Black Sabbath Classic Albums: Paranoid
by John Kindred
Staff Writer
Eagle Vision continues its Classic Albums series, and this time around, it revisits Black Sabbath’s landmark sophomore release Paranoid. Released on DVD and Blue-ray, the documentary contains more than 40 minutes of unaired material when it originally was broadcast. The DVD/Blue-ray finds the original four band members reflecting on the creation of classic rock and metal songs like “Paranoid,” “Iron Man” and “War Pigs.” Singer Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward each take part, individually discussing their role in the creative process of Paranoid.
The interviews reveal how the social and political impact of the time period affected the lyrics penned by Geezer Butler. His words sting as strong now as they did during that time, reflecting on the horror of the Vietnam War and our reckless destruction of our planet. At times, Ward, Butler and Iommi demonstrate their performances from the album. While Ozzy’s role seems diminished as a lyric writer, he heavily is credited by his band mates as the creator of the vocal melodies.
Originally produced by Rodger Bain and recorded at Regent Sound Studios and Island Studios in London, the DVD/Blue-ray brings back the original engineers to the studio setting. Here, they break the music down and show how each artist contributed to the album. The unique skills of Ward and Butler unveil the dynamic strength of the band’s rhythm section. Ultimately, Butler and Ward create the foundation for the guitar work of Iommi and the vocal prowess of Ozzy to color with their ideas.
As with all Classic Album entries, extensive interviews, archival footage and commentary from industry professionals fill out the content on the DVD/Blue-ray presentation. The journey begins with the band’s time as Earth, progresses towards Iommi’s injury and takes viewers track-by-track through the album.
Presented in widescreen format, viewers can choose from Dolby Digital 2.0 and 5.1 audio presentations. English, French, German, Italian and Spanish subtitles also are accessible.
Genre: Heavy Metal
Band:
Ozzy Osbourne (v)
Tony Iommi (g)
Geezer Butler (b)
Bill Ward (d)
Original Track Listing:
1. “War Pigs” – 7:55
2. “Paranoid” – 2:47
3. “Planet Caravan” – 4:30
4. “Iron Man” – 5:58
5. “Electric Funeral” – 4:47
6. “Hand of Doom” – 7:07
7. “Rat Salad” – 2:29
8. “Fairies Wear Boots” – 6:13
Bonus Material:
Musical influences
1st Tour
No Returns
Play in a Day the Iommi Way
Did Give up the Day Job
Paranoid
Geezer’s Bargain Bassment
Rat Salad
Bill’s Traps
Planet Caravan
The Backing Track Tapes
Label: Eagle Vision
Hardrock Haven rating: n/a