Black Sabbath-the Black Sabbath, the original lineup of Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, four childhood friends from the north of England-grew out of the U.K's late-60s blues/hard rock scene, which ... more »also included Led Zeppelin, Cream, Blue Cheer, and other greats. Sabbath's sweeping and masterful metamorphosis away from that tradition spawned heavy metal music, inventing the template for everything that would follow. With crushing rhythms, torpedo riffs, haunting songs, and Ozzy's other-worldly vocals, the band conjured a dark, menacing, and resonant sound that reverberates still.« less
Black Sabbath-the Black Sabbath, the original lineup of Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, four childhood friends from the north of England-grew out of the U.K's late-60s blues/hard rock scene, which also included Led Zeppelin, Cream, Blue Cheer, and other greats. Sabbath's sweeping and masterful metamorphosis away from that tradition spawned heavy metal music, inventing the template for everything that would follow. With crushing rhythms, torpedo riffs, haunting songs, and Ozzy's other-worldly vocals, the band conjured a dark, menacing, and resonant sound that reverberates still.
"Black Sabbath seems to be falling into the recent trend of releasing (and re-releasing) compilations like there's no tomorrow. I've got to admit that I was very happy with the remastering on the two-disc 'Symptom Of The Universe' anthology put out a couple of years ago, while being mildly impressed with the tracklisting. Even though you'll have to pay a few dollars more for that collection, I think it would certainly be worth it, even for a casual fan.
Now I don't own this cd (sorry for breaking the rules, Amazon), but I'm shocked to hear of the editing of a few tracks, particularly "Iron Man." I also am getting sick of seeing "Am I Going Insane (Radio)" on every Sabbath compilation released (it's the only song from the band that I can never seem to stomach). Why not put something like "Killing Yourself To Live" or, if you want a softer one, "Planet Caravan"?
Overall, I would just encourage you to stick with 'Symptom Of The Universe,' or better yet, go ahead and shell out the $90 or $100 for the 'Black Box,' which contains all eight studio albums recorded with Ozzy on vocals."
DON'T BUY THIS; IRONMAN IS CHOPPED IN HALF
F. Burock | 03/16/2006
(1 out of 5 stars)
"I don't know what the moronic executive producer of this, Sharon Osbourne, was thinking when she decided to cut Ironman in half, it isn't even faded properly, but what a mistake. The target audience of this i would presume is either completist Sabbath collectors who buy everything(like myself) or novice fans who will make this their first and only Black Sabbath purchase. Perhaps the greedy witch Sharon wants them to buy the previously released double greatest hits cd or maybe even the $100 black box to get the full version of Ironman. What a disgrace! I wonder if Ozzy and the other Sabbs(Tony, Geezer & Bill) know about this? Sharon Osbourne as chief power broker of all things Sabbath is the best and worst thing that has happened to the band. They've received lots of pub and a myriad of product releases that only a few years ago seemed unthinkable. On the other hand, they, because of her, now seem as just another money grubbing band looking for one more payday. You want more stuff; OK, but you're going to pay big time! I could imagine what is next to be released by the witch. 1. Color version of "Never say die" from BBC's Top of the pops, 2. 1974 Cal Jam, 3. 1975 Rock Concert followed by each one they did thereafter, 4. How about Sabbath ballads from 1970-78. Disgraceful."
I Should Have Read the Reviews First!!!
T. Kelly | Greater Cincy, USA | 05/01/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Great reviews from everyone. Why didn't I read them before buying this mistake??!!! Iron Man is my favorite Sabbath tune. Why did they have to edit this one??!!! It did, however, prompt me to go out and immediately purchase a fresh 'Paranoid' CD! What a classic ... Iron Man, War Pigs, Electric Funeral ... it doesn't get any better than that. I'm a huge Zeppelin fan, but 'Paranoid' stands up to any Zep album ... plain and simple. ROCK ON, Guys!!"
DO NOT BUY!!! THERE ARE BETTER ALTERNATIVES!
Bob McNeely | 07/29/2006
(1 out of 5 stars)
"I wish I would have read the reviews for this album, because if I had, I never would have bought it. Sure, it has a lot of great songs on it, but why in the hell would you butcher one of the greatest songs ever? Iron Man was the first Sabbath song I ever heard. In my opinion, it is possibly their best tune, and it is DESTROYED on this album. -WHAT THE !@$#? There are also a few songs that should not be on this album and a few that aren't, but should be. If you're just a casual Sabbath fan and don't mind the butcher getting a hold of Iron Man, this would not be a bad album for you. If you are a serious Sabbath fan, or you want to hear their music in its glorious entirety, I would suggest We Sold Our Soul For Rock N Roll (GREAT ALBUM)!!!
I have also seen good reviews for Symptom Of The Universe, but I haven't heard that album yet. You may want to check that one out as well."