While browsing the 'web the other day, I came across an interesting tidbit Metallica's latest release "Death Magnetic". Seems that fans think the album's "too loud". Yes - you heard me right. Metallica fans saying that something is too loud.Having developed some understanding of the processes of recording over the past few years, I can relate to the physical aspect of sheer volume gobbling up some of a song's fidelity. Hard rock bands, in general, have been amping up their initial mixes for years - and the results haven't always been pretty. However, when fans of a high profile act like Metallica start meowing their laments about an album's sound mix / fidelity, there may be a reason to take notice. Or better yet . . . post an online petition requesting of the band that they re-mix the album. Statistics indicate over 16,000 fans have now digitally "signed" the petition, meaning that its not just an isolated issue with a handful of fans.
In response, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich is quick to point out that, "there's nothing wrong with the sound quality". And I think he may have a point. Ultimately, my question is this: just when did Metallica fans decide that their armchair music production abilities actually mattered in the bigger scheme of things? Or better yet - that a musical juggernaut like Metallica actually cared what they thought. Really folks, you don't spend (25) years of your life playing speed-metal (*the first (7) or (8) at shitty, smoky, puke-filled, hole-in-the-wall clubs in Podunk, USA), to have to listen to wanna-be record producers tell you how to mix a fuckin' album.
Although I'm not a staunch Metallica fan, I've always been impressed with their approach to music. As in, "we do it OUR way". In the circle of metal culture, few bands have flown as close to the fire as Metallica has. So much so, that one might go as far as saying that they were/are the Led Zeppelin of their generation. Really. Think about it. In metal, who's bigger?
I don't expect that Metallica will cave into populous demands and re-mix "Death Magnetic". I will, however, enjoy reading about it. - - J.
More on the internet:
No comments:
Post a Comment