LP Review: Queensrÿche - Operation: mindcrime

So far, I've only purchased two new (sealed) LPs, and Queensrÿche's Operation: mindcrime is one of them. I owe it to my dad for introducing me to Queensrÿche via Empire way, way back in the day, but I didn't discover this other (and I might say better) album until I was old enough to make my own musical decisions.

Since I bought it new and have been taking very good care of my records, there aren't really any flaws to speak of with the album cover or the vinyl itself. Pretty cool album art; the symbol in the middle might make a good tattoo.

Operation: mindcrime is a concept album about a guy who starts working for the cleverly-named Dr. X, the leader of Operation: mindcrime, an underground revolution that apparently doesn't do much besides kill people. We also meet Mary, a prostitute-turned-altar girl who is (naturally) the narrator's love interest, and the two do some terrible things before I lose track of what's going on on Side 2 (apparently, heroin is involved). The concept is little corny, but as a vehicle for Geoff Tate's political views, it serves nicely.

This album is fast-paced and full of hooks. Literally every chorus on Side 1 is ultra-catchy, and after the opening skit, there's no time to breathe until Side 2 begins. "The Mission," which closes out Side 1, may well be the best song on the album. Unfortunately, Side 2 is most certainly a B-side; after the phenomenal "Suite Sister Mary," we get mostly filler until the quasi-philosophical and dynamic "Eyes of a Stranger," a song that provides the album with a fittingly epic finish. Queensrÿche showcase a fair amount of musical skill on the album, most notably during an odd-time section in "The Needle Lies," but it's Geoff Tate's vocals that really shine.

Despite its somewhat dated sound and heavy-handed political themes, this record is a lot of fun to hear. It's not the most musically complex thing I've reviewed, but sometimes, all you want is a catchy tune to sing along with, and Operation: mindcrime delivers in spades.

Purchased at the Disc Exchange in Knoxville, TN
Condition: NM

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Inside sleeve + vinyl: