The Ozzy Thread

[El Barto]

No idea why we don't have one.

The good news is that Lee Kerslake has finally gotten some small amount of recognition for helping to create Ozzy's two masterpiece albums in the form of two platinum records. The bad news is that it only happened because he's fixing to drop dead of cancer. Kind of puts Bob Daisly in an awkward position, don't ya think?

http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/terminally-ill-lee-kerslake-presented-with-ozzy-osbourne-platinum-albums-at-hall-of-heavy-metal-history-video/

I always considered Diary to be the better (by far) album of the first two. Whereas Blizzard was focused entirely around Rhodes and Don Airey, Diary was all about Kerslake/ Daisley. Those two guys really made that album. Nice to see at least one of them get some credit.

And as always, fuck Sharon Osbourne. Filthy cunt.

[Dream Team]

  Regarding your last sentence, you probably don't want to hear that Sharon in an interview said she made Ozzy spend a lot of time "south of the border" as punishment for his many infidelities.

Anyway, the first 4 solo records are undeniable classics IMO. There are many who even feel the Jake records are superior to the Randy ones, but regardless they are staples of classic metal. Crazy Train in particular has be in the Top 10 of greatest/most influential metal songs.

Then of course there are the first 6 Sabbath records . . .

[El Barto]

Regarding your last sentence, you probably don't want to hear that Sharon in an interview said she made Ozzy spend a lot of time "south of the border" as punishment for his many infidelities.

Anyway, the first 4 solo records are undeniable classics IMO. There are many who even feel the Jake records are superior to the Randy ones, but regardless they are staples of classic metal. Crazy Train in particular has be in the Top 10 of greatest/most influential metal songs.

Then of course there are the first 6 Sabbath records . . .

I have plenty of problems with FCSO, not the least of which is that she owes me $800. She's a truly despicable woman. Christ, even her own father wanted her dead. I'm just sorry his dogs didn't get her. The wold would be a better place if they had.


I listed The Ultimate Sin in my list of (realtime) disappointments. A lot of people pushed back on the basis that Bark was a bigger disappointment. I went and listened to it the other day and Bark is alright. To me it's simply a return to the guitar/key driven sound he had with Blizzard. The songs aren't as good, but it's definitely a stylistic return. Personally, I prefer the drum/bass style they had with Diary, so I can see how Bark could be a letdown from that standpoint, but since blizzard is undeniably a classic I can't bitch to much about going back to that well with Bark. I don't know WTF Ultimate Sin is supposed to be, though.

[pg1067]

Bark wasn't as good as Diary, but few albums are, so....  Given that the band lost its primary songwriter, the stylistic differences were inevitable.  Bark is too polished to be great, but pretty solid from start to finish (with the possible exception of "So Tired"), and "Waiting for Darkness" is on par with almost anything from the Rhoads era.  Ultimate Sin, on the other hand, was not very good at all (and and pretty much anything but an "undeniable classic"), but as bad as it is, it's still better than No Rest for the Wicked, feat. Captain Pinch Harmonic.

[Zydar]

I have a soft spot for The Ultimate Sin. It was my first Ozzy album, and I listened to it a lot - especially Shot In The Dark.

But for me, it's all about those first two albums. Bark At The Moon has some great tracks too. And then there's some fine stuff spread out here and there (haven't heard all albums though).

[cramx3]

I've got a ticket to see Ozzy and Megadeth this summer. Looking forward to that one, I really enjoyed his show with Stone Sour last summer. He isnt the greatest love but he still puts on a show to make it worth seeing again.

Having said that, I've never actually owned any of his albums.

[wolfking]

The Ultimate Sin is my fav Ozzy album.

[NoseofNicko]

The Ultimate Sin is my fav Ozzy album.

+1 It’s great.

[pg1067]

I've got a ticket to see Ozzy and Megadeth this summer. Looking forward to that one, I really enjoyed his show with Stone Sour last summer. He isnt the greatest love but he still puts on a show to make it worth seeing again.

[WilliamMunny]

The Ultimate Sin is my fav Ozzy album.

