From the beginning a 1972 Fontana budget compilation issued in a couple of European countries, Japan and downunder. Shown here is one of at least three Japanese variations, all with differing sleeve designs. Haven't had or heard any of the others yet, but till I do and get a chance to compare and value this ticks all my boxes regarding sound and appearance. The front sleeve live pic is exclusive to this particular issue, the whole wrapping sturdy with laminated front and lyrics on rear. It came with Obi which is missing here. The audio is stunning. Never heard Sabbath like this before - super clear with tophole separation, almost like listening to alternate versions. So original or not - a collection of eight great songs from their two first albums presented this way can only be superduper wherever you are. To my knowledge only issued on vinyl or cassette through the years, but never legally on CD. (BLÄC*) (ÄZÄ) (PÖP*)
"Evil Woman" is a great record. But, people should strive to hear the original version by Crow, which was released in the U.S.A. by Amaret, distributed by MGM. This was the span when MGM made a hard turn to remove from the label all the acts it deemed were glorifying drug use, which likely accounted for the song not getting much promotion from it. (In actuality, this was the excuse for MGM to drop all the bands which did not have chart hits, as Eric Burdon openly stated he was a drug user - would MGM release him from his contract? - and, surprise surprise - since his records continued to sell, he was not dropped.)
SvaraRaderaThanks for the info Steve. Didn't know any of that, but it's clear music business is like any other business - money first! I will go directly to Youtube to get the Crow version now...
RaderaAfter hearing the Crow original it's obvious to me Sabbath copied some of the arrangements. I still like the Sabbath version more cause it's more...evil.
Radera