Reviews (page 6 of 8)
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.
2,5
Good old time rock and roll...fun album. Could easily have heard some of these songs in "School of Rock".
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.
Surprised I've never heard of this band before. Surprised it's critically acclaimed. Didn't really stand out to me.
Meh
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.
Very campy. Like listening to the Rocky Horror Picture show. It’s kind of funny but mostly annoying.
Pretty good. Like a polished Ramones.
Upbeat and sometimes even fun. But the lyrics are stupid and most of the songs just aren’t my thing. 2.5/5
Guh gut gut goodbye
"The Next Big Thing"? Not so much. Especially after enduring their cover of "I Got You Babe". Really? So many songs to choose from and they choose that one? This album didn't do much for me and certainly does not deserve to be on this list. These are among the album choices that make me understand whether I should continue...
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
Просто для тех времён, для нынешних это сложно
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.
I didn't particularly take to this, and not just because the lyrics were a bit dubious. If it's proto-punk, it's proto-the kind of punk I don't really like. Low two.
Eh. Ok.
They say not to judge a book by the cover, but I don't think there's a rule about not letting the worst album art I've seen in my life negatively affect my enjoyment of meatheaded proto-punk.
Прикольный протопанк! Понравилось
Had never heard of, but quite enjoyed this one. Definite +0.5 for the album cover as well which is excellent. The early punk vibes are strong with this one - enjoyable thrashy nonsense
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
Ended up listening to this about 3 times yesterday. Definitely a gem from a band I didn't know before.
You know, for being one of the first punk albums ever, Go Girl Crazy does its job very well. The instruments and rhythm were all fun and lively and the album also cut a pretty fast pace which i really like in a punk album. Granted the lyrics are really stupid throughout a majority of the album but it is a punk album so you really shouldn't expect Shakespeare like lyrics from music like this. I really don't have too much left to say about the album, Its just a fun and good one that is worthy of a 3.5 Best Song: Master Race Rock Worst Song: Two Tub Man
Some early punk rock written by some kids that don't take themselves too seriously.
The Dictators Go Girl Crazy! is the debut album by The Dictators, originally released in 1975. This record is largely considered to be the first Punk Rock album. I wouldn't necessarily agree with that. Plenty of bands throughout the 60s had more of a punk sound and ethos. This falls more into the 70s hard rock most of the time, though I do hear some punk elements. The lyrics are incredibly goofy, but that's probably by design. It's pretty obvious that these guys didn't take themselves too seriously. Oh yeah, a lot of the lyrics also didn't age well at all. Multiple racially questionable moments and even some downright racist remarks. Again, there were more bands which came earlier than this and ultimately contributed more to the punk rock movement. These guys were forgotten for a reason.
Divertidos.Proto-punk
ouch..... that didn't age well at all. 1 star
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"
Not impressed
so much punk on this list. And each time I reaffirms that it's just not my bag. All that said, while I'm giving it 2 stars, I would rate this one slightly higher than some of the other punk or "proto punk" bands I've listened to so far. would give a 2.25 if I could...
Fun campy punk with great energy.
Not my jam
Production and instrumentals feel very polished for a punk album.
Some ripping guitar playing and a wild authentic punk recklessness
Et par hakk for køddete for meg
punk rock
5/5. Now this is punk, full of satire and aggressive sounds, something to piss off anyone it's trying to. The amateur sound is what brings this above other "punk" like the Ramones and the Clash, a clean studio sound really takes away from the passion of not giving a F. The lyrics are a little silly sometimes but there are definitely some political statements throughout, enough to upset the right people. (To be clear those people are those who support the felon). Best Song: Master Race Rock, Two Tub Man, I Got You Babe
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.
eh 1.5/5
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!
This one had a really rough start, and the Sonny And Cher cover is particularly horrible. It picked up as it went on though, and saved itself from a probable 1.
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
I love this fun, early punk album
Nice energy from the electric guitarre.
A fun, shambolic rock band. Bet they were good live. (I live for) Cars and Girls was the best track.
No
I listened to this last night and I enjoyed it, and then I listened to it when I went to the gym today and it was alright. Then I listened to it again and it was pretty good. I feel like there is probably other stuff out there that sounds exactly like this, but it was a fun listen.
how do these guys have less than 37K monthly listeners on Spotify bc they are kindve really good.
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
Amazing cover of I Got You Babe. I haven't listened to much proto-punk so it's fun hearing a record that influenced so much music. I love the raw feel. It's just raw enough. Definitely hearing that they probably influenced Beastie Boys. Back to Africa is a little weird in a racist way... but the instrumentals are good with some cool guitar solos. Also what's this master race talk??? Also a Lou Reed diss line? Also misogynistic macho man lyrics. Basically these dudes seem like pieces of shit that would be super annoying and problematic. I appreciate their influence but that's about it.
