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Capitol Punishmnet is Megadeth's last release under Capitol Records (hence the title) and their first "greatest hits" album. Such a compilation is well overdue from such a pivotal metal act as Megadeth. Sometimes overlooked due to their connection to Metallica and subsequent existence in that band's shadow, let it be known that Megadeth ranks among the most technically accomplished metal bands ever, and their more radio-friendly material surpasses any of their peers attempts at mainstream acceptance. Which raises the first issue with Capitol Punishment: between its cheesy cover art and reverse-chronological playlist, it seems more like a promo CD for radio-station use than a jumping-off point for possible fans.
Further complicating matters is the inclusion of two new tracks at the beginning of the CD. "Kill the King" is exclusive to this album, and as a return to form after a few years of trying too hard for radio play, it's not bad by any stretch, hearkening back to '90s releases like Countdown to Extinction and Youthanasia. Still, as an introduction to the band, it is hardly ideal. "Dread & the Fugitive Mind" was also new at the time of this CD's release, but it was later included on the following studio album, The World Needs a Hero. Besides, its stop-start vocals are extremely reminiscent of the superior hit "Sweating Bullets". "Crush 'Em" comes off of Risk, widely considered to be their worst album; the song, a poor shot at an arena anthem, has no business being here. There are three songs - more than any other album - here from Cryptic Writings. Although the enduring live staple "Trust" is excellent, "Almost Honest" and "Use the Man" are really superfluous, nearly idiosyncratic picks in hindsight. So between those two songs, "Dread & the Fugitive Mind", "Crush 'Em", and the hidden noise collage "Capitol Punishment", that's a total of five tracks that could've easily been replaced by better choices.
The remainder of the album is made up of cuts from the bands heyday. Not much needs to be said for songs like "Symphony of Destruction", "Hangar 18", and perhaps the band's calling card, "Peace Sells". These are all great, of course, even classics in their own right, but it's not what's here that really hurts Capitol Punishment, it's what's not. "Skin o' My Teeth", "Foreclosure of a Dream", "Tornado of Souls", "Set the World Afire", "Hook in Mouth", "Devil's Island"... these and any number of other singles and fan favorites could've been chosen instead of the aforementioned filler. (In fact, the crucial "Wake Up Dead" is only included on the Japanese edition of this album!) Adding insult to injury is the fact that none of the band's stellar soundtrack contributions like "Go to Hell" or "Angry Again" are included, nor is any material from their debut album, Killing Is My Business...and Business Is Good!, most likely due to licensing issues.
Between the off-kilter track order, the exclusion of choice cuts, and the inclusion of less-than-essential songs, the only redeeming qualities of Capitol Punishment are the exclusive songs and the remastered sound quality. Unfortunately, Megadeth only marginally improved on this album with the 2005 collection Back to the Start. Those curious are best off starting with one of their studio albums, such as Peace Sells...but Who's Buying?, Rust in Peace, or Countdown to Extinction.
Further complicating matters is the inclusion of two new tracks at the beginning of the CD. "Kill the King" is exclusive to this album, and as a return to form after a few years of trying too hard for radio play, it's not bad by any stretch, hearkening back to '90s releases like Countdown to Extinction and Youthanasia. Still, as an introduction to the band, it is hardly ideal. "Dread & the Fugitive Mind" was also new at the time of this CD's release, but it was later included on the following studio album, The World Needs a Hero. Besides, its stop-start vocals are extremely reminiscent of the superior hit "Sweating Bullets". "Crush 'Em" comes off of Risk, widely considered to be their worst album; the song, a poor shot at an arena anthem, has no business being here. There are three songs - more than any other album - here from Cryptic Writings. Although the enduring live staple "Trust" is excellent, "Almost Honest" and "Use the Man" are really superfluous, nearly idiosyncratic picks in hindsight. So between those two songs, "Dread & the Fugitive Mind", "Crush 'Em", and the hidden noise collage "Capitol Punishment", that's a total of five tracks that could've easily been replaced by better choices.
The remainder of the album is made up of cuts from the bands heyday. Not much needs to be said for songs like "Symphony of Destruction", "Hangar 18", and perhaps the band's calling card, "Peace Sells". These are all great, of course, even classics in their own right, but it's not what's here that really hurts Capitol Punishment, it's what's not. "Skin o' My Teeth", "Foreclosure of a Dream", "Tornado of Souls", "Set the World Afire", "Hook in Mouth", "Devil's Island"... these and any number of other singles and fan favorites could've been chosen instead of the aforementioned filler. (In fact, the crucial "Wake Up Dead" is only included on the Japanese edition of this album!) Adding insult to injury is the fact that none of the band's stellar soundtrack contributions like "Go to Hell" or "Angry Again" are included, nor is any material from their debut album, Killing Is My Business...and Business Is Good!, most likely due to licensing issues.
Between the off-kilter track order, the exclusion of choice cuts, and the inclusion of less-than-essential songs, the only redeeming qualities of Capitol Punishment are the exclusive songs and the remastered sound quality. Unfortunately, Megadeth only marginally improved on this album with the 2005 collection Back to the Start. Those curious are best off starting with one of their studio albums, such as Peace Sells...but Who's Buying?, Rust in Peace, or Countdown to Extinction.