Black Sabbath Vol. 4 - Song by Song

[Scott]

I had to check that out to make sure.

From Iron Man:

Laguna Sunrise was actually inspired by a sunrise at Laguna Beach. I was there with Spock, one of the guys of our crew who was a good guitar player as well. We were up all bloody night and I just started playing this acoustic guitar and came up with this idea.

I wonder if Bill lives near there now, and it's somewhere he visits, which maybe where I get the story.

I do find it strange that they wrote about "Laguna Sunrise" as the Sunset would be what you saw over the ocean... the Sunrise would be visible looking back over the California landmass!?

Bill is/was living in Seal Beach. I know they're both in Orange County but no idea about the distance between them.

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

^^^

I'd say about 20-25 kms to the south-east of Seal Beach. So not too far away.

[Zzzptm]

"Under the Sun" - gets everything back in its place. This isn't experimental or exploratory, it's Black Sabbath doing what Black Sabbath does best.  One of my favorite Iommi solos graces the middle section before returning to the confident doomy riff of the beginning. We then get a guitar-led fade out that points the way to Over and Over, a good deal yet in the future, but another great album closer.

[Typhon]

As Under The Sun slowly rumbles in, one can't help but expect a strong closing number from such a terrific album, and Sabbath doesn't disappoint.  I love that heavy beating riff as Ozzy sings the message of how important it is to think for oneself, leading to the sped up middle section, perhaps symbolizing those who run the "rat race".  Then back to the heavy riff, reinforcing the idea of a more steady paced independent life.  The nearly 2 minute fade out always leaves me with a feeling of contentment. 
A superb closer from one of the greatest albums I have ever heard.  Awesome.   

[Zzzptm]

We need to do this with another album.

[Charger]

Can't really say anything that you guys didn't already say...Under The Sun is a pretty damn near perfect tune. Starts super heavy and doomy and then effortlessly moves into classic heavy metal and then that brilliant solo...

Yup...one of Sabbath's finest this one...and a great closer too. Under The Sun IS Black Sabbath.

And yeah I'm all for doing this for another album too.

[Zzzptm]

How about Sabbath Bloody Sabbath?

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

Under The Sun is a soild song, not my favourite off the album but a fine finishing song.


I'd be happy with SBS but wondered if going back to the start with the debut might be better.

[Charger]

I wonder is there much to really discuss about the first 3 that hasn't already been discussed? Also I think we tend to think alike on most songs there anyways. I think there might be more variety in our thoughts on SBS?

But I'll let zzz launch the ball on this one.

[Zzzptm]

Well, tell you what, it's been a LONG time since I made myself listen to all of the first album. Maybe my musical taste buds have changed and it would be worth a go.

On the other hand, listening to Vol. 4 makes me hunger for SBS... I'm at a crossroads...

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

^^^
That's ok, go with SBS, it's my favourite album anyway.

[Typhon]

...it's been a LONG time since I made myself listen to all of the first album.

  Not really a criticism,  but I find this to be inexplicable.

[Zzzptm]

...it's been a LONG time since I made myself listen to all of the first album.

  Not really a criticism,  but I find this to be inexplicable.

How many inexplicable things am I up to now?

[Typhon]

...it's been a LONG time since I made myself listen to all of the first album.

  Not really a criticism,  but I find this to be inexplicable.

How many inexplicable things am I up to now?

Funny.    
But for a Sabbath fan to say "made myself listen", like it is a chore rather than a pleasure, is pretty ridiculous.   

[Zzzptm]

Well, it's taking a parental approach to myself. Doing it for my own good, even if I think I might not like it.