Go Girl Crazy

Horrible

This record is fire and really doesn't let up after you started it. Funny and charming.

I'm not really sure what to think of this one. I am a huge punk fan but this was hard to listen to I just don't like the songs or lyrics. 2 stars, I will come back to it and listen again

Proto-punk sound (more punk than proto) with 60s pop sensibility lyrics about cars and girls. It wasn’t bad but there are so many great bands that came after and perfected this that this sounds more like low talent imitators than ground breaking innovators.

Petty cool, big fan of this style

Much better than I thought it was going to be. Feels like the progenitor of the RAMONES

Dumb, but before it's time dumb so there's that?

Two listenable tracks and they are both covers, punk pioneers my ass I'm huge into Punk and never heard of them before. This is not an album I needed to hear before I died.

Kerrassaan vallatonta.. sitten vallattomuus menetetään ja tähden kärjet leikataan irti. Tähti on siis persoona jolla suu silmät.. nyt ilman alaraajoja.. 3 .....hupsista luin aluksi 65... tämä onkin 75... laitetaan vielä yks raaja irti..

Very solid. I'm not huge on this style of tongue in cheek satire, but still great tonality and wonderful rock riffs.

Musically this album really isn't bad for an old rock album. The guitar work is decent and there are some fun grooves but my God is the lead singer annoying. I don't usually don't pay attention to lyrics on my first listen but what I heard on here wasn't very good. Despite not really sounding a whole lot like AC/DC these guys remind me of AC/DC and that's not a good thing.

That wasn't actually that terrible as I thought. It had some punk elements, but otherwise couple nice guitar melodies here and there. The vocal wasn't annoying, just an average album.

I like a lot of the bands they influenced. In fact I like the bands they influenced a lot more than I like them.

Twenty years ago, the Canadian electronica/DJ/producer, Dan Snaith, decided (wisely) that he should come up with a stage name. He wanted something Canadian, so started performing under the name, “Manitoba”. Soon after he received a cease and desist letter from the lawyer of “Handsome Dick Manitoba” the roadie/ MC of The Dictators. As ridiculous as the lawsuit was, Snaith’s lawyer recommended against going to Manhattan to fight it - so Snaith changed his name to Caribou. I decided I wouldn't let that incident cloud my judgement when assessing The Dictator’s music so to get a more positive perspective, I read the 1001 www review, but the few positive remarks offered by the reviewer turned out to be backhanded compliments.

Unbelievably awful. The reviews mention that this is Proto punk, but it doesn’t sound like punk at all. It’s Proto-hair band garbage. Really 1001, really?

Not bad

Punk, early punk? If in a punk mood, a very nice albul. 3,5 stars. (REally like the intro "The next big thing" a little bit like progressive rock)

Very good. Bought it.

Simple, catchy, and stupid in a fun way. Favorite songs: cover of California Sun, Cars and Girls.

some of the dictators' lyric topics were questionable at best. i guess it's edgy to shock your listeners with songs like "back to africa" and "master race rock." i have to assume these songs were done tongue-in-cheek, especially since the dictators have jewish band mates, but i can't say knowing that made me feel more comfortable. is it that edgy to blatantly use racial stereotypes that have dehumanized black and jewish people for centuries, or is it disrespectful and racist? (it's disrespectful and racist). but despite my rating, i'll provide some deeper thoughts. the dictators' go girl crazy is definitely an early punk sound. covering sonny and cher's mega-hit song and creating a beach boys-esque song "(i love for) cars and girls" not only connected punk to the sixties pop sound but gave the dictators that punk humor, perhaps even before other artists did that.

Definitely not as bad as some proto-punk I've heard on this project, but still just confirmation that the proto-punk genre is NOT my genre. These guys clearly influenced and inspired the more mainstream, major punk game, but they fail to do much else, at least for me. This album definitely captures the rebellion against maturity aspect of punk pretty well, in my opinion. But yeah, not much else stood out to me about this album.

If you are not Bob or Larry from Veggietales, then I do not want to hear your silly songs. I fucking hate silly songs. By succumbing to silliness, this album has irreparably dated itself, not to mention included off-color humor that hasn’t aged well at all. Get the fuck out of here with this fucking silliness.

not really sure what to think about this. The music is pretty interesting, but some of the lyrics are, well... with the first song simulating a live song... this goes down as a... wait for it...

Surprisingly early punk sound, mixing a bit of punk and surf guitar. Songs are pretty straightforward, raucous and fun. I feel like the guitar work is what sets this above the standard rhythm guitar heavy punk work... the guitar flourishes and riffs that are peppered through keep it engaging.

Eh, just feels like generic proto-punk. I enjoyed some of the rock focused stuff, as it felt a tad bit on the glam rock side of things, but it still didn't grab me. Also, some of the song topics are questionable, to say the least, but considering it's punk I imagine it's at least somewhat ironically. Hopefully, any way.

More William Hung than anything resembling punk.

Protopunk... ok. Þetta er ágætlega flutt, en þessar raddir gera ekkert fyrir mig. Og lögin eru bleh. Inn um annað út um hitt. Mun ekki hlusta aftur.

Interesting - Alice Cooper meets The Tubes.Derivative, all quite good but not original.

Musikalisch seichtes Punk Rock Gedudel.

On paper, this should have been right up my alley. But, for some reason, it's just wasn't. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad. Just... I don't know. It felt cheesy and fake. I could hear the shades of a dozen punk bands to come in these songs, but they never quite realized their punk potential. I understand that it's because this is proto-punk and not actual punk. But still. One thing punk should never be is insincere and this project, as fun as it is at times, just doesn't feel real.

Not bad, not great. I would have totally listened to this is I was 13 in 1975.

Maybe I just don't get it.

This gets considerably better as it goes along. "California Sun" is a raw blast of fun and "Weekend" is loose and likable ragged rocker. The backing vocals on "Cars and Girls" are legit, tuneful and funny and surely at least half-ironic. "I Got You Babe" is sorta amusing, but not exactly the height of cleverness. "Back to Africa" also kinda cool. The sound is definitely proto-punk, and sure they might have deserved more than the Sex Pistols. The question is, how much credit do they really deserve for doing what they did? If not them, surely it would have been someone else doing something awful similar, inlcuding the many (hundreds? thousands?) of acts who didn't even gain as much notoriety bands as these cats. It's not like their innovations were that obscure or exceptional or even magical. It's rough and rowdy rock, slack at the edges, not melodiously distinct or all memorably hooky. Thus, it's ultimately not too difficult to see why they never achieved much more hype or prominence.

