STACK #237 July 2024

MUSIC FEATURE

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There’s nothing quite like taking home some fresh vinyl and putting it on the turntable for the first time. It’s a total experience. Each month we pull together a collection of reissues, JB-exclusives, or just straight-up classic long-players to add to any burgeoning collection. Words: Paul Jones and Chris Mobbs V I N Y L V I T A L

CHART Vinyl

QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE SONGS FOR THE DEAF (2002)

With Songs for the Deaf , not ‘merely’ the best album by the greatest QotSA lineup ever, we got one of the greatest bands ever. Summatively more than singular musicians (and Josh Homme, Nick Oliveri, Dave Grohl, and Mark Lanergan were indeed that), they had an alchemic, volatile brilliance, elevated still further by their cohesion and balance as players and personalities. Josh, then ginger and enticingly coy about his fuzz pedals, was first among equals, of course, but still years and a few

more albums from stifling paternalism. There is always the risk when agendas divide, friendships slide, and new players are hired. In 2002, rock music was a bit like digital cameras were in 2002 – soulless. Meanwhile, Queens released a serving of collard greens, shrimp, and grits, an analogue throwback, at once cute and fierce, like a baby wolverine. It didn’t hurt to bottle lightning with No One Knows , and it didn’t hurt to have Dave Grohl in the engine room. He may have lifted the intro drum pattern

to Song for the Dead from Black Flag’s Slip It In , but then why not? This is what it sounds like when Animal crashes a red cordial truck into a drum factory, which is owned by Lanergan. Sure, it’s a concept album, but it sure ain’t prog. Do your loins a favour and dive in. TOP TRACK: Song for the Dead FAST FACT: Frustrated with the recording sessions of Foo Fighter’s One by One sessions, Dave Grohl jumped at the opportunity to record – and then tour – with Queens of the Stone Age.

1. TAYLOR SWIFT

THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT

2. BILLIE EILISH

HIT ME HARD AND SOFT

3. LANA DEL REY PARADISE EDITION 4. CHARLI XCX BRAT 5. KANYE WEST YE 6. TAYLOR SWIFT MIDNIGHTS 7. TAYLOR SWIFT 1989 (TAYLORS VERSION) 8. TAYLOR SWIFT TAYLOR SWIFT 9. BON JOVI FOREVER 10. TAYLOR SWIFT LOVER

Metallica’s self-titled fifth album, often referred to as the Black Album , was a seismic shift for the band. Released in 1991, it marked a departure from their thrash metal roots towards a more accessible rock foundation, drawing the ire of longstanding fans. It was both a brave and shrewd move that opened the doors to a new audience. From METALLICA BLACK ALBUM (1991) COLOURED VINYL REISSUE Else Matters and The Unforgiven , the album showcased Metallica’s expansive songwriting prowess and willingness to evolve. The reissue features a remastered cut, making the tracks brighter and cleaner. This is an essential addition to any record collection. TOP TRACK: Enter Sandman FAST FACT: Incredibly, the album has sold over 30 million copies globally, and is the biggest heavy metal album of all time. the thunderous anthemic opener Enter Sandman to ballads Nothing SPIDERBAIT TONIGHT ALRIGHT 20th Anniversary Limited edition red vinyl – Out July 26