MASTODON – “White Walker” (2016 Warner 10″ picture disc single)
Disclaimer: I’ve never seen a single episode of Game of Thrones, although I will admit a crush on Emilia Clarke, and a man-crush on Kit Harington. And I don’t really know a lot about Mastodon. I know they rock — and that’s enough.
Since Sunrise Records in Kitchener opened up again back in April, I’ve been doing my best to support them. Taking a chance on something I haven’t heard before, and finding the artwork badass as hell, I plopped down for Mastodon’s “White Watcher” single. There is nothing typical about this song. The war drums opening the track sound as if from battle. The lyrics certainly paint a picture: a cold and desolate land full of despair. There is little musical backing, just some spare acoustic guitars and a few atmospheric electric licks until the haunting guitar solo kicks in. It’s atypical of any Mastodon I’ve heard.
The B-side is the A Cappella version of “White Walker”, with just one voice. I love how it reveals the imperfections of the human voice. It sounds like something a character on the show might be singing, before battle. The mourning feeling is there in the grooves of the record.
And speaking of the record, what artwork! The A-side is a brilliant painting of a White Walker, while the B-side is a still from the show. The snowy landscape and ragged people huddled around fires certainly illustrate what the song feels like. Incredible single.
4.5/5 stars
mikeladano.com 
I have this!
\m/ MASTODON!! \m/
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Feedback on my review?
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Yup, it ain’t typical Mastodon, but it’s very far from bad. You hit it on the head. Pretty sure I said similar things in mine (at link).
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I thank you sir!
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Another real beauty. I love 10″ records, always have.
I just bought a Rob Zombie one with a very rude title.
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You mau want to wear gloves when you handle that Rob Zombie disc.
Also clean your stylus after playing.
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A gentleman should always rinse his stylus after playing
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I sense a double entendre in there somewhere.
On a side note, wasn’t that Rob Zombie a tribute to long haul drivers.
Well, Everybody’s Trucking In A UFO.
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JUst a moment — are you guys talking about a Rob Zombie song about UFOs?? WHich song?
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Not me, I use protection.
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Steven Tyler also loves 10″ records. I know because he recorded a cover of “My Big 10″ Record”!
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I’m not a picture disc fan myself, but can appreciate the appeal of this one.
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I get that, they don’t sound as good or last as long. But I think this is exclusive to picture disc. Aaron?
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As far as I know it is exclusive to this release, so far.
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THAT’S WHAT I LIKE TO HEAR! Scott and I were just complaining yesterday about buying RSD exclusives…that are no longer exclusives!
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Yeah, kinda negates the word “exclusive” when they do that, for sure.
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Haven’t seen that show either. Though I did watch a clip on YouTube once. Mastodon, though. I am familiar with them. This falls into the stuff I think is awrite.
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Just awrite? I really dig the tune and have been singing it in the shower. Lol
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What can I say, I’m a hard man to please.
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Yeah because you haven’t heard me singing in the shower yet.
Yet.
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Haha!
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Once More Round The Shower?
Emperor of Shower?
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Because of you guys…I may have a frightening Sunday Chuckle planned for one day…
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This sounds ok. I wasn’t that impressed with Mastodon when I saw them at Bloodstock last summer. Maybe it was an off day. You have convinced me to give them another chance.
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I have four Mastodon albums but I couldn’t tell you how any of the songs go. I remember they sounded good at the time. This song is very memorable but soft.
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I couldn’t get past GoT season 2, but this is a great track. It reminds me of Wardruna.
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Just curious Jade — because I have not watched the show — why did you quit?
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I was never really interested in the characters, save for a few (Arya, Tyrion). And so the show drags on, with little plot progression I care about. And not enough dragons! (Please don’t kill me, GoT fans)
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I’ve yet to see an episode either – but I don’t think one has to in order to appreciate such a nice picture disc!
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If you’re like me, you probably have people asking you all the time, “Have you seen Game of Thrones”? All the time. I suppose I can catch up any time. I didn’t start Breaking Bad until the show ended!
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