trying too hard. Some googling tells me that it is considered by some to be the first punk album. This does help me to understand why it is considered essential, but it didn’t make it any more enjoyable for me listening with today’s ears. I’m happy to have learned about The Dictators, but I doubt I’ll be returning.
3/4
Manitoba mentioned, 20 stars out of 5 August 31, 2024 HL: “The Next Big Thing”, “Master Race Rock”, “Cars & Girls”
Less interesting than it should be Less layers than it should have Ok
..
Ett par av låtarna, särskilt de som är covers, är väl hyggliga.
That was very unenjoyable.
ok but not memorable
Similar a The Clash
Mid
Good punky rock, a little unfocussed as the album unfolded
Whoops, accidentally died without listening to this oh don’t worry it’s fine
Lovely energy, unfortunately this piece of work did not age very well.
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