I take this as a confirmation that the reason the Bush era does not exist is Belladonna. Now, Belladonna singing Black Lodge or Pieces would be a travesty, true. But it's still stupid. I think any band is connected with its history and they should be glad they have such a big musical legacy. No band should be stuck in what they believe is some kind of a "golden era".
Listen to The Greater of Two Evils - Bush singing all the old Joey songs. I'm curious to hear your opinion.
I've listened to this one twice yesterday and here are some thoughts:
- I usually don't like re-recordings, because these are often unnecessary tinkering with the masterpieces by a band way past its prime trying to milk some more money (*cough *cough, Exodus, anyone?) That said, this was not the case. I enjoyed it very much.
- The sound was excellent, it was very clear and juicy. They could, however, polish the performances more - this "live in studio" approach is not my favourite, honestly, whether it's Maiden or Anthrax.
- The Turbin songs are so much improved anyone should buy the album if only because of them. While the debut sounded like sh*t,
this makes you feel the thrash energy. I don't even care Deathrider is much slower here.
- I however do care that many other songs are slower - that wasn't necessary.
- Bush is very solid and fits most of the material.
- He improved Caught in a Mosh, Among the Living, Lone Justice... maybe even Belly of the Beast for me.
- I didn't like him on AIR, NFL and Indians however. He sounds as if he can't handle the former, loses the party atmosphere of NFL and Indians are way too connected with Belladonna in my mind to really appreciate this.
- Also, this album makes the older songs sound overall much more
serious. I don't know whether it's good or bad, but it reminds me of Van Halen a bit - the difference being that while I absolutely can't stand Hagar, I quite like Bush. I have alway respected Anthrax for the fact they don't take themselves all that seriously (just like Tankard in the Teutonic 4) ... though I'm being a hypocrite here, because my favourite album is the much more serious Persistence of Time.
- I love Benante. I know there are better drummers in the metal world, but still, he has this
joie de vivre I really feel and enjoy. More blastbeats in NFL, I say!
- I don't know whether I'm all that happy about Caggiano's "improvements". His solos etc. mostly work, but sometimes I'd prefer him sticking closer to the originals. Connected with that is:
- What the flying f*ck is supposed to be that in the beginning of Madhouse? Yeah, the guitar wailing in the original might have been obnoxious, but this is
worse. Whether it's Ian or Caggiano, the guitarist sounds as if he's having a stroke.
- The tracklist is interesting, with a good flow and not having only the hits, however some of the choices could have been better - I believe Bush would be
amazing on Blood, Time or Gridlock.
Overall, a very good and enjoyable listen. In fact, I put on Sound of White Noise right afterwards and I really enjoyed it! Soon I'll consider Anthrax to be the most consistent of the Big 4.
)
