Great new Saxon interview!
- Thread starter Yawnlander
- Start date
Paxoman
Member
A great interview. Interesting to read what Biff has to say about Graham Oliver not being able to play the new stuff, so he could never return to the band. Harsh? I don't think so. The truth is in the pudding, as they say. Listen to the quality of the last four Saxon albums. A total step up in class from anything that had gone before. Well, certainly in the previous fifteen years.
I really like the way the new Saxon is going and the new record is just great. I agree, it's the best since 'unleash the beast'.
Fingers
Member
Yeah - Thanks, Yawnlander! That is a great interview!
Like Paxo said, the Graham Oliver comments were pretty powerfull!
What Biff said does make sense, though - the band have evolved and become technically better. This does not mean that the band make better music or perform better, though. It means that some members wanted to go one way, whilst others wanted to go the other.
I've no problem with Graham Oliver as a musician and writer. And, for me, questioning his ability doesn't even come into it. He does what he does well and that's it.
Biff mentioned the AC/DC vibe in the interview - did he also mean that Malcolm Young was a crap musician? Of course not. He simply meant that he felt restricted by the parameters of the Oliver/Dawson era.
The great thing about Saxon these days is they can be as versatile as they like. There are no restrictions and no rules to follow. This will always make them exiting for me - just like LionHeart is! And through this concept of having no restrictions to style etc. they have come up with their own 'Saxon' sound that started off from 'Unleash' onwards.
But this does not make Oliver a bad musician - he is just in a different genre and that is why it had to finish. You get Sci-Fi writers, Horror Writers, Romance Writers, Adventure Writers, Thriller Writers etc. Well the same applies to this matter.
Pink Floyd split due to differences - Waters wanted to continue with his own brand of 'concept' albums, whilst Gilmore preferred a more simple, mainstream approach.
In a cruel way, I think the fans get a good deal out of this kind of thing - you get more material to listen to!
Like Paxo said, the Graham Oliver comments were pretty powerfull!
What Biff said does make sense, though - the band have evolved and become technically better. This does not mean that the band make better music or perform better, though. It means that some members wanted to go one way, whilst others wanted to go the other.
I've no problem with Graham Oliver as a musician and writer. And, for me, questioning his ability doesn't even come into it. He does what he does well and that's it.
Biff mentioned the AC/DC vibe in the interview - did he also mean that Malcolm Young was a crap musician? Of course not. He simply meant that he felt restricted by the parameters of the Oliver/Dawson era.
The great thing about Saxon these days is they can be as versatile as they like. There are no restrictions and no rules to follow. This will always make them exiting for me - just like LionHeart is! And through this concept of having no restrictions to style etc. they have come up with their own 'Saxon' sound that started off from 'Unleash' onwards.
But this does not make Oliver a bad musician - he is just in a different genre and that is why it had to finish. You get Sci-Fi writers, Horror Writers, Romance Writers, Adventure Writers, Thriller Writers etc. Well the same applies to this matter.
Pink Floyd split due to differences - Waters wanted to continue with his own brand of 'concept' albums, whilst Gilmore preferred a more simple, mainstream approach.
In a cruel way, I think the fans get a good deal out of this kind of thing - you get more material to listen to!
macc189
Member
Everyone goes on about how Unleash was a turning point but for me it was Dogs of War, Olivers last record with the band. I really rate that record and the title track is a killer and would have fit on Unleash no problem so I think it slightly unfair to say that Oliver couldnt cut it anymore, after all, on Walking through Tokyo it is Oly playing all that Japanese guitar stuff (even though the song is a bit pants IMHO)
Paxoman
Member
I can't say I agree macc. 'Dogs Of War' is a good enough album, with some good songs on it - Dogs Of War, Hold On, Great White Buffalo. But the album is pretty much typical Saxon stuff. 'Unleash The Beast' was a complete turning point, more heavy, different style, and much better songs (which has continued on every album since).macc189 said:
As Nightwar said, Graham Oliver is a good guitarist. He does what he does very well, but it is all a bit samey. He just isn't coming up with anything new anymore. You just have to listen to O/D Saxon to hear for yourself.
