Listening to Metallica's Garage Days Inc, I found myself wondering what all the original versions of their covers sounded like. In my quest, I have come upon the band Budgie, which originally made Breadfan and Crash Course in Brain Surgery.
This particular album, released in 1973, seems to be Budgie's most recognized album. It's got Breadfan on it, after all!
Which leads me into talking about the first track, Breadfan.
1) Breadfan
It starts out snarling, upbeat, and energetic in the intro/verse/chorus. The singing struck me as very strange, but its something you get used to. The song is quite catchy. In the middle it slows down into the acoustic, melancholy sounding bridge (which is COMPLETELY different from the Metallica version). Then the rest of the song goes back into the relentless hard rock riffing and singing. IMO this is the best sounding track off the album. 5/5
2) Baby Please Don't Go
Overall a bluesy, shuffling song. Has some good guitar licks and bass riffs. The singing is a bit weird and cheesy, but in a way fits. The riffs change from verse to chorus to solo, etc. Good song; nothing amzingly special about it though. 4/5
3) You Know I'll Always Love You
A soft, short ballad-like track. Awesome melodies and singing. The lyrics are deep and reflective. Would be a 5, but it's a bit strange and cheesy in moments, so i give it a 4.5/5.
4) You're The Biggest Thing Since Powdered Milk
Starts off with a cool drum solo for the first 1:47, and then goes into catchy hard-rocking. There are some tempo changes, and it seems to get more and more visious as it goes on. Has some good guitar soloing. Drags on a bit though. 4/5
5) In The Grip Of A Tyrefitters Hand
Has a cool funk-rockish thing going on and serious singing going on (it sort of sounds like this had influenced later metal bands to come). The solos and transitions are great except for the riff after the verse which is kind of awkward sounding. Over all, a cool song. 4/5
6) Riding My Nightmare
Is in the same style of You Know I'll Always Love You. Once again good melodies and singing. Not a whole lot of variety but its a nice shot ballad. 4.5/5
7) Parents
This and Breadfan are the most well known tracks off this album. Its a 10 minute serious reflection on the person's chilhood years and his parents (sounds kind of cynical and criticizing). Has good sad sounding riffs and verses and a cool wailing solo. Sometimes drags on. 4/5
Pros:
+ Catchy rockin' riffs and licks :P
+ Nice wailing solos
+ Ballads
+ Breadfan!
Cons:
- Drags on at times
- Gets a bit repetitve as well
Perplexing
? The singer's voice is a bit weird and unusual. It sounds like a lady, though its a guy....but it is unique i suppose.
