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Top 5 Metallica Albums and Songs
Metallica is the greatest heavy metal band that ever existed. They certainly weren’t the first, and they won’t be the last, but their influence is everywhere. In a career that has now spanned 30 (!) years, Metallica has released 9 major albums with new material, as well as several other albums featuring covers and live recordings. Let’s break it down.
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: July 27, 2011
Fans of ’60s garage rock have a big treat in store for them this week courtesy of Sundazed Music, and people who enjoy clever pop parodies with their polka will be thrilled to hear that Weird Al’s new album is now available on vinyl!
Weird Al Yankovic – Alpocalypse (Volcano)
On his new studio album, music parodist Weird Al takes on pop heavyweights Gaga, Cyrus, Swift, Perry, Bieber, and more. But a Weird Al album wouldn’t be a Weird Al album without a polka medley, and he delivers here with “Polka Face.”
The Guess Who – The Best of the Guess Who (Friday Music)
This hit 1971 album from the world-renowned Canadian rock band is now available for the first time ever on 180-gram audiophile vinyl. The Guess Who’s first best-of compilation, the album features a versatile collection of songs including the smash hits “American Woman,” “No Time,” “Undun,” “These Eyes,” “Hand Me Down World,” “Share the Land,” and more.
Incubus – If Not Now, When? (Epic)
Back from hiatus, the multi-platinum rockers return with a new album that is darker, lusher, and more romantic than any of their previous work. Vinyl is a double 180-gram LP.
Joss Stone – LP1 (Stone’d Records/Surfdog)
The new album from soul singer Joss Stone (AKA “Aretha Joplin”) is the first release on her own label and has her creative stamp all over it. Co-writing and co-producing alongside Stone is Eurythmics co-founder Dave Stewart.
Jim Ford – Harlan County (Light in the Attic)
The first stateside reissue of this 1969 blue-eyed country funk and soul album from the American singer-songwriter Jim Ford. Features arrangements by Gene Page (the Righteous Brothers, Barry White, Marvin Gaye) and legendary session musicians Dr. John, Jim Keltner, and James Burton.
Oscar & the Majestics – No Chance Baby, “Baby Under My Skin” / “I Can’t Explain” single (Sundazed)
The ultimate ’60s garage-rock compilation, No Chance Baby is the first-ever collection of Oscar & the Majestics’ complete ’60s output. In addition to the band’s singles for Chicago’s USA Records label, the album includes ultra-rare and unissued material from the personal archives of Oscar Hamod himself. This includes the previously unreleased song “Baby Under My Skin,” also available as a 7-inch single from Sundazed with an earlier, unreleased version of the group’s well-known take on the Who’s “I Can’t Explain” as the B-side.
Boogie Down Productions – Criminal Minded (Traffic Ent.)
Double LP reissue of this cornerstone hip-hop album from 1987. Featuring the sharp lyrics of KRS-One and the hard-hitting beats of DJ Scott La Rock, Criminal Minded not only bore a dancehall reggae influence, it set the stage for East Coast gangsta rap.
Helmet – Strap It On (Original Recordings Group)
The definitive vinyl reissue of Helmet’s innovative 1990 debut. Full of staccato riffs, this explosive alt-metal album has become a cult classic.
The Remains – “Let Me Through”/ “Why Do I Cry” 7-inch single (Sundazed Music)
This 7-inch single features a rare 1966 recording of the Boston band performing “Let Me Through” on the Ed Sullivan Show paired with a live in the studio reworking of their first single “Why Do I Cry.”
Fever Tree – Live 1969 (Sundazed Music)
Previously unreleased concert recording of the Texas garage-rock band’s 1969 performance at Houston’s Mount Carmel High School. 180-gram vinyl pressing.
From the Indie Racks:
Little Dragon – Ritual Union (Peacefrog)
The new album from the Swedish electro-pop quartet is oozing with sweet soul and funk and already being lauded as spellbinding.
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: July 20, 2011
This is a big week for fans of the Ramones, Grandaddy, and ’90s radio. Be prepared to get nostalgic.
Ramones – Ramones (1976), Leave Home (1977), Rocket to Russia (1977), Road to Ruin (1978) (Rhino)
180-gram Rhino reissues of the Ramones’ first four albums will make you scream, “Gabba Gabba Hey!” Full of classic Ramones songs, these albums set the blueprint for punk rock.
