Mediabase

Newsletters

« Previous Week    Next Week »

Week Ending:
19 July 2025

Newsletter

 

Album Of The Week

How Do We Rate Album Of The Week?

TheBigBlack


Ramones Logo

Brain Drain

Ramones - Brain Drain (1989)

[Punk]

United States

Rating - 3 Stars

By the mid to late 1980s the popularity of Ramones was on the decline. Punk had taken on many new guises, most of them more aggressive and socially-engaged. They were a band of another generation, and to the new punk fans, nothing more than a legacy act. Clearly noticing the decreasing record sales the band began returning to their roots in their late 80s output. Although they themselves later said it wasn't a favourite (mostly due to the infighting amongst the members during the recording), 1989's Brain Drain was not only an album that felt genuine and mature, it also felt like it was readying the band for the decade to come - a decade that would eventually find Ramones fashionable again. The raucous 'I Believe In Miracles' opens the album, and although musically there is nothing new, the lyrics are deeper than the band is usually known for. It's a great opener that fires up the listener with its punch and purpose. 'Zero Zero UFO' is more in line with the usual Ramones whacky lyrics, but it a great high-speed track. The album continues with great muscular riffs for the next few tracks, and the band feel energised and committed to the material. 'Punishment Fits The Crime' almost feels more of a metal anthem than punk, with a great crunch in the guitar tone. It isn't all great though - 'All Screwed Up' is pretty cheesy and dates the album to the time-period, and 'Pet Sematary' (the song for the movie of the same name) is not bad, but just a bit of an sore fit amongst the other tracks. 'Come Back, Baby' is a pseudo-ballad, but Joey Ramone's vocal range was never designed for softer songs. For the most part though, tracks like these are buried amongst punchy punk anthems like 'Learn To Listen' and 'Ignorance Is Bliss'. It all ends a bit flat with the seasonal 'Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight)', which is not only a song you can only play at one time of the year - but isn't really a song you would want to play at all. Although not their greatest album, when listening to the faster tracks early Green Day and The Offspring come to mind, and there is clearly influence here. If making sure they still mattered was the intent of the band, they did that with this album - making a set of catchy songs that carried the legacy of their early album on its shoulders.

mindkiller8


Fear Factory Logo

Demanufacture

Fear Factory - Demanufacture (1995)

[Metal (Industrial)]

United States

Rating - 3 Stars

Celebrating 30th year anniversary this month (June 2025) seems appropriate to review a favourite band of mine and their sophomore release following on from Soul Of A New Machine (1992) and the E.P. Fear Is A Mindkiller (1993), It was an incredibly impressive set of music across 3 releases. In the path of the likes of Ministry, it was a period of me loving Industrial Metal releases. However, if you compare the two, their sound is miles part in my view, but I won't get into that now. Demanufacture - as many punters say and I agree, was the commencement the period of the classic line up for the band, with Burt, Dino, Raymond and Christian. Over the years the door has swung a lot, including the atomic clock himself (Hoglan). In any case, for me, the band could do no wrong. I got the impression that writing and recording songs was as simple as spreading butter on a piece of toast. They had an approach to their writing and recording of music that wasn't going to mess around with tempo changes and guitar solos. Their craft simply focused on frenetic ear bursting sound, however with a secret unique weapon. That is Burt's vocals brutal and soulful. He switches perfectly between the two which again provided a differential for the band. Highlights of the release certainly have to start with first track. It perfectly sums up all you will hear from the band. Face mashing guitars, frenetic drum beats and Burt starting with his howling before engagement with the growls. ''I've got no more goddam regrets'' on repeat is just brilliant. A perfect opener that hooks the listener into their lair. From here it becomes hard as every track has a different delivery approach. 'New Breed' is another standout. As we have come to learn, the band love to include a cover - 'Dog Day Sunrise' delivers on this this and deserves a shout out. However, if I am to be honest, the album does fall flat in the middle part. As much as I am a devotee to the band, thinking they can do no wrong, this record doesn't reach the highs of a previous L.P. and E.P. sadly.


Core Discographies: New Additions

These are new releases available in the Core Discographies this week.

Remember, Core Discographies accepts Requests. Click HERE to request your favourite album to be included.

Click on any links below to see release details.


United States MP3
Available FLAC
Available
Live From The Astroturf

Alice Cooper
Live From The Astroturf

[Album]
30 September 2022
Classic Rock

'Live From The Astroturf' is the twelfth live album by Alice Cooper. It was originally released in truncated form on Record Store Day 2018, before receiving a worldwide release as a full concert in 2022. It is performed by the original line-up of the Alice Cooper band.

