As noted on my scribbling about Peace Sells, Megadeth is a band I largely ignored during their classic 80s thrash years. As I began to research this title, it became apparent that the general consensus is So Far is the weak link between their two recognized lauded titles Peace Sells and Rust in Peace. This comes as a surprise to me, as I hear the album no better or worse than the others. The opening two tracks alone set the table quite nicely. 'Into the Lungs of Hell' is a fully developed instrumental - an unusual opening move - which then segues into the brilliant 'Set the World Afire'. I found the riffs here to be inventive and exciting. 'Mary Jane' is another highlight which adds in a distinct psychedelic element, not surprising given the title. Not sure I can name too many tracks from the 80s thrash era that incorporated 60s psych into the mix. The one track that seems to escape criticism is the slower and heavier 'In My Darkest Hour' (dedicated to Metallica's Cliff Burton). But if there's one thing I've noticed about thrash albums, it's the slower tracks pack more punch because of the setting. The constant fast pace takes a toll on the ears after awhile.
So what seems to be the problem here among the fan base? One common criticism is the production. It sounds perfectly fine, crisp, and thick to me. But then again I'm listening to the 2004 remaster and not the original. I'm left to guess then that much of this was improved upon. Or not, and folks still don't like it. Then there's the cover of The Sex Pistols' 'Anarchy in the UK'. It seems everyone loses their mind here, as they want to dis the album, and this gives them the ammo they need to do so. It's a pretty straightforward cover, and yes I'd agree it's entirely unnecessary. The problem is it's an awful song by an awful group. Not to say The Sex Pistols don't have their place in history, but songwriting isn't what they built their legacy on. One 3 minute skip track doesn't ruin the whole barrel.
For me, coming to this album some 31 years later, with no preconceived notions nor any kind of peer pressure, I thought it excellent. Lucky me I guess.
CD: 2004 Capitol
Excellent reissue with Mustaine's notes, photos,and lyrics.
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