Let's be frank, we all know the title to the new Black Label Society release is lame – almost as lame as Father Zakk appearing on American Idol – but it's not like BLS is known for subtle album titles, so the moniker is forgivable as it does aptly represent the album. The Song Remains Not The Same is a collection of outtakes from the Order of the Black sessions that sees BLS leader Zakk Wylde re-imagining some of that album's best tracks in quieter formats. Note, this can't be called BLS "unplugged,” because Wylde plugs in throughout the record. Also, it is also not a new BLS record because it doesn't feature any new material; instead it is a companion piece to the mighty Order of the Black that showcases some quieter interpretations and provides an official home for a few covers that had previously only been available as singles or b-sides.
Father Zakk has a very credible history with quieter songs which includes "Mama, I'm Coming Home" with Ozzy, "Machine Gun Man" with Pride and Glory, "In this River" with BLS, and the new version of "Darkest Days" is as good as any of the above, but what makes this album unique and interesting is the re-imagining of loud and aggressive tracks. The Song Remains Not The Same likely won't draw any new fans into the fold, but I don't think that is the point. This album will be best appreciated by fans who are aware of the original versions of the songs and appreciate the transformations because of that familiarity. It is in this sense that The Song Remains Not The Same is special and a real treat for the BLS family.
Zakk's softer side has long been characterized by piano and acoustic driven formats and both shine on The Song Remains Not The Same. At least two tracks recall Pride and Glory and several tracks made me think of the acoustic Alice in Chains. Let's start with the highlights; "Overlord" returns here as an acoustic stomper with bluesy fills that recall Alice In Chains' "Heaven Beside You" and vocal harmonies that also recall the Cantrell/Staley combination. While this may be a bit of a stretch, Wylde's reinterpretation of "Overlord" seems smiler to Clapton's re-interpretation of "Layla” in that it feels familiar, but also new. "Parade of the Dead" is one of the better re-imaginings as, outside of the lyrics, nothing remains the same."Riders of the Damned" follows and is my choice for best guitar solo on the album and will definitely set anyone straight who misinterpreted this release as an "unplugged" album. On the first of two versions of "Darkest Days,” Zakk's vocals reminded me of Pride and Glory as he approached them with a bit of a southern drawl. Wylde also shows some versatility in his solo stylings by including a killer acoustic solo; reminiscent of "Fading Away" also on the Pride and Glory album. A cover of Black Sabbath's "Junior Eyes" follows and once again sees the harmony vocals sounding very reminiscent of Alice in Chains." Junior Eyes" is the best of the covers on the album, followed closely by Wylde's cover of Neil Young's classic "Helpless,” which sees the guitarist focusing on his vocal performance and wisely not including a solo, despite what I'm sure was an intense desire to do so. Wylde continues his vocal focus on "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and, to be fair, it is a very good performance – but I could have done without the inclusion of a Simon and Garfunkel cover on a Black Label Society record. The same goes for the inclusion of a second version of "Darkest Days" which features Jon Rich, or the inclusion of "The First Noel.” On their own, each track is decent but generally feel redundant when grouped together on one album as they are here.
Ideally, The Song Remains Not The Same would have been better as an EP, featuring the first six tracks and "Can't Find My Way Home." Those are the songs that find Wylde focused on re-imagining heavier songs in quieter formats. Come Christmas, maybe I'll be thankful I have "The First Noel" and rethink this statement but, for now, I know that it will be an edited version of this record that finds it way to my iPod.
Despite its flaws, The Song Remains Not The Same is a welcome addition to the BLS catalogue, is a nice companion piece to Order of the Black and will more than tide me over until Zakk and the crew are able to forge a new record after they wrap up their touring obligations.
Artist:
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The Song Remains Not The Same is out now. Buy it here on Amazon .
