‘The Ferocity, Melody & Humor Were Undeniable’

Note: This is one of a series of posts in The DFFD Blog Goes Girl Crazy! special — a monthlong commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the release of ‘The Dictators Go Girl Crazy!’

So I had tickets to see Blue Oyster Cult with this weird band the Dictators opening in 1977, at the Ocean Ice Palace. The show never happened, but it was because of this show that I became aware of one of the greatest bands I’ve ever heard. The next day, I went to the local record stores and saw Manifest Destiny in one shop, and the first LP in the other store across the street. After looking both over, I chose Manifest Destiny, because of the Metropolis cover. I played it like 20 times in a row, and next day returned for the first LP.

After hearing MD, I was quite shocked by the rawness. This was one of the first really “Punk” records I had ever bought! It took a few listens to adjust to, but the ferocity, melody & humor were undeniable. This LP was like a sledgehammer. Even the liner notes were great & the picture of the band at White Castle was on my wall for years. Even the cover pics kind of made you want to be a rock star, because their rooms looked like mine! And the songs just kept coming, Master Race Rock, incredible stuff. Even the kitschy cover of I Got You Babe was never skipped.

Mike Mindless

I would say this is one of the bands that made me realize I could do this if I chose to. As Andy told me once, his songs are about Ambition. I would definitely agree, and I’m kinda glad a lot of the rest of America was too stupid to see past the jokes & grab onto the meat of this band which is the great sense of pop song writing & the humor in the lyrics. The Dictators were truly one of my gateway bands, helping me bridge the gap between BOC & Aerosmith to the Dolls & Stooges.

Over the years, this LP still keeps growing on me. The energy of the attack on the guitars, and the general in your face attitude keep this CD in circulation more often than many bands I rarely play anymore. When is the special show where they play this one in order? I’m still waiting to hear Go Back To Africa & I Got You Babe live!

— by Mike Mindless
www.nuclearjackalope.com