Another ROCK SOLID effort by Dan and the Boys

Another GREAT album that was rather ignored by devotees and critics! Many 'fans' had deserted them when 'Fool Circle', two albums previous, hit the streets. The change in musical direction 'had put them off' since they saw the band as merely a hard-rockin' 'eavy 'me'al oufit!!! As mentioned in the ballads review, Nazareth has always had eclectic leanings as far back as their first album on Warner Brothers in 1972! Any one REALLY surprised, Im not! Thats why Ive always appreciated pretty much what they have done - because of the diverse writing styles. (Dan McCafferty's 1975 solo disc is a good representation of what Im talking about) Well here it is 1980's 'Malice In Wonderland' - another solid package of good singing and good playing from the boys! The added live tracks of the studio versions are a welcome addition, as they get a 'rather different' treatment when performed live. Once again guitarist MANNY CHARLTON comes up with a musically poignant and sensitive piece, 'Ship of Dreams.' (Any one remember 'A Rose In the Heather' from 'Hair of the Dog' - same inspiration) Of couse, the great axe wielder, ZAL CLEMINSON formerly of the SENSATIONAL ALEX HARVEY BAND who joined the lineup on 1979's 'No Mean City, provides two SOLID compositions, a mid tempo rocker, 'Big Boy'(originally done on the 1976 SAHB w/o Alex record, 'Fourplay') and the rather moving ballad, 'Hearts Grown Cold' (which Rick Medlocke and Blackfoot did a few years later when ex-Uriah Heeper KEN HENSLEY was in the band) For those who dont know, ex-DOOBIE BROTHER, Jeff Baxter produced this record (just as he did with 'Fool Circle) and I might add, DID a commendable job as the '3rd ear man!'

Some of ya'll heard Nazareth 'sold out' with the chick singers on 'Big Boy' along with its mid-section sax solo and least I forget, were AGHASTLY MORTIFIED when VIBES made their first appearance on the mid-tempo groove of 'Fast Cars!' Oh no - what have these SCOTTISH rockers done to themselves? Once again, to prepare and deliver another eclectic, NO NOT ECCENTRIC, platter of good taste that was hardly a waste! A nice companion to some of their earlier discs and some later ones too - '2xs' 'Bugaloo' and 'No Jive' If your looking for total BLITZKRIEG, better go with Fates Warning Queensryche Megadeth Tool Pavement or Soulfly - if the tastes buds are little mo' into a diverse and discriminating frame of mind, well, you've come to the right place! 'MIW' is the package of song for you. (BTW, the band with new guy Jimmy Murrison on guitar and bassist Pete Agnew's son on drums are on a 6 month world tour that should commence around the time of the original singer's and bassist 59th birthday! Cheers to all!