[.ca] Exercises

The most different 70's Nazareth album:
Back in 1980, I had many Nazareth 8-tracks, from "Razamanaz" through "Malice In Wonderland". I had not heard the first album or "Exercises" until two weeks ago. All I can say is WOW! What a difference. "Exercises" was their "Led Zeppelin III". It is mostly acoustic, with folk, country, classical, and hard-rock influence. Those who know Dan McCafferty only for his fiery, screeching voice will find out just how many other different voices he could use. I was quite surprised. The album starts with "I Will Not Be Led". It has strings and is based on a man who rejects God and organized religion. "Cat's Eye, Apple Pie" is a country-like song with Dan sounding like a country singer. "In My Time" has a country/folk feel to it. Very slow tempo. "Woke Up This Morning". This is the original version of the song and is the only hard-rocker on the album. It would be redone on the third album "Razamanaz" but I like this version better. It is the closest song to the Nazareth most people know. "Called Her Name" has acoustic strumming and harmony vocals from Dan. It reminds me of something Crosby, Stills, and Nash might do. "Fool About You" is another country tune with folk influence. It reminds me of the James Gang in a way, such as "There I Go Again." "Madelaine" is quiet with McCafferty singing in a voice not much different from Stephen Stills. Manny Charlton does some fine acoustic and electric guitar work. "Sad Song" has orchestration and is slow and acoustic. Dan sings quietly on this one too. "1692 (Glen Coe Massacre)" is very Scottish sounding with Manny Charlton making his guitars sound like bagpipes. Darrell Sweet plays his snare drum like a march. It has orchestration also and even though Dan is singing more forcefully, it is more like Stephen Stills again. "If You See My Baby" is one of the bonus tracks. It says it is a "rare b-side". It is somewhat upbeat, but I hear an occasional popping noise, probably from the master tape used. The other bonus tracks are not necessary. They add nothing to the disc. Overall, the variety on this album is outstanding. It was a pleasure to hear Dan McCafferty sing in so many other voices. I wish he would do that more often. If you want to hear Nazareth in a different light, this is it.

• I Will Not Be Led
• Cat's Eye, Apple Pie
• In My Time
• Woke Up This Morning
• Called Her Name
• Fool About You
• Love, Now You're Gone
• Madelaine
• Sad Song
• 1692 (Glencoe Massacre)
• If You See My Baby \oB-Side\c
• Woke Up This Morning \oEdit\c\oAlternate Take\c
• Love, Now You're Gone \oEdit\c\oAlternate Take\c
• 1692 (Glencoe Massacre) \oEdit\c\oAlternate Take\c