Death III

Personnel: Bobby Hackney (vocals); David Hackney (guitar); Dannis Hackney (drums).
Recording information: Groovesville Studios, Detroit, MI (1975); Jericho Sound Lab, Jericho, VT (1975); Resolution Studios, The Barn, Ferrisburgh, VT (1975); Starbuck Studio, Burlington, VT (1975); The Room, Detroit, MI (1975); Groovesville Studios, Detroit, MI (1976); Jericho Sound Lab, Jericho, VT (1976); Resolution Studios, The Barn, Ferrisburgh, VT (1976); Starbuck Studio, Burlington, VT (1976); The Room, Detroit, MI (1976); Groovesville Studios, Detroit, MI (1980); Jericho Sound Lab, Jericho, VT (1980); Resolution Studios, The Barn, Ferrisburgh, VT (1980); Starbuck Studio, Burlington, VT (1980); The Room, Detroit, MI (1980); Groovesville Studios, Detroit, MI (1992); Jericho Sound Lab, Jericho, VT (1992); Resolution Studios, The Barn, Ferrisburgh, VT (1992); Starbuck Studio, Burlington, VT (1992); The Room, Detroit, MI (1992).
Photographer: Peter Wolf .
The work of Detroit power trio Death, comprised of brothers Dannis, David, and Bobby Hackney came to light en masse in 2009 when Drag City issued their 1974 recording sessions at the Motor City's famed United Sound studio. Exceedingly well-written, arranged, and ferociously performed, their songs provided stunning evidence of an all but unknown group of hard rock masters whose group identity was distinct from its better-known peers. The widely acclaimed seven-track record was followed by Spiritual Mental Physical in 2011, a collection of demos and rehearsal tapes cut before those sessions that were never intended for release. A documentary film, A Band Called Death directed by Mark Christopher Covino and Jeff Howlett, premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival in 2012. Prefaced by the pre-release single "North Street" b/w "We're Gonna Make It," III is the final entry in this project, collecting tracks recorded between 1975 and 1992. It opens with the solo guitar instrumental "Introduction by David" (who passed away from lung cancer in 2000). Using a delay, its speculative, sparse experimentation gives way to a scorching, I-IV-V Chuck Berry-style progression. Themes of transformation, spirituality, and mortality are woven throughout many of these songs. "Open Road," a bluesy, knotty, psychedelic waltz, references seeing the light of truth as reflected in the gospels -- these cats were raised in the church. "North Street" is a furious, streetwise proto-punk jam with Hendrixian guitar overtones and a stun-gun bassline. "Restlessness" is tight, stinging punk, driven by an angry bassline (think early Paul Simonon) with a killer guitar break and taut, rim-shot snares. "We Are the Only People" is the longest cut here at over eight minutes. It commences as a sparse ballad that lyrically delves deeply into themes of the afterlife and transformation before it erupts into joyful, grooving, midtempo, spiritual soul. That particular R&B bent also frames the more musically expansive demo for "He's Coming" and the pulsing, psychedelic soul in "Free." There's even an attempt at country rock in "We're Gonna Make It," but like most music by Death, it's twisted through their particular sonic prism. The other instrumental here, "First Snowfall in Detroit," is a lovely showcase for David's fluid guitar skills, which are equal parts Curtis Mayfield and Eddie Hazel. While this set is not as visceral -- at least initially -- as the other offerings in this trilogy, it is easily the most musically ambitious entry. When taken together, the tracks on III provide incontrovertible evidence that 15 years after their career ambitions went up the chimney, Death continued not only to make music, but to evolve and grow as a band. Even though this music is less intense, it retains the trio's trademark sound throughout. If you have the other two recordings, you need this one. Period. ~ Thom Jurek

• Handling Note: **Please allow an additional 72 hours for this item's shipment.**
• Format: CD
• Genre: Rock
• Internal ID: JITFE
• Released: 2014-04-22
• Format Detail: CD

Domestic U.S. Standard Shipping: Arrives within 5-7 business days.

International Shipping:  We ship to many countries worldwide. 

Delivery times and costs depend on the destination and the shipping method selected.

Please note, international customers are responsible for any customs, duties and taxes.

Upgraded Shipping services are available upon request.  

Please email mark@musicrecordshop.com for more information. 

Order Processing

Orders are ordinarily handled inside 1-2 business days. You will get a confirmation email upon shipment with a tracking number. 

Shipping Rates

Shipping charges are based on the weight of your order and the selected shipping method at checkout. We strive to offer competitive shipping rates for the best value.

Free Shipping

We offer free standard shipping on domestic orders on selected packs and vinyl offerings. 

Returns and Exchanges

Please contact us with any return or exchange requests.

Email:  mark@musicrecordshop.com

Phone:  314.675.8675

Return Policy

Returns are accepted within 7 days of product delivery.  

New vinyl must be unopened and unplayed, unless there is concealed damage.  

Used vinyl is graded for vinyl and jacket condition.  Please contact us directly if there is a problem. 

Signed vinyl records cannot be returned unless they are damaged or defective.

Sleeves and LP Mailers can be returned within 7 days.  

Please contact us with any return issue.

Email: mark@muscirecordshop.com

Phone:  314.675.8675

Return Process

Contact Us: To initiate a return, email us at mark@musicrecordshop.com or call us at 314.675.8675. Include your order number and product issue.

Ship the Item: Pack the item securely for return. 

Refunds:  A refund will be issued after we receive and inspect your returned item. 

You will receive an email notification of the refund. 

Exchanges: If you need to exchange an item, please contact us.

Email: mark@musicrecordshop.com

Phone: 314.675.8675.

Return Shipping

Customers are responsible for return delivery costs except if the item is damaged. Please contact us if you need a return label.  

Email:  mark@musicrecordshop.com

Phone:  314.675.8675