I'm not too fond of the music on St. Anger (ie the vile sound of lars's snare, the lack of solos...), however I can appreciate some things about the album. Hetfield lays down the anger that he's expressing on the album really well.

But anyway, I hear they've been kickin fucking ass on tour. They've been playing all the good stuff...

Anyone see them lately?

I have always liked that pesky little Lars is so driven and self-aware, and it's good to see James finally take care of himself and his family and be a bit introspective. The guy lost his mom as a teenager and he drowned himself in music and booze. He tempers the workaholic Lars and I see him as more of an intellectual equal with Lars now. I never even liked James, the man, very much before this album. He always seemed like some macho posturing dick--but he was a great lyricist and has one of the greatest voices. Now I know there is something underneath that. I have a great respect for James. He took a huge risk to show his vulnerability on St. Anger and while it's not their best album, if you're a fan, you look at their development as men in the context of their music. They have truly grown up and we, as fans, have to let them.

I appreciate that James was able to finally stand up for himself as an adult. Even if he did make the band wait and it changed the whole tone of their last record. So what? I don't want to them to be what they were in 1988.

saw it, it was great. i feel a bit sad for jason newsted though, i like his bass antics