Metallica’s “The $5.98 E.P.: Garage Days Re-Revisited” — A Rare Find and a Tribute to Influences

In 1987, Metallica released a compact yet impactful extended play record that not only displayed their musical versatility but also became a collector’s item. Aptly priced and titled “The $5.98 E.P.: Garage Days Re-Revisited,” this album is a rare find these days, and for good reason.

For a band known for its blistering original compositions, this EP stands apart because it exclusively features covers. Metallica pays homage to their influences, covering songs by lesser-known bands like Killing Joke, Budgie, and The Misfits. The title itself cheekily references the album’s low retail price, a fan-friendly move that resonated well with the Metallica faithful.

The Tracklist:

1. “Helpless” (Diamond Head cover)
2. “The Small Hours” (Holocaust cover)
3. “The Wait” (Killing Joke cover)
4. “Crash Course in Brain Surgery” (Budgie cover)
5. “Last Caress/Green Hell” (The Misfits cover)

Each song offers a glimpse into the bands that shaped Metallica’s own musical journey, all the while infusing their trademark intensity into the covers.

The original copies of “The $5.98 E.P.: Garage Days Re-Revisited” have become increasingly hard to find in good condition. This scarcity has turned the album into a prized possession for both Metallica fans and vinyl collectors. Reissues have surfaced, but it’s the original 1987 copies that hold the most value and allure.

“The $5.98 E.P.: Garage Days Re-Revisited” serves multiple roles: a tribute to Metallica’s roots, a gift to their fans, and a sought-after gem in the vinyl collecting world. Whether you own an original copy or are hunting for one, this EP remains an intriguing and invaluable part of Metallica’s storied history.

Do I have an original copy still in shrink wrap? I do! I bought it from a record store in Goose Creek, SC in 1989(ish). I bought it knowing I was getting a record player soon. I didn’t get the record player but kept the record. Not sure I can open it now. 🙂

Thanks for reading!

Jason