T. Rex – Bolan’s Zip Gun (Fat Possum)
Vinyl reissue of T. Rex’s 10th studio album, originally released in 1975. Self-produced by frontman Marc Bolan, Bolan’s Zip Gun features a much sparser sound than the British glam-rock band’s previous work, as well as a futuristic polish that reflected Bolan’s love for science fiction.
Grandaddy – Under the Western Freeway (1997), The Sophtware Slump (2000), Sumday (2003) (The Control Group)
Early Grandaddy vinyl reissues sourced from the master tapes. This marks the first time the Jason Lytle-fronted indie rock band’s debut album, Under the Western Freeway, will appear on vinyl in the US. It’s also the first time in years that fans will be able to enjoy the vintage electronic textures, rustic country tinge, and ornate space-pop of The Sophtware Slump (Grandaddy’s critically acclaimed concept record that made a fan out of David Bowie) and its follow-up, Sumday, on vinyl.
They Might Be Giants – Join Us (Rounder)
After a series of Grammy-winning children’s music releases, the quirky alt-rock veterans return with their 15th full-length album and all the surrealist humor, infectious hooks, and eclecticism of their late-’80s/early-’90s heyday.
Hole – Pretty on the Inside (Plain Recordings)
The oft-overlooked 1991 debut from the Courtney Love-fronted grunge band was produced by Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon and Gumball frontman Don Fleming. Heavily influenced by noise rock and punk, it is easily Hole’s most uninhibited album, and this reissue is all the more relevant as Love opened the shows on Hole’s 2010 tour with the album’s title track.
Eddie Vedder – Ukulele Songs (Universal Republic)
As its title suggests, this 2011 album features a mix of covers and originals performed on ukulele by the Pearl Jam frontman. Vocalists Chan Marshall of Cat Power and Glen Hansard of the Swell Season make guest appearances on this surprisingly tender and beautiful record – now available on vinyl!
Ben Folds Five – Ben Folds Five (Plain Recordings)
Vinyl reissue of the self-titled 1995 debut from the pop/alt-rock trio fronted by pianist extraordinaire Ben Folds. Features the single “Underground.”
Coldplay – “Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall” single (Capitol)
Blue 7-inch vinyl featuring what’s being heralded as the English alt-rock band’s comeback single, “Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall,” and another new song from Coldplay’s forthcoming album titled “Major Minus.”
311 – Universal Pulse (ATO/311 Records)
The ’90s reggae-rock heavyweights return with a new album featuring eight songs tailored toward their live show. Universal Pulse marks 311’s 10th studio album to date.
3 Doors Down – Time of My Life (Republic)
The fifth studio album from the Mississippi alt-rock quintet is sure to satisfy fans with its mix of rockers and power ballads.
Wilco – “I Might” 7-inch (dBpm Records)
In anticipation of Wilco’s highly anticipated eighth studio album (slated for a Fall 2011 release) and in celebration of their new label, dBpm Records, comes this limited-edition 45 rpm 7-inch vinyl. The A-side is the first single from the new album and the B-side is a cover of Nick Lowe’s perfectly apt “I Love My Label.”
Low – Long Division (Plain Recordings)
Vinyl reissue of Low’s sophomore album. Praised as one of the Minnesota slowcore legends’ best, Long Division was originally released in 1995 and is the album on which the trio began embracing English post-punk influences such as Joy Division.
Steve Earle – I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive (New West Records)
Produced by T-Bone Burnett and featuring guests Joan Baez as well as Steve Earle’s wife and fellow country singer Allison Moorer, Earle’s 14th studio album shares its title with a Hank Williams song and Earle’s first novel. Following the Grammy-winning country artist’s album of Townes Van Zandt covers, this 11-track LP is Earle’s first album of new material since 2007’s Washington Square Serenade.
Madeleine Peyroux – Standing on the Rooftop (EmArcy)
The renowned jazz/pop vocalist delves into new sonic realms and embraces an American roots sound on her fifth solo album. Featuring a mix of covers and originals, the double LP includes a haunting version of Robert Johnson’s “Love in Vain,” a banjo-filled take on the Beatles’ “Martha My Dear,” collaborations with former Rolling Stone Bill Wyman, and legendary New Orleans pianist Allen Toussaint.
