I like to be born in the era when you could say “I love Metallica” and that people say “it’s very cool band \m/”

now I’m embarrassed to say that, or do I have to clarify that I like the old Metallica

Most bands make the majority of their cash performing live. Record companies are just shitty middlemen that will be phased out in the upcomming years. Albums and recorded work are to spread a band’s art and help others eventually watch you live. By charging people for this recorded work, all you’re doing is limiting your influence while making a small profit selling plastic disks. Newer bands usually don’t mind their work being distributed, as they gain a following very quickly this way, wheras old farts who generally have enough money expect their old work in their prime years to pay for more vacation homes.

I personally really don’t like metal and prefer 30-40s jazz. I practice the organ regularly.

I just find it hilarious that so many people get offended by a band selling their music – how dare they want remuneration for the money they invest in their work.

And again, I think it’s hilarious that people instantly hop out and point fingers at the band MEMBERS for this sort of thing, instead of the record managers, label, etc. I seriously doubt Hetfield or Hammett had anything to do with how and what the album will be released with. Ulrich? He’s probably fisting his asshole in glee about the money he (might) make with this. Hell, he’s probably fisting his asshole just to do it, anyway.

I’ll wait until I actually hear the music (however I acquire it) to make any judgments on the actual band output. I don’t think anyone isn’t disappointed at how much of a clusterfuck things have been around the release of this album, and it just makes me think even more that Hetfield and Hammett need to leave, find a good bassist and drummer, and start a new band on their own label. Hell, thrash is coming back anyway, so it’d work.

I think these special editions have nothing to do with their music. They can release all the special editions they want it doesn’t mean they have new shit to sell. When they come out with some new music, THATS when I’m judging Metallica

the problem here is that these particular choices just seemed destined to push them further into irrelevance.

as far as i can tell, the situation here is that axl WANTS the album to be good. he wants it to be a return to form, and he kind of wants to relive the experience of listening to “lightning” for the first time. i can’t blame him — i want those things too. and it’s disappointing when all the decisions surrounding the release of an album you’re hoping against all odds will be great just seem to indicate otherwise.

But yeah, Metallica is just trying to make a buck and that’s fine. Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails also released special editions and box sets for their latest albums and made a shit-load from them too. Releasing free mp3′s didn’t seem to harm their sales one bit. Metallica just aren’t willing to take that risk (not surprisingly), which kinda sucks for us.. but not really because Demonoid still exists lol.

I say let them have their cash, they dedicated their entire lives to the band, and anybody who dedicates themselves like that to anything deserves to reap the benefits that come along with it. Simple as that. Shame that they can’t be a bit more charitable but I could really care less.

Take advantage of the advantages you have.