Enjoyable and annoying at the same time

Ok amerikansk punk-rock, råt, et par udmærket numre

Very generic 70s rock. Gets stale a bit quickly but not terrible. 2.5 stars.

uhhh...but surprisingly fun and catchy!

Before today I'd never heard of the Dictators. They are an early punk band who sound quite a bit like New York Dolls, with the farcical attitude of Turbonegro. Apparently, one of their guitarists, Ross "the Boss" Funichello went on to join Manowar after the band went on a hiatus. There was also, in their early days, a member of the band "Handsome Dick Manitoba" whose sole role was to be the band's mascot (he is seen on the cover of this album). Overall, an excellent album! I really like how the band doesn't take themselves too seriously. The foundations of what these guys were doing would go on to facilitate the formation of punk. These guys just didn't catch their break like New York Dolls or the Ramones because of a few failed record company deals. They would always remain an underground favourite, and they gained a new fan today! Favourite songs: (I Live For) Cars and Girls, California Sun, I Got You Babe, Two Tub Man, Back to Africa, Weekend Least favourite songs: Master Race Rock 5/5

This album is a little nuts and I’m here for it. Some cool covers lay on top of really dope sounding punk originals. New York punk doesn’t exist without these crazy fellas. This album highlights the best part of them.

When I first started to listen to this album, I wondered why it was on this list, but then about halfway through it started to make sense. There’s some iffy lyrics and the production value leaves something to be desired, but there’s a weird charm to it too. I’m giving this a 3, but it’s sort of a 3.5 for me. Standout songs are “Weekend,” “Cars and Girls,” and “Teengenerate.”

Lekkere sarcastische, Amerikaanse rock. Wat ik tenminste heb geluisterd, want een heel album vond ik wat veel..

- LOVE the energy - Great guitar - The skits at the beginning/end of songs were weird

- wow I am surprised by how much I enjoyed that - right amount of funny, lots of personality shining through - grooves and riffs were great -4.5

Fun stuff, just wish the guy was a better singer

Ehh Album is ok, nothing all that interesting but nothing bad either.

At least I get why this record is on here. But I’ve never been much of a fan of this record. It’s OK and it points in a great direction that the Ramones quickly ran (faster and better).

Straight forward 70s punk with a couple of covers. Very enjoyable.

Straight forward rock, proto-punk, punk, whatever you want to call it. Some decent shredding, too. Songs are simple and funny and you can see how this album would go on to influence so much other music that I listen to all the time. One of the few albums that I wanted to put back on again right after listening to it. Great stuff.

7/10

Good fun. Some um... slightly dated ideas in there, but none done with malice from what I can tell.

Ну... прикольно? Без контекста я бы вообще наверное не понял. В контексте - это реально одна из первых панк групп, тем более - в Америке. Нельзя сказать, что это прям чистый панк-рок, типа скорее докрученный в нужную сторону гараж. Но в целом... как-то вообще мимо меня пролетело, что-то там поорали, покричали - а я просто рядом проходил. Мне вообще понравилась I Got You Babe - это вообще баллада же)) Может это Коэн так провлиял... 2-3, ставлю 2.

Сначала хотел 2 ставить, но было достаточно кеков для 3

Fun riff based rock with easy to chant to songs.

Enjoyable, surprisingly not raw but catchy punk album

Who woulda thought that I’d be such a fan of proto-punk? Well, me, I guess because I like punk. I confess to knowing NOTHING about this album, this band, zero. I liked it a lot. I also hear Black Flag, the Beastie Boys, and Sonic Youth. Trailblazers and then blazed out. So curious.

Apparently the start of New York city punk. A pretty good rock ‘n’ roll band. Not exactly my cup of tea, but punk is punk. Take it or leave it.

Proto punk a la NY Dolls and Iggy. That weird crosspoint between glam, primordial rock n roll and metal. Gleefully sleazy.

Ok punk album. I understand why it’s on the list, but it wasn’t for me.

Is this witty or is this dumb? Are the songs catchy or predictable? Is it an important record from the prehistory of punk, or a mere footnote in modern music history? Mileages seem to vary according to people when it comes to this one. As far as I'm concerned I find this record well done, quite funny (if not hilarious), and lively. Yet its global score on the app seems outrageously low. I agree that it's not the album of the century, but still... Now I need to revisit said album to see of those songs will stay with me in the long run. I already have a feeling that side two is better than the first one, and that it's there that the best cuts are. And maybe unconvinced reviewers should listen to those again, without dismissing the whole thing as irrelevant. In the meantime... 4/5. Number of albums left to review: 515 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 232 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 111 (including this one) Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 141

Can see the roots of punk here, but it's US punk and a lot of it is unlistenable or treated a as joke so it's not a very listenable album however has a couple of stand outs - "Next big thing" & the worryingly titled "master race rock" 2.8

Bit one note

Wow, shout out Dick Manitoba, this is a really fun and funny punk album. I love the punk sound but I particularly thought the satirical lyrics and random joke lines raised this album up.

Genres: Proto-punk Formed: New York City in 1973 Run time: 9 songs, 34 min, 43 sec The debut album by punk rock band The Dictators. It’s not a popular album. The most played song is track 9, “(I Live For) Cars and Girls” with almost 665k plays on Spotify, then track 1, “The Next Big Thing” with almost 357k plays. Everything else is between 100-200k. It has been suggested that this album was punk before punk was the thing. If that is so, then this is probably an important album in the history of punk. It definitely sounds punk. The group don’t take themselves seriously and the album does come across as some guys having a laugh and enjoying themselves. The influence this album had on later punk groups is there to hear. Unfortunately, apart from a couple of covers, the songs don’t really amount to much in themselves. Track 9, "(I Live For) Cars and Girls" has a Beach Boys sound and theme, cars and girls. They even harmonise like the Beach Boys in this song. Listen Again?: No My Rating: **

3,5

This was quite fun in places, but would hardly call it ‘punk’ in comparison to, say, The Stooges. Can see the influence on bands like The Ramones though. Kind of a budget New York Dolls.The covers probably work best to give the idea of what they were trying to do. Loud rock n’ roll that (hopefully) isn’t taking itself too seriously, and the lyrics made me chuckle in places, eg. Two Tub Man.

