Disco de Nazareth: “Close Enough For Rock 'N' Roll (Universal)”

Nazareth never gets the credit they deserve anymore. About 20 years ago, if you had asked me what bands I believe will be remembered strongly 20 years later, I probably would have said Nazareth. Seriously, they deserve their spot in rock 'n roll history the same way Judas Priest and Thin Lizzy have been given their fair share of credit.

It's like "Hair of the Dog" and "Love Hurts" are the ONLY things people wanna associate with Nazareth anymore! That's absolutely INSANE!

This is a band that made *albums* worth of consistently great material. Whether you wanna call it pop rock, pop metal, or what have you- the fact remains Nazareth were, at least throughout the 70's, GREAT songwriters. I'd take this band over KISS for example ANY day.

Anyway, with the mid 70's approaching, the sound of Nazareth has begun to change, but only slightly. The great songwriting has remained, the distinctive voice of the lead singer is still firmly intact, and the albums are still fantastic from start to finish.

"Telegram" seriously sounds like a MAJOR influence to the upcoming 80's glam metal scene. I can't believe this song came out in the mid 70's. The one thing that immediately separates it from your typical metal tune is the build-up in great lyrics and bass guitar. "F.M station soundin' good, and gettin' better every mile". That's a great line. Too bad radio stinks these days, har har.

"Homesick Again" is most noticeable for that fantastic verse melody. I absolutely LOVE it. "Vancouver Shakedown" has a really good bluesy feel to it, and what enhances the experience are, again, the catchy and exciting vocal melody. "Carry Out Feelings" is a nice pop song with a chorus that actually came to me out of nowhere in the shower a couple weeks ago.

I just wish Nazareth was considered one of the best rock bands of the 70's.

For anyone who has heard 'This flight tonight' on classic rock radio, and wondered about the subdued, minimalist, but quite awesome guitar lead, well, there's a song on here that tops it...Born Under the Wrong Sign.

It starts with a bass riff lifted directly from the Ojay's 'For the love of money', before the band joins joins in on a dark,midtempo, almost menacing funk beat (hey look, the cowbell's back). Not metal, mostly clean, but the lead...

You almost have to strain to hear it. It sneaks, in never overpowering the song. But, the feeling and emotion it provokes is spot on perfect. And minimal...if the guitar player had inserted maybe 2 less notes, it woulda tied w/ Cinnanom Girl, for the most minimal guitar lead of all time. And before you know it, it's gone, fading off in the distance. Awesome.

So, some Scot dude from the 70s shows everyone that you don't have to be a thrasher to write a perfect solo...and the world ignores it. Oh well, C'est la vie.

CLOSE ENOUGH FOR ROCK & ROLL is a great follow-up to HAIR OF THE DOG. It's not quite on the same level, but it's a wonderful album in its own right. The best track is "Lift The Lid", but there are other good songs here, too. If you loved HAIR OF THE DOG or GREATEST HITS, you'll really like this one, too.

Nazareth has that chemistry many bands just never get. Close Enough for Rock & Roll was there warm up. Not a bad tune on the CD.With Hair of the Dog, Malice in Wonderland & Fool Circle to follow they carved there place in the Rock hall of fame.

The only ones who DON'T like this one is the neighbors! Play this CD at max volume for the full effect! I'm pleased!