Member:
Son of Nothing
Date:
5/1/2003
I felt compelled to write a review for this album since it is generally disregarded and forgotten as compared to its more famous and illustrious predecessors. The next one, Never Say Die, is at least praised occasionally for its diverse musical content. All the Sabbath albums from the debut to Sabotage have always been favourites, both with the critics and people. The first semblance of the Art Rock movement's influence on the Sab's music is found in the mighty Vol. 4 and it reaches a peak in Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. They retained their heavier than thou music till Sabotage. In the midst of tensions between the band members, were recorded the two gems known as Technical Ecstasy and Never Say Die.
The music on Technical Ecstasy ranges from riff oriented songs to keyboard driven ones to Beatlish pop and groove rockers unlike the previous cases where titanic riffs were the trademark of the Sabbath sound. The topics discussed are as usual, based on reality, which isn't surprising from a band that was started by four steel-worker area Birmingham lads. And this is immediately brought to the forefront with the first song, "Back Street Kids". The intro riff is cool as usual. Ozzy wails, "I'm just another back street kid...Rock 'n Roll music is the only thing I really dig". The next track "You won't change me" is what I consider the best song in the album and easily one of Sabbath's finest. It starts off as a guitar driven track and then goes into that cool atmospheric keyboard sound. Ozzy gives a cool vocal performance. It is sublime throughout with a competent guitar solo. Bill Ward takes up vocal duties in the pop song "It's Alright" and yes, it is indeed alright. "Gypsy", "All Moving Parts (Stand Still)" and "Rock 'N' Roll Doctor" (a bit corny) are all groovy rockers. "She's Gone" is a ballad in the vein of "Changes" from Vol. 4 but not as wimpy and whiny. The acoustic guitar and the simple arrangements are indeed beautiful and Ozzy does add a melancholic feel. The final track "Dirty Women" was surprisingly done in the annoying Reunion tour. It is indeed a great one with probably the finest Iommi solos.
The greatness of this album lies in its variety, more than adequate experimentation and heaviness as expected from the Sabs. It's not as self-indulgent as it has often been accused of. Grab this venerable guy and enjoy!!! He oozes quality.
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