Is this Spinal Tap?

not for me, but definitely cool

Nah.

Grey shitty 1/5

Highlights: Master Race Rock, Weekend Leave Em's: Teengenerate, Two Tub Man Overall Thoughts: My first impression was that this album is a joke between the cover and their sound, and I do think that it is somewhat satirical. The embodiment of as much punk rock as possible was actually pretty fun to listen to though. While some of the lyrics were hard to take seriously, the instrumentation was great and I liked the sound on pretty much every song.

silly -- reminds me of the Beat Farmers!

Was pretty good, guitar solo from back to africa was great

Started off okay but the last song made me want to rip my ears off

Might have been influential to a lot of great music I like, but there's far more interesting proto-punk elsewhere.

Pas particulièrement mauvais, je peux voir comment ça a été une influence sur la scène punk, mais il manque un petit quelque chose pour vraiment m'accrocher. La deuxième moitié de l'album lève un peu plus par contre et est plus mémorable que la première. Ça a principalement à voir avec les compositions qui m'apparaissent parfois un peu maladroites (exemple le rythme un peu maladroit de la première chanson). 6/10

An unapologetic punk-rock release. The album is a high-octane blend of punk, rock 'n' roll, and garage rock, with a healthy dose of humor and attitude. The band's irreverent lyrics and charismatic performances make for an unique listening experience and whilst fun, it doesn’t exactly impress on the ear. "Two Tub Man," an anthem about a man who can't resist the temptation of a bathtub perfectly captures The Dictators' unique blend of wit and punk rock aggression. Another standout is "Master Race Rock," an unabashed and controversial song that confronts societal issues head-on. Handsome Dick Manitoba's vocals are filled with swagger and attitude, delivering the lyrics with a sense of urgency and always with a bit of unseriousness. The guitar work by Ross "The Boss" Funicello is raw and gritty, providing a fitting backdrop for the band's sound. The Dictators embrace the punk ethos while also poking fun at it. They know they're not taking themselves too seriously, and that lightheartedness shines through in tracks like "Weekend" and "Back to Africa." This self-awareness adds some depth to the album, making it more than just a collection of punk anthems. However it also sacrifices quality of the actual music and turns more into a comical attraction rather a well sounding musical experience. The album's production quality is not up to par with modern standards. The rawness and DIY aesthetic are part of its charm but the sound feels very muddy. It’s a fun listen in a way but from a musical aspect I cannot give it a very high rating.

Skipped through quickly. I didn't hate it but not a fun of punk

The music's just not very good nor particularly original. The band name and aesthetic reminds me of that Sasha Baron Cohen movie, and honestly, they bring to music what he does to the art of cinematography. One mankini out of five 🩱

Bella la versione di 'I got you babe'

Had its moments, but a little too juvenile. Maybe I'm not punk enough.

formative

what the hell did I just listen to? 4 stars

The best thing ever done by a dictator. I know McFartney will mention something about Handsome Dick Manitoba so I’ll leave that to him.

Handsome dick manitoba! I ended up liking this one. Never heard of these guys though.

It’s cheese 🧀 😬

CARS AND GIRLS CARS AND GIRLS This is alright punk music - it's like a worse Clash. A mascot for a band is a strange thing - also Handsome Dick Manitoba is a dick.

This feels like a novelty album or something, but all signs on wikipedia point to it being a sincere effort by this group. I found this album to be pretty lame. There was nothing to interesting going on in the instruments or the songs themselves. Most of the singing was like punk-style half-yelling, but it was clear the odd time they tried to sing a melody that none of them can sing. Also reading about member Richard Manitoba, he is an asshole.

If I wanted to listen to a poorly sung rendition of “I Got You Babe” I would go to karaoke. The voice that delivered the line “Edumacation ain’t for me” was very believable- sounded highly regarded. Vapid lyrics delivered by shitty singers.

Well, this album is certainly something. What it is I'm not sure, but it's something. It has much more of a 70s rock feel than most of the early punk stuff, which makes sense because those bands were organized around insular scenes, and those scenes were still forming while this was being recorded. This album is as much a comedy album as it is a proto-punk album, which works both for and against it, since it makes it hard to take the album seriously, but then again you're not supposed to. The music is okay, nothing mindblowing, unlike a lot of the early punk albums that would come out of the NYC scene. Still, it marks a progression towards the idea of punk music, and was also clearly influential on those early punk bands 3/5

4. Satirical and well played. Saved a song, and its right up my alley. Pioneer for the stuff I like

Meh. Never heard of these before, obviously influential. I don’t know why but this just didn’t land well for me, bordering on the annoying at times. Quite liked Master Race Rock and Two Tub Man, but overall a lot of it reminded me of that band Rodney was in on Only Fools and Horses. Not for me this.

Really fun and way ahead of its time it would seem. Most of it sounded exactly like what I think of as punk, unlike the new York dolls say which was kind of half way between punk and hair metal. Would definitely listen again.

I didn't really like it, a bit too shouty and unfocussed. Really unnecessary Sonny and Cher cover too.

I thought I would enjoy it more but was very forgettable. I didn't dislike it but think it just hasn't aged well. Highlight: The Next Big Thing

Never heard of the dictators. It's definitely fun and must have inspired a lot of stuff I like. Not sure there's too many songs I'd go back to but I largely enjoyed it. Wasn't a fan of the I got you babe cover. Two tub man was probably my favourite. 3.5 if I could

Nice theme

Go go gadget painful erection. Absolutely discombobulated at the fact that I actually enjoyed this. It's stupid music for dumb people and I am dumb people, so I approve.

this album was dumber than my infant brother

This was more standable than a lot of other punk albums I've gotten, probably because it's also rock rather than being pure punk. I'm glad that I somewhat like this album because I like the energy of the album cover. It wasn't amazing or anything, but decent. The ending is cute. I like the kind of weird energy that this has. My favourite song was Back to Africa.

