Bloodbrothers

This was the Dictators' third album, and their second for Elektra/Asylum. The band was energized after returning from a tour of England and being embraced by the emerging punk rock audience over there. As a result, almost 90 percent of this album was recorded live and, as such, stands as a good example of what the band sounded like on a good night. "Faster & Louder," and the kickoff track, feature an unannounced guest appearance from Bruce Springsteen on backing vocals, while "Baby, Let's Twist" features guitar work far more sophisticated than the title would lead you to believe. The band may have still been trying to cast themselves as the next logical extension of the MC5 and the Stooges, but Andy Shernoff's songwriting (especially on tunes like "No Tomorrow," "Stay With Me," and "Borneo Jimmy") shows infinitely more craft than mere Motor City knockoffs. The playing is self-assured and solid, the production is simple, raw, and direct. In many ways, this is the Dictators' rockingest and most musical album. ~ Cub Koda