MEGADETH - KILLING IS MY BUSINESS ... ... AND BUSINESS IS GOOD 12" Vinyl Album

- Combat Records

Megadeth's debut album, "Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!", explodes with raw thrash metal energy. This original Combat 12" vinyl features the uncensored "These Boots", showcasing the band's rebellious spirit. It's a landmark release in thrash metal history, capturing Megadeth's early, unpolished aggression and uncompromising attitude. A must-have for fans, this vinyl record transports you back to the birth of a legendary band.

High Resolution Photo Megadeth - Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good Vinyl Record

"Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!" Album Description

Megadeth's 1985 debut album, "Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!", explodes onto the scene with a force that established them as one of thrash metal's pivotal bands. Released on Combat Records, this original 12" vinyl edition stands as a testament to the raw, unbridled energy that fueled the early days of this legendary group.

Thrash Metal at its Most Primitive

This album isn't just a collection of songs; it's a manifesto of thrash metal in its purest form. Dave Mustaine's snarling vocals and lightning-fast riffs, combined with the relentless drumming of Gar Samuelson and David Ellefson's thundering basslines, create a cacophony of controlled chaos. Tracks like "Last Rites/Loved to Deth," "Skull Beneath the Skin," and the title track define the breakneck speed and technical precision that would become Megadeth's trademark.

The Uncensored "These Boots"

A key highlight of this original vinyl release is its inclusion of the uncensored version of "These Boots." A cover of the Nancy Sinatra classic, Megadeth injects their own brand of aggressive humor and social commentary into the song. The uncensored version offers listeners the full impact of the band's rebellious spirit.

A Legacy of Thrash Metal

"Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!" laid the foundation for Megadeth's rise to thrash metal royalty. While later albums would showcase a more polished and intricate sound, this debut remains a vital piece of heavy metal history. It's an essential artifact for any fan of the genre, capturing the unadulterated aggression and uncompromising attitude that defined Megadeth's early work.

Owning a Piece of History

If you're lucky enough to own this original vinyl version of "Killing Is My Business... and Business is Good!", you possess a piece of thrash metal legacy. Its raw energy and uncensored tracks make it a true collector's item, transporting you bac

Featured Song: "These Boots": From Sassy to Uncensored Explained

Nancy Sinatra's 1966 hit "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" is a timeless classic; a feisty anthem of female independence. Yet, thrash metal pioneers Megadeth took this empowering song and gave it a rebellious makeover on their 1985 debut album, "Killing Is My Business…and Business Is Good!"

Megadeth's Metal Makeover

Megadeth's cover retains the core attitude of Sinatra's version. Both portray a character refusing to be messed with. However, where Sinatra exudes playful defiance, Megadeth ups the ante. Their rendition likely injects the song with the band's trademark intensity: razor-sharp riffs, Dave Mustaine's snarling vocals, and a blistering tempo.

The Uncensored Factor

The key difference lies in the lyrics. Megadeth's version proudly bears the "uncensored" label. This strongly suggests the inclusion of profanity absent from Sinatra's radio-friendly original. It's likely Megadeth peppered the lyrics with swear words and harsh word choices, adding a layer of aggression to the song. They may have even made lyrical tweaks for a darkly humorous or cynical spin.

Clash of Styles, Shared Spirit

The juxtaposition between Sinatra's pop sensibilities and Megadeth's raw metal assault is striking. Yet, both versions share a spirit of unwavering determination. Sinatra exudes confident sass, while Megadeth channels a defiant, take-no-prisoners attitude.

The Enduring Legacy of "These Boots"

Megadeth's uncensored "These Boots" offers a fascinating example of how a song can be radically reimagined. It showcases the band's ability to take even the most innocent-sounding pop tune and infuse it with their signature brand of thrash metal energy. Sinatra's original remains iconic, but for Megadeth fans, the uncensored version holds a special kind of rebellious charm.

Listen to the uncensored song:

Collectors information / Album Description: 

Original version with uncensored version of "These Boots".

 

Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! is the debut album by American thrash metal band Megadeth. It was originally released in 1985 on Combat Records.

 

Music Genre:

  Heavy Thrash Metal 

Album Production Information:

The album: "Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good" was produced by: Dave Mustaine and Karat Faye
This album was recorded at: Indigo Ranch Studios, Malibu and Crystal Sound Labs, Hollywood.

Record Label Information:

Combat Records BRC 1940 

Album Packaging:

This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork.

Media Format:

12" Vinyl Stereo Full-Length Long-Play  Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram 

Year & Country:

1985 Made in Canada 
Band Members and Musicians on: Megadeth - Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good
    Megadeth Band-Members/Musicians
  • Dave Mustaine

    Dave Mustaine  ( full-name: David Scott Mustaine ) born 1961 in La Mesa, California. He is the co-founder, lead vocalist, and lead guitarist of the heavy metal band Megadeth, which was formed in 1983. Mustaine is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians in the thrash metal genre and is considered a pioneer of the American thrash metal scene.

    more...

    Mustaine was originally a member of the band Metallica , but he was eventually fired from the band due to personal and musical differences. He went on to form Megadeth , which became one of the "big four" of the thrash metal genre along with Metallica , Slayer , and Anthrax .

    Throughout his career, Mustaine has been recognized for his musical abilities and innovative style, and he has been awarded numerous accolades and awards, including several Grammy nominations. He is known for his fast and complex guitar playing, as well as his powerful vocals and distinctive songwriting.

    In addition to his work with Megadeth, Mustaine has been involved in various other musical projects and has collaborated with a number of other musicians. He is also a published author and has been involved in various business ventures and charitable causes throughout his career.

  • Chris Poland

    Megadeth's original lead guitarist. Chris Poland defined 80s thrash metal with his unconventional style. Get the full story.

