Records

Rip It Up, Issue 106, 1 May 1986, Page 23

Records

Graham Nash Innocent Eyes (Atlantic) Along awaited solo project from the man who made a name for himself in the 60s with the Hollies, in the 70s with Crosby and Stills, and in the 80s as the one who is concerned with the future of mankind and his environment. Ten songs in a bright computerised package, which could be sub-titled “Nash discovers American Rock”. Gone is the acoustic guitar and the “floating down the river” lyrics; in its place are songs about the arms race ('l Got a Rock)), East and West Berlin (‘Over the Wall’), and a celebration of his life now (‘Sad Eyes’ and ‘New Day’), but the two tracks that deserve repeated plays are the title track and ‘See You in Prague’ Both up-tempo gems. An album that deserves a lot of attention. SGE oOzzy Oshorne The Ultimate Sin (CBS) Alright, Ozzy is here! After a block on his product locally, the madman’s new release is unleashed on the Kiwis. A primitive drum beat begins and the latest Blizzard of Ozz storm into such stunning fresh

songs as ‘Secret Loser’ and ‘Shot in the Dark’ Ozzy sings of things nuclear in the classic ‘Killer of Giants' and ‘Thank God for the Bomb’ while guitarist Jake E Lee plays brilliantly, complimenting the oOzz’s unique crazy style. Support the availability of Ozzy’s albums and indulge in the ultimate sin. ; - Gb Evelyn “Champagne” King \ A Long Time Coming/A Change is Gonna Come (RCA) Even with producers Hawk and Rene and Angela, Evelyn “Champagne’ King hasn't got enough sparkle to make this album interesting. There are a couple of fair to middling dance tracks including the current single ‘Your Personal Touch; but really the only thing worth noting is a rather enigmatic cover of Sam Cookes ‘A .Change is Gonna Come. Enigmatic, because (despite Hawk's rather pleasing arrangement) there doesn't seem to be the drama or the purpose to this version that the original had. So why do it? The only reason | can guess is either Evelyn is promising the next album will be better, or that like Cooke, she isn't going to be with us much longer. -PG Saxon » Strong Arm of the Law (EMI) / Denim and Leather (EMI) ‘Heavy Metal Thunder’ is the opener on Strong Arm of the Law

and suitably describes what Saxon are all about. On this album Biff Byford and the boys soar full on into ‘20,000 Feet, rock hard through ‘Sixth Form Girls’ and finish off with a good tribute to J F Kennedy in ‘Dallas Ipm: Denim and Leather also boasts a loud line-up of songs like ‘Princess of the Night’ and the anthemic title track. Both of these albums have not been available for quite a few years and EMI have now rereleased them with a limited amount being on red vinyl. GD Emmylou Harris . Thirteen (Warner Bros) A selection of 10 songs covering the serene country ballads, a touch of rockabilly, western swing ‘and honky tonk music, from the princess of contemporary country music. This, her thirteenth album (as the title suggests), pulls no punches nor presents any surprises. Emmylou opens with a pleasant version of the track that the early Elvis made famous, ‘Mystery Train, but adds nothing new to it. There are two tracks co-written by her and the co-producer (When | Was Yours' and. ‘Sweetheart of the Pines), Springsteen’s ‘My Father’s House' and a guest appearance by 60s guitar hero Duane Eddy on ‘I Had My Heart Set on You: Nothing new here really. It all smouldered but fails to catch

fire. Nice though. ;

SGE