Tribute albums at this point in the music industry have lost all original purpose. They are merely free publicity for hot bands, up and coming bands, or bands with upcoming albums. Not only is the album a waste of time and money but the labels involved spent more on top-notch production than The Ramones were ever paid on many early tours (forget the inflation argument). Furthermore, shouldn't the Ramones' spirit be preserved by having these hot shot bands record at the same stripped-down level as they did? Let's see how good Green Gay and Metallica sound then. The only "muscles" those bands ever flex is when their producers shoot them with Pro Tools steroids.
Speaking of Metallica, how convenient for them to record a cover "specially" for this tribute album, no build-up implications whatsoever to their new album and tour this summer. And I don't care how long this tribute took to "put together" and "secure the involvement of all the artists," Metallica are cashing in. Listen to Kirk Hammett's heartfelt words of the day. I want to vomit:
"They showed that anyone, and I mean anyone, can join a rock 'n' roll band. It doesn't really matter what you look like, it's all about what you sound like and what your attitude is.
"It enabled the funniest, dorkiest looking guy to put on a leather jacket and feel cool. And that was me.... That was such a powerful thing because it gave me confidence."
OK Kirk, you're the boss. Charlie Benante writes better songs than you in 2003, how does that feel, pencil neck?