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
now this is the type of punk that i enjoy. stripped down, simple, and just rocking hard. also, the song 'I Got You Babe' is fire.
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
Interesting precursor to punk. I didn't read about this album beforehand so I had no idea when it was made while I was listening. I originally thought it was early post-punk. It reminded me a little bit of The Hives, but I could be convinced that other famous bands took inspiration from this as well.
that was fun
Great! 4*
Ridiculous and silly and a ton of fun. I loved it. On another day it might not have hit the same, but today it just hit right even though some of the lyrics are really stupid. I need some silly fun on a road trip.
These guys are great, kind of crazy! 4 stars
Not really my thing
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.
This is a great example of an album that I did not really enjoy but I believe it deserves a spot on this list.
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.
I didn't fully listen to this one, kind of skimmed through it. I appreciated the proto punk playfulness of it. But it didn't really transcend the 70's mediocre guitar porn that I disfavor.
Goofy, solid rock that I laughed out loud to multiple times. It's fun hearing that proto punk sound including the 70s era rock solos, they can feel very out of place, but I think that's at least partially driven by most punk drifting away from that. Listening to those solos feels like a observing an intermediate species in the path of evolution.
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 really that enjoyable for me, it's almost too basic even for punk. It may have been the grandfather of the genre, but it's moved on since then. Kind of cheesy in places too. 21/05/24
Silly. Didn’t hurt to listen to. But silly it’s on this list.
Not great music but still kinda fun.
This was recomended to me. It's nice, but I don't think its earth shattering.
Great album, definitely an underrated classic.
Enjoyable, punky, short. Some fun covers.
Really? Was this a joke? A trick maybe to see if we were paying attention? Awful, just awful.
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. ***
Terrible band and awful album, but I can see the appeal behind having a proto-punk album on a list of albums that everyone should hear. Still, not good. 2/5
This album was a lot of fun! Can’t believe I’ve never of this band before.
This list really should be rebranded as punk albums you need to hear along with some others. This one at least makes some sense as it’s older and kind of a generational punk album but man there really wasn’t a good song on here. This whole album was like the guy that makes jokes about something that was funny 10 years ago. 4.4/10
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.
Hmmmm. I’m not really sure how this ended up on the list. Not sure if it’s even serious music?
Its okay, he is trying to be funny at times but just comes across kind of strange.
Liked this, it is simple, it is stupid, but also feels more vibrant than all the other Yank garage rock we are supposed to respect. Excellent guitars, great vibe throughout
I don't care about this. I don't like the album cover, either. Pass.
Not the best I've heard.
Better than I was expecting. Fun lyrics and somewhat melodic punk.
the seventies and novelty music was rough!
79/1001
Kinda sick actually. Insane album cover. Somehow not as weird as I expected for proto punk.
Enemmän vitutti kuin nautin. Tähän vaikutti voimakkaasti superstressin täyteinen päivä..
Meh
One of those on here for influence rather than how the music holds up. Cause it’s pretty mid (2.5/5)
This album was pretty fun; had a very proto-punk sound to it. Would need to listen to again to fully appreciate, I think.
Really enjoyed this one. It reminds me a lot of Ramones, but slowed down. I like the sassy attitude shit a lot too. They are a good time. 4/5
Pretty primitive proto-punk, which I find charming but not something I aspire to listen to much. Definitely belongs here though. C+
Liked this more than I thought I would – it has a sense of humor
It’s just not that good
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
Looking at some of the other reviews, I see one talking about how dumb the album cover is and others talking about how the songs are dumb. That's the point! As another reviewer said, it's just good dumb fun. Don't take it so serious. When the Ramones sing "Beat on the brat with a baseball bat", do you take that literally? Lighten up and just enjoy the stupidity. You don't actually think the guy on the cover is trying to be taken seriously, do you?! It's the same with the songs -- they're just fun. Relax and enjoy. (Another reviewer said this was a poor version of Kiss. I actually think it's the other way around.) Musically, I would probably just give this 3 stars, but given its influence and how many people seem to misunderstand the music, I'm actually rounding up to 4.
If you want punk, there are options. I wouldn't bother with this.
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
I love a satirical album as much as the next guy but I do think there is a point where you go over the top with it. It’s a lot like SNL, we get it you’re being satirical about people you don’t like, it doesn’t make you clever. And a lot like SNL I’m sure that it hit better in the 70s than it does today. Music does rock though.
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!
Este disco de punk no me hizo nada.
Real dumb and fun new yawk proto punk.
Some depth and even politics!
I can hear punk undertones in the music. It seem tongue in cheek for many of the songs. It was enjoyable.
