York's finest trying to bring both sides together in a brave, prescient, and (at least at the time) futile gesture. The band's "smart guys who like dumb stuff" humor, junk-culture reference points, and '60s cheeze rock covers ("California Sun" and "I Got You Babe" on one album) would seem tailor made for the crowd at CBGB digging the Ramones and the Dead Boys, but their sludgy and stripped down hard rock (and Ross "The Boss" Funichello's neo-metal guitar solos) were something else altogether. And at a time when the arena rock audience had not yet embraced the less-than-subtle humor and theatrics of Sparks or Cheap Trick, the Dictators' ahead-of-their-time enthusiasm for wrestling, White Castle hamburgers, and television confused more kids than it converted. Heard today, the album is a hoot and a half; if the tempos could often stand to be a bit livelier, Adny Shernoff's songs are still great (especially the absurdly anthemic "Two Tub Man," "I Live for Cars and Girls," and "Weekend"), the jokes still register (while the contemporary Political Correctness brigade might blanch at "Back to Africa" or "Master Race Rock," they're merely absurd in the Mad Magazine tradition), and "secret weapon" Handsome Dick Manitoba was truly a find. Dozens of groups borrowed wholesale from Go Girl Crazy! later on down the line, but the original is still the greatest ... and the funniest. ~ Mark Deming, All Music Guide

Digitally remastered two-fer containing a pair of albums from the New York-based Rock 'n' Roll punks: Manifest Destiny and Blood Brothers. The Dictators formed in 1974 and were one of the finest Proto Punk bands to come out of the city. They played loud, fast Rock 'n' Roll influenced by the British invasion and the sonic onslaught of The Who. Manifest Destiny was the band's second album, released after the band were signed to Elektra. Blood Brothers, their third followed in 1978 after a successful UK tour and is ninety percent live and loud.

The all-true adventures of the Dictators, from pre-punk shenanigans to the sound of Young America to the death of rock n' roll! Unissued demos and rare tracks from the vaults, from pre-Manitoba 1973 recordings (from master tapes!) up through DFFD outtakes! Photo filled package includes liner notes by Scott Top Ten Kempner, Handsome Dick Manitoba, Andy Shernoff and crew chief/soundman Rich Nesin!

All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.

Some people have described The Dictators as a cross between punk rock & heavy metal. Whatever they are, they took the scene by storm in the late 70's with three hard driving albums. Bloodbrothers, their third release, is considered by many to be their best. It was originally released on the Asylum label in 1978. The group is lead by singer "Handsome" Dick Manitoba. 9 tracks. Wounded Bird. 2005.

Manifest Destiny, The Dictators second release, is considered by many to be their best. It is the only one of their albums to make the Billboard charts, circa 1977. The group is lead by singer "Hansome" Dick Manitoba.

Liner Notes by Richard Meltzer (1981) and Andy Shernoff (1998). All songs recorded live to a two track Dokorder on February 11, 1981 at a night club performance, except bonus tracks, which are from a board tape from a live concert at the Ritz in early '80's. Bonus tracks mastered by Andy Shernoff at Sterling Sound 1998.

On February 11, 1981, John Hanti and I (we were booking the Club 80's on the Upper East Side) traveled with a two track Dokorder to a live Dictators reunion to record the band. Neither of us really knew what we were doing - but the results were fabulous, the band cooked and ROIR cassette A102, The Dictators Live - Fuck 'Em If They Can't Take a Joke was born - and quickly released. It was a big success and helped launch the young ROIR cassette label in the small (then) indie community and, according to Cashbox Magazine (June 1990), helped "elevate the Dictators to mythical status."

So, now we have the original cassette remastered for CD, plus three live bonus tracks selected and mastered by Andy Shernoff from an early '80's performance at the Ritz in NYC.

The 'Tators Ruled and Now Rule Again!

D.F.F.D. by The Dictators

This product is manufactured on demand using CD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.

Some people have described The Dictators as a cross between punk rock & heavy metal. Whatever they are, they took the scene by storm in the late 70's with three hard driving albums. Bloodbrothers, their third release, is considered by many to be their best. It was originally released on the Asylum label in 1978. The group is lead by singer "Handsome" Dick Manitoba. 9 tracks. Wounded Bird. 2005.

Digitally remastered reissue of 1975 album with original artwork packaged in a tri-fold digipak. CBS. 2004.