new metallica single
http://metallica.com/index.asp?item=601119

the good:
- sounds like "fade to black" meets "one"
- production is decent
- lyrics aren't off-the-charts embarrassing
- really good main guitar melody
- totally RAD two-guitar harmony solos at the end

the bad:
- sounds A LOT like "fade to black" meets "one"
- hetfield straddles the line between good het and bad het, vocal-wise
- song is a little overwritten
- lars' drumming is very bland, even more than usual

all in all, if this is the "ballad" of the album, i'm still very excited to hear the whole thing. this might be something that works really well in the context of the record.

it's easily better than their last 15 years of bullshit. it sounds like a metal band trying to kick ass and blow minds. whether they do is up to the listener. my mind isn't blown, but it's nice that they're making an effort.

they were my heroes, growing up. i've always wanted them to do well again. this is pretty acceptable. never thought i'd hear anything like this from them ever again, this far removed from their prime, after so much total garbage.

/end street team