Alice Cooper (born Vincent Damon Furnier; February 4, 1948) is an American rock singer and songwriter whose career spans sixty years. Originating in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1964, Alice Cooper was originally a band with roots extending back to a band called The Earwigs. After the band broke up, Furnier legally changed his name to Alice Cooper and began a solo career in 1975. With a raspy voice and a stage show that features numerous props and stage illusions, including pyrotechnics, guillotines, electric chairs, fake blood, reptiles, baby dolls, and dueling swords, Cooper is considered by many music journalists and peers to be "The Godfather of Shock Rock". He has drawn equally from horror films, vaudeville, and garage rock to pioneer a macabre and theatrical brand of rock designed to shock audiences. Over his career, he has sold well over 50 million records.

Performer(s):

Alice Cooper Alice Cooper - Vocals [Member]

Sweden MP3
Available FLAC
Available
Morbid Ascent

Grave
Morbid Ascent

[E.P.]
26 August 2013
Death Metal

'Morbid Ascent' is the third E.P. by Grave.


-Various- MP3
Available FLAC
Available
Moonfog 2000, A Different Perspective

Various Artists
Moonfog 2000, A Different Perspective

[Album; Compilation]
?? June 2000
-Various-

'Moonfog 2000, A Different Perspective' is a various artists compilation by Moonfog Records. The first half is new tracks, whilst the second half is previously released.


United States MP3
Available FLAC
Available
Rocket To Russia

Ramones
Rocket To Russia

[Album]
4 November 1977
Punk

'Rocket To Russia' is the third studio album by Ramones. It is the band's last album to feature original drummer Tommy Ramone, who left the band in 1978 to focus on production.

Ramones were an American punk rock band formed in the New York City neighborhood Forest Hills, Queens in 1974. Known for helping establish the punk movement in the United States, the Ramones are often cited as the first true punk band. Though achieving little commercial success, the band is seen today as highly influential in punk culture. In 1996, after a tour with the Lollapalooza music festival, they played a farewell concert in Los Angeles and disbanded. They are ranked number 26 in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Artists Of All Time" and number 17 in VH1's "100 Greatest Artists Of Hard Rock". In 2002, Ramones were ranked the second-greatest band of all time by Spin, trailing only The Beatles.


Sweden MP3
Available FLAC
Available
Wreckage

Entombed
Wreckage

[E.P.]
6 October 1997
Death Metal

'Wreckage' is the fourth E.P. by Entombed.

Label(s):

Music For Nations Music For Nations (Region: U.K. / Europe)
Shock Shock (Region: Australia)

United States MP3
Available FLAC
Available
!!!Fuck You!!! And Then Some

Overkill
!!!Fuck You!!! And Then Some

[Album; Compilation]
22 October 1996
Thrash Metal

'!!!Fuck You!!! And Then Some' is an expanded reissue by Overkill. It combines the two E.P.s 'Overkill' (1985) and '!!!Fuck You!!!' (1987), with additional bonus live tracks.

Overkill is an American thrash metal band, formed in 1980 in New Jersey. Along with Nuclear Assault and Anthrax, the latter of whom would feature one-time Overkill lead guitarist Dan Spitz, the band is one of the most successful East Coast thrash metal bands, and they are often called 'the Motorhead of thrash metal', based on their unique playing style, which was influenced by punk rock and the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). The band has sold over 16 million records worldwide; they are also estimated to have sold more than 625,000 records in the U.S. since the beginning of the SoundScan era.

Label(s):

Megaforce Records Megaforce Records (Region: U.S.A.)
Steamhammer Records Steamhammer Records (Region: Europe)

Location(s):

The Ritz (New York) The Ritz (New York) Some tracks.

-Various- MP3
Available FLAC
Available
Songs In The Key Of X (Music From And Inspired By The X-Files)

Various Artists
Songs In The Key Of X (Music From And Inspired By The X-Files)

[Album; Compilation; Soundtrack]
19 March 1996
-Various-

'Songs In The Key Of X (Music From And Inspired By The X-Files)' is a compilation album released in association with the American science fiction television series The X-Files. The album contained a mixture of songs that were either featured in the series, or shared thematic elements with it. It peaked at No. 47 on the Billboard 200 album sales chart after its release. The album's title is a play on the title of Stevie Wonder's 1976 album 'Songs In The Key Of Life'.


