Strange they recorded the song Eagle Has Landed only after releasing an album by the same name.
(IMHDO) The album is in reference to the "eagle" used in their motif, and as we all know, the tune is about a "moon landing". That is one of the reasons why I dig Saxon as much as I do, the "historical" connotation in a lot of their lyrics. Be it factual or not
Have other bands done that too? Have an album named after a tune they recorded/released after the fact/
Rage with Secrets in a Weird World (album 1989, song 2003) Blind Guardian with At the Edge of Time (album 2010, song 2015)
James B. Scurvy Skalliwag
Number of posts : 12620 Age : 60
Subject: Re: Saxon Thu Sep 08, 2022 2:39 pm
Released- March 1983 Recorded- Axis Sound Studio, Atlanta, US Produced & Engineered- Jeff Glixman
Side 1 "Power and the Glory" "Redline" "Warrior" "Nightmare" Side 2 "This Town Rocks" "Watching the Sky" "Midas Touch" "The Eagle Has Landed"
All tracks are written by Biff Byford, Paul Quinn, Graham Oliver, Steve Dawson and Nigel Glockler.
2009 remaster bonus tracks
"Denim & Leather" (live, b-side "Power and the Glory") "Suzie Hold On" (Jeff Glixman version '82) "Turn out the Lights" (Kaley Studio demo 1982) "Stand Up and Rock" (Kaley Studio demo 1982) "Power and the Glory" (Kaley Studio demo 1982) "Saturday Night" (Kaley Studio demo 1982) "Midas Touch" (Kaley Studio demo 1982) "Nightmare" (Kaley Studio demo 1982) "Redline" (Kaley Studio demo 1982)
Biff Byford – vocals Graham Oliver – guitar Paul Quinn – guitar Steve Dawson – bass guitar Nigel Glockler – drums
Got this after seeing them for the first time (mentioned the gig already) The drumming was different than the albums before. A bit more technical in approach, though not necessarily better or worse (IMHDO). The title tune would fit better on say a mid 90's or later Saxon album, also (IMHDO). Kinda/Sorta dig "Redline" & "Warrior" better than the other tunes. This is where I believe they began listening to those holding the purse for musical direction than doing what was working quite well before... themselves. Easy to see that looking back in hindsight.
What is that cover art about? A dude with a ridiculous helmet is shooting lasers from his fingers?
This is the last true NWOBHM album Saxon made. It starts just like a classic Saxon album should. The title track, and then Redline, and you're thinking there is no change in style at all. Two perfect Saxon rockers. Warrior is solid, if a little stock. Somehow would fit on the debut, with the broadsword wielding cover art warrior. I even like Nightmare, the one with the goofy video:
Side B has slower rockers, Midas Touch is pretty catchy. This Town Rocks is live-crowd pandering at its worst. The Eagle Has Landed is an atmospheric ballad of sorts. 70's style. Like Rush?
I think it's a pretty complete album. It has all the hallmarks of a good Saxon album.
My copy is the 2009 remaster with bonus tracks (7 demos, 1 live track and an '82 re-recorded version of Suzie Hold On).
If the previous two were 4.5/5.0 then this one is 4.0/5.0. A very good Saxon album, and ranks somewhere medium-high in the 1983 top albums chart as well. Only behind Accept, Dio, Maiden, Manilla Road, Metallica, Queensryche, Raven, Satan, Savatage and Tokyo Blade. Definitely better than MSG's Built to Destroy.
James B. Scurvy Skalliwag
Number of posts : 12620 Age : 60
Subject: Re: Saxon Sat Sep 17, 2022 12:56 pm
Lari wrote:
Definitely better than MSG's Built to Destroy.
Surely you Jest
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007 Metal is my Life
Number of posts : 39590 Age : 55
Subject: Re: Saxon Sat Sep 17, 2022 1:53 pm
I listened to Power And The Glory earlier this week. A really good listen. I think Redline and Nightmare are the standout tracks.
