Black Sabbath!
I can't think of a better way to spend St. Valentine's Day...with a dozen roses, a box of chocolate decadence, relaxing, and Sabbath. Aaaah yes.
Before I hit the new additions to the Moon next week, and there are some great songs to get to, I wanted to get this show in. Methem proposed possibly having some Black Sabbath on the Moon. I'm not proposing additions of anything, but there's enough progressive ground covered in their catalogue to warrant at least a show.
1) Supertzar - Sabotage
I almost used this as my intro each week. I still may....Opera vocals, guitar and not much else. An extremely cool song.
2) Wheels of Confusion - Vol 4
The fourth record marks Sabbath's evolution into prog rock. Originally a blues rock band, they emerged from Birmingham in the late 60's as peers of Jethro Tull. In fact, Tony Iommi almost joined Tull. After three raw rock classics, Vol 4 moved their sound into different areas. Very understated vocal (a relief for Ozzy bashers
) and a developed theme.
3) Supernaut - Vol 4
One of the heavier tunes in my playlist, included because it's a tremendous song with a killer riff. The calpyso bridge is neat.
4) Snowblind - Vol 4
A classic...a comment on cocaine.
The next six are from Sabbath, Bloody Sabbath. Their fifth record, I consider this their most progressive effort. Sabotage is close behind. I've only deleted two songs from here, only just to get some other representation.
5) Sabbath, Bloody Sabbath
Another killer riff. There's a dichotomy in the verse and the chorus musically that makes this song extremely effective. Lyrically, deals with what most of their songs were about - frustration, inner turmoil - NOT the devil. That's just marketing.
6) A National Acrobat
A three part theme, features the plodding effectiveness in their instrumentation. One of my favorites.
7) Sabbra Cadabra
A repeat from an earlier show, features the talents of Rick Wakeman.
8) Killing Yourself To Live
Another multi-part tune, this one's a classic.
9) Who Are You?
I like "Looking For Today" better, but I included this to showcase Wakeman and to have a different sound.
10) Spiral Architect
Their most beautiful tune, very prog and is a rare uplifting tune from Ozzy. A perfect crossover for non-fans.
11) Wicked World
Going back to their first record, in 69/70, recorded quickly and quite raw. A very jazzy tune with a bitchin' solo.
12) Wasp/Behind The Wall of Sleep/Basically/N.I.B.
Also from record one, N.I.B. is really the one I wanted to play, but I can't split the smaller trracks off the beginning. And the live version I have has some offensive dork at the end shouting expletives. Primus and Ozzy did this tune a few years back and although it did not have the guitar leads, it smoked. The very underrated Geezer Butler delivers an intro to N.I.B. that stays with you.
13) War Pigs - Paranoid
For it's time, and any other time, very progressive. Just becuase it's hard rock doesn't lessen the elements of prog. May be their best song.
14) Planet Caravan - Paranoid
Spacey, mellower than most mellow bands! Paranoid is record #2.
15) Into The Void - Master of Reality
The only cut I included off their third record. Master of Reality is very raw (although good), but not a real fit here. Actually, this is a live version from "Reunion", recorded in 1998. I caught the original line-up (finally) on this tour.
16) Hole In The Sky - Sabotage
This tune opens up their sixth record. It's a powerhouse.
17) The Thrill Of It All - Sabotage
Two tunes pushed into one, it's a good counterbalance.
18) The Writ
The last three minutes of this song get on my nerves (the vocal is not the best), but I agree with Methem, who mentioned this song specifically as a good tune for inclusion.
19) Gypsy - Technical Ecstacy
Their seventh record, this marks the full evolution into prog rock. The only failing is the poor recording throughout. Keyboards increase dramatically. Bill Ward delivers a great intro.
20) Dirty Women - Technical Ecstacy
Probably my second favorite keyboard-oriented Sabbath tune. The guitar after the second verse is easily Iommi's best lick.
The next four are from Never Say Die!, their eighth and last record with Ozzy. This one's got some interesting stuff, including a straight jazz tune that goes into a bluesy harmonica-dominated number. The disappointment of seeing what they could have grown into is tempered by the great records both Sabbath and Ozzy put out after this one.
21) Johnny Blade
Loud and proud. Only drawback is the extreme treble of the recording.
22) Junior's Eyes
A fantastic song. This would have been a great future direction for the band.
23) Air Dance
For my money, their most progressive tune. Don Airey on keys.
24) Over To You
Very full and lush, an atypical tune for them.
25) Children of the Sea
26) Heaven And Hell
Ronnie James Dio meshes perfectly with the other three on the "Heaven And Hell" record. Children of the Sea is a personal favorite.
27) Falling Off The Edge of the World - The Mob Rules
Another example of how tight these guys are.
28) I
29) Computer God
I skipped "Born Again" with Ian Gillian, and some other records with other singers. in 1992 Dio came back to record "Dehumanizer", which I feel shows some of those metal poseurs how it's done. A forgotten record but an often played one in my collection.
I submit that the heaviness of most of their catalogue gives the casual listener a misconception of a lack of progressive elements. I disagree, and hope you enjoy this change of pace.