Black Sabbath
Paranoid (Rhino Hi-Fi)
Rhino's heavyweight Hi-Fi series continues with a couple of absolute, slam-dunk classics. Heavy metal pioneers Black Sabbath's second album, originally released way back in 1970, features some of their best known tracks, including the iconic title track, plus "Iron Man" and the ever-timely "War Pigs."
But there are stoner metal gems all over this beauty. "Planet Caravan," "Electric Funeral" and "Fairies Wear Boots" have provided the soundtrack to many a monster bong session.
"It peaked at #1 on the UK Albums Chart, eventually achieved a 4x-Platinum certification from the RIAA, becoming the band’s best-selling LP in the process," reads the press release.
The album has been reissued in 180-gram vinyl, cut from the original analog master tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio. It's pressed at Optimal Media, and it comes with a heavyweight gatefold jacket and an exclusive insert with commentary by engineer Tom Allom. The album is a limited numbered edition of 5,000.
Alice Cooper
Love it to Death (Rhino Hi-Fi)
Just one year after Sabbath released its second album, Alice Cooper dropped his third. This was back when Alice Cooper was still a band rather than just the singer.
Many people believe that Alice never got better than they were in this 1971 jaw-dropper. First of all, the band looks spectacular on the cover. Like a thrift store fell on them, there's a real New York Dolls quality about them.
Musically, this is the Alice Cooper band at their garage-rock, gender-bending best. "Caught In a Dream" and "Hallowed Be My Name" are haunting nightmares, while "I'm Eighteen" remains a live favorite. It's a shame that the cover of "Sun Arise" has been tainted due to the original performer, Rolf Harris, being a convicted sex criminal. Harris is dead now, but still.
"Rising up out of Motor City, Alice Cooper broke into the mainstream on their own terms with Love It To Death," the press release state. "The record made waves after landing on March 9, 1971. It received a Platinum certification from the RIAA fueled by staples such as 'Caught In A Dream,' 'Sun Arise,' and 'I’m Eighteen.'"
This album too is released on 180-gram vinyl. Limited to 5,000, it includes an exclusive insert with commentary from producer Bob Erin, as told by Jaan Uhelszki.