Having just bought this album not a day or to ago I here some prog mixed in with what everybody is calling euro-metal I don't if it's Jorge's influence or I'm missing something by not owning Unleash the Beast if this were they made a turning point.
macc189
Member
I try not to listen to O/D Pax, that is unless Im just about to have a tooth pulled then it saves on anaesthetic! Are you still in Manchester Pax?
By the way, has anyone here heard the two solo albums by Oly and Dobby? and if so, what are your opinions, thought, reviews etc?
By the way, has anyone here heard the two solo albums by Oly and Dobby? and if so, what are your opinions, thought, reviews etc?
CRUSADER747
\\Power Metal Maniac//
I have Steve Dawson's solo album 'Pandemonium Circus'. There are 11 studio tracks, and 5 live tracks on the album. Generally, its not quite as heavy as a Saxon album, and all the tracks were recorded in the late 80's (86 - 88). In my opinion it's a bit hit and miss. There are some quite good songs, I.E. 'She', 'All We Dream Of', 'Like Marrionetts', and 'Wings At Dawn (live)'. But on the down side, there are also some Def Leppard'ish sounding songs, and also a version of the Cilla Black song 'Step Inside Love' (Why?????).
Paxoman
Member
Macc - Yeah I am still in Manchester. I have sent you an email. I try not to listen to O/D Saxon either. Only when I am feeling down and want a bellyful of laughter, then I might put on the eagle has relanded! 
RicknRoll - DEFINITELY get 'Unleash The Beast', it is a stonking album. It is my favourite along side of 'Wheels Of Steel'. 'Lionheart' is in the top three by the way.
RicknRoll - DEFINITELY get 'Unleash The Beast', it is a stonking album. It is my favourite along side of 'Wheels Of Steel'. 'Lionheart' is in the top three by the way.
macc189
Member
try again pax, that email address was an old one i dont use anymore, ive updated my profile with the new one now.
Looking at it, Oly leaving is the downfall for me
Cant play it my arse!
The guitar solo in Wheels of Steel, probably the greatest ever, and who did that?
Look at the solo in Wtychfinder General. Best song on the albumn but awful solo, goes no where does nothing.
I shake my head in disbelief
AC-DC fucking great band, I wish thats all I could play!
Cant play it my arse!
The guitar solo in Wheels of Steel, probably the greatest ever, and who did that?
Look at the solo in Wtychfinder General. Best song on the albumn but awful solo, goes no where does nothing.
I shake my head in disbelief
AC-DC fucking great band, I wish thats all I could play!
macc189
Member
I know from speaking with Oly some time ago that in his opinion the Dallas solo was his finest hour. Ive got to say I agree with him.
Paxoman
Member
Yeah the Dallas 1pm solo leaves the Wheels Of Steel solo standing. The Dallas 1pm solo is probably my favourite solo of all time. Unfortunately solo's don't make songs. Well, unfortunately for Graham Oliver!
Macc, I have replied to your new email address.
Macc, I have replied to your new email address.
Yeah - the break in Dallas is probably the best middle-section the band has done. Also, the solo for 'Power & the Glory' kicked ass! Also played by Oliver, if I can recall. Another class solo is 'Crusader' - nice one, Quinny!
I've got both solo CDs by Steve Dawson and Graham Oliver - Mr Crusader is pretty much bang on with his opinion of 'Pandemonium Circus'. It has some real catchy tracks on there but has dated and, as they are demos, the production ain't great. Some tracks have a programmed drum section which really brings the quality down. But these are demos, after all. It does prove that Steve was a decent song writer, though - espicially for a bass player! The emphasis is firmly on melody and the tunes do stick in your memory, which is a good thing.