Sweden MP3
Available FLAC
Available
Live In Vienna '93

Unleashed
Live In Vienna '93

[Album]
1 October 1993
Death Metal

'Live In Vienna '93' is the first live album by Unleashed. It was released to block sales of a bootleg recording of the same show.

Unleashed is a Swedish death metal band that was formed in 1989 by Johnny Hedlund in Stockholm. Common lyrical themes found in the band's music include Viking culture, recollection of a pre-Christian world, and Norse folklore. A number of their recent songs also contain references to J. R. R. Tolkien. Unleashed (along with Dismember, Entombed and Grave) is considered one of 'The Big Four' of Swedish death metal.

Label(s):

Century Media Century Media (Region: International)

United Kingdom MP3
Available FLAC
Available
Time Takes Time

Ringo Starr
Time Takes Time

[Album]
22 May 1992
Classic Rock

'Time Takes Time' is the tenth studio album by Ringo Starr. His first studio album since 1983's 'Old Wave', it followed a successful 1989 tour with his first All-Starr Band. It was a critically-acclaimed comeback album, and featured several celebrity guests including Brian Wilson, Harry Nilsson and Electric Light Orchestra front-man Jeff Lynne.

Sir Richard Starkey MBE (born 7 July 1940), known professionally as Ringo Starr, is an English musician, songwriter and actor who achieved international fame as the drummer for the Beatles. Starr occasionally sang lead vocals with the group, usually for one song on each album. Starr's playing style, which emphasised feel over technical virtuosity, influenced many drummers to reconsider their playing from a compositional perspective. He also influenced various modern drumming techniques, such as the matched grip, tuning the drums lower, and using muffling devices on tonal rings. In 2011, Rolling Stone readers named him the fifth-greatest drummer of all time. He was inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, as a Beatle in 1988 and as a solo artist in 2015, and appointed a Knight Bachelor in the 2018 New Year Honours for services to music.

Performer(s):

Ringo Starr Ringo Starr - Vocals / Drums [Member]

United States MP3
Available FLAC
Available
Live And Rare

Jane's Addiction
Live And Rare

[Album; Compilation]
25 September 1991
Alternative Rock

'Live And Rare' is a compilation album by Jane's Addiction. The release is a collection of early b-sides, demos, and live cuts.

Jane's Addiction is an American alternative rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 1985. They were one of the first bands from the early 1990s alternative rock movement to gain both mainstream media attention and commercial success in the United States.

Performer(s):

Perry Farrell Perry Farrell - Vocals [Member]
Dave Navarro Dave Navarro - Guitar [Member]

Sweden MP3
Available FLAC
Available
Into The Grave

Grave
Into The Grave

[Album]
1 August 1991
Death Metal

'Into The Grave' is the debut album by Grave.


Sweden MP3
Available FLAC
Available
Like An Ever Flowing Stream

Dismember
Like An Ever Flowing Stream

[Album]
28 May 1991
Death Metal

'Like An Ever Flowing Stream' is the debut album by Dismember.


United States MP3
Available FLAC
Available
Live It Up

Crosby, Stills & Nash
Live It Up

[Album]
26 June 1990
Folk Rock

'Live It Up' is the sixth studio album by Crosby, Stills & Nash, and their fourth studio album in the trio configuration. It peaked at No. 57 on the Billboard 200 with current sales of 300,000. It is the first of their studio albums not to gain either a gold or platinum certification by the RIAA.

Crosby, Stills & Nash (CSN) was a folk-rock supergroup made up of the American singer-songwriters David Crosby and Stephen Stills and the English singer-songwriter Graham Nash. When joined by the Canadian singer-songwriter Neil Young as a fourth member, they were called Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (CSNY). They are noted for their intricate vocal harmonies and lasting influence on American music and culture, as well as their political activism and often tumultuous interpersonal relationships.


Australia MP3
Available FLAC
Available
Hunters & Collectors

Hunters & Collectors
Hunters & Collectors

[Album]
26 July 1982
Rock

'Hunters & Collectors' is the self-titled debut studio album by Hunters & Collectors. The album peaked at No. 21 on the Australian Kent Music Report Albums Chart and No. 14 on the New Zealand Albums Chart.


Australia MP3
Available FLAC
Available
Icehouse

Flowers
Icehouse

[Album]
10 October 1980
Rock

'Icehouse' is the debut studio album by Flowers. The title and the artist are sometimes incorrectly swapped, because the band changed their name from Flowers to Icehouse after this album was released.


Core Discographies: This Year's Releases Coming Soon

These are new releases coming to Core Discographies soon.

All new releases are available.

Digital Library: Tagged Releases

These are new releases completed in the Digital Library this week.

