LIVE AT LAST

Here we have a live Sabbath album, a delayed release of a performance from 1973, ultimately offered to the public in 1980. It is recorded by the band, most likely on relatively basic equipment, thus resulting in a somewhat muffled and murky mix, but not as rough as, say, King Crimson's infamous poor quality live album 'Earthbound'. The track-list features much-loved classics, among them 'Sweet Leaf', 'Killing Yourself To Live', 'Snowblind', 'Warpigs' and 'Paranoid'. The duration of the album clocks in at just under an hour, and the main treat presented here is the hodge-podge medley/jam workout entitled 'Wicked World' (18.42). This piece kicks off with a typical, crunching Iommi riff with varying tempos, Ozzy struggling with his voice in such a low key - actually, his voice sounds kind of worn on this recording, but he still sings with conviction and it comes across well enough. After some minutes, Iommi steals the show with some strumming, then breaking out with a freak-out solo which leads into an exciting jazzy jam, really cool to hear BS in this context. This reverts back to some more shred- fest from Iommi, who then leads the band into the main riff from 'Into The Void', then Iommi shreds some more on his own (most likely ego-tripping by now !!). What comes up next is a funky little number which is apparently entitled 'Sometimes I'm Happy' (according to the track names here) and is another fitting song for the band. This tune then segues into the classic 'Supernaut' which in turn allows drummer Bill Ward some time on his own to bash his skins. After this drum solo (he's decent enough, but no Bozzio) the song returns to the opening riff and ends. This track is worth the price of admission alone, raising the score to a 3 star effort, but not recommended to those who aren't familiar with the studio albums.