As a long time Cultist, a fan who owns all the bands albums and box sets, including all the Instant Live Recordings from about a half a decade back (I know, you're happy for me), I feel I can speak with some authority as well as write a excellent run on sentence. COW is an obvious return to form when you compare it to the last "pink" release, I forgot the name, in which Billy Duffy was sonically MIA, Ian sounded winded, the songs were well below par for the band and most importantly it did not respect "The Rock".
Personally, I may hear more of a rebirth, reincarnation or regeneration having listened to COW about 5 times over now (and listening at a reasonably loud volume, through real speakers. The Cult are not an earbud, mp3 player band). The songs, their sound, the mix, the lyrics and the entire vibe of the album seems to incorporate everything the band has ever done...including the early Death Cult albums. COW for me, moves the band to an entirely new level...more mature & less pretentious while still being able to rock out and have something important to say. So, if you are a Cult fan, this album is pretty much a done deal (I got mine at Best Buy yesterday for $9.99 and it is the 2 disc version). I rate it 4th in the same tier as "Electric", "Love" and "Sonic Temple". Because I have a tendency to listen with my "Electric" tinted glasses, I rate COW at 4.5 stars instead of 5. If you are more of a "Love" person, then it may rate a 5. 'Nuff said on that point if you really know this band. For new fans, this is really an excellent place to start. "Place to start" is a phrase very few older rock bands can boast on their current releases. After spending a few weeks digesting this release, you can move back in time to the 3 albums mentioned previously.
And last of all with no disrespect to Jamie or Matt, this is the best rhythm section the band has ever had.
So either add to cart or head over to Best Buy before they close up for good!
****Car experience update - Having listened on my Bose computer speakers for the first half a dozen or so listens, I did not realize how "loud" this recording is. In loud I mean sonically challenged, similar to Metallica's "Death Magnetic". I have read the dynamic range on this recording is very low and some have used the term "brickwalled". I really needed to turn the volume down in my car considerably and found my ears a bit "pissed off" after about 20 minutes of listening. Again, no slam on the music, just the overall "listening experience". I am interested to read if anyone else has noticed this or has any thoughts.....rock on!****
Rating? 8.5/10
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