Currently enjoying “Asbestos Lead Asbestos” by Meat Beat Manifesto

The second single of four from Subliminal Sandwich, the landmark double album Meat Beat Manifesto released in 1996, is actually a cover of a 1985 debut single by a British indie band called World Domination Enterprises. And as far as covers go, it’s a pretty major departure.

Aside from the lyrics and the bass line – which is one of the best and most recognizable of any MBM riff – there’s not a lot of similarity between the two versions. The World Domination Enterprises version is a loose and loud rager that’s over before it begins, while the MBM version is a dense example of the “retro dub” sort of sound the group had slowly been perfecting in the albums leading up to Subliminal Sandwich.

The commercial CD single includes the album version, along with an instrumental cut and the “Toxic Mix” that would later appear on the Original Fire EP. And although the B-side “Untitled” has what scientists agree to be the worst title possible, it’s a fine track in its own right.

You’re going to have to hit the web or your favourite used record store to find a copy of this one. But it’s well worth the search, I assure you.

Posted in Currently Enjoying