James B. Scurvy Skalliwag
Number of posts : 12620 Age : 60
Subject: Re: Saxon Thu Sep 29, 2022 12:57 pm
Next Up is this... (I Think)
Side 1 Strong Arm of the Law Wheels of Steel Never Surrender 747 (Strangers in the Night) Frozen Rainbow 02:26 Side 2 Motorcycle Man Stallions of the Highway And the Bands Played On Dallas 1pm Denim and Leather
Do not own this or even know if it came before or after 'Crusader" Dig the cover art
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James B. Scurvy Skalliwag
Number of posts : 12620 Age : 60
Subject: Re: Saxon Thu Sep 29, 2022 1:21 pm
Then there is this...
Released- April 16, 1984 Recorded- 1983 Studio- Sound City Studios, Van Nuys, California Label- Carrere Producer- Kevin Beamish Engineer- Bruce Barris Cover Art- Paul R. Gregory
Side 1 "The Crusader Prelude" "Crusader" "A Little Bit of What You Fancy" "Sailing to America" "Set Me Free" (Sweet cover) Side 2 "Just Let Me Rock" "Bad Boys (Like to Rock N' Roll)" "Do It All for You" "Rock City" "Run for Your Lives"
2009 Remaster Bonus Tracks
"Borderline" (Kaley Studio demo 1983) "Helter Skelter" (Kaley Studio demo 1983) "Crusader" (Kaley Studio demo 1983) "Do It All for You" (Kaley Studio demo 1983) "A Little Bit of What You Fancy" (Kaley Studio demo 1983) "Sailing to America" (Kaley Studio demo 1983) "Set Me Free" (Kaley Studio demo 1983) "Just Let Me Rock" (Kaley Studio demo 1983) "Do It All for You (intro)/Run for Your Lives" (Kaley Studio demo 1983)
Biff Byford – vocals Graham Oliver – guitar Paul Quinn – guitar Steve Dawson – bass guitar Nigel Glockler – drums
(IMHDO) Again, the title track is definitely a precursor to latter day Saxon tuneage <-- mileage may vary, of course. I do not have the remaster, though it does seem interesting enough. At least for the demo versions to se if they were/are Beamish-less. He was same dude that took the balls from Y&T.
Released- September 1985 Studio- Union Studios, Munich, Germany & Wisseloord Studios, Hilversum, Netherlands Label- Parlophone/EMI Producer- Simon Hanhart
Side 1 "Rockin' Again" "Call of the Wild" "Back on the Streets" "Devil Rides Out" "Rock 'n' Roll Gypsy" Side 2 "Broken Heroes" "Gonna Shout" "Everybody Up" "Raise Some Hell" "Give It Everything You've Got"
2010 remaster bonus tracks "Back on the Streets" (12" Club Mix) "Live Fast Die Young" (b-side "Back on the Streets") "Krakatoa" (b-side "Rock 'n' Roll Gypsy") "The Medley *" (live, b-side "Rock 'n' Roll Gypsy") "Gonna Shout" (live) "Devil Rides Out" (live) "Back on the Streets" (BBC in Concert, Hammersmith 1985) *"The Medley" consists of "Heavy Metal Thunder", "Stand Up and Be Counted", "Taking Your Chances" and "Warrior."
Biff Byford – vocals Graham Oliver – guitar Paul Quinn – guitar Steve Dawson – bass guitar Nigel Glockler – drums
Never actually "listened" to this (although heard it) until purchasing a half dozen or so Saxon cds from John B. years back (miss ya brother) Here is my quote from a thread about the album posted back in December of 2014: "This is where it gets interesting I suppose ? They turned another corner and went the wrong way down a one way street. I remember dismissing this album way back when and today it does have some redeeming qualities (IMHO). "Devil Rides Out", "Rock n Roll Gypsy", and "Broken Heroes". Either could easily be by favorite, but "Rock n Roll Gypsy" is my choice.
