Anthrax - I'm the Man 12" Vinyl LP Album

- USA Release

  I'm the Man is the name of the second EP by the band Anthrax. The album was released in 1987 by Megaforce Worldwide/Island Records. The band, Eddie Kramer and Paul Hammingson produced the album, which includes the single, "I'm the Man". I'm the Man was certified platinum by the RIAA.

 

large photo of I'm the Man album Front Cover

"I'm The Man" Album Description

In 1987, Anthrax took an unexpected detour, releasing the groundbreaking 12" LP "I'm The Man." This EP famously injected hip-hop and humor into their thrash metal fury, creating a unique hybrid that shook the heavy music scene.

The Title Track: A Cross-Genre Experiment

The title track, "I'm The Man", became an anthem of self-aggrandizing fun. Borrowing heavily from the hip-hop vernacular, Joey Belladonna rapped and boasted his way through the song over a funky, infectious beat. The band even enlisted turntablist DJ Lethal for a dose of scratching. This was a radical departure for Anthrax, and their willingness to experiment showcased their creativity and open-mindedness.

Humor on Display

"I'm The Man" wasn't just musically adventurous. The lyrics were filled with humor and goofy bravado. Lines like "My rhymes are so def and my beats are so dope" were delivered with a wink and a nod, showing that Anthrax didn't take themselves too seriously. This playfulness contrasted with the intense, socially-charged themes of other songs in their catalog.

The B-Sides: More Humor and Pure Thrash

The 12" release usually included a number of B-sides. These further showcased the band's eclectic tastes. The hilarious "Bud E. Luvbomb and Satan's Loungeband" delivered absurdist lounge music, while tracks like live versions of "I Am The Law" and "Caught In A Mosh" offered up the raw, pure thrash metal that fans always craved.

Impact and Legacy

The "I'm The Man" EP stands out as a moment where Anthrax defied expectations. They took a risk, injecting elements of hip-hop into their sound years before genre crossover became commonplace. It showed that even a hard-hitting thrash metal band could embrace fun and absurdity. While some fans were initially perplexed, the song's infectious energy and tongue-in-cheek attitude ultimately won over many listeners.

Music Genre:

 American Speed Thrash Metak
Album Production: 

Produced by Eddie Kramer , Jon Zazula and Anthrax for Remarkable Productions.

Eddie Kramer: Iconic producer & engineer behind Hendrix, Zeppelin, & many more. Explore his life & work that shaped rock music history.

Jon Zazula: How did a record store shape metal forever? The Jon Zazula story – a must-read for music fans.

Produced by Paul Hammingson

George Marino (1947-2012) - Mastering Engineer

George Marino: legendary mastering engineer behind iconic albums by Metallica, AC/DC, and more. Explore his life and groundbreaking career in music.

Mark "Weissguy" Weiss - Photography

Mark Weiss (Nickname: Weissguy) is an acclaimed American rock and roll photographer who has captured the essence and energy of some of the most iconic moments in music history. With his keen eye for detail and ability to connect with his subjects, Weiss has become synonymous with the visual documentation of the rock and roll scene.

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Born and raised in New Jersey, Mark Weiss discovered his passion for photography at a young age. Inspired by the vibrant music culture of the 1970s, he set out to combine his love for music with his growing interest in photography. Armed with his camera, Weiss began attending concerts and local gigs, capturing the electrifying performances of emerging and established rock acts.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Weiss's career gained momentum as he became the go-to photographer for many rock bands. He developed a reputation for his ability to capture the raw energy and charisma of the musicians, as well as the electric atmosphere of live performances. His photographs not only showcased the artists in their element but also transported viewers into the heart of the rock and roll experience.

One of Weiss's most iconic collaborations was with the legendary rock band Bon Jovi. From the early days of their career, Weiss developed a close relationship with the band members and their management, which allowed him unprecedented access to document their rise to superstardom. His photographs became an integral part of Bon Jovi's image, capturing the band's infectious energy and forging a visual legacy that would endure for decades.

