Metallica Garage Inc. CD

The heavy metal superstars' multi-platinum 1998 compilation. Disc one features new recordings '98 including 'Turn The Page'. 27 tracks. Elektra.

GARAGE INC. includes the GARAGE DAYS RE-REVISITED EP as well as rare B-sides and newly recorded covers.
Metallica: James Hetfield (vocals, guitar); Kirk Hammett (guitar); Cliff Burton (bass); Jason Newsted (bass); Lars Ulrich (drums).
Additional personnel: Jerry Cantrell, Les Claypool, Pepper Keenan, Sean Kinney, Jim Martin, John Popper, Gary Rossington.
Producers: Bob Rock, Metallica, Mark Whitaker.
Engineers include: Randy Staub, Csaba Petocz, Jeffrey Norman.
Disc one recorded at The Plant Studios, Sausalito, California in September & October 1998. Disc two recorded at various locations between 1984 and 1998. Includes liner notes by David Fricke.
"Whiskey In The Jar" won the 2000 Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance.
For many years, Metallica's 1987 EP Garage Days Re-Revisited was the most sought-after item in their catalog; it was constantly bootlegged in the '90s, and often supplemented by a host of covers Metallica had released on singles and compilations throughout the years. By 1998, the band had understandably grown frustrated with this situation and decided to confront the problem head-on by reissuing all these rarities. Savvy businessmen that they are, they also realized they needed to give hardcore fans who already owned all the covers a reason to purchase the new set -- hence, the expansion of the Garage Days EP to the double-disc blowout Garage, Inc. The second disc's rarities are balanced by the first disc's new covers, the bulk of which were recorded following the Reload tour. It shouldn't come as a surprise that these covers recall the blooze 'n' boogie heavy rock of the Loads, but what is a surprise is that Metallica seems to have found their footing in this style through other people's songs. Whether it's Bob Seger, Blue Öyster Cult, Thin Lizzy, Nick Cave, or the all-star jam on Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Tuesday's Gone," the band effortlessly makes the songs seem like their own, through a bizarre mix of respect and ballsy irreverence. Sure, it may not be nearly as raw as early Metallica, but it is a better listen than either of the Load records. And if raw is what you want, the equally diverse disc two provides all the thrills you could hope for. At one time, it might have seemed a little odd that Metallica would cover Budgie, Diamond Head, the Misfits, and Queen, but if Garage, Inc. proves anything, it's that the group's musical instincts, risks, and sense of humor have made them the greatest metal band of the '80s and '90s. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Anybody who's anybody in rock has been in a cover band. Although "cover" has a negative connotation, it is the playing of others' material that forges the identity and agenda of future superstars. Every recorded cover tune from Metallica plus 11 newly recorded covers are included in this double-CD set. They combine to give fans a glimpse into the wide variety of influences that have shaped metal's mightiest band.
Disc one is the new material, and Metallica place their undeniable stamp on each track. Transforming Bob Seger's midtempo "Turn the Page" into a real rocker, and converting Nick Cave's "Loverman" into sheer brutality. Closer to the mark of Metallica's style, a Mercyful Fate medley retains the spirit of the original. James Hetfield's growls give an extra dose of attitude to Thin Lizzy's "Whiskey In The Jar," while an acoustic radio station jam of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Tuesday's Gone" is a southern delight. Disc 2 contains GARAGE DAYS RE-REVISITED, which had been out of print and heavily bootlegged. Rounding out the package are B-sides and one-offs including four Motorhead covers the band rehearsed for Lemmy's birthday party.

Rolling Stone (12/10/99, p.122) - 4 Stars (out of 5) - "...Gloriously hard as the album is, you can't miss Metallica's good natured side coming through..."
Entertainment Weekly (12/18/98, p.84) - "...We'll have to wait until Metallica's next `proper' album to find out if this trip to the garage recharges their batteries. Still, all things considered, GARAGE INC. is an intermittently exhilarating joyride." - Rating: B-
CMJ (12/21/98, p.29) - "...Those who still relate to the adolescent angst of the 'Metallicats' earliest days will find plenty to like on GARAGE INC..."