Released- April 16, 1984 Recorded- 1983 Studio- Sound City Studios, Van Nuys, California Label- Carrere Producer- Kevin Beamish Engineer- Bruce Barris Cover Art- Paul R. Gregory
Side 1 "The Crusader Prelude" "Crusader" "A Little Bit of What You Fancy" "Sailing to America" "Set Me Free" (Sweet cover) Side 2 "Just Let Me Rock" "Bad Boys (Like to Rock N' Roll)" "Do It All for You" "Rock City" "Run for Your Lives"
2009 Remaster Bonus Tracks
"Borderline" (Kaley Studio demo 1983) "Helter Skelter" (Kaley Studio demo 1983) "Crusader" (Kaley Studio demo 1983) "Do It All for You" (Kaley Studio demo 1983) "A Little Bit of What You Fancy" (Kaley Studio demo 1983) "Sailing to America" (Kaley Studio demo 1983) "Set Me Free" (Kaley Studio demo 1983) "Just Let Me Rock" (Kaley Studio demo 1983) "Do It All for You (intro)/Run for Your Lives" (Kaley Studio demo 1983)
Biff Byford – vocals Graham Oliver – guitar Paul Quinn – guitar Steve Dawson – bass guitar Nigel Glockler – drums
(IMHDO) Again, the title track is definitely a precursor to latter day Saxon tuneage <-- mileage may vary, of course. I do not have the remaster, though it does seem interesting enough. At least for the demo versions to se if they were/are Beamish-less. He was same dude that took the balls from Y&T.
1984 was a terrific year for heavy metal, and you could put the title track of this album on any 'best of' compilation... but the truth is, this is one of the worst albums Saxon ever recorded. Such a let down after a still classic sounding Power & the Glory.
Aside from the title track, it's utter commercial trash.
My copy is that very same 2009 remastered EMI release with bonus tracks. I think I ordered it online, after years of pondering if I need Crusader in my collection at all or not. I actually do need it, yes, because otherwise my collection would not be complete and I couldn't sleep at night.
The album cover is awesome and the title track is an absolute classic, but as a whole it's between bad and mediocre.
2.0/5.0
Lari Metal is Forever
Number of posts : 6336 Age : 44
Subject: Re: Saxon Wed Nov 02, 2022 4:11 pm
James B. wrote:
Released- September 1985 Studio- Union Studios, Munich, Germany & Wisseloord Studios, Hilversum, Netherlands Label- Parlophone/EMI Producer- Simon Hanhart
Side 1 "Rockin' Again" "Call of the Wild" "Back on the Streets" "Devil Rides Out" "Rock 'n' Roll Gypsy" Side 2 "Broken Heroes" "Gonna Shout" "Everybody Up" "Raise Some Hell" "Give It Everything You've Got"
2010 remaster bonus tracks "Back on the Streets" (12" Club Mix) "Live Fast Die Young" (b-side "Back on the Streets") "Krakatoa" (b-side "Rock 'n' Roll Gypsy") "The Medley *" (live, b-side "Rock 'n' Roll Gypsy") "Gonna Shout" (live) "Devil Rides Out" (live) "Back on the Streets" (BBC in Concert, Hammersmith 1985) *"The Medley" consists of "Heavy Metal Thunder", "Stand Up and Be Counted", "Taking Your Chances" and "Warrior."
Biff Byford – vocals Graham Oliver – guitar Paul Quinn – guitar Steve Dawson – bass guitar Nigel Glockler – drums
Never actually "listened" to this (although heard it) until purchasing a half dozen or so Saxon cds from John B. years back (miss ya brother) Here is my quote from a thread about the album posted back in December of 2014: "This is where it gets interesting I suppose ? They turned another corner and went the wrong way down a one way street. I remember dismissing this album way back when and today it does have some redeeming qualities (IMHO). "Devil Rides Out", "Rock n Roll Gypsy", and "Broken Heroes". Either could easily be by favorite, but "Rock n Roll Gypsy" is my choice.
Now it's 1985 and it's that Def Leppard sound everywhere. Yuck.
As an album I still do take it ahead of Crusader, because there are actually several strong songs, not just one. Broken Heroes is a favourite. Where are they now!?
I've got an EMI box set with this and the next two, plus a live disc packed in one. Actually a nice package. I probably wouldn't own this otherwise because I could not get behind this album before no matter how hard I tried. Even that cover is awful and so un-Saxon-like.
But you know, right now I could put it on and enjoy it quite a bit. It definitely doesn't have a song as good as Crusader, but as a whole it's slightly better.