The guitarist had some skills and some of the riffs sounded pretty killer. Other than that I was left pretty disappointed with this album. I guess back in 1970 this is what punk rock was and maybe this was edgy. However, at this point in history, it sounds more like badly produced covers with shitty vocals and sloppy music in my opinion.
another case where it might have a star higher if i hadn't heard the lyrics. very generic rock whatever.
Honestly, one of the funnier albums I've had on this list. Starting it off with a guy boasting about how much money he already has and how he's only doing the crowd a service by showing up is just peak comedy for a punk album. Feels like punk with just very rounded edges. The covers keep it rather interesting as well. 7/10
Heillar ekki alveg.
Uh, ok. I’m looking for Ashton Kutcher to pop out because I’m definitely being Punked. It is obviously, intentionally bad, but why? What was the aim here? It’s not really a comedy record. It just seems like a goofy, fun-time album. Did this spark some big trend in music that I somehow missed? Did these guys go on to have stellar solo careers that brought their causes to the world stage? Did we feed continents with their festivals or cure a major disease because of their philanthropic efforts? Or, is this just some obscure band with basically no influence on the world as a whole? I actually listen to this thing twice just to make sure I wasn’t missing something. There’s gonna be a lot of people giving it a five or four or, heck, even a three. I will not be one of those people, but I would be willing to have a dialog with one of those Raters to see if my mind can still be expanded. Maybe that is simply their legacy after all.
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
Shite
Too raucous
3.75
I must definitely have something punk in me I’m catching up on all the albums I couldn’t listen to on the very day the album generator showed them to me, and this is yet another album (they call it protopunk or a pioneer of that genre - I’m not sure!) that I really enjoyed; it’s a lot of fun to listen to A solid 4 and a promise to come back to it soon ;-)
Can't believe I never came across this album. Absolutely awesome. Awesome guitar work. I really like how the lyrics can easily seem really offensive but if you look at the context it's all a joke.
Kind of comical.
This is my type of punk. Less screaming and more music. Really like it.
Fun, energetic.
Not a fan
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
I'm loving this. Very 70s NYC. Anyone who hears Kiss, now knows who Kiss was emulating. This has more in common with the Ramones. I had to check, but of course they worked with Joey Ramone, and the lead singer is from the Bronx. You can hear it. The irreverence, the humor, the stupid silliness, it's all pure old New York. "Fuck you, if you can't take a joke", is our town motto. Where has this record been all my life?
An interesting proto punk band. A little more KISS than the Stooges or MC5. I wasn't blown away by anything with the album but there are some solid tracks and some of the extended catalog that played in afterwards was suitable.
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
Vuosiluvusta uskon merkityksen punkille, mutta ei tää kauheen hyvin toiminut. Taustalle jäi.
Hauska levy! Ei ehkä musiikillisesti kovin kummoista mut eipä sitä tässä genressä haetakaan. 3/5
No Silly
cant believe i missed this! I can see where the DNA of so much original punk came from in this album.
Nothing special
Lodged... or wedged... somewhere between the butt cheeks of a dimmer-slower Ramones or a duller-cruder Cheap Trick, it figuratively smells like ass.
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
Surprisingly, I liked this. It was a lot of fun — especially the cover of “I Got You Babe.” I wouldn’t mind listening to this again.
Not terrible but one listen is plenty. I do like the first song, especially the lyrics "I won't be happy / til I'm known far and wide / with my face on the cover / of the TV Guide"
Ugly album cover, but good sounding punk
Okay
An album full of punk and punk versions of some of my favorite songs. Idk man, just wasn’t for me
I’m slowly realizing I’m not big into this old school punk scene at all. 60’s rock with a variety of sub genres infused, (might I add the cringe comedy element) at times almost feels like reggae.
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*
The feeling from this album blended in with the last album to me. I think that’s going to continue to happen and I am going to get more snobbish as we go through the list. It’s hard not to be critical when the biggest thing that jumps out at me is a Sonny and Cher cover. I do not have the historical context to this band, but I wasn’t super impressed.
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.
I can see why this album is on the list. It feels way ahead of it's time. I think this could have come out during the early 90's punk scene and fit right in. Majorly influential, but not something I'll be going back to.
Fun album
I did not like the repetitive guitar riffs. It sounded all the same except for one two songs.
Awful awful awful. Just objectively bad music. This run of three horrendous albums has also coincided with three days of me and my family being struck down with norovirus. Both are experiences I would not wish on my second worst enemy. Rating: 1.5/5 Playlist track: (I Live For) Cars and Girls Date listened: 23/02/24
Muziek uit de tijd dat het poppodium een grote speeltuin was. Beetje klooien, beetje shockeren, beetje flauwe covers maken van draken als I got you babe. Helaas is het resultaat nogal middelmatig.
