The official soundtrack to cruising around in a hotrod and scoring barely legal chicks, The Dictators have been around in some capacity or another for over 50 years. Of course, come the ’80s, guitarist Ross the Boss wound find himself in the crosshairs of pioneering power metal with Manowar, but that’s another story for another day. No, today’s tale is that of a band whose tongues were planted firmly in their cheek, that is when they weren’t wagging them at young women. A band whose amalgamation of hard rock riffage, power pop charm, and primal energy proved crucial to the development of punk rock. A band who, even in today’s hypersensitive landscape of crying over what is and isn’t socially acceptable, proceeds with a devil may care attitude. And why shouldn’t they? If any band has earned the right to do whatever the hell they want, it’s The Dictators.
Admittedly, today’s Dictators are a tad different than the band of yesteryear who quickly became the darlings of the New York scene half a century ago. Long gone is iconic frontman/roadie/mascot Handsome Dick Manitoba, who is about as synonymous with The Dictators as the ghoulish Eddie is to Iron Maiden. Unfortunately, so is rhythm guitarist Scott “Top Ten” Kempner, who passed away last November after a valiant battle with dementia at the age of 69. This leaves the aforementioned Ross the Boss and bassist/principal songwriter Andy Shernoff, in league with SiriusXM personality Keith Roth on rhythm guitar and vocals, as well as fellow east coast icon Albert Bouchard of Blue Öyster Cult fame on the drums.
Yes, the lineup has changed, but what hasn’t changed is their signature brew of punk, hard rock, and power pop turned up to 11, which is proudly displayed on their new self titled album. From the opening “Let’s Get the Band Back Together”, we find ourselves rocking and laughing in equal measure, thanks to the ultra humorous lyricism on display. Uptempo pogo-ready ragers like “My Imaginary Friend” and “Thank You and Have a Nice Day” take us on a punk rock time warp to the sweaty confines of CBGB’s, while knuckle-dragging rockers like “Sacred Cow” and “Wicked Cool Disguise” remind us why Ross the Boss was one of the most, ahem, admired guitarists of his era (looking at you John Christ).
There are, of course, the obligatory nods to The Dictators’ stomping ground as well, that being New York City. “God Damn New York” speaks for itself, waxing poetic on a pre-Giuliani NYC against a backdrop of screaming guitars and thunderous rhythms. The closing “Sweet Joey” is equally nostalgic, paying tribute to fellow New York punk legend Joey Ramone and his band, the Ramones. Interestingly enough, the band also sandwiches in a ferocious cover of Blue Öyster Cult’s “Transmaniacon MC”, which I guess in hindsight is one of those tunes that was as pivotal to punk as it was metal, similar to Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid” or any ’70s Dictators song.
Although The Dictators doesn’t immediately blow my mind like any one of their classic ’70s outings, it does put a ridiculous smile on this here headbanger’s face. The only thing I’m upset about is that my volume dial won’t go any further to the right when listening to it. *sigh* Looks like it’s time for the inevitable stereo upgrade. In all seriousness though, Ross, Andy, Albert, and Keith, I salute you, and you’re the only Dictators I’ll ever admit that to in this here democracy we call America. Keep keeping it faster and louder than the rest!
7 out of 10
Label: Valley Entertainment
Genre: Punk Rock
For fans of: Ramones, New York Dolls, The Stooges