Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good: A Deep Dive into the Tracklist
The iconic album Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good by Megadeth remains a thrash metal cornerstone, a brutal and blistering testament to the band's early aggression. Released in 1985, it cemented Megadeth's place in the "Big Four" of thrash and continues to influence musicians today. Let's dissect the tracklist, exploring each song's contribution to the album's overall impact.
The Tracklist in Order:
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"Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good": The title track explodes onto the scene with a raw, unbridled energy. This short, sharp shock sets the tone for the entire album, showcasing Dave Mustaine's blistering guitar work and aggressive vocals. It's a declaration of intent, a statement of the album's violent and uncompromising nature.
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"The Skull Beneath the Skin": A relentless assault of speed and fury, this track showcases Megadeth's technical proficiency while maintaining a primal energy. Its fast tempo and intricate riffs are hallmarks of early Megadeth's style.
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"Rattlehead": Often cited as a fan favorite, "Rattlehead" is a more melodic track compared to some of its counterparts. It maintains the album's overall aggressive feel but introduces a slightly more developed song structure and memorable chorus. The song’s unique guitar riff and memorable lyrics make it a staple in Megadeth's live performances.
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"Chosen Ones": This track delves into more complex musical structures, hinting at the progressive elements that would become more prominent in Megadeth's later work. The song explores themes of societal manipulation and blind faith.
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"Wake Up Dead": This track is a powerful statement, its lyrics focusing on the dangers of drug abuse and the consequences of such self-destructive behavior. Musically, it showcases a dynamic range, contrasting fast sections with slower, more deliberate passages.
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"Mechanix": Originally written by Dave Mustaine during his time in Metallica, this track demonstrates the songwriting prowess that would propel Megadeth to success. The song's powerful riff and driving rhythm are undeniably catchy and impactful.
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"Looking Down the Cross": This track provides a slower, more atmospheric counterpoint to the album's predominantly high-energy tracks. It offers a brief respite before diving back into the intensity of the remaining songs.
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"Last Rites/Loved to Deth": This two-part epic closes out the album in a powerful way. "Last Rites" is a heavy and relentless track, while "Loved to Deth" offers a more melancholic and reflective conclusion. The combination of the two perfectly encapsulates the album's blend of aggression and underlying darkness.
Frequently Asked Questions (Addressing potential "People Also Ask" queries):
What is the meaning behind the album title? The title, Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good, is a provocative statement reflecting the album's aggressive and violent themes. It's a bold claim that showcases the band's unapologetic approach to their music.
Is the album considered controversial? Yes, the album's title and lyrical content are undoubtedly controversial, reflecting the band's raw and uncompromising nature at the time of its release. However, this controversy also contributed significantly to the album's notoriety.
How does this album compare to Megadeth's later work? Killing Is My Business... represents a raw, youthful energy that's less polished than Megadeth's later, more technically sophisticated albums. While maintaining a consistent level of aggression, subsequent releases demonstrated greater musical complexity and thematic depth.
What is the significance of "Mechanix"? The inclusion of "Mechanix" is significant as it showcases Mustaine's earlier songwriting, even highlighting his contributions to Metallica's early sound. It demonstrates a continuity in his musical vision, even as he developed his unique style with Megadeth.
This exploration of the Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good tracklist hopefully provides a comprehensive look at this influential and controversial album. Its raw energy and lasting impact continue to resonate with metal fans decades later.
