Nazareth The Anthology CD

Although everyone's heard their classic power ballad "Love Hurts" (originally written for the Everly Brothers), and many also know the contemporaneous single "Hair of the Dog," perhaps only their loyal fans realize that Scottish hard rockers Nazareth have continued a full-bodied recording and touring career that has extended well into the new millennium. This comprehensive two-disc collection gathers the band's best material, starting with the frantic boogie of the title track of their third album Razamanaz. The anthology includes the rest of the '70s hits, as well as selections from their lesser-acclaimed '80s, '90s, and '00s efforts. Although the late-career stuff doesn't display measurable growth in musical skills or songwriting, one could argue that, growth schmowth, the band knows and sticks with its strengths. Pounding midtempo rockers like 1979's "May the Sunshine" come from the same sonic universe as "Thinkin' Man's Nightmare" and "Goin' Loco,," even though they are separated by one and three decades respectively, united by the sputtering, bluesy wail of Dan McCafferty, who has led various permutations of the band since 1968. ~ Paula Carino

Deluxe 2009 two CD set from the British Hard Rockers includes 28-page booklet, a fine array of photos and memorabilia and informative sleeve notes by Classic Rock's Dave Ling. One of Britain's hardest working bands, Nazareth are road warriors par excellence. For nigh on four decades they have performed in front of fervent audiences across the globe. 38 tracks. Salvo.

Audio Remasterer: Tim Turan.

Liner Note Author: Dave Ling.

Authors: Dan McCafferty; Pete Agnew.

Photographers: Dezo Hoffmann; Jim McCrary; Dezo Hoffmann.Record Collector (magazine) (p.87) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[T]he band's street tough image and menacing scowls belied an instrumental dexterity beyond the typical blues and heavy rock of similar outfits of the time."