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Revisiting old albums

The writing is terrible. The title track and maybe a few moments of Frantic are the only places even vaguely resembling a good riff. It is a virtually solo free zone. Kirk might as well not bothered turning up at the studio.

And the production...oh my sweet God it’s horrid. The worst drum sound I have ever heard and I own and regularly listen to the early Kreator output that was infamous for a bad drum sound.

I think it is impossible to hate that album too much.
 
Everyone knows the Black Album. I'd rather read one for Load, which is my favourite Metallica album (I was never really into the early stuff).
 
Load was interesting. I went to see them at Donington when they were in the studio for that one. They previewed two songs from the sessions for crowd reaction. 2x4 and Devils Dance, which actually ended up on ReLoad. I think you sort of need to think of the two albums together, although there are quite a lot of stylistic differences.

Load itself I remember being a bit non plussed by on release. I was either expecting a second Black album or a return to older territory and a feel and sound and song writing more like Puppets. It certainly was neither of those. Over the years though it has grown on me and there are some great tracks on there. King Nothing has some stunning riffs. 2x4 and House that Jack Built is a great opening salvo. It’s a good solid album and always worth a listen, and I also really like Reload as well. I just hugely prefer the earlier output. The first five albums are all fabulous.
 
Plus as you say the production was absolutely spot on whereas Justice sounded like it was recorded in a bin.

The production on the Black Album is why I love it so much. Bob Rock may not have been the greatest influence on the band post the Black Album but he did an awesome job on it. I've never been able to give Justice the credit it deserves as the sound on it is so bad.
 
Load was interesting. I went to see them at Donington when they were in the studio for that one. They previewed two songs from the sessions for crowd reaction. 2x4 and Devils Dance, which actually ended up on ReLoad. I think you sort of need to think of the two albums together, although there are quite a lot of stylistic differences.

Load itself I remember being a bit non plussed by on release. I was either expecting a second Black album or a return to older territory and a feel and sound and song writing more like Puppets. It certainly was neither of those. Over the years though it has grown on me and there are some great tracks on there. King Nothing has some stunning riffs. 2x4 and House that Jack Built is a great opening salvo. It’s a good solid album and always worth a listen, and I also really like Reload as well. I just hugely prefer the earlier output. The first five albums are all fabulous.
Wasting My Hate is probably my favourite song on there.
 
I like the Cure as well.

There is a remastered Justice about that restores the bass in the mix. Makes a hell of a difference.
 
Puppets is ~1 for me with metallica. always the go to album.
Black album is number 2 though.
For me it was the black album tour, and everything that came after it where they became uber self indulgent - multiple re releases (metallican) the live shit binge and purge, and the shows being needlessly stretched out (too many "solo's" to hide moving the drum kit about). I gave up on everything that came after this. Partially as I felt metallica had milked me enough.
 
Especially for Paul:
Blind Faith - Blind Faith
https://open.spotify.com/album/7jFuZTgaZzOtGiyAE527ZZ
Supergroup!
Mate played this whilst at university. Had to cry today had me in the first 12 bars. What a song!
But then can't find my way home is just so amazing too.
This is an album that timeless really applies to Well All Right gets better every time I hear it.
Presence of the lord, and sea of joy are such uplifting songs, and then 15 minutes of do what you like.
Steve Winwoods greatest work in my opinion. His voice works so well. Bakers drumming is really good throughout, and there is a distinct comfortable sound throughout. I've albums released in the 80's and 90's with a worse sound, and that are so much more dated than this.

For fans, I listened to the deluxe edition that doesn't seem to be on Spotify. It has some fantastic extra tracks. The electric version of can't find my way home is really interesting, as are the 2 versions of sleeping in the ground.
Also has a bonus disc which is basically 4 jams all over 12 minutes long.
 
Okay. Just for Bear I listened through Load again.

It's really bloody good. The production isn't as in your face as Black. It's a drier affair, but nowhere near as dry as the guitar sound on Justice. Pleasant bonus is hearing the bass. And also that the bass drums don't sound like someone tapping a shoebox with a snorkel. However it isn't "there" as an overall sound. It's good but it isn't ripping my face off in a listen, which is a shame.

Songwriting, messrs Hetfield and Ulrich hit a lot of bullseyes. Ain't my bitch, 2x4, The Thorn Within, are all superb. I think Wasting My Hate is top shit too. The Cure is a great riff. The long outro that is the Outlaw Torn is fabulous stuff. It's a belter of an album in many ways.
 
Bleeding me was really good off Load.

I bought the Until it sleeps single and the B-side was 2x4 live from Donington 95, really rocking version
 
White Zombie - Astro-Creep: 2000 – Songs of Love, Destruction and Other Synthetic Delusions of the Electric Head

https://open.spotify.com/album/4U9gI7vQHDDo651yYJo02O

Perhaps you better start from the beginning…

Made my head nod a lot when I popped it on. Nice to have a bit of happy music.
The bass is heavy and thumping. The guitar riffs are thick and fast. Throw in some samples and effects, and you’ve an album with a bit of ‘tude.
First 2 tracks set a heavy groove. Loses its way with Real Solution #9 . Not sure of the vocal effects though. Seem to remember it being a better track in the day. Creature of the wheel is also weak.
Things back on track with Electric Head part 2, a stomper.
Grease paint and monkey brains is the slow burner that would start side 2 on a trad LP.
The real swagger is held for I zombie then more human than human, powering along at 90mph.
The rest of the album peters out a bit. 3 or 4 really good tracks, but the rest are meh. Promising start to both sides of a record.
 
Okay. Just for Bear I listened through Load again.

It's really bloody good. The production isn't as in your face as Black. It's a drier affair, but nowhere near as dry as the guitar sound on Justice. Pleasant bonus is hearing the bass. And also that the bass drums don't sound like someone tapping a shoebox with a snorkel. However it isn't "there" as an overall sound. It's good but it isn't ripping my face off in a listen, which is a shame.

Songwriting, messrs Hetfield and Ulrich hit a lot of bullseyes. Ain't my bitch, 2x4, The Thorn Within, are all superb. I think Wasting My Hate is top shit too. The Cure is a great riff. The long outro that is the Outlaw Torn is fabulous stuff. It's a belter of an album in many ways.
Nice on Pad. I have it in the car so will have to have a listen on the commute today I think.

I forgot King Nothing is another favourite. Great bass hook.
 
Therapy? - Troublegum

https://open.spotify.com/album/6ub0GyzfrkFZahy42i7pfR
14 tracks, 45 minutes.
Really good punk pop from the irish 3 piece.
All dark, with a sense of humour. Thick chunky guitars. Vocals frequently at full shout, but retaining a melody.
No weak tracks.
Worthy of a pogo or 2 round the room.
Memories of a superb gig at the civic.
Had to retire my Die Laughing t-shirt, as it was falling apart. Fucking loved it though.
 
Therapy? - Troublegum

https://open.spotify.com/album/6ub0GyzfrkFZahy42i7pfR
14 tracks, 45 minutes.
Really good punk pop from the irish 3 piece.
All dark, with a sense of humour. Thick chunky guitars. Vocals frequently at full shout, but retaining a melody.
No weak tracks.
Worthy of a pogo or 2 round the room.
Memories of a superb gig at the civic.
Had to retire my Die Laughing t-shirt, as it was falling apart. Fucking loved it though.
What an album! A mix of funny and angry lyrics backed up with buzz saw riffs!
 
A few decent British rock bands around mid 90's especially live, Therapy? The Almighty, Skin and probably others I can't bring to mind atm
Mid 90s, UK, rock band lists have to include Terrovision!
 
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