Went into this album with kinda low expectations but was pleasantly surprised. You can really hear the punk sound in the vocals. I also love the production here, sounds really good. I also love that the album ends with a goodbye, love when that happens

Sick lyrics, and great guitar tunes... Honestly, I don't know why this album doesn't have much exposure.

The album has a bit of an attitude, mostly fun with a touch of rebellion committing to the free and unbound culture of the genre. A real punk album at its core. "Master Race Rock" is full of hooks and groove, super catchy and carrying with it some elements of the loudness of The Who, but the vocals are clearly more punky, a mix of oratory delivered with authority, capped by cheers and hype statements (e.g. "Let's go!"). It is not a bad start for a genre that has fewer hits than misses.

This was subpar, nothing I want to listen to again. Sounded pretty generic to me.

A fun pastiche of the New York Dolls

3.5+/5

Was pretty good. Never ever heard of this band before but I enjoyed the fast, punk style album

Interesting 6/10

This is a great album from a great band. At first I was surprised to see it come up on the list, but with more thought it definitely makes sense and is worth of inclusion. Great revisiting it this morning.

nonsense but good fun

Good for what it is, not my style

Felt pretty generic but it was good

5/10 Pretty mid slightly punky Glam Rock project.

Frat bro vibes

Yeah, pretty good. I don’t care for the cover of “I Got You Babe”, but the rest is solid. Seems like the sort of record that if I had heard it at the right time could have been a favorite. Smart, funny, energetic.

Enjoyed this one.

Not that into it!

Really good

The good bit of this process is discovering albums - things that clearly sit in the family tree of music but I didn't know. A lot of them don't stand up but that doesn't mean they are not fun, of the time and of the genre. I've been a bit down on my marking on some of these but this one I'll give a 4 to as it is something I could imagine myself listening to.

It's music for a party. I know it's just goofy fun. It felt a bit too juvenile for me. The album is easy listening/background music, but I can't imagine sitting down to listen to it again.

a little crazy and goofy

High energy and has a good vibe to it, also feels like it has more “order” to it than your typical punk rock album

Uninteresting US proto punk (pub rock) band. May be historically significant but not a great album.

meh

Punk-rock suave de principios de época, divertido de escuchar, con buenos instrumentos y buena voz. Interesante.

Entertaining

A little too raw. Fine for once.

Not super special but ok

For the 34 minutes this lasted it was still fun

More fun then expected!

It's ok, more glam than punk

This was pretty good, but I think it was mostly due to the covers. A high 3.

Albores del punk. Un 4.

Divertidos.Proto-punk

I really liked this record actually! I hear the influences (KISS, Dick Dale, The Beach Boys, The Chantays) I also hear the influenced (Beastie Boys, Black Flag, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes covering pop songs in a punked-up style) I'm still not sure this is a great album though - cool and interesting but still only getting 3 stars

Maybe 50 years ago (crazy that 1975 is almost 50yrs ago…) Master Race and Africa songs were progressive and inclusive, but it made me uncomfortable. The rest of it - loved it. Imaging a concert where the band is in a small venue, low ceilings, no stage - band is same level as audience, and amps are ear drum busting, beer-sticky floors.

3.5

Yeah not a bad listen in general, punky. But somewhat wounding at points, found the cars and girls track brought it down, even though its probably ironic... Any way its like a 4.9

Orig punk

Nära en femma.

Ganska ojämnt, dom bra låtarna påminner om Stooges men dom dåliga är svårt att ta på allvar. Låter ungefär som omslaget ser ut.

Buen ritmo para pasar el rato, no muy profundo

Punk bangaz

Американские панки- отдельный вид эээ не знаю чего. Не очень интересно, даже не органично. Неужели у бритов и амеров одинаковые интонации и маньеризмы одновременно появились? Последняя ничо в стиле бич бойс

It's like the strange lovechild of Meat Loaf and The Dead Milkmen. Almost Rocky Horror Picture Show-esque. Doesn't help that Handsome Dick on the cover looks like a fatter Frank-n-Furter (no offense). It's fine, the songs are just a bit longer than I'd like, they definitely overstay their welcome by about a minute each. Favorite tracks: "Master Race Rock", "California Sun"

This is revelatory. It's like a very early Pop punk album, including the childish humor.

Assume it made the list because it's proto-punk but otherwise feels mediocre

Well, the Wikipedia page was necessary for me to understand the reasons for this album on this list, but now it's clear that it deserves some space on the 1001 most essential albums since with was so influential for the punk scene. Musically, I can note a mix of what I recognize as punk and some beach songs, leading me to enjoy the album, even not being my favorite stuff.

Pre-punk, garage rock obsessed with teenage dreams of cars, girls and wrestling. Not heavy, not glam, not punk, not Aerosmith, Kiss or Tom Petty. Definitely not as accomplished or enjoyable as Undertones with similar, albeit Northern Irish, subject matter. Interesting that people believe they influenced Ramones and other punk forerunners. I don’t feel this is essential.

Really enjoyed this album! Never heard of the artist before and I'll definitely be listening to it again. Two Tubs Man is a great track, but I equally enjoyed the first four songs on the album. Saved!

Good raucous fun. Fave tracks California Sun, Weekend, and (I Love For) Cars and Girls.

Oh, this is tremendous fun! And 1975!? Wow! Some of the widdly-widdly guitar solos sound like they're taking the piss out of 80s glam metal, so I totally woulda believed this was from later - I'd probably believe you if you told me it was from this decade, in fact. A bunch of guys goofing around is kinda timeless, I guess. Fave track - "The Next Big Thing" is a fantastic opener.

After first listen I thought it was a 2. The songs got stuck in my head though and I found myself singing them to myself until I gave it a second listen. Now I have to notch it up to a 3. I Didn’t dig the covers, but the others i found enjoyment. T3B 1. The Next Big Thing 2. Back to Africa 3. Master Race Rock

Simple, but fun. I can definitely see how this influenced/changed/made the scene. Love the lyrics and album cover. Fave track(s): Master Race Rock

Maybe on 1001 punk albums, but on 1001 all albums?

