Nazareth: Homecoming

Surely we all remember the broad swath cut through the pop music landscape by Nazareth, the Scottish hard rock band now well into its fourth decade of existence? No? Well, that's why there are releases like Homecoming. While this show (which carries with it a subtitle reading “The Greatest Hits Live in Glasgow”) may not win the veteran band many new converts, faithful fans will surely find much here to admire. The current lineup consists of two founding members, singer Dan McCafferty (whose raw, tonsil-shredding sound is nearly unchanged from the band's ‘70s heyday) and bass player Pete Agnew, whose son, drummer Lee, is the newest addition (guitarist Jimmy Murrison and keyboardist Ronnie Leahy both joined in '95). On this Dolby Digital 5.1 sound enhanced disc, they plow through some of their best known tunes, including “Razamanaz,” “Hair of the Dog,” and the old Everly Brothers ballad “Love Hurts,” and the choir they're preaching to (i.e., rabid fans on the band's home turf) eats it up with gusto. OK, so lyrics like “drinkin' my wine makes me feel fine” may not change the world, Homecoming is still a more-than-acceptable diversion for rockers young and old alike. Recommended. Aud: P. (S. Graham)