341 of 1001 Albums: The Dictators' Go Girl Crazy

When you put on The Dictators' Go Girl Crazy just expect some fun music that doesn't take itself too seriously. It's definitely something new in rock for 1975 with the bouncy tunes, and the guitar riffs that dived a bit into metal. It was a new venture from a band, and it got them a lot of attention, and even positive reviews. Sometimes if you're hoping for something to hit you deeper, as other bands have the past few days, then this band won't do that, they are sort of a break from the scene that was happening.

"The Next Big Thing" appropriately kicks off the album. It stays pretty consistent there, and while it presents some new tunes you know what to expect from the band after a time. The album has other tunes that sort of sound like anthems including "Master Rock Race". What stands out a lot is the guitar that appears out of nowhere here and there.


On top of that the singer does have talent with his vocals, and in "(I Live For) Cars and Girls" it stands out a lot more as they mix in a Beach Boys sound into their punk rock riffs. Sometimes his vocals along with the backing ones get lost in the music though as it carries on like a party is happening the whole time through the studio album. The funnest song though that showcases the band the best turns out being their cover of "I Got You Babe".

If you love fun music then you will enjoy this, but there seems to be something you wanting more from the band after a while of listening to songs about teenagers, girls, and cars. You can tell the music is heavily geared toward teens because as an adult you're either into the vibe or you're not. Especially, as a female you just feel exploited for male entertainment. It doesn't help that the lead vocalist goes by the name, Handsome Dick Manitoba.

The band sounds good, but after awhile you sort of want to feel the band cares or something with substance. Punk has a strong scene, and this was just beginning stages of it, and looking at what it spurred says that people were feeling the influence, and just let it whirl into something larger from there. The music does reflect a lot of the values of punk, but in a more younger way. Their fun, which is appealing in itself.

Rating 5 of 10.
Recommended Listen: I Got You Babe