"Loud N' Proud" was the follow up to
Nazareth's breakthrough album "Razamanaz". "Loud N' Proud" was released only 6 months after "Razamanaz". In the seventies it was common to make records, tour and make records. Each cycle was short and most bands of the seventies were very productive.
Nazareth didn't have lots of songs shelved, but after the success of "Razamanaz" the record company wanted a quick follow up.
Nazareth went into the studio while "Razamanaz" still was charting. .... Maybe that explains why there is 3 cover versions out of the 8 songs recorded for the album. Ironically
Nazareth's version of Joni Mitchell's
This Flight Tonight became the biggest hit. The best cover is the 9 minute Bob Dylan interpretation
The Ballad of Hollis Brown, because it doesn't sound like Dylan but sounds like
Nazareth.
The highlights are
Nazareth's own material with a special mention to
Not Fakin' it and
Turn on Your Receiver.
"Loud N' Proud" is an extension of "Razamanaz" but not as sparkling . The album is good and strong, but the album will always be compared to "Razamanaz", which is bit unfair.
Child in the Sun and
Freewheeler are also great songs and all in all "Loud N' Proud" doesn't hold any weak tracks.
The album was again done with Roger Glover and in the same studio as the predecessor.... Well, never change a winning team.
Nazareth's fifth album "Rampant" was released in 1974. Even though it came quickly after "Loud N Proud" the album is different. Even though Roger Glover once again produced the album the sound is different on "Rampant". Time has been kind to the album, because the sound is very far-seeing and still suits the music. The production is more round and the edges have been polished. Some would characterize it as more slick, but Dan Mcafferty's raw vocals still makes it
Nazareth.
"Rampant" is without any hits even though
Shanghai in Shanghai was a single. It's a not a safe album as "Loud N Proud - it is diverse but lacks the outstanding tunes. My personal favorite being
Jet Lag followed by opening track
Silver Dollar Forger. In 1975
Nazareth were on fire. Still riding high on the 3 previous records, which had been released within 18 months.
Nazareth outdone themselves with "Hair of Dog", which is the most complete and best sounding
Nazareth album.
This was the first album to be produced by guitarist Manny Charlton and his lively production really suits this rock classic. The opening song is already immortalized and lives on in various cover versions. However, the original is the best. Please notice Darrell Sweet's solid drumming. He is like
Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones; a bit anonymous and no flashy player, but he makes
Hair of the Dog bounce and groove - Darrel Sweet is one of the main reasons why the original version never has been surpassed.
Miss Misery is a bouncy rocker and one of
Nazareth's heaviest tracks. The album highlight is the breathtaking
Please Don't Judas me, which clocks in at 9 minutes. I also have a soft spot for
Beggars Day; McCaffertys vocals and the driving rhythm are immense.
Once again Salvo Records spoils the buyer regarding bonus tracks.
Nazareth's smash hit-single
Love Hurts is included. The song originally appeared on the American version of "Hair of the Dog". Furthermore the Salvo reissue contains two singles that wasn't on the original album either;
Holy Roller and
My White Bicycle.
Since the release in April 1975 "Hair of the Dog" has sold more than 2 million copies worldwide. The album is a must have in any rock collection and with this great reissue you are out of excuses.
Ratings:
Loud N' Proud - 6,5/10
Rampant - 6/10
Hair of the Dog - 7/10
Written by
Michael Monday, March 29, 2010
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