NMC #35 (NAZARETH, URIAH HEEP)

by "Wow, really? 20+ albums?" Jon

Nazareth-Big Dogz (April 2011)

1. Big Dog's Gonna Howl

2. Claimed

3. When Jesus Comes To Save The Worls

4. Radio

5. Sleeptalker

Nazareth's 22nd studio album. The first run thru didn't really impress me (except the third track listed above), but it did grow on me after the second listen. A bit of a step back from their last album (to me, at least), but still a good listen.

Uriah Heep-Into The Wild (May 2011)

1. Into The Wild

2. Money Talk

3. Trail Of Diamonds

4. Lost

5. Kiss Of Freedom

Uriah Heep's 23rd studio album. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I never really got into 70's era Uriah Heep. However, with the start of "Abominog" from the 80's until now, I've really, really dug 'em, especially their last three releases. Oh-oh....it's only May and this is #1 on my list of 10 best albums of 2011. Like that means anything.

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Scott on May 23, 2011 at 11:20am

Somebody learned how to make the pictures clickable...

I got an Amazon notice of the Nazareth release and went out and sampled it, I decided against it at that time. But since your suggesting a second or third listen may do the trick, here I go...

Nazareth ... Thumbs Neutral

Didnt care for the first two tracks much and I though Jesus was coming on May 21st, but who knows now... geez! Im 50/50 on this one, I cant hear the old Nazareth I know and love, they are starting to sound old. Not in a "RJHog/David Coverdale" kinda way, but its evident they are winding down. Probably not a purchase for me ...

Uriah Heep ... Thumbs half up

60/40 on this, I liked the first listen but didnt love it. I do like that they are not compromising with their style and committment to their music. Love to hear the hammond so prominent in the mix. But the songs fall a little flat. My favorite being Money Talk and Lost

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by RJhog (Admin) on May 23, 2011 at 2:54pm

Nazareth (Thumbs Down)

This is a huge disappointment for me. I really wanted to get this, and would have had it not been an import. I just can't get into these tracks at all, with the exception of When Jesus Comes To Save The World.

Uriah Heep (Thumbs Down)

I wouldn't consider this a disappointment as I've never particularly been a fan of UH, but I don't really hear anything that interests me with this album either. I don't think it's terrible. It's definitely better than the Nazareth release, but I'm glad I didn't fork over money for either of these. Maybe I'm finally starting to make better decisions on what to buy (of course I don't count the Duff Mckagan's Loaded or Seether releases, 'cause I blew it on both of those).

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Niels (Mod) on May 23, 2011 at 3:02pm

The Seether-release ain't that bad? How many times, did you listen to it??

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by RJhog (Admin) on May 23, 2011 at 3:23pm

Two so far. I'm basing my opinion on their previous 3 releases, which I think are much stronger than the new one. The vocalist is trying to sing to high and the songs try to be more pop sounding to me. That dude has a great, strong voice that I only hear occasionally on the new album. I've not given up on it, I'm just really disappointed so far.

By the way, since we're already off base for this thread, do you have any of Seether's first 3 releases?

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Niels (Mod) on May 23, 2011 at 3:35pm

No, this is my first one, and I had not heard of them until you send me the video.

I've heard it about 4 times now, and it actually keeps getting better, unlike The Loaded-album, I'm not listening to that one anymore. It's not all of the tracks, that I like, but I'm sure, that I can find 5 good ones for NMC. Actually it's some of the pop-songs, that are getting better with each listen.

I hope, I'll get some time to listen to Nazareth and Uriah Heep tomorrow, and maybe I'm in a better mood, Jon?!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by RJhog (Admin) on May 23, 2011 at 4:06pm

I think I'll post either their first or third album as AOTW # 53 (Number 52 is ready to go). I'm interested to see what you think. The first one is a little more rough/raw sounding to me, with the third one being more polished, but I like both of 'em.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by RJhog (Admin) on May 23, 2011 at 4:13pm

I'd say the first 4 tracks or so are the best on the CD.

(This reply should have been before the one above. I'm referring to the first 4 tracks on the new CD with this reply).

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jon on May 23, 2011 at 4:28pm

Mods! Get these guys back on track!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Niels (Mod) on May 24, 2011 at 5:48am

NAZARETH - THUMBS (a little higher than) EVEN

It sounds (and looks) like Nazareth would like to make another "Hair of the dog", when you hear the riffs in the first 2 songs. But I LIKE those riffs, and especially the first song is really good!! Dan McCafferty has still got a good voice, but you can (of course) hear his age. I was a fan back in '78-'79, and it's good to hear, that they still can make some good music, even though it's NOT as good as then. I miss Manny Charlton in the band. But hey, the sun is shining so let's make it a thumbs (a little higher than) even!!

URIAH HEEP - THUMBS (allmost) UP

Great song, the first one. It sounds great. The guitars and the organ sounds like they did in the good old days. Like you, I became a "fan" when they released Abominog, but I have'nt bought an album since "Equator" (or how you spell that). I LOVED Pete Goalby's voice (RIP) and, I've never really liked "the new guy", he reminds me of someone from a tv-show like "American Idol", I don't know why. He has'nt got any "star-quality". I saw Heep in concert back in ´88, and "the new guy" was also in front, then. I know Mick Box's still around, and I guess Trevor Bolder's there as well, but I DO miss Lee Kerslake. He's one of the best drummer's EVER!! It sounds good, especially track 1, 3 and 4, but it's not a purchase (blame "the new guy"!!).