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Japan 24-Bit Remaster

Nazareth are a British rock band that had several hard rock hits, as well as scoring with the Felice and Boudleaux Bryant penned ballad, "Love Hurts", in the middle of the 1970s.

Nazareth was formed in December 1968 in Dunfermline, Scotland, out of the ashes of semi-professional local group The Shadettes (formed in 1961) by vocalist Dan McCafferty, guitarist Manny Charlton (ex Mark V and The Red Hawks), bassist Pete Agnew, and drummer Darrell Sweet. They took their name from the first line of The Band's classic song, "The Weight" ("I pulled into Nazareth / Was feelin' about half past dead...")

The band moved to London, England in 1970, and released their self-titled debut album in 1971. After getting some attention with their second album Exercises, released in 1972, Nazareth issued Razamanaz in early 1973. This collection spawned two UK Top Ten hits, "Broken Down Angel" and "Bad Bad Boy." This was followed by Loud 'N' Proud in late 1973, which contained another hit single with a hard-rocking cover of Joni Mitchell's song "This Flight Tonight". Then came another album Rampant, in 1974, that was equally successful although it did not yield a single. A non-album song, again a cover version, this time of Tomorrow's "My White Bicycle", was a UK Top 20 entry in 1975.

Hair of the Dog was released in 1975. The title track of that album (popularly, though incorrectly, known as "Son Of A Bitch" due to its chorus lyrics) became a staple of 1970s rock radio. The American version of the album included a song originally recorded by The Everly Brothers, and also covered by Roy Orbison, the expressively melodic ballad "Love Hurts", that was released as a hit single in the UK and in the U.S., where it went platinum. In addition, the track became the band's only U.S. Top Ten hit.

In 1979, second guitarist Zal Cleminson was added to the lineup, remaining for two albums, No Mean City and Malice in Wonderland, contributing numerous compositions. Malice in Wonderland produced a popular AOR single called "Holiday".

Various Nazareth lineups continued to make studio albums and tour throughout the Eighties and Nineties, although their popularity had declined such that some albums no longer received a UK release, nor American. However, they remained poplular in Europe, particularly Germany, where "Dream On" became a hit single.

In 1999, while touring the U.S., original drummer Darrell Sweet died at age 51 - the result of a heart attack. He was replaced by bassist Pete Agnew's son for later editions of the band. More recently the band toured Canada with the opening act, Headpins.

A new album has just been recorded, and will be released in February 2008. This will coincide with their 40th anniversary tour.

The hard rocker "Witchdoctor Woman" is a devastating opener, full of killer fuzz guitar and McCafferty's overwhelming vocal power (especially at the end). The solo part is awesome too, listen to the way the guitar scorches while the bass is thumping away like a mastodon. Obviously, they had been listening to what Deep Purple, Black Sabbath and Uriah Heep did the previous year.
"Dear John" is pure piano boogie rock. Awesome song.

"Empty Arms, Empty Heart" has a phenomenal riff that should definitely be on any list of greatest guitar riffs. But few people know about this album so I guess that will never happen.
"I Had A Dream" is beautiful. Dan McCafferty can adapt his voice to practically any style of music, and this proves it. Listen to this song and you'll be thinking "this can't be the same guy who sang 'Hair Of The Dog' and 'Razamanaz'". But it is! What a lovely vocal melody and soothing harmonium.

"Red Light Lady" is interesting. Starts out simple enough as a kick-ass rock tune, then slows down and goes into a weird orchestral part. Unique, definitely.
Speaking of unique, how about "Fat Man"? Killer riff with some weird, distorted vocals. Man, these guys just had a plethora of ideas. Chronicling a day in the life of an unpopular fat guy.
"Country Girl" is a marvelous country ballad with great slide guitar from Manny. Dan sings beautifully.

"Morning Dew" is THE masterpiece on this album, and in my book, one of the top 5 greatest songs the band ever did. Yeah, you can keep your radio tunes and hit singles, but this song is Nazareth's Mona Lisa. Definitely the best version of this song ever made, it even blows away the Jeff Beck Group's version. The intro is priceless, with a pounding bass line being driven into your brain, before some brilliant, spooky guitar effects come into play (love the way Manny uses echo here). And here's Dan adapting his voice once again, starting out peaceful and smooth before exploding into full-fledged rock 'n roll as the rest of the band explodes with him. Simply priceless.

"The King Is Dead" is a chilling tale of anarchy, complete with string accompaniment. This one can really haunt you to death, with Dan's whispery vocals and Manny's beautiful acoustic guitar.

The b-side "Friends" is included here and it's a real treat. Yet another country-styled acoustic ballad that really is wonderful. This is about as far from 'Hair Of The Dog' as you can get! Anyway, it's a nice, relaxing little ditty about relaxation. Has funny lyrics too ("Roll yourself a joint, friend...Empty your head, friend"). Great stuff.

The alternate versions of the original songs are pretty pointless, but they take nothing away from the musical mastery of this great, forgotten album.