Betty (album)

Infobox Album |
Name = Betty
Type = studio
Artist = Helmet


Released = June 21, 1994
Recorded = 1993 – 1994 at Soundtrack, Power Station, and Sound on Sound, New York
Genre = Alternative metal, Experimental rock, Noise rock
Length = 41:43
Label = Interscope Records
Producer = T-Ray and Helmet
Reviews =
* Allmusic Rating|3|5 [http://wm01.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:jifuxqqhldje link]
* "Rolling Stone" Rating|4|5 [http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/helmet/albums/album/116359/review/5942008/betty link]
Last album = "Meantime"
(1992)
This album = "Betty"
(1994)
Next album = "Aftertaste"
(1997)

"Betty" is the third album by Helmet, released in 1994 on Interscope. The album was highly anticipated by both music critics and fans as a result of the band's success with the previous album, "Meantime".

This album coincided with Helmet's first personnel change, with Rob Echeverria replacing the departed Peter Mengede on guitar. Despite being Helmet's highest charting album in the U.S., "Betty" was not as successful as "Meantime" and received almost unanimously-favorable reviews from critics. After recording and touring in support of the album, Echeverria left Helmet in 1995 to join Biohazard; however, his departure was much more amicable than Mengede's.

Prior to "Betty"'s release in June 1994, the album's biggest hit, "Milquetoast", originally appeared in alternate form on "The Crow soundtrack" as "Milktoast". Its video was in regular rotation on MTV, and videos for "Wilma's Rainbow" and "Biscuits For Smut" were also released.

Musical style

Usually regarded as Helmet's "experimental" album, it features a more musically-broad approach with forays into jazz and blues. However, Helmet's sonic trademarks of crunchy riffs and pounding drums still defined the album.

Recording and production

Helmet entered the studio in the fall of 1993 to begin recording the follow-up to their 1992 gold record, "Meantime". Writing and recording sessions took place at Soundtrack, Power Station, and Sound on Sound in New York.

Release and reception

"Betty" was released on June 21, 1994, and peaked at number 45 on the Billboard 200 album chart, making it Helmet's highest ranking album so far.

Track listing

*"(All tracks by Hamilton, except" † "by Bogdan/Hamilton;" ‡ "by Gillespie)"

# "Wilma's Rainbow" – 3:53
# "I Know" – 3:41
# "Biscuits for Smut" – 2:53
# "Milquetoast" – 3:53
# "Tic" – 3:40
# "Rollo"† – 2:38
# "Street Crab" – 3:31
# "Clean" – 2:26
# "Vaccination" – 3:04
# "Beautiful Love"‡ – 2:03
# "Speechless" – 2:58
# "The Silver Hawaiian"† – 2:08
# "Overrated" – 2:40
# "Sam Hell" – 2:09

The album appeared on vinyl (on Amphetamine Reptile Records) in double 10" format; this version included additional tracks "Flushings," "Thick," and "Pariah," while omitting "Sam Hell." The Japanese CD also adds "Pariah."

A limited edition CD was also released with a blue jewel case and five extra live tracks recorded July 30, 1994 in Los Angeles. The live tracks are: "Sinatra," "FBLA II," "Tic," "Just Another Victim," and "In the Meantime." (These tracks were also released overseas on the "Wilma's Rainbow" CD EP.)

Chart positions

Album

Singles

Personnel

* John Stanier - Drums
* Henry Bogdan - Bass
* Rob Echeverria - Guitar
* Page Hamilton - Guitar, Vocals
* Andy Wallace - Mixing
* Howie Weinberg - Mastering