Stukas over Disneyland, released after a four-year silence, shows
the Dickies training their popcorn wiseguy sights somewhat away from the
hardcore and
Ramones influences of earlier platters to that of
power pop and '60s songs. The former of the two new influences is showcased in the tunefully memorable
"Pretty Please Me" and
"If Stuart Could Talk"; the latter is evident in
"Rosemary" (with its
Beatles-on-caffeine bridge),
"Wagon Train" (which sports a broad tune that evokes comparisons to old Western T.V. show theme songs),
"Out of Sight, Out of Mind" (featuring a chorus that echoes the one in
Ricky Nelson's
"Garden Party"), and especially the title track (which exhibits noticeable
surf music and
Chuck Berry influences and sets ironic, humorous lyrics detailing a
Disney-based world takeover). Bows to their earlier
punk influences can be seen in the uproariously funny
"She's a Hunchback" (complete with smart-aleck references to the
Victor Hugo novel) and a giddy cover of the
Led Zeppelin classic
"Communication Breakdown." The 1988 re-release appends three songs (
"Gigantor," "I'm Okay, You're Okay," and
"Bedrock Barney") cast in
the Dickies old cartoon
hardcore manner; while all are likable and welcome, the addition of these numbers makes this release seem more stylistically schizophrenic than it originally was. Regardless of the version obtained, this excellent album is an enjoyable and recommended listen. ~ David Cleary