Digital Library Links: Digital Library

Click on any links below to see release details.


United States
MP3
Complete
FLAC
Complete
Live From The Astroturf

Alice Cooper
Live From The Astroturf

[Album]
30 September 2022
Classic Rock

'Live From The Astroturf' is the twelfth live album by Alice Cooper. It was originally released in truncated form on Record Store Day 2018, before receiving a worldwide release as a full concert in 2022. It is performed by the original line-up of the Alice Cooper band.

Performer(s):

Alice Cooper Alice Cooper - Vocals [Member]

Sweden
MP3
Complete
FLAC
Complete
Wreckage

Entombed
Wreckage

[E.P.]
6 October 1997
Death Metal

'Wreckage' is the fourth E.P. by Entombed.

Label(s):

Music For Nations Music For Nations (Region: U.K. / Europe)
Shock Shock (Region: Australia)

United States
MP3
Complete
FLAC
Complete
!!!Fuck You!!! And Then Some

Overkill
!!!Fuck You!!! And Then Some

[Album; Compilation]
22 October 1996
Thrash Metal

'!!!Fuck You!!! And Then Some' is an expanded reissue by Overkill. It combines the two E.P.s 'Overkill' (1985) and '!!!Fuck You!!!' (1987), with additional bonus live tracks.

Label(s):

Megaforce Records Megaforce Records (Region: U.S.A.)
Steamhammer Records Steamhammer Records (Region: Europe)

Location(s):

The Ritz (New York) The Ritz (New York) Some tracks.

-Various-
MP3
Complete
FLAC
Complete
Songs In The Key Of X (Music From And Inspired By The X-Files)

Various Artists
Songs In The Key Of X (Music From And Inspired By The X-Files)

[Album; Compilation; Soundtrack]
19 March 1996
-Various-

'Songs In The Key Of X (Music From And Inspired By The X-Files)' is a compilation album released in association with the American science fiction television series The X-Files. The album contained a mixture of songs that were either featured in the series, or shared thematic elements with it. It peaked at No. 47 on the Billboard 200 album sales chart after its release. The album's title is a play on the title of Stevie Wonder's 1976 album 'Songs In The Key Of Life'.


Sweden
MP3
Complete
FLAC
Complete
Live In Vienna '93

Unleashed
Live In Vienna '93

[Album]
1 October 1993
Death Metal

'Live In Vienna '93' is the first live album by Unleashed. It was released to block sales of a bootleg recording of the same show.

Label(s):

Century Media Century Media (Region: International)

United Kingdom
MP3
Complete
FLAC
Complete
Time Takes Time

Ringo Starr
Time Takes Time

[Album]
22 May 1992
Classic Rock

'Time Takes Time' is the tenth studio album by Ringo Starr. His first studio album since 1983's 'Old Wave', it followed a successful 1989 tour with his first All-Starr Band. It was a critically-acclaimed comeback album, and featured several celebrity guests including Brian Wilson, Harry Nilsson and Electric Light Orchestra front-man Jeff Lynne.

Performer(s):

Ringo Starr Ringo Starr - Vocals / Drums [Member]

Sweden
MP3
Complete
FLAC
Complete
Into The Grave

Grave
Into The Grave

[Album]
1 August 1991
Death Metal

'Into The Grave' is the debut album by Grave.


United States
MP3
Complete
FLAC
Complete
Live And Rare

Jane's Addiction
Live And Rare

[Album; Compilation]
25 September 1991
Alternative Rock

'Live And Rare' is a compilation album by Jane's Addiction. The release is a collection of early b-sides, demos, and live cuts.

Performer(s):

Perry Farrell Perry Farrell - Vocals [Member]
Dave Navarro Dave Navarro - Guitar [Member]

United States
MP3
Complete
FLAC
Complete
Live It Up

Crosby, Stills & Nash
Live It Up

[Album]
26 June 1990
Folk Rock

'Live It Up' is the sixth studio album by Crosby, Stills & Nash, and their fourth studio album in the trio configuration. It peaked at No. 57 on the Billboard 200 with current sales of 300,000. It is the first of their studio albums not to gain either a gold or platinum certification by the RIAA.


Australia
MP3
Complete
FLAC
Complete
Hunters & Collectors

Hunters & Collectors
Hunters & Collectors

[Album]
26 July 1982
Rock

'Hunters & Collectors' is the self-titled debut studio album by Hunters & Collectors. The album peaked at No. 21 on the Australian Kent Music Report Albums Chart and No. 14 on the New Zealand Albums Chart.