Portugal. The Man – In the Mountain in the Cloud (Atlantic) / Waiter: You Vultures! (2006), It’s Complicated Being a Wizard EP (2007), Church Mouth (2007) (Approaching AIRballoons)
The sixth full-length album and Atlantic Records debut from these versatile rockers is a psych-glam delight. The cherry on top is three early P.TM vinyl reissues courtesy of the band’s own Approaching AIRballoons label.
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: July 13, 2011
From Nina Simone reissues to an eight-disc Megadeth box set, there are A LOT of new vinyl releases to talk about this week!
Nina Simone – Sings the Blues, To Love Somebody, Here Comes the Sun (4 Men with Beards)
Three incredible 180-gram reissues from jazz great Nina Simone. Her debut for RCA Records, 1967’s Sings the Blues is an album of blues, soul, gospel, folk, and jazz featuring Simone’s signature tunes “I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl,” “Backlash Blues,” and her definitive rendition of Gershwin’s “My Man’s Gone Now” from Porgy and Bess. 1969’s To Love Somebody and 1971’s Here Comes the Sun finds Simone tackling contemporary pop, rock, and folk hits from the Bee-Gees and Dylan to the Beatles and Paul Anka.
Édith Piaf – La Vie En Rose (Cleopatra)
180-gram vinyl pressing of this best-of compilation features the French singer and cultural icon’s most beloved classics including her 1946 signature song “La Vie En Rose.”
Leonard Cohen – Songs of Leonard Cohen (Music on Vinyl Import)
180-gram audiophile vinyl pressing of this monumental 1968 debut from the Canadian musician/poet. One of the first albums in the burgeoning singer-songwriter movement, Songs of Leonard Cohen features some of Cohen’s finest work including “Suzanne,” “Sisters of Mercy,” and “So Long, Marianne.” This album belongs in every record collection!
Lucinda Williams – West (Lost Highway)
180-gram double LP reissue of Lucinda Williams’ critically acclaimed 2007 release. Considered one of the alt-country artist’s most personal and musically adventurous albums, West followed the death of Williams’ mother as well as the end of a love affair, and deals with pain in the most beautiful of ways.
George Thorogood and the Destroyers – 2120 South Michigan Avenue (EMI)
On their new studio album, George Thorogood and the Destroyers pay tribute to their Chess Records heroes and mentors. Named for the address of Chess Records’ Chicago headquarters, the album features Thorogood’s rocking take on classics by Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Howlin’ Wolf, Buddy Guy, Sonny Boy Williamson, Little Walter, and other blues greats, alongside new original tunes. 2xLP.
Quicksilver Messenger Service – Quicksilver Anthology (Friday Music)
Limited-edition 180-gram double vinyl pressing of the out-of-print Quicksilver Anthology. Now fans can revisit the San Francisco acid rock band’s classics like “Fresh Air,” “What About Me,” “Dino’s Song,” and “The Fool” in pure audiophile goodness.
Whitesnake – Live at Donington 1990 (AIS)
This imported triple-vinyl pressing of Whitesnake’s incendiary headlining performance at the 1990 UK Monsters of Rock festival puts the listener right in the center of the action. Features the classic Whitesnake lineup of singer David Coverdale, guitarists Adrian Vandenberg and Steve Vai, bassist Rudy Sarzo, and drummer Tommy Aldridge.
Yes – Fly from Here (Frontiers Records)
Legendary ’70s English prog-rock pioneers return with their first album in a decade! Fly from Here upholds the complex, symphonic arrangements, harmony-filled vocals, and heavy riffs at the heart of this group’s legacy. Appearing for the first time in studio form, the album’s title track is a six-part song suite, originally intended for Yes’ album Drama, that the band has been performing live since 1980.
Uriah Heep – Into the Wild (Frontiers Records)
The new album from seminal ’70s British hard rock band Uriah Heep features 11 new songs that will please any longtime fan.
Jack Bruce and Robin Trower – Seven Moons (V-12 Records)
25 years after their initial collaboration, Cream’s Jack Bruce and Procol Harum’s Robin Trower team up once more for this 2008 album. With drummer Gary Husband, they conjure a bluesy power-trio sound reminiscent of Cream and Hendrix.
Nine Inch Nails – Pretty Hate Machine (UMVD Labels)
Re-mastered vinyl reissue of the industrial rock band’s 1989 breakthrough debut. Features NIN staples like “Head Like a Hole,” “Terrible Lie,” “Down in It,” and “Sin.” (All songs written, arranged, programmed, and performed by Trent Reznor.)
