THE OZMAN, DUMBETH
If, like many another overwhelmed consumer, you've let press releases and quickly scanned reviews decide the Ozzy issue for you, you've probably dismissed him as an obnoxious lout, a buffoon who plays and postures in that musical genre that was once the outrageous soundtrack for teen rebellion but has long since become as familiar and comfy as an old shoe, that highly ritualized and safe-as-milk format for containing discontent, overweight metal.
THE OZMAN, DUMBETH
Records
THE OZMAN, DUMBETH
OZZY OSBOURNE Bark At The Moon (Jet/Epic)
by
Richard C. Walls
If, like many another overwhelmed consumer, you've let press releases and quickly scanned reviews decide the Ozzy issue for you, you've probably dismissed him as an obnoxious lout, a buffoon who plays and postures in that musical genre that was once the outrageous soundtrack for teen rebellion but has long since become as familiar and comfy as an old shoe, that highly ritualized and safe-as-milk format for containing discontent, overweight metal. And you're mostly right. Metal is tired, despite the influx of a polished third generation, and it is the brand of rock that Ozzy peddles—on Bark At The Moon there isn't a musical move you haven't heard somewhere in some form already, many times over. On the just barely plus side, the production is clean (unlike the murky Blizzard Of Oz), the crunch and drone is leavened by judicious use of strings and keyboards and lead guitarist Jack E. Lee is the epitome of HM competence. An exemplary set for rebels who don't want to step out of line.