Search - Cro-Mags :: Best Wishes

A minor classic

Conscious Mon | Washington Heights, NYC | 02/09/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Cro Mags long awaited follow up to their epic "Age of Quarrel" debut in 1986. this came out 3 long, difficult years later in 1989, as John Joseph split vocal duties as well as legendary hardcore skinsman Mackie. Here, Harley takes on vocals as well as bass, and Petey hines took over the skins. Both "Age of Quarrel" and this are rare finds. Sometimes i see it selling on Amazon for $15 but now it goes for $62, thats "Age of Quarrel." Either way, unless you live in NYC and frequent Generation Records on Thompson St....the first 2 and best Cro Mags LP's are hard to finds!! Anyway, this is an excellant album but following in "Ages" footsteps it cannot be a 5 star, as well the music is decidely more metal, not a nad thing, but the Cro Mags WERE hardcore from 1982-1986...no question! Harley is a decent singer but without question you hear him doing his best James Hetfield impression, after all it was 1989 and Metallica wa the biggest metal band in the world. the music is still hard and very NY, the mix is loud and just those opening drums on "Death Camps" you know you won't be dissapointed. Many Cro Mags criticized this when it came out, the metal influence and cried of sellout were everywhere. But don't front this is a tight album, better than half of what passes for metal or hard nowadays let's get serious! Now, anything AFTER "Best Wishes" that had the Cro Mag stamp I totally agree! A great album for getting out those aggressions and just tearing ish up!"