Immortal RANDY RHOADS – The Ultimate Tribute (2015)

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As you may know by now, 0dayrox only presents here music we consider highly enjoyable, treasurable or at least, worth to check. That’s why you mostly see positive reviews; we take the ‘cream of the crop’ and discard the fat, around 80% of the CD’s that arrive to our desk.
Why to waste time writing about a bad album?
But sometimes we did it, when some renowned artist / band releases new material and the major public wants to know about it.
And this time we need to warn you about this blasphemy.

One of Rock greatest electric guitarists in History was without a doubt the late Randy Rhoads.
His style influenced entire generations, and the man trained countless talented guitarists of today teaching his secrets. From being one of the founding members of Quiet Riot, to being Ozzy’s right hand man, Randy is missed.
Today, March 3rd, it’s the day of release of a tribute CD / DVD called “Immortal RANDY RHOADS – The Ultimate Tribute“.

I was pretty excited to hear this not only for the excellent classic tunes chosen, but also for the all-star crew involved including Randy’s performing partners in Quiet Riot Rudy Sarzo and Frankie Banali, monster guitarists George Lynch, Night Ranger’s Brad Gillis (who replaced Randy one time for live shows), Gus G., Doug Aldrich, ex Night Ranger and now in Whitesnake Joel Hoekstra, and many more.
Also playing there’s Bruce Kulick, and his brother Bob which serves as producer. The release includes a DVD with Rhoads’ interviews, rare photos and some music clips.
But then I read that “Crazy Train” would be performed by Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello along with vocalist Serj of System Of A Down … mmmm.
Well, the result is a complete disaster.

But not only “Crazy Train”, that would be understandable, as both musicians are from different genres.
The sad part is to listen Aldrich, Hoekstra, Lynch et all playing these crappy arrangements. Add to this the poor vocalists chosen, and this record sunk.
In fact, 8 out of the 11 tracks are performed by ex Judas Priest Tim “Ripper” Owens, and he does his best, but most the tunes just do not fit his vocals. Even worse; he is out of pitch on many parts… why the producer did not fixed this?
Also the mighty Chuck Billy (Testament) feels uncomfortable on “Mr. Crowley”, arguably one of my favorites of all time. He snarls and growls, but never quite nails that sound the song sorely needs.

I can’t believe Bob Kulick (W.A.S.P., Meat Loaf and Zeppelin, UFO, Van Halen Tributes) is behind this crappy production. He said; ‘I never knew the guy but by the end of the record I felt like I knew him‘. Oh my… dear Bob, you didn’t.
The mix is awful also, the sound lifeless, and most arrangements a total profanity.
I can see why several guitarists including Zakk Wylde (among others) turned down the invite to perform on the album. Smart choice fellows. As a few musicians were stated as saying ‘why?, we don’t need this‘.
However, I liked the idea of this tribute, and could have been a great one… but this? Why in tha f**k would anyone in their right mind allow this to be put on ANY CD?
Judge yourselves...

01. Crazy Train (Ozzy Osbourne)
Vocals: Serj Tankian
Guitars: Tom Morello
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Vinny Appice

02. Over The Mountain (Ozzy Osbourne)
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Guitars: Jon Donais
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Frankie Banali

03. Mr. Crowley (Ozzy Osbourne)
Vocals: Chuck Billy
Guitars: Alexi Laiho
Keyboards: Kelle Rhoads
Bass Rudy: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Vinny Appice

04. Believer (Ozzy Osbourne)
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Guitars: Doug Aldrich
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Vinny Appice

05. Back To The Coast (Quiet Riot)
Vocals: Kelle Rhoads
Guitars: Bruce Kulick
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Frankie Banali

06. I Don’t Know
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens (Ozzy Osbourne)
Guitars: George Lynch
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen

07. S.A.T.O. (Ozzy Osbourne)
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Rhythm Guitars: Bob Kulick
Lead Guitar: Dweezil Zappa
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Vinny Appice

08. Killer Girls (Quiet Riot)
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Guitars: Joel Hoekstra
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen

09. Goodbye To Romance (Ozzy Osbourne)
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Guitars: Gus G.
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen

10. Suicide Solution (Ozzy Osbourne)
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Guitars: Brad Gillis
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen

11. Flying High Again (Ozzy Osbourne)
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Guitars: Bernie Torme
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen

BUY IT (at your own risk):
www.amazon.co.uk/Immortal-Randy-Rhoads-Ultimate-Tribute/dp/B00RF8MBXE
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