The following op was written as my entry for the 29th_Candidate's "Dinosaur Rock-Off":
Yes it’s another write off from the king of all write off organiser people – 29th Candidate. This one is to commemorate the death of one of rocks finest musicians – John Entwistle, the guitarist with The Who. His death is of a great loss not only to music, but also to an entire generation who shall not hear his unique style of music. Lets hope that all in heaven (as if there is a place) are enjoying his presence up there.
Now on with the opinion. This ‘Dinosaur Rock-Off’ is a competition that challenges members to write about a truly great rock album that has truly changed their lives. I have chosen Iron Maidens ‘Number Of The Beast’
I may as well tell it all from the beginning, as if I don’t, references later on the review will become more and more confusing.
I started listening to this album at the tender age of about 1 month, yes you heard correctly, 1 month of age. No I wasn’t born clad with a Iron Maiden shirt, beer belly, long beard and a bike. It was all my uncle Dean’s fault.
Dean was, and still is, one of maiden’s biggest fans. Back in the early 90’s and late 80’s he was nearly a Goth.
Every Saturday night he would go out dressed in all black, sharpened black fingernails and long hair, which I recently found out were extensions.
At just about the same time every night he would blast out some form of music from his room. I was too young to remember that at that age, but he did carry on playing extortionately loud music until I was about 6, and that was where I can first remember maiden.
Now, 8 years later, he is still a maiden fanatic, but he just doesn’t feel the need to go mad with the black nail varnish every night. He now buys rare vinyls at incredibly high rates at e bay.co.uk so real free to rip him off anytime.
I actually inherited this CD from him, after his daughter had destroyed the inside cover on his, he reluctantly passed it down the family into the giddy hands of me
Now, and this time I mean it, on to the review.
The Number Of The Beast was the album that shot these Londoners into the world stage and it did so with a hell of a bang. It reached number 1 in the British album chart, and lets not forget how hard it was to get to the top of the album charts them days. To get to the top you had to release some really good music, not any old crap like today.
It’s the now legendary song ‘Run to the Hill’s’ that is mostly responsible for that. RTTH is what most non-maideners remember them for – especially today’s rock deprived youth who will only know them for this single which was re-released a couple of weeks ago.
Although this is not the best of founder member Steve Harris’ work on this album as the song prior ‘Run…’ is the highlight of the album.
Guns ‘n’ Roses ‘November Rain aside, ‘Number of The Beast’, the albums title track, is my all time favourite song.
I can remember first listening to this on my P.C. on an Iron Maiden game and thinking ‘This is fecking brilliant’. And it is of course Maidens only ever present bassist and hero Steve Harris who made them both.
Another reason why this was the album that made them massive was because it was the start of a new era for the band. They had ditched previous vocalist Paul Di’Anno for a new, fresh vocalist, Bruce Dickinson.
Many believe that these 2 are the only 2 vocalists that will ever be suitable to match the sound of maiden. While Paul Di’Anno has gone a bit crazy, Bruce is, and always has been, crazy. But crazy is a good way, not mental hospital, straightjacket ways. His lunacy is a joy to watch on stage just as his voice is a delight to hear.
Now that I have ran my self out of things to write about the band, I shall slowly drive you into madness as I painstakingly describe every last detail in every song. What? You have just had a sleep? Okay then, here’s a quick run through of the Highlights:
00 minutes: 01 seconds: An enthralling start is a must for any album and the banging drum beat at the start of ‘invader’ does exactly as it is asked. 04:28: Get your lighters out; the metal ballad type chorus of Children Of The Damned should have you swaying. 09:13: If you listen closely, well if you listen properly, you will hear Bruce Dickinson giving a little ‘HaHa’ in-between lines on ‘the prisoner’. 16:65: Listen in awe as the guitar solo in 22 Acacia Avenue make you salivate 10 times your usual rate. 19:10: How can I describe this? It is like something from a horror movie, no not the song, the voice on its opening. ‘The Devil sends the beast with wrath, for he knows the time is short’. These are the words that are muttered for the opening of the legendary ‘Number Of The Beast’ 23.58: Yet another classic opening for yet another legendary song. The drum beat at the start of ‘Run To The Hills’ and the beat all the way through will have your heart beating extra fast. 29:21: A brilliant guitar solo, more reminiscent of a punk song, but a brilliant one nevertheless. 37:37: The end of the last song ‘Hallowed By Thy Name’ may not be much of a highlight, but it gives you opportunity to go back to the start and listen again!
This album really did change my life. Before I got this I was listening to crap like Limp Bizkit, and lots of other Nu–Metal excuses for music. Since my first real listen to this my other CD’s have been collecting dust as this and numerous other maiden CD’s have been occupying the space in my Ghetto blaster. Without maiden I would probably be one of those kids dressed in black hoodies with headphones in their ears listening to Linkin Park. Thank You Maiden!
This Opinion was created using the following stimulants: Spearmint polo’s, Super Smash Bros. Melee, Alkali Keithy joining ciao, me being Games Category assistant, Category Assistant badges, Finding out the Chicken and Deano’s ages (beg if you wanna know…), and, of course, 29th’s challenge.
Great op. Iron Maiden are legends through and through. Great op, keep it up. Craig.
Glorificus1 07.07.2002 18:34
I am so envious that go can do such a concise opinion on such a great album and it still works! Well done... erm mine took me three hours, I must be doing something wrong hehe
Ankes-un-amun 06.07.2002 01:28
Ahh, a man after my heart! This was not only a favourite of mine, but worryingly enough my Dad likes it aswell. I wore my tape out though. You like 'November Rain' too. Well there's good taste for you! Cara
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