  • David Ellefson
  • Dave Ellefson o-founder of Megadeth. Master of the bass. Dave Ellefson's story is the inside look at thrash metal's rise. Discover his journey now.

  • Gar Samuelson

    Gar Samuelson ( full-name: Gary Charles Samuelson ) was born in 1958 at Dunkirk, New York and was an American drummer. Samuelson started his musica career as Jazz Fusion drummer in a band called "The New Yorkers", he is best known as drummer with the American Thrash Metal band "Megadeth" from 1984 until 1987.

Track Listing of: "Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good"

The Songs/tracks on "Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good" are

    Side One:
  1. Last Rites / Loved to Death
  2. Killing is my Business... and business is good!
  3. Skull Benath the skin
  4. These Boots
    Side Two:
  1. Rattlehead
  2. Chosen Ones
  3. Looking down for the cross
  4. Mechanix
Album cover photos of : Megadeth - Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good
Front Cover Photo of "Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good" Album
Front Cover Photo of "Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good" Album
The album's artwork, featuring a plastic skull with tinfoil, was not intended to be the original artwork. Mustaine wanted a picture of Megadeth mascot Vic Rattlehead on the cover, however the studio lost the artwork, so they improvised the low-budget replacement.
Back Cover  Photo of "Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good" Album
Back Cover  Photo of "Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good" Album  
Inner Cover   of "Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good" Album
High Inner Cover   of "Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good" Album Resolution Photo Megadeth - Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good Vinyl Record  
Close-up Photo of "Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good" 12" Banzai Record with the Two Samuarai's
Close-up Photo of "Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good" 12" Banzai Record with the Two Samuarai's  
Close-up Photo of "Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good" Record Label 
Close-up Photo of "Killing is my Business ... ... and Business is Good" Record Label   

 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 ).

Index of MEGADETH Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

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MEGADETH - Anarchy in the UK  album front cover vinyl record

"Anarchy in the U.K." is originally a song by the English punk rock band "The Sex Pistols" . It was released as the band's debut single on 26 November 1976 and was featured on their only album, Never Mind the Bollocks, This is Megadeth's cover of it, originally released on the album: "So far, so good, so what?"

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MEGADETH - Countdown to Extinction 12" Vinyl LP
MEGADETH - Countdown to Extinction album front cover vinyl record

Countdown to Extinction was a critical and commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States and selling over 10 million copies worldwide. The album was certified double platinum

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MEGADETH - Death in the Fire 12" Transparent Vinyl LP
MEGADETH - Death in the Fire album front cover vinyl record

"Death in the Fire" 180g White Label Transparent Vinyl 12" Vinyl LP Album offers a thrilling glimpse into the raw intensity of Megadeth's live performances during their early years. While an unofficial release, this limited edition LP

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MEGADETH - Killing is my Business and Business is Good 12" Vinyl Picture Disc
MEGADETH - Killing is my Business and Business is Good  album front cover vinyl record

This is the Picture Disc version "Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!" the debut album by American thrash metal band Megadeth. It was originally released in 1985 on Combat Records.

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MEGADETH - Killing is my Business and Business is Good (Canada & Holland)
MEGADETH - Killing is my Business and Business is Good (Canada & Holland)  album front cover vinyl record

"Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!" is the debut album by American thrash metal band Megadeth. It was originally released in 1985 on Combat Records. Mustaine wanted a picture of Megadeth mascot Vic Rattlehead

- Killing is my Business and Business is Good (1985, Canada) - Killing is my Business and Business is Good (1985, Holland)
MEGADETH - Mary Jane 12" Vinyl Maxi Single
MEGADETH - Mary Jane album front cover vinyl record

"Mary Jane" USA Release is an iconic musical piece that showcases the talent and creativity of the American thrash metal band, Megadeth. Released in 1988, this maxi-single offers a unique perspective on the concept of "Mary Jane"

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MEGADETH - Mary Jane b/w Hook in Mouth 7" Picture Disc
MEGADETH - Mary Jane b/w Hook in Mouth  album front cover vinyl record

Megadeth's "Mary Jane" / "Hook in Mouth" picture disc is a fascinating slice of thrash metal history. While often sought for its collectible artwork, the songs themselves pack a powerful thematic punch.

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MEGADETH - No More Mr Nice Guy (European and USA Releases) 12" Vinyl LP
MEGADETH - No More Mr Nice Guy (European and USA Releases)  album front cover vinyl record

"No More Mr. Nice Guy" was originally a song by Alice Cooper, released in 1973. It became a popular hit and was covered by various artists over the years. In 1989, Megadeth decided to cover the song and release it as a single.

- No More Mr Nice Guy (1989, EEC Europe) - No More Mr Nice Guy (1989, USA)
MEGADETH - Peace Sells But Who's Buying (International Releases)  
MEGADETH - Peace Sells But Who's Buying (International Releases)  album front cover vinyl record

Formed in 1983 by former Metallica guitarist Dave Mustaine, Megadeth quickly gained recognition for aggressive sound, complex guitar work, and conscious lyrics. "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?" became their second studio album

Learn more - Peace Sells But Who's Buying (1986, Canada) - Peace Sells But Who's Buying (1986, Germany) - Peace Sells But Who's Buying (1986, USA)
MEGADETH - So Far So Good So What (International Releases)
MEGADETH - So Far So Good So What (International Releases) album front cover vinyl record

Megadeth's "So Far, So Good, So What" 12" vinyl LP album was released on 19 January 1988, on Combat Records. The Canadian release of the album features a slightly different track listing than the US version

- So Far So Good So What (1988, Canada) - So Far So Good So What (1988, Germany) - So Far So Good So What (1988, USA)