Peace Sells by Megadeth

A landmark in thrash metal, this was arguably the moment where Dave Mustaine transformed from “the guy who got kicked out of Metallica” to a hero in his own right. With the band’s sophomore album, and especially this title track, Mustaine clarified his world view, built on Reagan-era cynicism, political rebellion and good old youthful snottiness.

The song became a fixture on MTV’s Headbangers Ball, and even became the MTV News theme. While the album would mark Megadeth’s early peak, the original lineup splintered soon afterward as in-fights and substance-abuse problems took their toll. Despite enough dirty laundry to fill your basement, Mustaine and an ever-changing support cast would keep the band alive.

With a different spelling, Megadeath was the name of the band in the finale of National Lampoon’s stage show “Lemmings.” John Belushi was the lead singer of that unrelated group.

For a complex speed-metal song, this one rates as fairly do-able outside of the solos. The grinding riff is slow enough that it shouldn’t give experienced players too much trouble. There is a lot of energy to be had in that riff, so grab it accordingly.

The two solos are another story though, with a lot of fast hammer-ons/pull-offs. You may or may not be able to flail your way through them, but saving your energy for the solos is essential.

Both Mustaine and Megadeth have beaten the odds and survived. Mustaine is now into clean living and the band still thrashes hard; check the DLC track “Sleepwalker” for proof.