Ride the Lightning (Marshmallow Coast album)

Ride the Lightning is the second studio album by the American psychedelic pop band Marshmallow Coast. It was released in 1999 on Kindercore Records. The album is characterized by its layered instrumentation, whimsical lyrics, and lo-fi production aesthetic, all hallmarks of Marshmallow Coast's sound. The album's title is a direct reference to the Metallica album of the same name, showcasing the band's quirky sense of humor and eclectic influences. Musically, however, Ride the Lightning bears little resemblance to the heavy metal style of Metallica. It is more akin to a blend of indie pop, psychedelic rock, and experimental electronic music. The album is considered a key work in Marshmallow Coast's discography and a representative example of the Kindercore Records sound of the late 1990s. It features contributions from the band's core members, Andy Westmoreland and Mary Oneto, along with various guest musicians. Common themes explored in the album's lyrics include childhood, dreams, and surreal experiences.