Graham Oliver's album is pretty interesting - there are a couple of Saxon covers, weirdly sung by the band's bassist for Destiny, Steve Johnson.
There are a few nice instrumentals and a couple of nice Hendrix covers. Oliver's son plays drums on a few tracks and advertises his own band by having 3 tracks on the album, with Graham Oliver on guitar. These songs are kind of grunge/pop - It is not entirely sucessfull, but interesting, and not as bad as some suggest.
As a fan, I do recommend them.
Nigel Glockler has a solo album (with Doug on guitar) and that is a great piece of work. Hopefully, he will release another album in the future, apparently with guest vocalists (I'm sure Biff will be invited)!
Macc - I agree that DOW was the album when Saxon started improving again. But, to be honest, I think that the improvement really began on 'Solid Ball' and 'Forever Free' - I think Nibbs writing input had a lot to do with it. Dog's was similiar but had more balls in the production, you know?
And I agree with Paxo - Unleash is a turning point, because the band took a definate turn towards a new attitude and sound. I've always seen the release of 'Unleash' as a brand new phase.
Gregger - I don't think Biff was having a go at AC/DC. The man loves Bonn Scott, after all. Biff was only explaining that the band wanted something different. Call it 'musical differences' in the Spinal Tap tradition!
Have to disagree about the solo on WF General - it fits the atosphere of the song perfectly!
I think Oliver's solos did add more to a lot of the older songs, and the band have lost some of the power his solos provided - they had an energy which sometimes is lacking in the more modern stuff. But that is simply due to the change of style, by the band - and as whole, the band have improved vastly.
I've got both solo CDs by Steve Dawson and Graham Oliver - Mr Crusader is pretty much bang on with his opinion of 'Pandemonium Circus'. It has some real catchy tracks on there but has dated and, as they are demos, the production ain't great. Some tracks have a programmed drum section which really brings the quality down. But these are demos, after all. It does prove that Steve was a decent song writer, though - espicially for a bass player! The emphasis is firmly on melody and the tunes do stick in your memory, which is a good thing.
Graham Oliver's album is pretty interesting - there are a couple of Saxon covers, weirdly sung by the band's bassist for Destiny, Steve Johnson.
There are a few nice instrumentals and a couple of nice Hendrix covers. Oliver's son plays drums on a few tracks and advertises his own band by having 3 tracks on the album, with Graham Oliver on guitar. These songs are kind of grunge/pop - It is not entirely sucessfull, but interesting, and not as bad as some suggest.
As a fan, I do recommend them.
Nigel Glockler has a solo album (with Doug on guitar) and that is a great piece of work. Hopefully, he will release another album in the future, apparently with guest vocalists (I'm sure Biff will be invited)!
Macc - I agree that DOW was the album when Saxon started improving again. But, to be honest, I think that the improvement really began on 'Solid Ball' and 'Forever Free' - I think Nibbs writing input had a lot to do with it. Dog's was similiar but had more balls in the production, you know?
And I agree with Paxo - Unleash is a turning point, because the band took a definate turn towards a new attitude and sound. I've always seen the release of 'Unleash' as a brand new phase.
Gregger - I don't think Biff was having a go at AC/DC. The man loves Bonn Scott, after all. Biff was only explaining that the band wanted something different. Call it 'musical differences' in the Spinal Tap tradition!
Have to disagree about the solo on WF General - it fits the atosphere of the song perfectly!
I think Oliver's solos did add more to a lot of the older songs, and the band have lost some of the power his solos provided - they had an energy which sometimes is lacking in the more modern stuff. But that is simply due to the change of style, by the band - and as whole, the band have improved vastly.
macc189
Member
i do not understand the oliver bashing. latter day saxon have never come close to recapturing the magic of the 1979-95 years. they'll never top 'power and the glory'. they lost their sound when oliver left and have never regained their individuality.
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