2.5/5.0
James B. Scurvy Skalliwag
Number of posts : 12620 Age : 60
Subject: Re: Saxon Thu Nov 03, 2022 12:39 pm
Released- September 19, 1986 Studio- Wisseloord Studios Hilversum, Netherlands Producer- Gary Lyons
Side 1 "Rock the Nations" "Battle Cry" "Waiting for the Night" "We Came Here to Rock" Side 2 "You Ain't No Angel" "Running Hot" "Party 'til You Puke" "Empty Promises" "Northern Lady"
2010 remaster bonus tracks "Chase the Fade [Instr.]" b-side "Waiting for the Night" "Waiting for the Night" 7" single edit "Northern Lady" 7" single edit "Everybody Up" (live. In Madrid , b-side "Northern Lady" "Dallas 1PM, 12", 45 RPM, Single "Power and the Glory" (live) "Rock the Nations" (live) "Waiting for the Night" (live) Bonus live tracks recorded at Reading Festival, 23 August 1986.
Biff Byford – vocals, bass guitar Graham Oliver – guitar Paul Quinn – guitar Nigel Glockler – drums
Paul Johnson credited on bass but did not play on album. Elton John plays piano a coup[le of tunes.
On scale of 1 to 5 Stars... 1 and that is streeeeeetching it!
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Lari Metal is Forever
Number of posts : 6336 Age : 44
Subject: Re: Saxon Fri Nov 04, 2022 2:56 pm
Another mediocre one. That makes it three in a row for Saxon.
The title track is pretty cool sounding. Most of the other tracks get pretty cringe.
This was part of the EMI Years box set. It has the two single edits, and the Live in Madrid song + a second Madrid song: Dallas 1PM.
I'm going to give it 2.0/5.0. Northern Lady is a decent song, too.
Lari Metal is Forever
Number of posts : 6336 Age : 44
Subject: Re: Saxon Sat Nov 05, 2022 3:52 am
This is the EMI Years set:
I got it years after hearing the three included studio albums and deciding I don't need to own them on CD. But when the set came out I cracked and completed my collection. Besides satisfying my OCD, it's enabled me to enjoy at least some of the songs better. Nice thick booklet too.
Without the purchase, the albums probably never would have entered my playlists anymore. And there's that live CD too, which is nice. In fact, I reckon I'll play it this weekend.
James B. Scurvy Skalliwag
Number of posts : 12620 Age : 60
Subject: Re: Saxon Tue Nov 15, 2022 11:19 am
Released- June 20, 1988 Studio- Sarm Hook End Studios, Berkshire, UK Stephan Galfas – producer, mixing, arrangements Ian Taylor – mixing Spencer Henderson – engineer James Allen-Jones – engineer Hook and Manor, Berkshire, UK – recording location Swanyard Studios, London – mixing location Sterling Sound, New York – mastering location
Side 1
"Ride Like the Wind" "Where the Lightning Strikes" "I Can't Wait Anymore" "Calm Before the Storm" "S.O.S."
Side 2
"Song for Emma" "For Whom the Bell Tolls" "We Are Strong" "Jericho Siren" "Red Alert"
2010 remaster bonus tracks
"I Can't Wait Anymore," (12" 45 RPM, Single Mix, A1, Remix – Ian Taylor) "Rock The Nations" (Live at Hammersmith – B-Side Ride Like The Wind, 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, B2) "Broken Heroes, 12" 45 RPM, Single Mix B1" (Live in Madrid – B-Side I Can't Wait Anymore) "Gonna Shout 12" 45 RPM, Single Mix, B2" (Live in Madrid – B-Side I Can't Wait Anymore) "Ride Like The Wind" (Monitor Mix) "For Whom The Bell Tolls" (Monitor Mix
Biff Byford – vocals Graham Oliver – guitar Paul Quinn – guitar Paul Johnson – bass guitar Nigel Durham – drums
Additional musicians Stephen Laws Clifford – keyboards Dave Taggart, George Lamb, Phil Caffrey, Steve Mann – backing vocals
This is my quote from that thread.... "Another album I never heard until getting a bunch of Saxon cd's from the amazing, fabulous, stupendous Johnny B from the Twin Cities a few years back. At first listen, I was flabbergasted and barely made it through it. Now I can listen to it and appreciate some decent songwriting here and there. Sure the songs are missing some balls and that Saxon crunch, but well written songs are well written songs regardless of style and production. My vote goes for 'Song For Emma".