El proto punk dels novaiorquesos és infecciós i excitant com pocs discos de l'época. La poca més de mitja hora que dura el disc es fa curta i els temes van deixant petjades d'actitud i so del que hauria de venir pocs anys després. Una banda (i un disc) injustament oblidats

What I expect from early punk. A lot of fun here and as inspiration many bands have improved on this and executed much better. For the era, this would’ve been excellent.

That cover of I Got You Babe is glorious. Overall this was pretty good fun with the last track being a glorious surf rock throwback.

10/10 super fun punk album great vibes

Enthusiastic, exuberant, ebullient,

Weird 70s rock, not good

It's been a while since an album made me feel spiteful, and this is doubly disappointing thanks to the Andrew W.K. on some associated remixes. Humor is the one thing going the Dictatorss way, which puts them on shaky footing. The album's just not fun to listen to, even as I sit muttering "It was made in 1975" to myself. There's no path to conjure the antidote to grouchiness. Just punk music that got there early and then, I suppose, stopped.

Not bad!

A good laff

Punk rock by some American nerds. No soul. It's more disappointing because it's almost good

Old school sarcastische amerikaanse punk, mooi. Beetje ongelukkige titels soms

намного лучше, чем я всегда опасаюсь от панка

Sounds like a bonus A-way album

I didn’t know I knew some of this!

Nice catchy punk

Neither annoying or interesting, just a bit boring

Pretty decent punk-ish stuff, don't really think I need to revisit it though.

what even is this. it's meant to be mainly popular music, which is why they don't have a lot of great albums, but then what is this dude.

Precursor to punk rock. Album picked up as it went on, last four songs are actually pretty listenable. Standout is "Two Tub Man".

No stars

Knee deep into punk and missed this band... what do you know, you learn new things every day. At first listen I thought it was pretty much a derivative of UK Punk, with snotty American lyrics, until I realised, well this actually precedes UK Punk. (And most of US Punk as well...) So - besides the history lesson, it's musically fun, and while at first lyrically it kind of feels irreverent but too much in a silly way, it actually, with a closer look is actually great satire - culminating in the closing track (I Live for) Girls and Cars - the perfect California Surf pop parody, while being a great song in itself. Great choice of covers too - however ultimately, despite its importance and relevance in the pantheon of punk rock - many musicians have taken the influence, and done what The Dictators do better. In the end it's an ok record.

Probably a lot more interested at the time of its release, now it's just a throwaway rock album. Points for curiosity but I've not become a converted Dictators fan.

Ok ok ok, I liked this. I can see they influenced many bands to come after them and it was a quick and enjoyable listen.

Ces Dictators débordent d'énergie et cela va causer un très gros micmac au sein de leur lycée. En début d'album, ces petits rigolos présentent lors d'un exercice organisé par la professeur d'allemand Frau B. un programme politique basé sur l'idée d'une dictature "saine et variée". Tout y passe, du traitement des opposants politiques au programme éducatif des enfants. Frau B. leur reproche en fin de présentation le traitement de Seb Folin qui n'était plus censé apparaître dans leurs exposés, jusque-là rien d'anormal. Nos jeunes dictateurs n'ont ensuite plus de nouvelle de cet épisode jusqu'au moment où, en plein cours de géographie donné par Rossi, Frau B accompagnée de la CPE frappent à la porte pour demander des comptes à nos Dictators, totalement ahuris par la situation. S'ensuit une leçon de morale d'une quinzaine de minutes au terme de laquelle ils sont menacés d'un renvoi définitif de l'établissement. Bien heureusement, Rossi se décide à les défendre avec son désormais célèbre "Mais ils sont pas méchants, ils sont gentils." Ils s'en tirent finalement sans aucune sanction et profiteront encore de beaux moments placés sous le signe de la scolarité.

Les dictateurs s'evertuent pendant plus de 35 minutes à nous présenter une dictature saine et variée, destinée à imposer une alimentation équilibrée au sein de leur régime. Malheureusement, une trahison à l'intérieur même du régime totalitaire par la cruelle Frau B. viendra donner un coup d'arrêt à cette belle initiative, voir même mettre en danger ses investigateurs. Ce n'est que grâce à l'aide du dénommé Rossi que ces derniers s'en sortiront sans conséquences, si ce n'est la dissolution de leur régime totalitaire.

Some recognisable bangers but mostly nothing memorable or enjoyable

It's a no from me

I couldn't really get past this sounding like a novelty act, though to completely contradict this statement, I felt the strongest song was the "California Sun" cover LOL.

Some of the tunes border on novelty song territory and that turns me off. Other songs are tuneful punk singalongs that I can totally get down with.

Funny at times and classic old punk sound. But nothing made me hit the repeat button. Still was worth the listen.

meh 6 / 10

Interesting

This was quite incoherent, I wasn't sure what they were going for. Some guitar and drum sections reminded me of the Supergrass album from last week though...

This was a fun little thing.

It's really "fun" but juvenile. Reads like journeymen entertainers on the circuit getting exposed to more earnest punk acts and packaging it in a more palatable form. I can see kids of the time thinking they like punk rock with this as their only sample point.

