Write a Review
Critic's Review
Vincent Jeffries, All Music Guide
Released in 1986 on Rhino records, Louder Than God is an adequate "best of" collection for those interested in a brief but complete assortment of Blue Cheer's greatest proto-metal hits. Rhino wisely chose studio wiz Bill Inglot to remaster the 13 tracks on this offering, making it one of, if not the best, post-'70s repackaging of Blue Cheer material. Inglot -- whose credits include hundreds of impressive titles from the likes of Ray Charles, David Bowie, Deep Purple, Aretha Franklin, and many more stars from the world of rock, pop, soul, blues, and jazz -- adds some of his trademark punch and sizzle to the somewhat hastily (if not cheaply) recorded tracks from Blue Cheer's seminal early recordings, Vincebus Eruptum and Outsideinside. The group's biggest hits, "Summertime Blues" and "Out of Focus," get spruced up nicely on Louder Than God, as does the remaining material from the especially small sounding Vincebus Eruptum. Obtaining this record might indeed be the best, or at least most cost-efficient way for casual fans to add essential music from the very influential Blue Cheer to their hard rock/heavy metal collection.
