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"My Friend of Misery" is a song by the American heavy metal band Metallica, and here are some interesting facts about it:
Album Inclusion: "My Friend of Misery" is the twelfth track on Metallica's self-titled fifth studio album, commonly known as the "Black Album." This album was released on August 12, 1991, and is one of Metallica's most iconic and successful albums.
Instrumental: "My Friend of Misery" is primarily an instrumental track, which is unique among Metallica's songs. It features minimal lyrics, with James Hetfield only singing a few lines towards the end of the song.
Bass Solo: The standout feature of this song is the bass solo, which is played by Metallica's bassist, Jason Newsted. It's one of the rare instances where the bass guitar takes the lead in a Metallica song. The solo showcases Newsted's skills and adds a distinctive element to the track.
Songwriting: The songwriting credits for "My Friend of Misery" are attributed to James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, and Jason Newsted. It's one of the few Metallica songs where Newsted is credited as a songwriter, reflecting his significant contributions to the band's music during his tenure.
Lengthy Composition: "My Friend of Misery" is one of the longer tracks on the "Black Album," with a runtime of over six minutes. This extended length allowed the band to explore different musical elements and give each member a chance to shine.
Theme: The song's title and lyrics suggest themes of inner turmoil and personal struggles. While it's open to interpretation, many fans have connected with the idea of having an internal "friend of misery" that can be a source of personal pain and hardship.
Live Performances: Metallica has played "My Friend of Misery" live on occasion, but it has been relatively rare in their concert setlists. However, it did make a return to their live repertoire during some of their anniversary and special concerts.
Instrumental Version: Metallica released an instrumental version of "My Friend of Misery" on their 2012 album "Beyond Magnetic." This album featured previously unreleased tracks from the "Black Album" recording sessions.
Cover Versions: Over the years, various artists and bands have covered "My Friend of Misery," showcasing its enduring appeal within the metal and rock music communities.
Critical Reception: Despite not being released as a single, "My Friend of Misery" has received praise from both fans and critics for its unique musical composition and the emotional depth it conveys through its instrumental sections.
"My Friend of Misery" remains a standout track on Metallica's "Black Album" and continues to be appreciated for its musical complexity and the emotional resonance it holds for many listeners.