Queensrÿche– Empire (Friday Music)
First-time 180-gram audiophile version of this enduring 1990 hard rock classic, re-mastered from the original tapes and packaged in a limited-edition gatefold jacket. Features the masterpiece hit power ballad “Silent Lucidity.”
Metallica – St. Anger (Warner Bros.)
The latest installment of Metallica reissues is their Grammy-winning 2003 album, St. Anger. Markedly raw and intense, St. Anger stands out from the rest of the group’s catalog in its more modern heavy metal style and lack of guitar solos. Available as a double LP and a deluxe 180-gram 45 rpm 4xLP.
Interpol – “Try It On” Remixes (Matador)
This special 12-inch vinyl release features three remixes of Interpol’s “Try It On” (from the band’s 2010 self-titled album) by Ikonika, Salem, and Banjo or Freakout.
Dead Can Dance – Box Set II (Vinyl 180)
The second DCD vinyl box set from Vinyl 180 contains the Australian ethereal world music duo’s 4AD albums Within the Realm of a Dying Sun (1987), The Serpent’s Egg (1988), and Aion (1990), as well as an exclusive pressing of DCD’s 1984 John Peel Session. Each album has been re-mastered and pressed on 180-gram vinyl, and is presented in a collectible sleeve.
Dead Kennedys – Mutiny on the Bay (Manifesto Records)
The first-ever authorized live album by the ’80s punk band is now available on vinyl! Mutiny on the Bay gathers 14 songs recorded over the course of four shows between 1982 and 1986 in the group’s hometown of San Francisco, including blistering live versions of “Holiday in Cambodia” and “California Über Alles,” DK’s most well-known hits.
Del the Funky Homosapien – Golden Era (The Council)
The new solo album from hip-hop legend Del the Funky Homosapien is now available on vinyl!
Megadeth – Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying? 25th Anniversary Deluxe Box Set (Capitol)
In honor of its 25th anniversary, Megadeth’s Platinum-selling, sophomore breakthrough release Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying? (1986) is now available in an expanded 5xCD and 3xLP box set. Includes previously unreleased and rare mixes of tracks from this heavy metal classic, as well as new liner notes by Metallica’s Lars Ulrich.
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: July 6, 2011
New vinyl to “oooh” and “aaah” at just like Monday’s fireworks:
Alison Krauss & Union Station – Paper Airplane (Rounder)
For her 14th album and follow-up to 2007’s collaboration with Robert Plant, Raising Sand, the 26-time Grammy Award winner Alison Krauss teamed up once again with her longtime bluegrass band, Union Station. Along with engineer Mike Shipley (Maroon 5, The Cars, Joni Mitchell), they recorded this immaculate 11-song collection of blood, sweat and tears.
Brian Eno – Drums Between the Bells (Warp Records)
The collaborative project of ambient music pioneer Brian Eno and poet Rick Holland, Drums Between the Bells was written over the course of the last decade and features Holland’s poetry set to Eno’s textured soundscapes. Available now as a double LP.
The Be Good Tanyas – Blue Horse (Nettwerk Records)
Limited-edition 10th anniversary reissue of the Canadian alt-folk trio’s debut album. As bonus tracks, this 180-gram double LP includes two previously unreleased early recordings by the band featuring founding member Jolie Holland, as well as the song that inspired the band’s name, Obo Martin’s “Be Good Tanya,” in its original form. Also included is a 28-page songbook with sheet music.
Chip Taylor – Rock and Roll Joe (Train Wreck Records)
The man who wrote “Wild Thing” and “Angel of the Morning” has released a tribute album to the unsung heroes of rock and roll. This record is just the beginning of the Rock and Roll Joe project, which promotes and honors the underappreciated musicians, session players, songwriters, producers, and people behind the scenes that have been instrumental in shaping the music we know and love today.
Magic Sam Blues Band – West Side Soul (Delmark)
Cited as one of the greatest electric blues albums, this 1967 classic by Magic Sam and his blues band is available on vinyl once again.
Brian Jonestown Massacre – “Illuminomi”/”There’s a War Going On” (A. Records)
This limited-edition 10-inch is pressed on red vinyl and features two songs, both recorded in the old East German TV and Radio building. “Illuminomi” is a BJM original that is sung in French, while ”There’s a War Going On” is a cover of the Bobby Jameson song from the 1965 album Songs of Protest and Anti-Protest.