I'll see your Ultimate Sin and raise you No More Tears!

[KevShmev]

No More Tears is the Ozzy album I listen to the most, although I think Diary is his best album.  Blizzard... is really good as well, but has a few average tunes that bring down the overall greatness.  I totally get why it blew the minds of many at the time. I have probably heard them too many times, but I Don't Know and Crazy Train probably had hard rock and metal fans giddy with excitement back then.

[TAC]

So since we finally have an Ozzy thread, I'll share my story of how I found out about Ozzy. Some already know it.

When I was in the 7th grade (80-81), my father came home with a cassette of Blizzard Of Ozz. No, he was not a fan. My father was a high school teacher, and being that my last name is Crowley, one of his students brought it in for him to listen to Mr. Crowley. Should be no surprise that my father was not impressed, but I loved it. It's weird, but my father turned 34 in 1980 but he was not into music.

Anyway, suffice to say that I have been serenaded to Mr. Crowley my entire life. Obviously a lot more when I was younger, but even today, I hear it at least once a month.

[El Barto]

No More Tears is the Ozzy album I listen to the most, although I think Diary is his best album.  Blizzard... is really good as well, but has a few average tunes that bring down the overall greatness.  I totally get why it blew the minds of many at the time. I have probably heard them too many times, but I Don't Know and Crazy Train probably had hard rock and metal fans giddy with excitement back then.

Certainly blew my little 12 year old mind. As I've long said, a seminal album for me. I shudder to think how things would have gone if the older kids across the street had been country fans or something.

[TAC]

There are many who even feel the Jake records are superior to the Randy ones,

There are??

I listed The Ultimate Sin in my list of (realtime) disappointments. A lot of people pushed back on the basis that Bark was a bigger disappointment. I went and listened to it the other day and Bark is alright. To me it's simply a return to the guitar/key driven sound he had with Blizzard. The songs aren't as good, but it's definitely a stylistic return. Personally, I prefer the drum/bass style they had with Diary, so I can see how Bark could be a letdown from that standpoint, but since blizzard is undeniably a classic I can't bitch to much about going back to that well with Bark. I don't know WTF Ultimate Sin is supposed to be, though.

Not sure I follow the Blizzard is a guitar album, Diary is a drums album... but I'm totally with you on BATM and TUS. I hate reading that BATM was a disappointment. I mean, Randy was so unique and recognizable, but I still think BATM is very solid. In other words, if BATM was the first Ozzy solo album, I think it would be looked upon a bit more. Waiting For Darkness is my #2 Ozzy song.

But The Ultimate Sin, man what a humongous stepdown. There is nothing remotely interesting about it. I love Shot In The Dark, but that's it.

[jammindude]

I pretty much only like the first two....and Diary is an absolutely PERFECT metal masterpiece.   

Unfortunately, the fact that it happens to be Ozzy(tm) is just dumb luck.   Ozzy(tm) is just a person who does not have much in the way of talent, so he surrounds himself with those who do, and then takes credit for it.    Now, he's simply playing a character.   

Bark at the Moon was good (the title track is easily one of the best songs to come out with his name on it).     The Ultimate Sin.....aaahhhh yes..... the "hair metal" album.   Sorry.   Not a fan.   No Rest for the Wicked is a completely overlooked classic, and Zakk really made his mark out of the gate.   Great album.   No More Tears has very high highs and a lot of filler.   After that, everything kindof gets forgettable.   Like I can just picture a room full of ghost writers sitting around with baited breath.   Then Ozzy(tm) comes in and incoherently mutters, "I want to write a song about rock n roll" and the ghost writers all say "OZZY(tm) YOU'RE A GENIUS!!!" and hand him a stack full of pre-written songs for him to take credit for.   

But ya.   I got to give props.  Diary of a Madman is one of the greatest metal albums of all time.   I may even put that one above all the Black Sabbath albums.  And I don't say that lightly.     As many great songs as BS had, it's hard to pinpoint a single album that is perfect from start to finish.   Master of Reality maybe. 

[cramx3]

So since we finally have an Ozzy thread, I'll share my story of how I found out about Ozzy. Some already know it.

