Reviews list for Ozzy Osbourne - Mr. Crowley: Recorded Live on Stage (1980)

Ozzy Osbourne's "Mr. Crowley: Recorded Live On Stage" E.P. was recorded in Southampton on 2nd October 1980 with the same lineup that recorded their debut album “Blizzard Of Ozz”. It features live versions of two of the classic album tracks in “Mr. Crowley” & “Suicide Solution” as well as a song that ended up being unique to this release entitled “You Said It All”. The story behind that song is that apparently the band intended to put out a remixed version of “Goodbye To Romance” as a single but were informed by their label that their plans had changed on the morning immediately after the remix was completed. The label apparently wanted a new song instead so the band basically wrote “You Said It All” at that day’s sound check while Ozzy slept on the drum riser. The plans to release it as a single were later scrapped for unknown reasons although I'd hazard to guess that it might simply be because it's not a very good song.

The title track “Mr. Crowley” is probably the highlight of the release which didn't surprise me as I’ve always enjoyed it more in a live environment than a studio one to be honest. That’s mainly due to the fact that the riff that comes in after the crushingly doomy power chords in the verse always sounds a bit too bouncy & tame on the album while it sounds a fair bit darker & more metal on most live recordings. The production on "Blizzard Of Ozz" was also a touch less heavy than it was during live shows as the rhythm guitars were backed off a little in the studio to allow more space for the keyboards whereas that’s not the case with these live renditions. 

The rhythm section takes somewhat of a back seat to Ozzy & Randy on this E.P. which is probably a good thing as those two really should be the focal points of the band. Randy’s guitar sound is loud & heavy & isn't terribly far removed from his sound on the album while Ozzy takes up a prominent position in the mix despite his performance being more than a little pitchy which was not an uncommon occurrence but is a bit of a turn-off here nonetheless. Randy’s performance is a little sloppy on occasions too with a few lazy replications of his album solos. Having said that though it’s hard to deny that I generally enjoy this release due to my long-time fondness of the two album tracks & my general love affair with Randy Rhoads. I’d recommend that any Ozzy fans out there should check it out despite it being a less than essential inclusion in Ozzy's prestigious back catalogue.