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.
Ik zie de hoes, lees de wiki en huiver. Dit gaat ongelooflijk slecht worden. Maar op het moment dat de gitaar aangeslagen wordt, klinkt het eigenlijk best goed. Die gitarist kan meer dan alleen maar 4 akkoorden zo snel mogelijk achter elkaar proppen. Het is duidelijk bijna 50 jaar oud, maar het is een soort glamrock meets Led Zeppelin meets Neil Young. Ze nemen zichzelf niet zo serieus, het is een grote schijtlolligheid, ik moet bij het 2e nummer gelijk aan Beavis & Butthead denken. Deze gasten kunnen prima spelen en er zit veel meer muzikaliteit in dan "1-2-3-4 raggen maar!". Ze zijn niet zo bekend bij het grote publiek als de Sex Pistols, de Ramones of andere glamrock protopunk bands. Waarschijnlijk omdat er afgezien van het schijtlollige het verder stiekem best braaf is. Er is niemand op een tragische manier aan zijn einde gekomen, ze hebben geen knallende ruzie gehad en ze hebben zo te zien geen heftig verleden met allerlei wazige verdovende middelen (aldus niet volgens de wiki pagina's). En onbekend maakt onbemind bij het grote publiek. Ik heb me hier kostelijk mee vermaakt. En omdat ik gelijk het ergste vreesde aan het begin, is dit een enorme positieve verrassing.
At least five times more memorable than the Led Zeppelin album I got two days ago what the hell
Ok
Crazy how this glam rock album lead to punk. I can't hear any punk here, just annoying whiny rock.
Amazing, great energy, they are up there with the Ramones IMO
No sé qué le pasó después al punk, pero este disco suena bien y con un montón de matices.
#131. Some of it was okay, but some of it was pretty dumb. I don't know, I don't hate it but I couldn't really get into it. 2/5: meh Song added to playlist: (I Live For) Cars And Girls I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link
After hearing a bit, wasn't a fan with the genre
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
Not for me..................
Wow talk about racist. wtaf
Next
Juvenile and in your face rock. A lot of fun.
Blind album and artist. I liked some of the bluesy feel and im becoming very fond of this style of earlier punk and I like it!
- this was originally a 2 because it wasn’t my style but they kinda won me over by the end
Bad Grunge
Nothing special
Ok
Crappy remakes of songs I never cared for.
Na medida a dose de punk.
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
Yuck
So dumb, so dumb
Yeah honestly I had to listen again because it was very unmemorable. And the second time around it was really mid. I think I either expected much more or much less and in the end it was just music that was going on in the background.
Marginally-better-than-high-school-band gets a producer and somehow releases an album. I've heard worse - and this week, even - but they sounds like a low-rent Kiss ... who weren't exactly playing in a deluxe apartment in the sky themselves. The cover of "I Got You Babe" is beyond terrible, not even worthy of comic inclusion. Jeez - make an effort. TL;DR: it's dumb. 3/10 2 stars.
Not bad but may feel better about it if I didn't wake up with a headache today.
Sounds like early punk, I like it, but also kinda don't.
Not familiar with this music. Fairly fun listen. Would revisit.
Favorite Songs: Master Race Rock (I live for) Cars and Girls Quite funny but nothing that really surprised me or left me overly impressed. Certainly for the time quite punky.
Not my thing. Grill liked it.
Ок, немам неки посебан коментар и утисак
dad punk
Love this punk and glam rock crossover!
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.
Were these lyrics written by Gene Belcher? I think Cars and Girls especially showed strong Gene Belcher vibes. Overall, fun music, good to drive around with your windows down. Utterly shocked when I opened the wikipedia section to learn this was the first punk rock album and not a prime example of jock rock.
Cómo The Clash pero gringos
Eh a little too oldschool punk for me
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.
In the category of 'Interesting yes, influential yes, good not really' . An extra half a point docked for a pretty lame cover version. Along with The Tubes their 'progenitors of punk' credentials are slightly oversold to these UK ears.
Not for me. 2.1
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.
Didn’t like.
Not to be a hater but it's just really bad. Probably the worst album I've listened to in a long time. Would be 1 star but a few funny lyrics and the occasional guitar shredding bumps it up to 2. Weekend and I Live for Cars and Girls are the only two songs I would listen to again. Maybe it hit different in 1975.
A mash up of things I do and don’t like, almost punk, but elements of many musical styles. Lyrically strange.
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
Punk before punk was even a thing.
I'm not sure how they avoided falling on my radar during my punk phase, but here we are.
mid, but "I Got You Babe" is the same song as in Groundhog Day! (i'd pick a different song to wake up to every day but just noticing).
