There was once a time in heavy metal when the guitar riffs were played at supersonic speeds and as loud as possible. Drummers pummeled eardrums with tommy gunlike double kick drums, and guitar solos were not only appreciated, but expected.

Megadeth takes you back to that time with its first live album, a double-CD package filled to the brim with classics spanning all the way back from 1985’s “Killing Is My Business.” to last year’s “The World Needs A Hero.” The only album not represented among the 24 tracks is the 1999 stinkfest “Risk.”

The raw intensity and fury that Megadeth is known for shine through on older songs like “Wake Up Dead” and “Hook In Mouth.”

If fans were worried that new lead guitar player Al Pitrelli couldn’t fill the shoes of Marty Friedman, one listen to this record should ease those worries. Pitrelli and Mustaine are devastatingly good guitar players and they shine the brightest on “Holy Wars” and “Hangar 18,” two songs that are any shredder’s dream.

The album stumbles in only a few places, most noticeably during clunkers “1000 Times Goodbye” and “Burning Bridges.” Overall though, this album is a great addition not only to a warhorse of a metal band, but to the dedicated fans as well.

Check out “A Tout Le Monde” where the audience sings the entire chorus (which is in French) without Mustaine’s help.

– Trevor Fisher

Clarence Greenwood is the former keyboardist and DJ for rap act Basehead, and he has assembled a debut album of music that can only be described as alt-reggae-dub-folk-hop, and even that tongue-twister doesn’t do the sound justice.

Citizen Cope is Greenwood’s nom-de-rock, but it’s also the name of the band he fronts as singer, DJ, keyboardist and guitar player.

The tracks on “Appetite” and “200,000” highlight the eclectic mix of the Citizen Cope signature groove.

There’s undeniable soul in these songs that showcases Greenwood’s skill as both songwriter and producer. His raspy voice lends itself well to the inherent drama of songs like “Salvation” and “Theresa.”

As a lyricist, Greenwood writes much in the same vein as Wyclef Jean and Speech from Arrested Development. His work deals with themes as varied as racial profiling, government corruption and street life. Greenwood celebrates the bliss of romance on “If There’s Love” and sings, “I just want to have somethin’ to do with it.”

The first track and obvious choice for a single, “Contact” yearns for change in society and the eventual day “when we can all bring like Martin Luther King.” The funky keyboard and guitars supported by Me’Shell NdegeOcello’s drivingly melodic bass give the track life beyond itself.

In a tribute to legends like Dylan, Marley and Beck, Citizen Cope has paid homage and made a song of his own in the grand album of life.

– Jesse Stensby