The Next Big Thing: Seems to be about his dream of being rich and famous, wanting to live the fullest life he possibly can. Overall a pretty simple track. I Got You Babe: Basically about his lover and how he appreciates her and that he can trust her and go to her in times of need. "Before it's earned, our money's always spent" is a lyric that I thought about for a bit when I heard it. In a way, I seem to relate to it. The drum rolls at the end of the song were crazy. Overall I enjoyed this track quite a bit. Back to Africa: I don't know how to feel about this track. It's just kinda weird to hear some of the lyrics in the song and how it definitely didn't age well. I think the message is there in terms of loving whoever you want but it's just said poorly. The beat was very nice and there was a guitar solo that I enjoyed quite a bit about halfway through the song. Overall I enjoyed the track mainly due to the beat. Master Race Rock: With the title I was a little thrown off with the understanding haha. But after listening and hearing the lyrics it seems to be about how he feels punk/rock people are carefree and live the "do whatever you want" lifestyle. Inherently saying that the worry-free, don't care about health and do whatever makes you happy type of mindset is the "master race". I like a lot of the vocal shifts on this song, especially from the "Dictators can swing..." portion of they lyrics. It's some very fitting vocal change ups. Teengenerate: Seems to be about a rebellious teen who is living the punk rock life style. Lost on what he wants to due, but currently just stays home and trashes the place. I relate to the lostness of career and the staying home aspect. The bridge is crazy, love that guitar solo. The piano(?) at the beginning was a great touch, very good hook. California Sun: Hook was amazing, would be a great sample. It carries that California beach vibey throughout while maintaining the rock aspect. Seems to be about the California dream of living that party lifestyle. Two Tub Man: Two tub man means a big tall dude according to some dictionary website. The song is about himself and how he and others view him. Parent's don't want their kids to turn out like him. But he lives the care free fuck it lifestyle. Weekend: Again, it's about living his own life by his own rules. Referencing how he lived as a kid, and wished every day could just be the weekend. He'd skip school to drink and end up doing his homework at bars, filling in that rebellious lifestyle. Not too crazy about this track, just felt pretty on par and normal. (I Live For) Cars and Girls: The title says it all, this song is about the two things Andy Shernoff (Lead Vocalist & Bass Guitarist) cares about, cars and girls. Overall this album is pretty neat. It's not new in terms of current generational sound so it's most likely why I didn't have an outstanding reaction to it. It did pave a huge path for newer musicians to formulate the punk rock genre, receiving massive amounts of positive reviews from music reviewers. Besides Rolling Stones giving it 0 stars, which is fucking ridiculous. 6.8/10

Hell yeah!

Somewhere between The Stooges and Ramones. Not the most amazing punk album ever but apparently one of the earliest? I listened twice and saved it to my collection.

Listened to on 9/27/22 3/5 Favorite song: cars and girls, I got you babe The vibe was super punk-y and upbeat with killer guitar riffs. Album art is 15/10

3.5 catchy

Rock and Roll and Wrestling and Handsome Dick Manitoba rule so this gets 5 stars

3.5

Not bad, not great. Probably blew people’s heads off back in 1975, but just feels unavoidably mediocre now. Sound like they’d be fun live though!

Never heard of these clowns, but maybe they influenced some musicians and definitely influenced teenage boys to think it was ok to act like jerks. Many offensive lyrics and would never be on my top albums list.

It was a solid album. An interesting sound that reminds the listener of the Ramones. Standout song are I Got You Babe and Weekend.

Crazy punk record. I like it!

Not my favorite. A lot of the music sounds like a joke. The album cover is disturbing.

Early punk, funky lyrics, quite melodic, like it

Really liked the cover of I Got You Babe. Overall really enjoyable (believe it or not cause of the album cover). Somewhere between 3-4 stars

Protopunk apparently—pretty solid—riffs licks and soloing is very punky, lyrics were pretty cheesy at times which was funny

Great, raw punk sound.

Fun punk but nothing special

A solid start to punk, but the formula was definitely improved by the time it got to the Ramones and Sex Pistols. Dick Manitoba gets on my nerves quickly, as does the excessive reverb.

Have no idea about this early step in Punk, It's fun...but it's not quite there...like a high school band doing punk...rough and loud, with one off beat cover...but fun. 2.5 stars

I'm disappointed that this album had such an important role as a precurser to American punk rock because I found these songs so annoying.

Knew this was always thrown around as the first punk record but I had never heard anything except "Cars and Girls" before. They clearly laid down the core of the NYC punk sound and attitude on this album, and they absolutely deserve some major credit for that, but I'd say others went on to perfect what they established here. Irreverent good time though.

I can see how they'd be influential but damn I did not enjoy it at all, I found it mostly anoying.

Didn't really like it.

This was a fine album, pretty fun most of the time, but falls into that forgettable area for me, I'd say it was good, but it's no Ramones. I guess people forget about The Velvet Underground and The Stooges when saying this is the original punk record, but that's fine I guess. 3.5/5

Bueno para escuchar de fondo, facil de digerir y letra sin trasfondo. Buen album de punk.

Por alguna razón detesto el sonido de los inicios del punk. Cuesta diferenciar a una banda de otra. Solo le doy 2 por el cover de I Got You Babe.

Fun to see how much punk would change in so short of a time. This is milk and cookies compared to what was going to be playing in the UK in a few years.

J'ai pu relate à absolument toutes les chansons, c'est vraiment le point fort de cet album.

circulez il n'y a rien à voir ici

sounds as punk as they come

If this is truly the birth of punk rock, it's obvious. 30 minutes of classic punk.

Not as strong as their first two albums in my eyes but still solid. Definitely the beginning of their downhill trajectory though unfortunately.

I've heard about this album for a long time without ever actually listening to it, since a lot of the older vanguard of Punk crits really love to hold this album up as a high watermark for the genre's early days. This kind of praise coming from this source can be both a good and bad thing: it immediately put it on my radar as some kind of "important" album but also set unwanted anticipations of it being like any other example of similarly pre-formed music made before a genre got out of hand (i.e. better). First off, I was worried this would be a virtual clone of the New York Dolls, and it's pretty close if I'm being honest. Bright major keyed songs about light debauchery and a permanent reverence for 1950's greasers informs all of "Go Girl Crazy!", and it's a style I could mostly leave behind, truth be told. The band gets rather conceptual with their lyrics and no two tracks sound like complete retreads of each other. Still, I can't help but think of this as a relic that points to a direction that would soon leave The Dictators far far behind. How'd that dictate?

Pretty good. Reminds me a bit of the New York Dolls and the Heartbreakers. Early punk/garage rock. Nothing too outstanding though. 3 stars.

Really liked this - not even sure why I am typically unaware that The Dictators exist. They feel like they should be more famous than they are, and I know I've heard them before. This still felt like a bit of a surprise though.

Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Two tub man

didn't much care for it

2.5

strange

This was a strange album, not sure why it's on the list. To me it was 80s frat rock, an ode to beer, parties, cars, and girls. The singer gave me a bit of Kim Mitchell meets Kiss and i can't tell if it's tongue in cheek or not. They have balls for having a track called Go Back to Africa followed by Master Race, I really hope that was a joke.

Vocals were a turn off. I Got You Babe was the sole highlight.

Points for originality in presentation and for covering I Got You Babe! I did enjoy it.

