Nazareth

This compilation of Nazareth tracks consists of a series of live recordings from 1981 and 1982 -- which is where all the hits come from. The live performances of "Hair of the Dog" and "Love Hurts" hold up live surprisingly well, but so do cuts like "Razamanaz," though the sound quality leaves a bit to be desired. The studio tracks, which are far more recent, don't hold up so well. Cuts such as "Loverman," complete with cheesy horn arrangements, sound like warmed over Aerosmith -- whose recent (21st century) recordings are crap as well -- with bad funk as a backbeat, and "Party in the Kremlin" fares equally awfully. That said, cuts such as "Light Comes Down" (as tough as any AC/DC track ever) and "Talk Talk" rock hard and are simply awesome. So, Then and Now is a mixed bag, but true fans will have to snag this one if only for the live material. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide