It seems odd to bring in a new bass player, and then turn down their part for their debut on your 1988 album. However, that's exactly what James Hetfield opted to do to new member, Jason Newstead when ...And Justice For All was released.
Hetfield would later state the reason for the decision was because Newsted tended to double his rhythm guitar parts, so it was hard to tell where his (Hetfield's) guitar started and his (Newsted's) bass left off. Also, the tone on Justice was very scooped – all lows and highs, with very little midrange. Hearing the bass restored in raw cuts off the deluxe version seems to split the fan base, with some saying the decision was right, and others stating the bass should have been included. I suppose that ultimately comes down to each listener.
For those of you familiar with the tragic story, Newsted joining the band was of necessity following the death of original bassist Cliff Burton in 1986. From a retrospective aspect, it would be interesting to know just what Metallica would sound like today had this tragedy not occurred.
...And Justice For All transports me back to a simpler time in life. One where my introduction and subsequent over saturation of it comes from a brother who frequently plays the cassette over his stereo. One where it was followed, typically, by some form of Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, or Def Leppard, all of which filled my younger ears, and ultimately helped craft my tastes for good music.
Though I sat through all one hour and six minutes of the album for today's Retro Spin, the truth of the matter is that I didn't necessarily have to. I know it front to back. It hits that nostalgic sweet spot deep in my soul, and reminds me of how much the 80's rocked, in every sense of the word.
While there are several footnotes in the album which make it a noteworthy entry in the Metallica discography, I would say the most recognizable would be the song One. Though none of the tracks were necessarily played on radios, most likely due to their non commercial sound and length, One benefited from steady rotation on MTV. It's video, at the time, was edgy, and dark. A tone that helped pave the way for the band's mainstream success.
I won't call ...And Justice For All a perfect album. Though it's solid, one particular track stands out as my absolute least favorite, and that would be, The Frayed End Of Sanity. On the opposite spectrum, if I had to choose my favorite, frankly, you wouldn't find it on the album. Instead, it would be the B side to One, The Prince. However, if you tied my hands, and told me I had to choose one from the album, I would probably pick, Dyer's Eve. However, this would be closely followed by To Live Is To Die, One, or Blackened - Depending on my mood for the day.
Unfortunately, Metallica took a sharp left for their follow up, and subsequent future albums, and that was where I quickly lost interest. I suppose with the commercial success of ...And Justice For All that they needed to find a foothold in the world of commercial music, and I don't blame them for that. It just wasn't for me. To me, hearing Metallica on the radio made as much sense as hearing Marilyn Manson.
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| THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS April 19, 1980 |
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| THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS April 19, 1986 |
I've still only heard "One" because I bought the single cassette. Still an outstanding song.
ReplyDeleteThe b-side to the single was equally fantastic, if not more.
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