Didn't like it so much

Good effort.

I remember laughing my ass off as a 14 year old ever time i played this one in 1975. While I don't laugh my ass off when I listen to this nowadays, I still smile broadly and wonder why thy were not bigger. Hard to believe the Ramones were not listening, and later, the Beastie Boys and Green Day.

I liked this a lot. I thought it was really good pre-punk rock. I especially enjoyed the Sonny and Cher cover. Not sure why they didn’t become bigger.

Well the "I Got You Babe" cover was unexpected... This band sounds like the Ramones if they took a step closer to pop. The album still rocked though and the final track was a great salute to/mockery of the Beach Boys

Szpile w glowie czesc piata

One of the great things about the 1001 album project is discovering music that influenced the music you know. This album is a watershed protopunk album that uses humor and genuine musical chops to push the genre forward. While the music is fairly simple, the Dictators’ use of rhythmic changes, vocal harmonies, and great guitar playing betray their garage rock/protopunk aesthetic and show them to be very musically literate. The closing track is a satire of the car/girl centric superficial pop of the sixties, but is done with a sense of earnestness that lets the listener know that while they acknowledge the lyrical superficiality, at the end of the day, The Dictators are paying tribute to the music that made them.

3/5 niceish, but...

Proper bit of me this

Juvenile and silly but they have the musical chops to back up their goofy antics. The music is mostly punk but there’s moments when they sound like the Stones too. And on at least one song, “(I Live For) Cars and Girls,” they do a straight-up Beach Boys parody. Their cover of “I Got You Babe” is pretty good too, but even that they do a bit tongue-in-cheek. “Back to Africa” is a little cringe-y. Reading over the lyrics, they definitely intend it as a criticism of colonialism but I think the band is a bit too childish to really pull it off. Overall this is a fun one from a band I’d never heard of before. Kind of reminds me of the music some of my friends’ bands in high school made.

Interesting pock and rock album! Never heard of it or the band prior. Pros: - I like the funny spoken lines. Feels really raw! - Guitar work is really well done for a punk sound. - Lyrics are funny! - Oh dang this came out in 1975! After reading more about it, it's been called a precursor to punk. I'm not surprised! Very ahead of its time. Misc: - I've been following the play counts for every album on this list as they are on Spotify - and I think this one has the lowest counts. Not a single song is at 1 million streams, with the highest being 576k streams, and meanwhile most other albums easily go over 1 million for most tracks.

Fun little album. Quick listen, never heard of them before but I like it a lot from a simplistic proto-punk point of view. Added to Library? N Songs added to Playlist: (I Live For) Cars and Girls

You're kidding, right?

I kinda liked it.

Ha ha cool cover… The next big thing starts with a little intro bit then goes into slow guitars only to explode into a cool rock track that kinda sounds like a more energetic bad company but being like bad company it isn’t the most unique. I was singing along by the end though so it was definitely enjoyable. I got you babe is a great slow track a cover that I vaguely recognise so I probably know another version, But I really love this. Back to Africa has a good drum beat and at points goes really mental with the guitars making a great rip roaring tune, but it’s just not as good as the others To be honest ( even with it being the most unique). Master race rock starts with laughing noises then becomes the album’s heaviest song to close side one off with a bang. I don’t tend to go too much into lyrics on first listens like this but I must say I hope it’s anti nazi. Teengenerate has to be one of my favourite song names of all time. It’s an alright opener to side two, the guitar riff is a little generic in my opinion but the application is good on this song. California sun is another cover ( but I don’t know this one) It contains a pelting bass line with thundering drums to carry the listener through, the chorus is rather anthemic Which contrast really nicely. Good song! Two tub man starts off with a nice vocals sample to only be taken over by this crunchy but not distinctive guitars riff that sounds made for the stadium. Once we get into the song the verses are extremely punky for this pre punk era but it contrasts well with another anthemic chorus that I can just imagine their fans shouting off too. The penultimate track weekend is another banger a poppy but heavy rock song the only flaw to this one is that the lyrics are a mixed bag. The album closes with the song ( I live for cars and girls) it’s alright but in comparison to the rest of side two it’s just a very “ rock and roll” song being a bit dull really. Seeing its 2. Something rating on here I thought it was going to be crap but it’s really not fine theres a few “generic” songs but 70% of the 9 songs were great.

Not memorable, tbh. But at the same time, it was an ok listen.

bang average.

I went girl crazy 3 weeks ago. Murdered 11 and inflicted life changing injuries to 332 others. I'm due for sentencing next week.

Who the fuck is this? Some sort of Ramones knock off.

Alright, punky

Shannah thought it was ok. (2/5) Bill surprised she hadn't heard of them, feels like the book will say they were influential. (2.5/5) Conor thought it was fine. (2.5/5)

Never heard of this before.

I've never heard of The Dictators, and except for the covers Go Girl Crazy was all new music for me. The band sounds like they are making music because they want to have fun (rather than reach some new or unique acheivement in music.) The Dictators sound like they're having fun, but not at a level that would draw me in for an additional level. I would not be surprised if I forget that I've heard this album soon enough. This album will get 3 stars because I never felt like I DIDN'T like what the band was doing, but I am rounding up because I didn't particularly like the album either. There were a few lyrics I was concerned with. A closer listen to the content might sink this album down to two stars. I don't want to listen again.

Surprisingly fun and silly

3, fun album

first listen the less popular cousin of the Ramones

A highly energetic glam rock record that would influence what would become punk rock. For an early stab at it, this was really great. Favourites: "I Got You Babe", "Master Race Rock", "(I Live For) Cars and Girls"

Ouain. J’ai beaucoup rit au « cha, cha, cha » à la fin de California sun. Autrement, c’est un peu débilisant comme humour. Musicalement, c’est plutôt mauvais.

Ouf. Musicalement, j'aime ça même si c'est tout croche. Ça fait partie de l'humour de la chose. Pour les paroles par contre, un gros malaise pour certaines pièces. D'autres ont fait mieux.

