Customer Reviews

D.F.F.D.

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you're not familiar with the greatness of the Dictators - heres a bit of an outline for you. The Dictators are one of America's greatest cult bands. Starting in the early 70s, the released their first LP in '74, which was an ahead of its time mixture of appreciation of 50s rock 'n' roll, surfing, and White Castle hamburgers. They released two more LPs, but lack of commercial sucess forced them to break up. However, due to the Ramones and other bands, they proved over time to be influential. This album is their comeback, and is possibly the greatest comeback album ever made (it kicks the arse of any of the Stones' latter day releases). There isn't a single weak track on this entire album, which can be said of very few LPs. The Dictators seemed to know they had diehard fans out there (such as myself), so they wanted to make an album for us that was all killer, no filler. I could go so far as to saying this is their best album since their debut. The lyrics are fantastic, as Andy Shernoff has incredible songwriting skills. The main attraction of the Dictators is, and has always been, Handsome Dick Manitoba - funny, over the top, and all around lovable frontman. The Dictators still have it, and are on top of the game as much as they ever where before. A must-buy.

This has to be one of the best albums I've listened to in the last 10 years. Andy Shernoff has only gotten stronger with his songwriting over the past 23 years since 'Bloodbrothers', and The Handsome One is still, in my opinion, one of the best lead singers in Rock and Roll. Combine that with fantastic guitar work as always from Ross the Boss and Top Ten, solid drumming from J.P Patterson, choruses that make you want to sing along at the top of your lungs, and hooks that will stick in your head like glue, all adding up to one amazing listening experience! Everyone who truly loves great Rock and Roll should own this album. The Dictators often get overshadowed by some of the great NYC bands that came after them, such as The Ramones, but they prove with this album that they haven't lost a step, and still know how to deliver the goods. If you've listened to the radio in the last few years, and wondered what happened to great Rock, check this album out. You'll be glad you did.

Should be 6 stars, with the first 3 'Tator albums as 7's. May earn the 7th star with repeated plays. The best band in rock & roll comes back and kicks it out for ya! You MUST buy this album.

The disc kicks off with a ringing guitar homage to The Clash and includes hidden homages to others ("On your feet or on your knees"). Some of these songs will certainly enter the canon of classic 'tatordom. Not as much pure wise-guy humor as some of the early discs but plenty to enjoy here.

Sample lyric:
You see a girl
You start talkin
She sees your car
She starts walkin

Some great stuff about New York, NY, too. And it's just the right time for it.

Adny, Ross, Scott and the Handsomest Man in Rock & Roll can still do it (yeah, the drummer, too). Can't wait to see them live. Check for dates at thedictators.com. Newbies to the Dictators can get indoctrinated there, too.

I'll admit I was a little worried that the once mighty Dicators might not be able to live up to their legacy. For those who don't know the story, these guys were punk rock before the Ramones, before the Sex Pistols, before pretty much everybody. They're last studio recording was 23 years ago so let's just say it's been awhile between 'Tators albums.

Well boys and girls, the Dics have done it again. A truly amazing CD that harkens back to their glory days. The CD has all the great hooks that Mr. Shernoff has always been known for and the lyrics are superior quality as always (ex: "I saw the Stooges, covered with bruises"). Of course, the secret weapon (aka Handsome Dick Manitoba) brought his "A" game. The production is solid too. This CD is the best thing I've heard in years. Go get a copy.

I learned about the Dictators from a friend back in the day when long hairs romed the earth (1970's)and I never could understand why they couldn't sell Tons of records.
From go girl crazy to manifest destiny to bloodbrothers the Dictators always provided wit, thunering anthems, and unbelevable guitar rifs that have stayed fresh and powerfull over the last twentysomething years.
So when I found out about the new record I was excited, but I wondered if the Tators could live up to my expectations.
Well all I can say is if this album cant save rock and roll, It cant be saved.
This has to be the best thing iv'e heard in at least ten years
with great writing and amazing guitar work the Tators are tighter than ever.
With any luck the Dictators will get the aclaim that they have been due. Wouldn't that be sweet after all this time.
BUY THIS CD-SAVE ROCK AND ROLL

This latest release after a long hiatus absolutely smokes the previous offerings back in the 70's, in both songwriting and plain slam. A completely entertaining gaggle of tunes that make you laugh and sing along - and the louder the better! Retains much of the old Dictators humour with a good rock beat - and no filler! Turn it up to 11 & enjoy the comeback of the new millenium.

I always thought the Dictaors were one of the great rock&roll bands but I thought they had retired into obscurity somewhere a long time ago. I was looking to see if the disc "Blood brothers" was out on cd when I saw that they had released a new cd. All the reviews were great but I had to see for myself. I CAN'T BELIEVE THESE GUYS! After all these years the Dictators are still putting out rock and roll of the highest caliber This cd totally blows my mind. It's better than I could have possibly imagened. If you don't have a copy........your missing out.

Unless you're some hopeless mook, you need to buy this album! From the opening "Police on My Back" riffage backed with Marshall power chords, you know the Dictators are back! This could have come out right after "Go Girl Crazy", it's that good. I haven't heard NYC style guitar riffs like Ross the Boss and Top Ten provide in a long,long time (kind of a cross between Donald "Buck Dharma" Roesser and Johnny Thunders back in the day). The humors's still there along with that unique punk/power pop/heavy metal amalgam Adny Shernoff pulls off so well. And what can you say about the Handsomest Man in Show Business? Dick Manitoba hasn't lost a thing in 20 years, he still sounds great!In this day of boy band, hip hop, techno, pop girl homogenized crap it's wonderful to hear a band that can still kick out the jams. Joey Ramone is smiling somewhere!

It's been twenty three years...but well woth the wait. The Dictator's have roared back with a blistering collection of tunes that put the fun and excitement back in rock. From the opening cut "Who Will Save Rock and Roll" the bar is set high and the band delivers throughout the remainder of the CD. Andy Shernoff has a knack for capturing the fun elements of rock without the slightest hint of becoming a parody of the genre. The band is tight and spot on in performance. They are a killer live act and this new release should provide some real ammo for their live show. If you've had enough of the doom and glooms or smell the scent of phony in the "fun" rock acts ala Blink 182, then D.F.F.D. should be just what the doctor ordered. The Dictator's are the REAL DEAL.

It's always scary when a band as legendary as the Dictators resurfaces with a new set of tunes after 20+ years, but never fear, this is a rock-solid set that falls somewhere between Go Girl Crazy and Bloodbrothers. Sonically it resembles the latter -- real honest live guitar sounds that flip the bird at the over-saturated sludge permeating the alt rock airwaves. Lyrically it's closer to their first album - funny but pertinent stuff, shout-along hooks and choruses pumped up by the greatest guitar tag team in rock and sung by the majestic H.D. Manitoba and Mr. Shernoff, sometimes in tandem...whatta comeback! If you miss the glory days of CBGB and Punk magazine this is the CD for you. Buy copies for your friends!