Ok... I get that they probably influenced the Ramones, but is this an album that I have to hear in my lifetime? No, absolutely not. I'm glad that they brought their influence to music, but they certainly weren't good enough to merit a "must listen." Just give me the Ramones.
Listened Before? No Vocal sample opener is pretty bold. Followed up by some big room rock riffs. Reminds me a bit of Iggy Pop or Twisted Sister mixed with Bowie. Gotta say I far prefer this cover of I Got You Babe over the Sonny and Cher original. Back to Africa is a jam. Sick guitar solo work through the first half with punchy drum work alongside. Seems like an obvious Beach Boys reference on (I Live For) Cars and Girls. I'm sure there is meaning or some tongue in cheek meaning there, but I've been too distracted to pay attention to lyrics. I enjoyed this album a lot. I mean first impressions were great with the quality album title and cover. Music itself was varied and quite enjoyable. This strikes me as some middle ground between punk (a la Ramones) and arena rock (a la Kiss or Twisted Sister). I would say the former influence wins out given the subject matter and production (dusty, lo-fi) with solid instrumentals and vocals to boot. This is something I wouldn't have found otherwise, but enjoyed it enough to go back to back on consecutive listens. This is a low-solid 4 / 5 for me. Added to Library? Yes
This is one of the blandest things I have heard. I'm going to have some plain white toast for breakfast to spice up my morning after this. The last song actually wasn't bad, albeit a bit shallow. Handsome Dick Manitoba is the coolest thing about this album.
This album didn't get a fair start because I listened to it directly after a Zappa album so my brain is still slightly mush. This is going to be a no for me though. Just completely cheesy punk album where nothing stood out at all and I just wanted it to end
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
This was far more fun than I expected. Stupid in the best of all possible ways, and a gem I'd never heard of before. The Ramones probably owe them some royalties...
I've noticed another theme with this list. It's that if a one-hit-wonder has their one good/influential song come from album (in this case "I Got You Babe" here), the whole album is just arbitrarily considered to be just as important as said single, and the entire album is tossed on the "must listen to album" list, despite the whole album is trash aside from the one important song. Just because you find a $20 bill in a public trash can doesn't mean everything else in the trash can is automatically worth the value of the $20 bill.
Wacky fun, childish humor, lot's of yelling, basically a High School party on most tracks. Categorized as Punk Rock, which is arguable, but still has more "Fuck you" than "I'm fucked" which is how I usually separate Punk from every other form of music. Anyway, lot of unexpected fun.
Bold debut album strategy to make the listeners think you've exhausted all your original content by track two.
I think I found my new favorite version of I Got You Babe. California Sun, not so much. This was fun, full of energy, and seemed to inspire a great deal of artists.
Ramones with Phil Spector vibes
Interesting album but, lacks more polish.
Amazing debut album from a band I’ve never listened to. Punk with some hard rock guitar riffs.
Is this glam rock? Early punk? "Hard rock", whatever that means? Whatever it is, music like this just doesn't offer anything I like. It was interesting to hear some Beach Boys-esque backing vocals on Cars and Girls. I'm not giving much credit to what influence this album may have had on the transition away from hippy and glam to 80s hair metal and Kiss, but that's because I don't like that stuff either.
Really enjoyable record - an early iteration of punk. Favourite tracks: The Next Big Thing, Master Race Rock, California Sun, Two Tub Man, (I Live For) Cars and Girls
Punk before punk was cool
Upbeat, obnoxious, funny, dumb, lyrics that make you say, Did I hear that right? … it’s not really something I’d listen to again, but it definitely had some worthwhile moments.
Fun
Meh, this just wasn't my thing at all.
Simple, fun and enjoyable. Standouts: California Sun, Next Best Thing, I Got You Babe, Back to Africa, Weekend, 4/5
Another album that's here not because it offers good music, but rather because years later someone had a brain fart re the album's dubious historical value.