This album cover is sooo empowering <3 trans visibility is soooo important <3 <3 These guys did punk before it was cool, and it seems they were better than the punk rock bands that followed, too. This album is better than anything the Ramones put out. I don't like punk as a genre but this could be the best punk record I've heard. A funny and energetic listen. There are some good guitar solo bits in here too

Du Punk de cons, peut-être un peu trop con pour être parfait

03/24/22

When I read the band's description and learned that one of the guys was Ross the Boss from Manowar I wanted to give them a really high score. I love the idea that they were taking the piss out of all the rock bands at the time and that they really laid the groundwork for the wave of punk bands to come. But in the end, I was just so so on the music.

I've never heard of this album or band and I had no idea what it would be like. Looking at the album cover, I took a guess at how this album might sound and it completely matches it. It was a fun romp and something that is definitely deserving to be on this list. 3.5/5

Not particularly good or bad. 3.5

Punk

I wanted to like this album more than I did. It was fun, but it did not really resonate.

Average rock

Well it is fun lol

You know I’m here for it

Early punk is best punk

Brash and uninspiring. Live this may well be entertaining.

Fun proto-punk album. Some interesting covers. I liked it, but probably won't be revisiting soon

I vaguely remember hearing some Dictators songs before and not liking them because there was too much classic/arena rock influence. Pretty sure they were from a different album, though. In any case, I enjoyed this one, it's pretty fun and catchy, even though I did think there was a bit too much arena rock in this too at times.

If my research is right, this is one of the very first punk/proto-punk records. Very cool! Don't really love it, but that's cool!

Verzichtbar, hat mich aber überraschenderweise nicht übermäßig genervt.

I am not familiar with THE DICTATORS and the album GO GIRL CRAZY! at all, but I am aware of their existence. After to listening to GO GIRL CRAZY!, it started out okay then went downhill, not that the songs got progressively worse, no, in fact, all the songs have the same basic punk style and sense of humor which just gets tired quickly. Since THE RAMONES may have been inspired by THE DICTATORS and since THE RAMONES debut already included in the book, there is little reason to have THE DICTATORS’ debut included too, since THE RAMONES debut have done it better. I would replace GO GIRL CRAZY!, with TELEVISION’s second album ADVENTURE In 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, GO GIRL CRAZY! Is the only album listed. Rate Artist: THE DICTATORS (3.0) Rate Album (Year): GO GIRL CRAZY! (1975 Original) (3.5) Rate Album (Year): GO GIRL CRAZY! (2015 40th Anniversary) (3.0) Ranking of THE DICTATORS - GO GIRL CRAZY! songs No. Title Length Ranking 01. "The Next Big Thing" 4:20 09.0/10 02. "I Got You Babe" (Sonny & Cher cover) 4:08 08.0/10 03. "Back to Africa" 3:35 07.0/10 04. "Master Race Rock" 4:13 07.0/10 05. "Teengenerate" 3:24 07.0/10 06. "California Sun" (Joe Jones cover) 3:04 06.0/10 07. "Two Tub Man" 4:08 06.0/10 08. "Weekend" 4:00 07.0/10 09. "(I Live For) Cars and Girls" 3:56 05.0/10 Original 1975 Release 69.0/90 = 7.66 / 2 = 3.83 Bonus Tracks - Remixed, Over-Produced, And Totally Reimagined By Andrew W.K.! 10. “Two Tub Man” 06.0/10 11. “ Weekend Go Girl Crazy!” Session Outtakes (1974) 07.0/10 12. “Backseat Boogie” (Outtake - Take 1) 06.0/10 13. “The Next Big Thing” (Alt. Take - Take 1) 07.0/10 14. “I Got You Babe” (Alt. Take W. Vocal - Take 2) 06.0/10 15. “Master Race Rock” (Instrumental) 05.0/10 16. “Teengenerate” (Alt. Take W. Vocal) 06.0/10 17. “California Sun” (Instrumental - Take 4) 05.0/10 18. “(I Live For) Cars And Girls” (Single Remix) 05.0/10 40th Anniversary 2015 Release 122.0/180 = 6.78 / 2 = 3.38

A good album 4 sure

Kinda eld

I very much enjoyed the attitude. A treat :)

Detta ägde...

Somehow back when I was exploring the big proto-punk bands like The Stooges, MC5, Velvet Underground etc I never got in The Dictators. Boy was I missing out. This is so much fun and I definitely can tell that they were super influential to many other bands I like. 4 stars for the album, the 5th for the big time influence power

Fun weird 70s punk.

Queen aside glam rock (never mind glam punk) would not be a genre I’m a fan of. I’ve never heard of The Dictators before and nothing here would make me want to listen again

6/10

Leuk punk-album waarbij mijn hoofd toch af en toe op en neer ging. Favoriete nummer is 'Weekend': Eentje dat ik moet onthouden! Voor de rest wel wat 13 in een dozijn 4*

If I was 14 in 1975 I’m sure I’d love this album. Can’t say I enjoyed in now, but can see the influence it had on later punk bands.

I get it, but just not really my cup of tea. Fav new track: California Sun

191225 12:35 3 / highlights: (i live for) cars and girls, the next big thing

It's supposed to be a bridge from proto-punk to the coming punk age. But to me, it just sounds like glam rock copying the style of New York Dolls. Wasn't crazy about any of the tracks, but it does grow on you. It's vulgar, funny, and has some peculiar moments. Favorite tracks: I Got You Babe, Teengenerate, Weekend, I Live For Cars and Girls

Pastiche rock. Ramones without the attitude but with heaps of camp. Well recorded and some moments of individual virtuosity.

Un. On album qui demenage hehe jai bien aime genre de punk rock. 3.5

Some songs were ok, others were not bad.

Early punk rock. Starts off a bit rough but really picks up midway through. They can seriously shred. Favorite Track: California Sun Relisten: Yes

Raw, fun, good guitar sounds

A fun listen! I enjoyed their quirky twist on rock and the tongue-in-cheek nature of many of the songs. I also liked their take on the Sonny and Cher and California Sun covers

Short and to the point. Nothing overly memorable but was still a good listen.

A good listen! I know this album & The Dictators is considered early punk, but I got a lot of Stones/Who/KISS vibes from this album, all bands I like. Overall an enjoyable listen that I would listen to again.

Can definitely see how they influenced beastie boys. Still, couldn't get the album cover out of my head while listening, so for me... I'm out.