Review by Ben for Metallica - The $5.98 E.P.: Garage Days Re-Revisited (1987)

Really fun all-cover EP that displays Metallica's influences while giving their own fans something to smile about.

After the tragic death of bassist Cliff Burton, there was some discussion between the remaining members that perhaps Metallica should also be put to rest. Eventually it was agreed that Cliff would never have thrown in the towel and would want Metallica to continue in his absence. It was agreed, after an intense period of mourning, to begin what would turn out to be a very long search for a replacement. Around forty bassists auditioned, including Hammett’s childhood friend Les Claypool from Primus, Troy Gregory from Prong, and Jason Newsted from Flotsam and Jetsam. As strange as it may seem, Claypool was apparently rejected for the simple reason that he was too good, but I can only assume there was more behind the decision than we’re led to believe. The band were very impressed with how prepared Newsted was, having learnt Metallica’s entire set list, and it was decided he would be the one to fill the enormous shoes of Cliff Burton. The band wasted no time and began touring immediately with the new line-up clicking nicely. On their return they set about recording an EP of covers to test out both their new recording studio and their new bassist. The EP was to be named The $5.98 EP: Garage Days Re-Revisited and would contain covers of some the NWOBHM and hardcore songs that had inspired the members of Metallica, and which the guys had rehearsed in Lars Ulrich’s garage.

I generally despise the use of cover songs within full length studio albums. Unless they fit tightly within the tone and themes of the album, they often merely distract and detract from the flow of the album (Megadeth had a bad habit of doing this on their early releases). I’ve always thought they should be limited to bonus tracks, compilations and EPs, which is why I have no issue at all with Garage Days Re-Revisited. Besides, not only are the tracks they chose really entertaining, but everything Metallica touched at this stage immediately turned to gold. It’s not surprising to find a Diamond Head track opening proceedings with Metallica consistently listing the British heavy metal band as one of their biggest influences. Helpless is one of the many Diamond Head tracks that Metallica have covered over the years with Am I Evil? being the first official one when it appeared on the Creeping Death EP in 1983. It’s a good, fist pumping track and it’s not hard to hear how songs like this helped develop the early Metallica sound. Second track The Small Hours was originally performed by Scottish progressive heavy metal band Holocaust. Its purposeful beats and slow heavy riffs gave Newsted a chance to be heard and while the basic structure is much simpler than something Metallica would produce at this stage, it’s a cool track with a haunting tone and has a great breakout lead section in the middle.

The third track was found on the majority of pressings, but it was omitted from the UK version due to local music industry laws regarding the maximum length of EPs. It’s a shame that anyone out there might have a copy that lacks The Wait, as it’s probably the highlight of the release. Killing Joke’s post-punk and industrial edge influenced innumerable bands from Nirvana to Napalm Death. It’s Newsted that really shines in this cranking track, laying down a variety of cool bass grooves, but Hetfield’s digitally effected vocals and long held chorus line are also perfectly executed. The wonderfully titled Crash Course in Brain Surgery was originally by pioneering early metal band Budgie way back in 1971. Once again from England, along with Black Sabbath, they really helped get metal off the ground and Metallica do justice to their influence with yet another enjoyable rocking cover. Garage Days Re-Revisited finishes with Last Caress/Green Hell, which is two separate tracks by American hardcore punk band The Misfits pasted together. It probably should stand out as the weak point of the release, but the lyrics are so distasteful and it’s performed with such vigour that it can’t help raising a smile. Any fan of Metallica should track this EP down, if only to hear some of the music that inspired them to pick up their instruments. You’re unlikely to find it for the $5.98 that’s listed on the cover so I suggest purchasing the Garage Inc. compilation that contains the entire EP plus stacks of other rare and unreleased material.