This is the 3d album of the heavy metal pioneers, who were at the time faced with the impossible task of following "Paranoid" with something as good. Well, maybe it's not as good (how could it be?) but a pretty fine album it is. Lyrically it's lighter than its predecessor and touches on a variety of subjects, embracing youth rebellion in "Children Of The Grave", marijuana in "Sweet Leaf" and tackling pollution in the dystopian sci-fi "Into The Void". "After Forever" gets criticism for its infamous line "Would you like to see the pope at the end of the rope?" Very visual and shocking, but it's actually sung from the point of view of a reborn Christian denouncing atheism. Sabbath could be that way, playing the satanist card for shock value but never actually following it through. Ozzy usually assumes a persona, so he can sing as a Christian the one moment and as Satan himself the next (e.g. "N.I.B." or this album's "Lord Of This World"). Two short acoustic instrumental interludes ("Embryo" and "Orchid") provide some respite from Iommi's riff assault, together with the delicate flute-adorned ballad "Solitude". Compared to the two unparalleled albums that preceded it, "MoR" may have slightly weaker songs (although "Leaf" and "Children" are rightly considered classics), but it sports a momentously heavy groove thanks to its revolutionary low tunings. Together their with next record Vol.4, it has proved hugely influential and served as a template for countless doom/stoner bands. The Deluxe Edition adds instrumental and alternative versions plus an unreleased song from the sessions, "Weevil Woman '71", which would actually not be out of place in any of the classic Sabbath albums. It's that good. The instrumental versions will allow you to appreciate Iommi's riffs without distractions, while also of interest are the different lyrics on Sweet Leaf (which seems to have started as a love song) and Children Of The Grave. The latter has Ozzy making up some nonsensical lyrics which were later rewritten by the group's better lyricist, bassist Geezer Butler. It's impressive how songs like this or "War Pigs" connect with the concerns of the flower power generation (this was still the aftermath of Woodstock) while they're esthetically their polar opposite. The alternate "Lord Of This World" comes with extra production flourishes (piano, slide guitar, double tracked vocals). Intriguing, but I can understand why they decided to dispense with them at the end - with Sabbath, it's all about the riff. IMO, the Deluxe Edition is of interest only for serious fans. If you're a fan and overtly familiar with this classic album, you'll be more than glad with the alternative versions and newly remastered sound. Most Classic Rock/ Metal fans would be well served by the regular remastered edition, while the simply curious need only a good compilation and probably "Paranoid" or the debut "Black Sabbath".
***** for After Forever, Children Of The Grave, Sweet Leaf
**** for Orchid, Lord Of This World, Solitude, Into The Void
*** for Embryo, Weevil Woman '71, Children of the Grave (alt.version), Sweet Leaf (alt.version), Lord Of This World (alt.version)
** for After Forever (instr.), Children of the Grave (instr.), Orchid (alt.version), Solitude (alt.version), Spanish Sid (early version of Into The Void)
No comments:
Post a Comment