Formed back in 1974, The Dictators may be one of the most influential proto-punk bands to have tread a fine line between pop and punk. Although the group had a hiatus, they reformed in 1991 with the original line-up still intact. Regardless, their drummer Frank Funaro was replaced by Wild Kingdom skinslammer JP "Thunderbolt" Patterson later on. Described as being one of the best live bands on earth, The Dictators' new release precisely attempts to capture that "live spirit".

"Viva Dictators" contains fifteen Dictators classics, and an additional bonus track recorded at sound check. Musically the songs are straight-forward punk with hints of pop and rock at times. Lyrically the songs deal with worldly-minded topics... well, just take a look at the song titles, and you'll get the picture.

Recording of "Viva Dictators" took place at Maxwell's and the Bowery Ballroom. As you may already know, good live recordings are really hard to capture... to tell you the truth, Gerry Griffin could have done better on this release. However, on average the sounds on "Viva Dictators" are quite good. Too bad I haven't had the opportunity to bear witness to their live performance, so I can't compare this record to the real thing.

The bottom line, I guess, is that "Viva Dictators" has been directed for fans of the Dictators. Although others can also enjoy listening to it, the fans will get the most out of it.

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- MAGE (January 29th, 2006)

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LINE-UP:
Manitoba, Dick "Handsome": Lead Vocals Shernoff, Andy: Lead Vocals, Bass Ross the Boss: Guitar, Vocals Kempner, Scott "Top 10": Guitar, Vocals Patterson, JP "Thunderbolt": Drums
Producer:	Shernoff, Andy
Mixing by:	Gordon, Greg
Mastering by:	Unavailable

	TRACKLIST:
	01. Intro 02. New York, New York 03. Haircut and Attitude 04. Master Race Rock 05. Avenue A 06. Baby Let's Twist 07. Weekend 08. Pussy and Money 09. Who Will Save Rock & Roll 10. Next Big Thing 11. Minnesota Strip 12. What's Up With That 13. Faster & Louder 14. I Am Right 15. Stay With Me 16. Two Tub Man Bonustrack 17. Cars and Girls Length: 60:51