In the end Ozzy is doing what he does best on here...being himself. This is a rather good Ozzy album with all that entails. Zack is on stellar form, lyrically its great and its all catchy as stink. Enjoyable and fun which is just what you want from an Ozzy album. The Ozman is back in fine form; get it and see.
And finally something a bit mellow and introspective for this column granted. Then again I am quite fond of Rick Wakeman, who might have been a bit nutty at times, but is a thoroughly nice bloke.
Tesla: Reel to Reel
Recieving this disc engendered mixed emotions it has to say. The accompanying bumf explains that Tesla are back in the UK for their first in a very long time which is a wonderful news. The bit of a downer is that they album therein is a covers album. Et tu Tesla! Yes, I know that certain 80s bands that have run out of ideas have to pump out covers albums to satisfy record deals but the mighty Tesla succumbing to the temptation. Say it ain't so Jeff?
Once I recovered, and remembered what a nice bunch of guys Tesla are whenever I have met em', I slapped the CD in the player with gusto. I can gladly report that this is not one of those dire cover albums that seem to pop up all the time. Its in fact rather decent, not as good as the Shaw/Blades release of late, but decent. The band do not butcher anything too badly, its all listenable and quite pleasant for a few spins. They do an admirable job on tracks like "Space Truckin'", "Bell Bottom Blues" and "Honky Tonk Woman". And it has had one good affect on me. I have found myself reaching for their debut 'Mechinical Resonance" with renewed vigor.
There is no denying Tesla's talent. Let's just hope next time round its original material.
Starz: Greatest Hits Live, New England: Greatest Hits Live, 707: Greatest Hits Live
You might see a trend with these three and you would be right. MVD have released this trio of live albums to remind people why these three bands from the 70s were so good. Now I always find discovering a band via a live album, maybe Peter Frampton and Kiss excepted, is not the proper way of being introduced. It can be a bit intimidating to say the least. These three are no exceptions with their adoring audiences and sing-alongs.
Article comments
1 - Chris Beaumont
I gotta get my hands on the Iced Earth EP, been looking forward to it....
Ozzy, another one I need to get ahold off. Tesla... ditto.
I was very impressed with the Andromeda DVD, I read that it was recorded the same night as the NEO and Pendragon disks, they were on tour together.
Right now I am kind of hooked on the new Dream Theater, which is their best in years.
2 - Marty Dodge
I must get that new Dream Theater.