Lyrics: Pros: The lyrics of "Go Girl Crazy" are a highlight, characterized by humor, irreverence, and social commentary. Songs like "Master Race Rock" and "Two Tub Man" showcase the band's satirical take on societal norms. The clever wordplay and cultural references add depth to the album, making it more than just a collection of punk anthems. The lyrical content reflects the band's disdain for conformity and their embrace of a rebellious, anti-establishment ethos. Cons: However, some may argue that the lyrics, at times, border on being too tongue-in-cheek and may not resonate with all listeners. The heavy reliance on sarcasm might make it difficult for some to fully connect with the message, especially if they prefer more straightforward and earnest expressions. Music: Pros: "Go Girl Crazy" is a sonic assault, featuring a blend of punk, rock, and garage influences. The guitar work of Ross the Boss and Scott "Top Ten" Kempner is a standout, delivering riffs that are both aggressive and infectious. The rhythm section, comprised of bassist Andy Shernoff and drummer Stu Boy King, provides a solid foundation for the album's high-energy sound. Songs like "The Next Big Thing" and "Weekend" capture the essence of punk, with their short, punchy durations and memorable hooks. Cons: On the downside, some critics argue that the album lacks musical diversity. The relentless pace and aggressive tone may be overwhelming for listeners seeking more variety in terms of tempo and mood. The relatively straightforward song structures might also be seen as a limitation, especially when compared to more musically intricate albums within the punk genre. Production: Pros: "Go Girl Crazy" benefits from a raw, unpolished production that perfectly complements the punk aesthetic. The stripped-down sound captures the live energy of The Dictators, providing an authentic listening experience. The decision to keep the production minimalistic enhances the album's rebellious spirit and distinguishes it from more polished rock records of the era. Cons: However, the lo-fi production may not be to everyone's taste. Some listeners might find the lack of polish and refinement a hindrance, especially if they are accustomed to the cleaner sound of more mainstream rock albums. The sparse production might also obscure some of the subtleties in the instrumentation. Themes: Pros: "Go Girl Crazy" revolves around themes of rebellion, non-conformity, and a rejection of societal norms. The album embodies the punk ethos of the 1970s, serving as a rallying cry for those disillusioned with the mainstream. The themes resonate with a sense of youthful defiance and a desire to break free from the constraints of a conformist society. Cons: Critics might argue that the thematic content, while powerful, is not particularly groundbreaking. The rebellious stance and anti-establishment rhetoric were common in punk at the time, and some listeners may find the album's themes somewhat clichéd in retrospect. Influence: Pros: "Go Girl Crazy" is a seminal work that significantly influenced the punk rock genre. The album's impact can be heard in the music of subsequent punk bands, with its straightforward, DIY approach serving as a blueprint for the emerging punk scene. The Dictators' influence extends beyond punk, reaching into the realms of garage rock and even influencing some elements of hard rock. Cons: While the album's influence is undeniable, some critics argue that its impact has been somewhat overshadowed by later punk releases that pushed the boundaries of the genre. The Dictators may not have achieved the same level of mainstream success as some of their peers, leading to a perception that their contributions to punk history are often overlooked. Conclusion: In conclusion, "Go Girl Crazy" by The Dictators is a pivotal album in the punk rock canon. Its strengths lie in its clever lyrics, high-energy music, raw production, and lasting influence on the punk genre. However, it is not without its shortcomings, as some may find the lyrics too tongue-in-cheek, the music lacking in diversity, the production too raw, and the themes somewhat conventional. Nevertheless, the album's impact on the punk landscape cannot be denied, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the roots of the genre.
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
Pretty good!
Fun album, reminded me of a parody album at times, especially ‘cars and girls’, like it was making fun of The Beach Boys.
Listened to it while driving. Sound cool and punky, didn’t pay enough attention
I love every single thing about this incredible fucking album cover. The album itself? It’s a bit of a mishmash, but it’s got potential. It sounds like a demo I would have loved to help refine and polish up a bit had I been a music executive in the 70s with the means to do so. Some cool ideas here, but they haven’t been executed well enough to give this band a leg up.
I note that the Wikipedia page categorizes this album from 1975 as "proto-punk," while Pink Flag by Wire from 1977 is "post-punk." Does that mean that the punk era itself was just the year 1976? I've always been sort of fascinated by the discovery of how close a lot of punk music is to 60s surf music. Definitely some elements here, not even to mention the cover of "California Sun." This is fun and silly, and certainly influenced other bands, but I can't say I love it.
I liked this one much more than I thought I would from the description. Pretty fun!
Musically, it's ok. Lyrically, it's old-fashioned and silly. I enjoyed the covers of I Got You Babe and California Sun.
When I read about this before listening I was kind of not excited. Then when I played this I found it to be a total blast! These songs are weird and wild and I enjoyed this completely even if there were a few spots that didn’t age well.
3.5 - seems crazy this music came out the same year I was born!
I developed a theory when a really smart English professor I had once introduced me to the band Fear. I think two types of people like dumb shit: 1. Dumb people, and 2. Smart people that are constantly surrounded by smart shit and so they think dumb shit is transgressive and rebellious. Well, I grew up steeped in dumbness and I don’t view dumb shit as anything other than dumb. So fuck this album. It’s only made worse by being made before punk rockers realized their shitty songs wore out their welcome after 2 minutes and so these songs are as bad as the worst punk rock but three times as long. I wish I could rate this worse than one star.
Um, this was ok and fun to listen to, once. I can't see me being back for it or for any of the tracks individually. I was hopeful based on the daft cover. It's not the Ramones and it's definitely not the Stooges. There's nothing here as catchy as anything New York Dolls did. Ah so this is why Caribou had to change their name, this is the guy.
