From: bigdave@tdd.sj.nec.com (David Sweeney  x2987)
Newsgroups: alt.rock-n-roll.metal.metallica
Subject: Re: MetalliSellout
Keywords: cheese, skank, Bobster
Date: 10 Apr 92 21:56:17 GMT
Organization: NEC-AM TDD, San Jose, Ca. (Damage, Inc.)

I can't resist - I have to add my $.02 to the MetalliBob slamfest...

   To give you a background, let me say that I've been an avid (or is that 
'rabid'?) fan since RTL was released.  Personally, I think that "Smell The 
Glove" (sorry, "Metallica" :) ) is their weakest album.  The production is 
excellent (great sound and mix) but the songwriting has become oversimplified 
and the lyrics didn't have the incisiveness that they used to.  When I heard 
the chorus of "Enter Sandman" I nearly puked.  Simple power chords and 
Hetfield's annoying vocal 'ah!'s sound very contrived.  At first, I attributed 
the change in direction to the bad influence of Bob Rock (probably my least 
favorite producer), but I've read several interviews in which Ulrich and 
Hetfield discussed their wish to simplify their sound and songwriting style.  
The Bobster was just a way to help them achieve the sound they wanted.  

   I don't think the members of Metallica 'sold out' or made the new album for 
profit.  I think that their huge success has moved them away from their old 
values and lifestyles.  How angry can you be at a society that has rewarded you 
with fame and millions of dollars?  They aren't on the outside looking in 
anymore - now _they're_ the establishment.  To their credit, they have retained 
their musical integrity - they're still doing whatever the hell they want to 
do.  (Accepting the Bammy award from a public restroom?  RAH!)  At least they 
didn't pull a Guns&Roses (lose guts at the same rate you gain money).  

(BTW:  Who thought up the self-titled black album cover concept?  Didn't it 
occur to anyone in the band that it's very Spinal Tap-esque?  Looks like 
_someone's_ a little out of touch, eh?)

    Regarding the slam pit at Metallica shows:  Don't bother.  Most places as 
big as the arenas that Metallica plays at have ridiculously heavy security or 
fixed seats (or both!) so moshathons(tm) are impossible.  Actually, there's a 
good reason not to permit pits at arena shows - too fucking dangerous.  Too 
many people have gotten seriously hurt in mob situations like that (someone 
died when Metallica opened for Ozzy in L.A. a few short years ago...).  If you 
want to skank to your heart's content, go to a club or theater show.  I suggest 
Fugazi or Primus!  Last time I saw Primus, _everyone_ was slammin' - in front, 
on the side, in the lobby...  scared the hell out of the security there!

Anyway, I still think 'Master Of Puppets' was their best album, from a musical 
and a lyrical standpoint.  Maybe their next one will be better.

-------------------------------------------Dave "But I Didn't Inhale!" Sweeney
-----------------------bigdave@texas.tdd.sj.big.huge.scary.corporation.nec.com

"Damned if you do, and if you don't - DAMN!"   --NoMeansNo
From: mort@hpfcso.FC.HP.COM (Jeff Mortensen)
Date: Tue, 7 Apr 1992 01:45:17 GMT
Subject: Re: What's going on?
Organization: Hewlett-Packard, Fort Collins, CO, USA