OZZY OSBOURNE – Springfield 1981 (1CD)

Audience 7,8 – It’s hard to get across the reason why Ozzy/Randy era collectors really ought to get this even though the rating seems low. Well, it was lower until it got remastered, and that helped highlight what is good on this tape, which is that the guitar is nicely in front, and that you can actually hear everything and it is not distorted or too muddy…except when taper seems to have to hide his mic, which thankfully is not often. But, yes, it’s got issues like most stadium rock bands that played at high volume, where the tape deck just cannot get the hugeness of the sound onto the old magnetic tape. Now, let me just say, when Randy solos, you get that clear and center here, and especially during his solo part in Suicide Solution where it’s just him. It’s kind of like pulling off the bed sheets, it really opens up. A good tape for collectors that has a lot to offer, the bonus being it is not a common tape at all.