Deerhoof – Milk Man (Polyvinyl)
Originally released in 2004, this classic album from the San Francisco art-rockers has been re-mastered and reissued on 180-gram strawberry vinyl, 180-gram banana vinyl, and 180-gram black vinyl to coincide with their performance of it in its entirety at the All Tomorrow’s Parties event in London last week.
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: June 29, 2011
Out this week are some fantastic compilations and reissues that are 100-percent worthy of your record needle. Topping the list is a collection of Buddy Holly covers by everyone from Cee Lo Green to Paul McCartney. Dig in!
Various Artists – Rave On Buddy Holly (Fantasy)
Artists as diverse as Cee Lo Green, Graham Nash, Florence + the Machine, Patti Smith, Modest Mouse, Fiona Apple, and Paul McCartney add their own take to favorites from the rock ‘n’ roll pioneer’s catalog for this exciting 19-track compilation. Released on 180-gram, 45-rpm, double vinyl.
Pat Metheny – What’s It All About (Nonesuch)
This 180-gram double LP stands out from the rest of Pat Metheny’s expansive catalog not because it is a solo acoustic album but because it is the first to feature no Metheny compositions. Instead, the jazz guitarist and composer dedicates the album’s 10 tracks to, as he explains, “some of the music that was on my radar before I ever wrote a note of my own, or in a few cases, even before I played an instrument.” These include Paul Simon’s “The Sound of Silence” and John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s “And I Love Her.”
The Black Crowes – Shake Your Money Maker, Amorica reissues (Plain)
Limited 180-gram vinyl reissues of the Black Crowes’ first and third albums. Released in 1990, their multi-platinum debut Shake Your Money Maker features the Crowes’ hit cover of Otis Redding’s “Hard to Handle” as well as their acoustic ballad “She Talks to Angels.” Amorica, released in 1994, contains the same Southern rock swagger and some of the group’s best songs.
Iron Maiden – From Fear to Eternity: The Best of 1990-2010 (UMe)
Following 2009’s Somewhere Back in Time compilation, which highlighted the English heavy metal band’s earlier work from 1980-1990, From Fear to Eternity gathers both singles and album tracks from Iron Maiden’s last eight studio albums. Triple-vinyl Picture Disc edition.
Alicia Keys – Songs in A Minor Anniversary Edition (Sony Legacy)
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Alicia Keys’ breakthrough debut, the first-ever vinyl edition of Songs in A Minor is now available as a 180-gram double LP. Originally released in 2001, the album earned Keys five Grammys, including Song of the Year for the hit single “Fallin'” and Best R&B Album.
Marianne Faithfull – Horses and High Heels (Naive)
Recorded in New Orleans’ French Quarter with a core of local musicians, Marianne Faithfull’s latest record features four originals and eight covers, including Lesley Duncan’s “Love Song” (made famous by Elton John), Carol King’s “Goin’ Back,” the Shangri-Las’ “Past Present and Future,” and New Orleans R&B legend Allen Toussaint’s “Back in Baby’s Arms.” The album also features the guitar of John Porter and Lou Reed, cameos from Dr. John and MC5’s Wayne Kramer, and one song with lyrics specially written for Faithfull by the Irish playwright Frank McGuiness.
The Sisters of Mercy – First and Last and Always (MoFi)
Limited-edition vinyl reissue of this 1985 goth-rock classic. The Sisters of Mercy’s debut album, First and Last and Always features the group’s original line-up of singer Andrew Eldritch, lead guitarist Gary Marx, rhythm guitarist Wayne Hussey, and bassist Craig Adams, with drums courtesy of their drum machine, Doktor Avalanche.
Bread – The Best of Bread (Friday Music)
Originally released in 1973, this multi-platinum album is now available on 180-gram audiophile vinyl for the first time ever. Included are the group’s soft-rock classics like “Make It With You,” “If,” “Baby I’m-a Want You,” “Diary,” and “Everything I Own.”
Poison – Open Up and Say…Ahh! (Friday Music)
Following the success of Poison’s multi-platinum debut, their sophomore album Open Up and Say…Ahh! proved to be a major milestone for the glam-metal band. Originally released in 1988, it produced the chart-toppers “Nothin’ but a Good Time,” “Fallen Angel,” “Your Mama Don’t Dance,” and the No. 1 power ballad “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.” 180-gram audiophile vinyl reissue with first-time gatefold cover.
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