Electric (Remastered) [Original recording remastered]

The guys began writing and recording for their next album, which was to be titled, "Peace." They recorded the bulk of the songs at a place called "The Manor." The recordings sounded like the "Love" sesions, except for one small difference--Billy Duffy perfected the art of "new" rock--every song had 3-5 guitar tracks. Every song sounded like there were 4 or 5 guitars playing at once. One playing a lead, one rhythm, and 1 or 2 overplaying harmonics, a catchy little 3 note riff, or a crunchy droning power chord. The song "Outlaw," for instance, is as loud and rocking as "The Phoenix," except there are MORE guitars...Billy plays solos right over top of Ian's vocals, like on "Phoenix." I could go on and on...I was blown away by the Manor Sessions, plain and simple. It was "Love" with no slow mellow songs! Ian and Billy weren't satisfied, had a falling out with the producer (who, unbelieveably, was giving Ian and Billy virtual free-reign in the studio) and after receiving advice that the newly recorded "Peace" (the Manor Sessions) was never going to be a big hit in the USA, they move their home base to America, and re-recorded every song under the direction of Def Jam psycho metal-head/rap producer Rick Rubin. EVERYTHING CHANGED! "Wild Flower" for example, became the American version of the song "Love" (listen to the music--it's the same notes, put to a different drum beat)...Aphrodisiac Jacket and Born to be Wild were composed (well, not BTBW) and recorded on the spot, mostly by Rubin, and many of the other songs were reduced (guitar-wise) to fit this new hollow, shallow, "70's rock" biker/Easy Rider sound. Thing was, 70-s rock songs didn't have very many guitar tracks--the technology was just not there! Rubin decided "Electric" would be a better record title. Rubin also added some of his own guitar tracks to the recording. I think Ian and Billy relied too heavily on others' advice (like they always do) and redid a perfect album to make it an American 70's rock album.

I love "Electric," but I prefer the Manor Sessions. If you are a fan of "Love" (one of the greatest CDs I've ever purchased) songs like "Phoenix," "Hollow Man," "Love," "Big Neon Glitter" and "She Sells Sanctuary," do yourself a favor and find the Manor Sessions. I guarantee you will be shocked to hear these earlier recordings: the wall of guitars, the fierce SINGING vocals of Ian (not the loud yelling he did for Rubin's recordings)...this is why I can only give "Electric," one of my favorite CDs, 4 Stars...I know what it was and where it came from. Anyone who owns this CD needs to get the earlier recordings, and vice versa.

Make no mistake, though, Electric is magnetic. 'Wild Flower' is an instantly likeable song, as is the familiar 'Born to Be Wild' (a nice remake effort). 'Lil' Devil' is AC/DC bread and butter sound. 'Love Removal Machine' actually seemed like an early version of 'She Sells Sanctuary' to me, but I liked it nonetheless.

The debate will rage as to which Cult release is their best (personally, I would lean toward Sonic Temple), but Electric deserves to be in the running, even though it is somewhat unoriginal. The Cult does well to demonstrate an all-too formulaic 80's metal sound in Electric.

If you are a hardcore Cult fan, then you must own this CD. If you love AC/DC, this CD is for you. Otherwise, I'd recommend you go after something in the Sonic Temple or Love vein.