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James B. Scurvy Skalliwag
Number of posts : 12620 Age : 60
Subject: Re: Saxon Sat Nov 26, 2022 12:26 pm
Original Cover Above... Cover of 2001 Reissue Below...
Released- November 25th, 1989 Label- Roadrunner (Europe) & Enigma (America) Recorded Live at Budapest Sports Hall, Hungary, 1988 and on the road in Eastern Europe 1988. Produced by Biff Byford.
Side 1 "Power and the Glory" "And the Bands Played On" "Rock the Nations" "Dallas 1PM" "Broken Heroes" Side 2 "Battle Cry" "Rock n' Roll Gypsy" "Northern Lady" "I Can't Wait Anymore" "This Town Rocks"
2001 CD Bonus Tracks
"The Eagle Has Landed" "Just Let Me Rock"
Biff Byford - vocals Graham Oliver - guitar Paul Quinn - guitar Timothy "Nibbs" Carter - bass guitar Nigel Glockler - drums
I like this better than the first live album, has a better vibe (IMHDO) I happen to own both versions of this. Do not think I own any more live Saxon releases after this, unless it was included as a bonus disc on later releases?
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Lari Metal is Forever
Number of posts : 6336 Age : 44
Subject: Re: Saxon Sun Nov 27, 2022 8:34 am
Destiny, the worst Saxon album ever! But even then it has its moments. There's that Christopher Cross cover
How cheesy is that? Hot girls rescue Biff from jail, but leave the rest of the band behind.
Aside from Ride Like the Wind, I like that AOR-tinged melodic sound of SOS. A cool tune for sure. But there is just a lot of unworthy songs here. Or let's say mediocre songs. It lacks energy and Destiny really has no reason to exist. It's Saxon's foray into almost soft rock. Their identity is lost.
They had already released semi-bad albums in a row at this point. This could have been the end of Saxon.
I quote myself: "When you're a heavy metal band and the best track on your album is a Cristopher Cross cover, and that's pretty much the only listenable song on that album, you've got to stop and think about what you're doing. They hit rock bottom with this one.
Luckily, this was the end of an era, but not the end of a band."
My copy is the one included in the EMI years set I posted about earlier. The live bonus tracks are really good. The band never stopped being a top notch live band.
Lari Metal is Forever
Number of posts : 6336 Age : 44
Subject: Re: Saxon Tue Dec 06, 2022 6:58 am
Here's the other single from the album, a heartbreak ballad:
James B. Scurvy Skalliwag
Number of posts : 12620 Age : 60
Subject: Re: Saxon Tue Dec 13, 2022 12:49 pm
Released- September 24, 1990 Produced- Biff Byford Engineered- Ian Taylor Recorded- East Midlands Television Center in Nottingham (opening band was Robin Hood) Mixed- Outside Studio-Manor
Track Listing
"Opening Theme " "Heavy Metal Thunder" "Rock and Roll Gypsy" "And the Bands Played On" "20,000 Ft" "Ride Like the Wind" "Motorcycle Man" "747 (Strangers in the Night)" "See the Light Shining" "Frozen Rainbow" "Princess of the Night" "Wheels of Steel" "Denim and Leather" "Crusader" "Rockin' Again" "Back on the Streets"
The Band
Biff Byford - vocals Paul Quinn - guitar Graham Oliver - guitar Tim "Nibbs" Carter - bass guitar Nigel Glockler - drums
So after the "Rock 'n' Roll Gypsies" Live album. Saxon puts out another Live album in celebration of 'something" along the lines of "10 Years of Denim & Leather".
I recently got this from an acquaintance. It was in the "oblivious to it's existence" file, fer sures
When I listen to it properly, will add to this post.
Subject: Re: Saxon 
Wed Aug 31, 2022 11:31 am
