Metallica – Death Magnetic
First of all, Metallica has only earned itself any press lately by acting like retards. Recall that Metallica was the band that brought down Napster; you may have also heard the story of how the band invited music critics and writes to screen the new album, then when those critics posted reactions and reviews, the band threatened and demanded they remove the reviews. Metallica is the band that hates the internet.
Then they go and release a new album. The thing about this album (and many before it) is that it comes with a cute anecdote and a pithy response and can thusly be summed up very quickly. The word is the that the band’s producer went to Metallica and said, “Master of Puppets was your best work ever but pretend like it was only half of an album. Now I want you to record the other half!” Yeah! Inspiring words! Let’s thrash it up, guys! RRRAAAAWWWwwwwrrrr….
But recall that Master of Puppets was recorded in 1986. It is no longer 1986. Everything and everyone has changed a bit since then. The original work is classic and it will remain as such but you cannot stand on the shoulders of success and beside it at the same time. Thus the pthy response: They failed.
I do think my opinion is tarnished by the Pitchfork review. They whine about the lyrics (I swear the chorus of one song is, “if it don’t kill you, it makes you more strong,” which sounds so grammatically incorrect I want to cry). They do point out that there are parts where the music echoes faintly of Master of Puppets and so there are happy moments. But alas… it’s still not 1986.
The Chemical Brothers – Brotherhood
I am always weary of bands who try to extend their life expectancy by releasing multiple “best of” albums. This is their second, with maybe one album after the previous “best of” to cut the monotony. Don’t get me wrong, the music is still awesome but I still get frustrated with these grabs for my money. Brotherhood features a second disc of “Electronic Battle Weapon” tracks which apparently the Pitchfork review claims is its one saving grace. Again I find myself merely echoing the Pitchfork review.