I’ve learned that I don’t know as much about punk as I thought I did… For a punk album that came out in the mid SEVENTIES I think it’s great! However, between this album and the Ramones, I’ve also learned I’m not as big of a punk fan as I thought… My enjoyment of the album was probably a 3. But I think the album itself (if I were a punk fan) would’ve been a 4 or 5. So I’m gonna settle on 3.5-4 for the rating.
The Dictators are kind of on a similar track to what the New York Dolls were up to around the same time, without the platforms and makeup. The band's influence on punk and garage bands that came after them is palpable in every one of these songs. They have a snotty, ramshackle energy and off-kilter approach to melody that's fun in its way, if more than a little rough around the edges. It's mostly a dumb, fun listen, which I'm pretty sure was all the band meant it to be. Fave Songs: (I Live For) Cars and Girls, Teengenerate, California Sun, I Got You Babe
Really fun
Wanted to like this. I don’t like this.
Vorerwartung übertroffen
I always wanted to enjoy punk rock from the 70s but had not particularly enjoyed much of it besides The runaways… this album was eye-opening
I'm surprised that this is considered one of the first examples of punk rock becasue it sounded more like the metrosexual rock sounds of the early 70s with kiss and especially new york dolls. I guess I can kinda hear some punks progenitors in the drums but I feel like I've heard 60s albums that are more punk than this. A cover/original? of the song from groundhog day also doesn't really scream punk lol. Side note: I gave both this and the lana album a 3 despite them being totally different and it got me thinking about when I finish this list and look back through all my scores and have an aneurysm from various equivalent scores. like the lana 3 and this 3 and the meat puppets 3 are so different I'm not gonna know what to make of it by the end.
2.7
After seeing the cover art and the track listing, I was a little concerned about this album. But after the first song it was plainly obvious how much of a influence this band was on early American punk rock. It almost has a cheap trick crossed with the Ramones sound. The production and musicianship all lend themselves to that proto punk scene. The worst part of the album has to be the drumming, very sloppy. But I was surprised by the rather competent guitar and bass work. I can appreciate the historical importance of the album but I don't think I will ever need to listen to it again. Best Songs: Master Race Rock Listen Again: No
good, fun music!
A few decent guitar licks but this is shite.
I like the cover. Music is OK
The Ramones but make it comedy! Not very good “music” but I guess it’s important for music history 🤷🏻♂️🤦🏻💩
A couple of these songs would probably cause an uproar today, but if you read the lyrics, they’re not what their titles suggest, but rather they’re mostly misguided (if viewed through the lens of present day) humor and sarcasm. Still, those choruses probably shouldn’t be blared out of your car stereo system on summer day when you’re stuck at a traffic light. That aside, this is a solid early punk record, with some really good guitar playing and songwriting. It’s fun, funny and it rocks. Fits pretty solidly with the mid 70’s New York punk scene, I think. All that said, I have to deduct at least a star because of Handsome Dick Manitoba (Richard Blum). Back in the the early aughts, he threatened Dan Snaith with a lawsuit over his band name, Manitoba. Snaith, an actual Canadian, changed the name of his project to Caribou to avoid the lawsuit. How can you sue for the rights to the name of a province? Also, very punk of Handsome Dick to threaten to sue a guy on an independent label making music out of his house. Super cool move, Dick.
I was not expecting much. Really. The cover told me this was going to be dumb. It's like if you crossed the Beach Boys and the Stooges or the Ramones. This shouldn't work at all. And somehow, I find it remarkably stupid and charming at the same time. Things like "(I Live For) Cars and Girls" is just so on the nose, it's hilarious. It was definitely a fun time to listen to, and I would listen to it again.
This album was fun, and a perfect example of what I think as punk - irreverent and a little bit goofy but still some musical ability. Look no further than their cover of I Got You Babe, especially the last verse - two macho dudes singing with an almost questioning voice and kissy noises. I loved it. I also loved their cover of California Sun (the drums kick ass). The vocals are always limited but they have some nice musical harmonies on songs like Master Race Rock and Teengenerate. And the start of The Next Big Thing kind of made me think of Alice Cooper. But Cars and Girls totally made me think of the Beastie Boys before the Beasties existed. Just a couple all Jewish bands doing what they love and not taking themselves too seriously, and rocking out while they do it. Even more than the Beastie Boys, I'll bet people had no idea what to do with these guys or what to think about their music. And for that trailblazing work, it's a 4 for me. Because they aren't the most talented band and this album isn't much more than average and fun. But stepping out and doing that when barely anyone else was? Many kudos.
