High Octane Cult
There were two essential qualities to the Cult's music: Billy Duffy's soaring guitar lines and Ian Astbury's distinctive vocals. When that partnership dissolved in 1995, the Cult floundered.High Octane Cultwisely focuses on the band's better years, from the release ofLovein 1985 toSonic Templein 1989, including hits like "Fire Woman" and "She Sells Sanctuary." The fact that the latter turned up in a car commercial both indicates the Cult's position in the pop-metal pantheon and serves as a depressing reminder of the fate of much guitar-oriented rock. At least the same thing hasn't happened toMetallica.--Genevieve Williams