It’s been more than four years since THE DICTATORS promised to return with a new full-length record, a belated follow-up to 2001’s “D.F.F.D.” which contained the ensemble’s late ’90s material and the veterans’ first album to feature a new line-up. Joining original players, bassist Andy Shernoff and guitarist Ross the Boss, are BLUE ÕYSTER CULT drummer Albert Bouchard and FRANKENSTEIN 3000 vocalist and rhythm axeman Keith Roth, the two scene stalwarts replacing former band members who passed away in recent decades and adding their own touch to the forthcoming platter.
Still, “The Dictators” – yes, the quartet finally went for an eponymous byline – that will be out on September 20th – comprises the thematically important single “Let’s Get The Band Back Together” which was laid down back in 2021, when six-string master Scott Kempner, another founding father, was still alive and accounted for on this song. As for Of course, BÕC aficionados will recognize a cut called “Transmaniacon” – and the link between the two New York groups is rather deep, having been established in 1975, when THE DICTATORS’ debut “Go Girl Crazy!” was produced by Sandy Pearlman and Murray Krugman, so there’s time-tested friendship at play too. Feels interesting.
1. Let’s Get The Band Back Together
2. My Imaginary Friend
3. Transmaniacon
4. Sacred Cow
5. Really Good
6. All About You
7. Wicked Cool Disguise
8. God Damn New York
9. Thank You And Have A Nice Day
10. Sweet Joey