Hidden Treasures (Nazareth)

[Scott]

This week I took a turn into a different direction and have chosen to post some music from my Musical infancy.

 

There are 3 Nazareth albums that played a role in what musical tastes I developed, so I've gone back and listened to some key tracks from Razamanaz, Loud 'N' Proud, and Rampant.  All albums I lifted from my brothers collection and took over until he noticed.  haha

 

So lets look at some roots rock, or formative rock tunes ...

 

Note:  Ive pulled all posted tracks off the "Anthology" disc which is nicely remastered to enhance your listening experience. (also because I don't own Rampant on CD )

 

Playlist -> http://snack.to/aun01l5j

 

	Razamanaz 1973 1 - Woke Up This Morning Real cool track with a cool blues riff and great slide playing and positive upbeat lyrics! Musically this is just a fun track from a really solid early heavy rock album! I can remember thinking Nazareth was hard core and how cool it was to be a fan of music like this! haha
	Loud 'N' Proud 1973 2 - This Flight Tonight I remember this playing on the radio a bunch even hit Top 40 status!  But mostly I remember how cool the bass line is, how singable the chorus is and more of that slide geetar work that really ties this tune together in a very cool way!
	Rampant 1974 3 - Sunshine 4 - Shanghai'd in Shanghai Sunshine is a very cool ballad, dare I say Power Ballad before Power Ballads were cool?  And you get the Boogie rock from Shanghai!  Gotta love the feel of these.  And since this is the album that precedes Hair of the Dog its a great primer for what was yet to come!

[Mike Mills]

All I can say is Like, Like, Like & Like!!! Love me some Nazareth & you've posted some very fine tunes!!! Great stuff, these guys rock!!!

[Scott]

Thanks Mike!  These guys are so underrated, but their back catalog is strong strong strong & strong! 

[RJhog (Admin)]

Woke Up This Morning - Never heard this one.  I dig it.  I really like the little breakdown to the drums and bass toward the end of the song.  What's-his-face's voice is killer.  I have picked up a vinyl copy of this recently, but I don't think it's in very good shape.  I might can get a transfer to mp3.

This Flight Tonight -  I have heard this one, but I don't own it.  I really should, it's a terrific song.  And again, that vocal is off the chart.  You're right Scott, the bass line is cool.  

Sunshine - This is a very decent ballad.  I don't think it's as good as their cover of Love Hurts, but it's still good and very easy to listen to.  Cool outro solo.  

Shanghai'd In Shanghai -  This is a great song.  I don't own it either, but my cousin had this on a Nazareth Greatest Hit's LP way back when and we listened to this song in particular a good bit.  The female backing vocals actually remind me of the backing vocals you would find on a Skynyrd album.  And that means I like 'em.  And you gotta love the props they give the Rolling Stones.  

So, to rank 'em:

1. This Flight Tonight

2. Shanghai'd In Shanghai

3. Woke Up This Morning

4. Sunshine

[Scott]

The more I listen to Nazareth the more underrated they become in my mind! Such a great catalog, were gonna go there again next week!

[Mike Mills]

Awesome, looking forward to that!!! Nice review RJ, I was too mesmorized to form any coherent thoughs on this magninficent work. I totally agree with you though, "What's his face's" voice is totally killer & way off the chart!!!

[Jon]

I have that same disc!

YOu made some good choices. Funny this is that I didn't completely read what you wrote and thought you had stuck an extra track in, I was expecting three and got four. And then I read it and found out there was four all along. Now, the more I think about it, it's kinda a letdown. Gee, how could you?

[Scott]

I'm a sneaky guy like that. You never know if I'm giving you 3, or 4 tunes. I may even go as far as 5, and as low as 2. I'm wild and crazy like that.

[Alan Christensen]

I have a cover by Artch of the song Razamanaz. :)

[Scott]

Never knew anyone ever covered it. And never heard of Artch, got a link to it anywhere?

[RJhog (Admin)]

I'm not Van, but I did a search for it.  The only thing I can find is a one and a half minute sample on itunes, just search Artch and it's there.

[RJhog (Admin)]

Went to the used CD store tonight.  This is what I bought:

Malice In Wonderland

No Mean City

Expect No Mercy

Loud 'N' Proud

These were all the remastered versions, priced at 6.39 each for the first 3 listed and 5.59 for Loud 'n' Proud.  These were awesome deals 'cause they are all more than that used on Amazon.  Here's the kicker.  They also had these in stock:

All of these are remastered with bonus tracks, and all of them are no more than 6.39 each.  So, should I go pick any or all of these up before they are gone?

[Jon]

I would. I have the 2XS/Sound Elixir one, and it's pretty good. The other ones I'm not too interested in unless they're really cheap.  And they're all used at that store? Why would someone get rid of these?