Written By Braddon S. Williams
The Cult: Electric
Rick Rubin was brought onboard to produce The Cult’s 3rd album, Electric (1987), and it made all the difference in the world.
I love when rock music hits like a battering ram, and Electric is a sonic knockout punch, complete with kick drums knocking you off your feet, snare drums that crack like gunshots, and guitars that crunch in that perfect way that lets every note ring out and still smacks you like your momma did when you were really bad. Ian Astbury’s distinctive vocals ride comfortably atop all this delicious musical power and compliment Billy Duffy’s riffs with lyrical fire of their own.
My favorite tunes on this killer disc include Lil’ Devil, Peace Dog, Love Removal Machine (first song I ever heard by The Cult…love at first listen!), a swampy, slowed down cover of Born To Be Wild, and my personal top pick, the supremely cool King Contrary Man.
I have had discussions (or debates) with other Cult fans as to whether Electric or the follow up Sonic Temple is better. Well, Bob Rock produced Sonic Temple, and although it has great songs and performances, too…I will take Rick Rubin for the win. Rubin produced Slayer and Rock produced Metallica, so it is no surprise to me which producer captured the best sound for my ears.
Either way, you can’t go wrong with The Cult. Listen up and crank ’em LOUD!
VinylLair.com 
Leave a Reply