I can't really explain it. My Metallica fandom started in the late 80s / early 90s. Kill 'em All was the first CD I ever owned. I loved the next few releases, as we all did. I remember when the Black album came out and thought, "What is this?" So when a new Metallica album comes out now, I give a good listen and then shake my head and think, "This isn't like the old stuff–the good stuff." But, I keep going back to 72 Seasons, and it's growing on me.
Perhaps it's my age. I am no spring chicken, as they say. Perhaps, it's my intentional choice of trying to be more open to thoughts and interests and musical styles. I am sure its a formula of those variables and more, but I am still surprised that I keep going back to the album. I mean, look at that cover art:
What am I looking at? A baby exploded and burned stuff? Why did the baby explode? Why did they have an old helmet, and guitar that was too big, and dumbbells? Strange.
Then you read what James said about it:
72 seasons. The first 18 years of our lives that form our true or false selves. The concept that we were told 'who we are' by our parents. A possible pigeonholing around what kind of personality we are. I think the most interesting part of this is the continued study of those core beliefs and how it affects our perception of the world today. Much of our adult experience is reenactment or reaction to these childhood experiences. Prisoners of childhood or breaking free of those bondages we carry.
Okay, okay. It's not so dumb after all. And ... I agree.
Perhaps it's in that agreement, that this albums lyrics, presentation and overall essence resonates, in a way that the other newer albums haven't. So, here's to the new me, lover of new Metallica!