When I was in the 7th grade (80-81), my father came home with a cassette of Blizzard Of Ozz. No, he was not a fan. My father was a high school teacher, and being that my last name is Crowley, one of his students brought it in for him to listen to Mr. Crowley. Should be no surprise that my father was not impressed, but I loved it. It's weird, but my father turned 34 in 1980 but he was not into music.

Anyway, suffice to say that I have been serenaded to Mr. Crowley my entire life. Obviously a lot more when I was younger, but even today, I hear it at least once a month.

  now I know what to call you if I see you in Worcester

[KevShmev]

Certainly blew my little 12 year old mind. As I've long said, a seminal album for me. I shudder to think how things would have gone if the older kids across the street had been country fans or something.

Your wit and sense of humor would be going over well right now on the Kenny Rogers discussion form.

[TAC]

Certainly blew my little 12 year old mind. As I've long said, a seminal album for me. I shudder to think how things would have gone if the older kids across the street had been country fans or something.

Your wit and sense of humor would be going over well right now on the Kenny Rogers discussion form.

They have a guy at the Kenny Rogers forum (KRF) called WildwestRanger. He just posted a poll. Nashville or Knoxville.

[KevShmev]

Certainly blew my little 12 year old mind. As I've long said, a seminal album for me. I shudder to think how things would have gone if the older kids across the street had been country fans or something.

Your wit and sense of humor would be going over well right now on the Kenny Rogers discussion form.

They have a guy at the Kenny Rogers forum (KRF) called WildwestRanger. He just posted a poll. Nashville or Knoxville.

 

[El Barto]

Not sure I follow the Blizzard is a guitar album, Diary is a drums album... but I'm totally with you on BATM and TUS. I hate reading that BATM was a disappointment. I mean, Randy was so unique and recognizable, but I still think BATM is very solid. In other words, if BATM was the first Ozzy solo album, I think it would be looked upon a bit more. Waiting For Darkness is my #2 Ozzy song.

Diary was drums and bass and Blizzard was guitars and keys. Not only are they the driving force of their respective albums, but they're the respective standouts. They're even mixed that way. Randy's guitar is out in front of everything. I know you're not a Daisley fan like me, but compare his bass work on the two albums. He was a key part of one, and you mostly hear him playing quarter notes to support Rhoads in the other. Simply put, when you think of Over the Mountain and SATO what's the first thing you think of? How'bout I Don't Know and Crowley (Alistair, not your pop)? For me it's pretty definitely Kerslake, Kerslake/Daisley & Rhoads, Rhoads/Airey.

And I actually met Kenny Rogers after a Metallica concert. Super nice guy. 

[King Postwhore]

Qas it the Chinese Kenny Rogers? With all that surgery that's all all I can see.   

[TAC]

Not sure I follow the Blizzard is a guitar album, Diary is a drums album... but I'm totally with you on BATM and TUS. I hate reading that BATM was a disappointment. I mean, Randy was so unique and recognizable, but I still think BATM is very solid. In other words, if BATM was the first Ozzy solo album, I think it would be looked upon a bit more. Waiting For Darkness is my #2 Ozzy song.

Diary was drums and bass and Blizzard was guitars and keys. Not only are they the driving force of their respective albums, but they're the respective standouts. They're even mixed that way. Randy's guitar is out in front of everything. I know you're not a Daisley fan like me, but compare his bass work on the two albums. He was a key part of one, and you mostly hear him playing quarter notes to support Rhoads in the other. Simply put, when you think of Over the Mountain and SATO what's the first thing you think of? How'bout I Don't Know and Crowley (Alistair, not your pop)? For me it's pretty definitely Kerslake, Kerslake/Daisley & Rhoads, Rhoads/Airey.

I honestly never thought of those albums being any different instrumentally.

When I think of SATO, which isn't a lot , I think Daisley for sure.

I like Daisley. Trust me. Don't get me wrong. I just think that Bain was way underrated.

I think Kerslake/Daisley were a major part of those albums' sounds. Airey was definitely far more prominent on Blizzard.