Australia
MP3
Complete
FLAC
Complete
Icehouse

Flowers
Icehouse

[Album]
10 October 1980
Rock

'Icehouse' is the debut studio album by Flowers. The title and the artist are sometimes incorrectly swapped, because the band changed their name from Flowers to Icehouse after this album was released.


United States
MP3
Complete
FLAC
Complete
Rocket To Russia

Ramones
Rocket To Russia

[Album]
4 November 1977
Punk

'Rocket To Russia' is the third studio album by Ramones. It is the band's last album to feature original drummer Tommy Ramone, who left the band in 1978 to focus on production.


Digital Library: New Additions

These are new releases added in the Digital Library this week. These will be tagged at a future date.

Digital Library Links: Digital Library

Click on any links below to see release details.


Bruce Springsteen
Tracks II, The Lost Albums

[Album; Compilation]
2025
Classic Rock


Burning Witches
The Dark Tower

[Album]
2023
Heavy Metal


Buzzcocks
Sonics In The Soul

[Album]
2022
Punk


Burning Witches
The Witch Of The North

[Album]
2021
Heavy Metal


Burning Witches
Dance With The Devil

[Album]
2020
Heavy Metal




Bob Dylan
The Music Which Inspired 'Girl From The North Country'

[Album; Compilation]
2018
Classic Rock


Burning Witches
Hexenhammer

[Album]
2018
Heavy Metal


Burning Witches
Burning Alive

[E.P.]
2018
Heavy Metal



Burning Witches
Burning Witches

[Album]
2017
Heavy Metal


Grave
Out Of Respect For The Dead

[Album]
2015
Death Metal



Grave
Death Unhallowed

[Album; Compilation]
2010
Death Metal


Grave
Dominion VIII [Limited Edition]

[Album]
2008
Death Metal


Grave
As Rapture Comes

[Album]
2006
Death Metal



Cattle Decapitation & Caninus
Spilt E.P.

[E.P.]
2005
Death Metal (Grindcore)


Buzzcocks
The Complete Singles Anthology

[Album; Compilation]
2004
Punk


Grave
Fiendish Regression

[Album]
2004
Death Metal


Grave
Back From The Grave

[Album]
2003
Death Metal


Buzzcocks
Ever Fallen In Love, Buzzcocks Finest

[Album; Compilation]
2002
Punk


Cat Stevens
In Search Of The Centre Of The Universe

[Album; Compilation]
2001
Folk Rock


Bruce Springsteen
Tracks

[Album; Compilation]
1998
Classic Rock


Buzzcocks
All Set

[Album]
1996
Punk


Grave
Hating Life

[Album]
1996
Death Metal


Grave
Soulless

[Album]
1994
Death Metal




Grave
.And Here I Die. Satisfied

[E.P.]
1993
Death Metal


Grave
You'll Never See.

[Album]
1992
Death Metal


Buzzcocks
Time's Up

[Album]
1991
Punk


Grave
Into The Grave

[Album]
1 August 1991
Death Metal

'Into The Grave' is the debut album by Grave.


Buzzcocks
Product

[Album; Compilation]
1989
Punk


Flowers
Icehouse

[Album]
10 October 1980
Rock

'Icehouse' is the debut studio album by Flowers. The title and the artist are sometimes incorrectly swapped, because the band changed their name from Flowers to Icehouse after this album was released.


Buzzcocks
Singles Going Steady

[Album; Compilation]
1979
Punk



Buzzcocks
Love Bites

[Album]
1978
Punk



Ramones
Rocket To Russia

[Album]
4 November 1977
Punk

'Rocket To Russia' is the third studio album by Ramones. It is the band's last album to feature original drummer Tommy Ramone, who left the band in 1978 to focus on production.


TheBigBlack's Last.FM Listening History

Select the stats you want to view from the drop-lists.

Total tracks:
Total unique tracks:
Song Repetition:





Total tracks:
Total unique tracks:
Song Repetition:





« Previous Week    Next Week »

Back To Top

⚠️ Known Page Issues

ID Details Status Priority
528 Years prior to the current do not show 'This Year's Releases Coming Soon' on Newsletters. New 3 (Low)

Last Data Update: | Site Updates | File Tagging Standards

Mediabase

Contact TheBigBlack | © 2018-2026 TheBigBlackMachine.com

Mediabase 2.0 is a new version of the site being rebuilt, page by page, line by line. Same old look, but with a new engine. You may see an error or two, but don't worry - it will all run smoothly soon.

In the meantime Mediabase 1.0 is still available here.