Disco de Nazareth: “Malice in Wonderland [German Bonus Tracks]”

Nazareth hired Jeff "Skunk" Baxter to produce MALICE IN WONDERLAND, and the results are great. The opener, "Holiday", describes the feeling of ennui that arises from self-indulgence, and, along with the cautionary ballad "Fallen Angel", has motivated me to look at pictures of pretty actresses as a deterrent to such behavior. That's hardly the only great song here, as Baxter apparently encouraged the band to try new sounds, including cleaner guitar textures and exotic rhythms. This CD shows a band continuing to grow and refine their sound, and is an essential purchase for any Nazareth fan, as well as any fan of 70s and 80s rock in general.

Another GREAT album that was rather ignored by devotees and critics! Many 'fans' had deserted them when 'Fool Circle', two albums previous, hit the streets. The change in musical direction 'had put them off' since they saw the band as merely a hard-rockin' 'eavy 'me'al oufit!!! As mentioned in the ballads review, Nazareth has always had eclectic leanings as far back as their first album on Warner Brothers in 1972! Any one REALLY surprised, Im not! Thats why Ive always appreciated pretty much what they have done - because of the diverse writing styles. (Dan McCafferty's 1975 solo disc is a good representation of what Im talking about) Well here it is 1980's 'Malice In Wonderland' - another solid package of good singing and good playing from the boys! The added live tracks of the studio versions are a welcome addition, as they get a 'rather different' treatment when performed live. Once again guitarist MANNY CHARLTON comes up with a musically poignant and sensitive piece, 'Ship of Dreams.' (Any one remember 'A Rose In the Heather' from 'Hair of the Dog' - same inspiration) Of couse, the great axe wielder, ZAL CLEMINSON formerly of the SENSATIONAL ALEX HARVEY BAND who joined the lineup on 1979's 'No Mean City, provides two SOLID compositions, a mid tempo rocker, 'Big Boy'(originally done on the 1976 SAHB w/o Alex record, 'Fourplay') and the rather moving ballad, 'Hearts Grown Cold' (which Rick Medlocke and Blackfoot did a few years later when ex-Uriah Heeper KEN HENSLEY was in the band) For those who dont know, ex-DOOBIE BROTHER, Jeff Baxter produced this record (just as he did with 'Fool Circle) and I might add, DID a commendable job as the '3rd ear man!'

Some of ya'll heard Nazareth 'sold out' with the chick singers on 'Big Boy' along with its mid-section sax solo and least I forget, were AGHASTLY MORTIFIED when VIBES made their first appearance on the mid-tempo groove of 'Fast Cars!' Oh no - what have these SCOTTISH rockers done to themselves? Once again, to prepare and deliver another eclectic, NO NOT ECCENTRIC, platter of good taste that was hardly a waste! A nice companion to some of their earlier discs and some later ones too - '2xs' 'Bugaloo' and 'No Jive' If your looking for total BLITZKRIEG, better go with Fates Warning Queensryche Megadeth Tool Pavement or Soulfly - if the tastes buds are little mo' into a diverse and discriminating frame of mind, well, you've come to the right place! 'MIW' is the package of song for you. (BTW, the band with new guy Jimmy Murrison on guitar and bassist Pete Agnew's son on drums are on a 6 month world tour that should commence around the time of the original singer's and bassist 59th birthday! Cheers to all!

As I write this, there are only 6 reviews? I do not believe that! O.K., so it's not "considered" their best work. WHO CARES? Overly commercial, yeah, maybe so, I bought it. This album rocks, PERIOD. Every band "mellows" over time. I will admit, it's not as hard drivin' as their older stuff, (by any means). The cut titled: "Heart's grown cold", well, it's a good ballad, I also like "Fast Cars", for the steady bass, topped off with a xylophone. "Talkin' 'bout Love" is a great tune, and I will defend that statement. I can't forget "Fallen Angel", and perhaps it's just me?, but "Turning a New Leaf" may be the best track, definitely a driving (your car) song. So, if you're looking to add to your Nazareth collection, it's worth it! Do yourself a favor, check ebay if you wanna save some big green.

It would appear Nazareth got too close to painting themselves into a corner with Expect No Mercy and No Mean City. They're both good albums but nothing unexpected at that point in their career. Turning themselves over to Jeff Baxter for a new lease on life turned out to be a smart move, and the results are both unexpected and brilliant. Malice in Wonderland thoroughly explores Nazareth's potential and finally brings some long needed production values to a band that was very good, but becoming formulaic and stale. Backing off from their typical commanding lead vocal punctuated by heavy guitars and a bruising rhythm section approach, they went for lush melodies, jangly guitars, layered harmonies, and exotic rhythms (for them) that make for an absorbing and satisfying album that can hold an open minded listener's attention from start to finish.

When it was first released some fans were undoubtedly confused at best or felt betrayed at worst. For others, it was a somewhat shocking revelation that these guys could actually bust out of the mold to produce what is possibly the finest offering of their prolific career. If you're willing to set aside what you expect from Nazareth based on previous albums, Malice in Wonderland is a terrific piece of work that kept them from being permanently saddled as a one-trick pony and displayed their collective talent in a way they never quite equaled again. Given its unique qualities, if you're just getting acquainted with Nazareth, one of their earlier albums or a compilation might be a better place to start. That will put this album in perspective and allow you to appreciate its depth.

I loved this album as a teenager. It's even better than I remember. "Fallen Angel" is a PERFECT song - worth the entire album.