[faizoff]

My first Ozzy album was No More Tears and is still my favorite of his. It was around the time I was started getting into metal and rock. I have a very emotional connection to the album and every song on the album sounds perfect to my ears.

That said all the prior stuff, the early classic albums, that I got into later is phenomenal. Goes without saying I love all his albums up to Ozzmosis. After that they weren't really that interesting but up until then I think every album is a fantastic listen.

I don't know how Ozzy's health is right now and does he even perform live without a backing track? That said I might still go and see him when he comes to Tampa this year.

[El Barto]

When I think of SATO, which isn't a lot , I think Daisley for sure.

WTF? Best song from his best album. Interestingly, my favorite from Blizzard is probably Steal Away, which is also Daisley's high point on the album.

I don't know how Ozzy's health is right now and does he even perform live without a backing track? That said I might still go and see him when he comes to Tampa this year.

Tuned way down and he sings at a lower register. He's really singing, but he's really not singing much.

[pg1067]

Not sure I follow the Blizzard is a guitar album, Diary is a drums album... but I'm totally with you on BATM and TUS. I hate reading that BATM was a disappointment. I mean, Randy was so unique and recognizable, but I still think BATM is very solid. In other words, if BATM was the first Ozzy solo album, I think it would be looked upon a bit more. Waiting For Darkness is my #2 Ozzy song.

Diary was drums and bass and Blizzard was guitars and keys. Not only are they the driving force of their respective albums, but they're the respective standouts. They're even mixed that way. Randy's guitar is out in front of everything. I know you're not a Daisley fan like me, but compare his bass work on the two albums. He was a key part of one, and you mostly hear him playing quarter notes to support Rhoads in the other. Simply put, when you think of Over the Mountain and SATO what's the first thing you think of? How'bout I Don't Know and Crowley (Alistair, not your pop)? For me it's pretty definitely Kerslake, Kerslake/Daisley & Rhoads, Rhoads/Airey.

I honestly never thought of those albums being any different instrumentally.

When I think of SATO, which isn't a lot , I think Daisley for sure.

I like Daisley. Trust me. Don't get me wrong. I just think that Bain was way underrated.

I think Kerslake/Daisley were a major part of those albums' sounds. Airey was definitely far more prominent on Blizzard.

I'm with TAC on this (except for the Bain is underrated part - he was sort of my primary anti-influence when I was learning bass).  Keys are definitely more prominent on Blizzard.  I can't think of a ton of keyboard work on Diary -- mostly "gap filler" stuff (and apparently it was someone named Johnny Cook and not Don Airey).

There are a few standout bass and drum moments on Diary (the intros to Over the Mountain, Believer and Little Dolls), but otherwise I don't think those instruments are any more prominent than they are on Blizzard.  Flying High Again, You Can't Kill Rock and Roll, Tonight and the title track, in particular, are completely guitar driven.

[bosk1]

My "relationship" with Ozzy took kind of a different path, I suppose.  As a kid, kind of just getting into music, I did the Columbia House thing to kind of insta-build my music collection (which at the time consisted solely of Queen - The Game and Hall & Oates - Rock & Soul, Pt. I).  I hadn't heard much real hard rock, other than the odd song here and there from a friend who had a handful of the classic Sabbath, Van Halen, and Aerosmith albums.  When I was choosing my initial 10 or 12 or however many albums you get for a penny, I remember Blizzard being one of the possible albums.  But although I was intrigued and my friend was telling me I should get it, I hadn't really been bitten by the hard rock bug yet, and back then, Ozzy was a scary dude.  I wasn't sure it was worth the inevitable showdown with mom for bringing an Ozzy album into the house just yet.  So I went with Van Halen I as my hard rock pick.  Loved it. 

Anyhow, it wasn't long before I pulled the trigger and ordered Blizzard.  I REALLY liked it.  As I recall, the order with which I got into Ozzy then went like this:

I think Speak of the Devil was one of those "album of the month" offers not too long after that, and I didn't return the card in time saying I didn't want it, so it showed up at my door.  I listened to that tape over and over and over and over on my walkman during my paper route. 

