Nazareth are kicking it old school on their 2011 release, Big Dogz.
In a career that has spanned 40 years, seen over 20 albums released and an amazing
6o million sold the Scottish quartet is boasting very few overdubs, no computer
tweaking and a simple live recording approach with these 11 songs, keeping the
old 70’s ethos alive with this rough and ready set.
Opening with the chunky tight beat of bassist and original member Pete Agnew
and his son Lee on drums, “Big Dog’s Gonna Howl” features
that unmistakable wild growl of Dan McCafferty’s, tight backing vocals with
pretty much a commercial chorus. “No Mean Monster” pops even faster,
again with Agnew’s simple yet effective bass playing. This one features
some great McCafferty screaming and the first real lead of guitarist Jimmy Murrison.There
is a low piano key opening mixed with Murrison’s echoey acoustic for the
nearly gospel-like “When Jesus Comes To Save The World Again.” Though
a long tune on Big Dogz, the band outfits themselves well with pacing, Murrison’s
slide lead later and a real attention to keeping the tune right where it should
stay.
“Radio,” a tune about a subject we’ve heard plenty before,
falls a bit flat lyrically, though it’s got a nice obvious commercial
chorus and big beat. “Time and Tide” sees Murrison calling forth
the spirit of old Jimmy Page…and playing some nicely placed piano as well.
Murrison again leads with his piano playing on “Butterfly,” the
slowest tune here and another one showing of McCafferty’s unique throat.
“Sleeptalker” ends with some great backing vocals and Murrison wailing
on a nice long slide part. You have to appreciate the fact that Nazareth are
tackling the subjects they do on Big Dogz, presenting no-holds-
barred music, and writing songs from their unique perspective of being older
guys who still have something to say and can still rock hard saying it.
~ Ralph Greco, Jr.