Wasn’t terrible, just didn’t do anything for me, 2*
Enjoyed this! It was pretty silly and I think having two covers on a debut album is a bit suspect but - still liked it!
Nah
Doesn't seem to be punk, doesn't seem to be glam, has a bad cover of I Got You Babe, immediately forgettable.
This is presumably on the list as a milestone on the route to punk. It's got some good moments - the first track and the I Got You Babe cover in particular - but it definitely loses its way. It's not quite hitting the punk notes of being stripped down to its bare bones (it sounds like a Jim Steinman punk album!). Some questionable lyrics as well, I think it's supposed to be jokey but it wouldn't get written like that today. 2/5.
Favorite Track[s]: I Got You Babe Master Race Rock California Sun
I like: The Next Big Thing I Got You Babe
This is punk I can enjoy. Reminded me of The Replacements.
I really enjoyed this. Is it brilliant? No. Does it deliver? Yeah
I went into this expecting absolute nothing but disappointment. It's one of those albums on Spotify that no one's ever listened to, it's defined as "proto-punk" and my initial thought was "these are guys who tried to make punk happen but weren't any good." I ended up rather loving this. They're the Ramones before the Ramones -- and honestly (as bad a New Yorker as that may make me), I think they're better. There is the strong rebellious, irreverent middle finger to the mainstream present, but with more than just three chords, and you can totally hear how they're starting to bridge rock into punk. I love it. There are also fun covers of "I Got You Babe" and "California Sun." Yes, that California Sun, you know, the one the Ramones recorded in '77 (two years after The Dictators) and used in their '79 movie "Rock 'n' Roll High School." These guys did it first, and it's great. :)
leuk album, 3,5
Divertidos.Proto-punk.
I ended up enjoying this album way more than I imagined I would. I definitely judged it by the cover, and didn't go into it with high expectations. One thing I will say is that I've seen the idea that these guys were a very influential punk/proto-punk band thrown around when looking into them, but I had never heard of them, and they are easily the smallest band I have listened to so far. It makes me question how this album ended up in the book of 1001 albums. But that is besides the point. This is straight up unadulterated juvenile hijinks. It is rough, rowdy, loud, stupid, completely bonkers, and pure dumb fun, They just talk about your average horny pubescent teenager stuff, and it sounds good. The only complaint I really have is one two songs, particularly Back to Africa and Master Race Rock. Musically, they sound similar to everything else, but the lyrical content feels out of place and strange. It borders on being somewhat derogatory or offensive. I'm not sure what any of it is really supposed to mean, but those two songs kind of stick out like a sore thumb. Thankfully, it is just those two songs though. Rating: 7/10
1. the nezt big thing - 1 2. i got you babe - 2 3. back to africa - 1 4. mazter race rock - 2.5 5. teengenerate - 1 6. california zun - 1.5 7. tuuo tub man - 1.5 8. uueekend - 1.5 9. carz and girlz - 1.5
This felt like a classic rock album in a weird way. Never heard of this group before, but I have heard I Got You Babe somewhere, in some movie or show. I'd love to hear why this one should be on this list, too, but I'm not complaining too much.
Pop punk from when "pop" meant rock. I completely understand what they're going for. Wikipedia calls this proto-punk, I can see that too. A few good songs but nothing to blow my socks off. "I Got You Babe" is very familiar, a cover maybe? Not bad at all. Favorite tracks: I Got You Babe, Teengenerate, California Sun. Album art: Lot to unpack here. I'm fairly sure that's a man posing for the cover, maybe doing his best to look feminine. Loud red jacket that says "Handsome Dick Manitoba." Obviously a joke I'm not in on but I like it. Band font is cool too. 3/5
Proto punk, but still needing a fair bit of progress to be thee real deal. Important, rather than enjoyable, but worth a listen. Just skip the cover version!
One of the earliest punk (proto-punk) albums in the mid-1970s. While other bands that came after them made better records but it is still quite a pioneer record and it must have sounded fresh and new back then. I quite enjoyed the fast, upbeat rock, even if the lyrics were mostly just silly. But at least they didn't take themselves seriously!
The Dictators Go Girl Crazy! is the debut album by American punk rock band The Dictators. It's considered one of the earliest examples of punk rock. Although confusing to critics and commercial audiences at release for its loud, hard, & fast rock n' roll, as well as the humorous lyrics, it was well-received (rated highly for the most part) and deserves all the credit for evolving rock and roll into punk rock. This was a fun album! It had the fast & hard guitar and drum bits from punk rock, plus some comedic lyrics about anything & everything from music, to girls, to cars, to pop culture of the early 70's. I liked most of this album, since the band didn't take themselves seriously and recorded something they were having fun with. Who knew this type of music would go on to become punk rock?
Pretty good punk!