When Bark at the Moon came out not too long after that, I ordered it immediately.  Loved that album as well.

Somewhere in there, I think it was a bit after BATM, I went back and picked up Diary.  I liked it just fine.  But didn't listen to it nearly as much as the other three.  I listened to those incessantly.  But for whatever reason, I just kinda moved on from Ozzy after that.  I didn't really dislike him.  But I didn't really feel the need to pursue his music either.  Another good friend that I shared music back and forth with got The Ultimate Sin, and I thought that was just okay.  Didn't bother with Tribute.  Or anything after that.  I did hop back onboard briefly with No More Tears, which had some REALLY stellar songs, but a lot of filler also. 

To me, those are the only Ozzy albums worth owning.  I currently don't have any of them.  But if I ever go back and rebuild that part of my collection, I don't imagine I will buy any others besides maybe those.

[Stadler]

No More Tears is the Ozzy album I listen to the most, although I think Diary is his best album.  Blizzard... is really good as well, but has a few average tunes that bring down the overall greatness.  I totally get why it blew the minds of many at the time. I have probably heard them too many times, but I Don't Know and Crazy Train probably had hard rock and metal fans giddy with excitement back then.

I can remember when I first heard that opening to Blizzard; I was in my bedroom, and my parents got me that record... the "vrrroooooom... DAH-dika-dika-dika-dika-dika-dika-DAH-dika-dika-dika-dika-dika-dika-DAH...."  I just knew I wanted to hear more of that. 

[KevShmev]

MTV playing the live version of Crazy Train from the Tribute album was my intro to Ozzy, and I gotta admit that 13-year old KevShmev thought it was pretty rad.

[TAC]

...trip down memory lane..

Columbia House 12 albums for a penny..
Not returning your card in time 

Listening to Walkman doing paper route
To this day, I have so many memories of this. I can remember exact spots on my route, and what I was listening to.

[Art]

My first Ozzy album was No More Tears and is still my favorite of his. It was around the time I was started getting into metal and rock. I have a very emotional connection to the album and every song on the album sounds perfect to my ears.

That said all the prior stuff, the early classic albums, that I got into later is phenomenal. Goes without saying I love all his albums up to Ozzmosis. After that they weren't really that interesting but up until then I think every album is a fantastic listen.

That's pretty much exactly where i stand with Ozzy solo stuff. No More Tears had just been released when i started listening to rock/metal so i was totally drawn into it. Love No Rest and Ozzmosis, too.

Randy Castillo is my favorite Ozzy drummer, love his style. RIP.

[El Barto]

Randy Castillo is my favorite Ozzy drummer, love his style. RIP.

As soon as I put this hot poker in my ass I'm going to chop my dick off.

[Architeuthis]

The Ultimate Sin is my fav Ozzy album.

+1 It’s great.

+2 it is a great album.   Killer of Giants is such a awesome song!  The song writing is really good throughout the whole album and Jake-e-Lee's guitar work is easily as good as anything Randy Rhoads did with Ozzy.

[KevShmev]

...trip down memory lane..

Columbia House 12 albums for a penny..
Not returning your card in time 

Listening to Walkman doing paper route
To this day, I have so many memories of this. I can remember exact spots on my route, and what I was listening to.

Ahhhhhhhhh, the old 12 for a penny!  That was always fun trying to figure out which ones I was gonna get.  It wasn't as fun figuring out where I was gonna get the money at the age of 12 to buy the 6 cassettes over the next 2-3 years that you had to buy.

At that age, though, it was pretty exciting to see that package come in the mail that you knew was your initial 12 cassettes. 

[TAC]

Yeah, that was the lurch. Plus they were always so expensive and would take forever to ship.

[gazinwales]

I liked Ozzy as a kid, but as I grew up I've lost interest over the years.
But as much as Sharon get's all the shit for screwing everyone over, I don't believe that Ozzy is totally innocent or oblivious to what has been going on for many years.
He may play the loveable drunken/drugged up joker, but I am certain in many instances that he has been an accessory to Sharon's ruthlessness.