Mark Weiss's work extended beyond Bon Jovi, as he photographed and developed relationships with numerous other rock icons. He captured the larger-than-life personas of artists such as Van Halen, Guns N' Roses, Aerosmith, and Motley Crue, among many others. Weiss's photographs adorned album covers, magazines, and concert posters, encapsulating the essence of the rock and roll lifestyle and contributing to the visual iconography of the era.

Throughout his career, Weiss has exhibited a remarkable ability to connect with his subjects and gain their trust, allowing him to capture intimate and candid moments both on and off the stage. His photographs convey not only the spectacle of rock performances but also the humanity and vulnerability of the artists behind the scenes, creating a comprehensive visual narrative of their lives and careers.

In addition to his work as a live music photographer, Mark Weiss has also ventured into other areas of the industry. He has directed music videos, designed album covers, and collaborated with various media outlets and galleries to showcase his extensive collection of rock and roll photography. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the music industry and continue to inspire new generations of photographers and music lovers.

Mark Weiss's body of work represents more than just photographs. It is a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the profound impact that music can have on people's lives. Through his lens, he has immortalized the legends of rock and roll, providing fans with a glimpse into the exhilarating world of music and preserving the spirit of an era that will forever hold a special place in the hearts of fans around the world.

 

Record Label Information:

Megaforce Worldwide 90685
Record Format:
12" Vinyl LP  Gramophone Record
Album weight: 200 gram  
Year & Country 
1987 Made in USA
Band Members and Musicians on: Anthrax I'm the Man
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Joey Belladonna Vocals

    Joey Belladonna ( Lead Vocals, Drums ) is an American Singer from Oswego, New York and best known as lead singer in the American ( East-Coast ) Thrash Metal band Anthrax. Belladonna has been with Anthrax since 1984 with several long breaks in-between. Learn more about him

  • Dan Spitz Guitar

    Dan Spitz ( full-name: Daniel Alan Spitz ) is an American musician and Heavy Metal watch-maker. Spitz started his musical career in 1981 as guitarist in the American Thrash Metal band Overkill. He left Overkill in 1983 to join Anthrax as lead guitarist. Spitz performed in Anthrax mainly from 1983 until 1995. After 1995 he started to developed himself into mechanical watchmaker and has won several awards for this.

  • Scott Ian Guitar, Vocals

    Scott Ian ( full-name Scott Ian Rosenfeld ) is an American guitarist and founding member of "Anthrax" and "Stormtroopers of Death". His wife "Pearl Aday" is daughter of the singer "Meat Loaf". In his musical career he has performed with the bands: Anthrax (USA) , Damnocracy, Doom Squad, Four-X, Motor Sister, Pearl, Posehn, S.O.D. STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH (USA) , Slam Jam, The Damned Things.

  • Frank Bello Bass
  • Charlie Benante Drums

    Charlie Benante ( Drums ) long-time drummer with the American Thrash Metal band Anthrax, since 1983 and also performed in S.O.D. Stormtroopers Of Death.

Track Listing of: Anthrax I'm the Man
    Tracks:
  • I'm the Man (Censored Radio Version) (Joey Belladonna, Frank Bello, Charlie Benante, Scott Ian, John Rooney, Dan Spitz) 3:03
  • I'm the Man (Def Uncensored Version) (Belladonna, Bello, Benante, Ian, Rooney, Spitz) 3:04
  • Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, Bill Ward) 5:48
  • I'm the Man (Live) (Belladonna, Bello, Benante, Ian, Rooney, Spitz) 4:39
  • Caught in a Mosh (Live) (Anthrax) 5:34
  • I Am the Law (Live) (Anthrax/Lilker) 5:48
 
Photo of Anthrax I'm the Man Album's Front Cover 
High Resolution Photo #1 Anthrax Im the Man USA  
Photo of Anthrax I'm the Man Album's Back Cover  

High Resolution Photo #2 Anthrax Im the Man USA

 

High Resolution Photo #3 Anthrax Im the Man USA

 

 Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

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The title track, "I'm The Man", became an anthem of self-aggrandizing fun. Borrowing heavily from the hip-hop vernacular, Joey Belladonna rapped and boasted his way through the song over a funky, infectious beat.

- I'm The Man ( 1987, Europe ) - I'm The Man ( 1987, USA )
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