I avoided this thread because there is no way in hell I can decide between Ozzy and Dio.
I can argue/debate about a lot of things, but I refuse to choose one over the other.
They are BOTH Sabbath*.
But...if you'll allow me to contradict myself and piss you off at the same time:
(1) I grew up on both Ozzy and Dio incarnations, but I always felt that 70's Sabbath = the TRUE ESSENCE
(2) *I love Dio. But, don't hate me, Dio is Dio. He is so distinctive that I place him in his own category. So even when I'm listening to Heaven and Hell/Mob Rules, I think, "This is Dio, with Sabbath supporting him" and not "This is Sabbath, with Dio"
(3) So, yes, I take anything and everything Dio has done and place it in one bin labeled "Dio"
(4) I cannot say the same for Ozzy. My love for him is based on the 70's Sabbath albums, not his later stuff.
(5)
IT DOESN'T MATTER IF OZZY CAN SING OR NOT. In fact, I'll go so far as to say that part of Sabbath's distinctive atmosphere/mood is generated by OZZY's pseudo-singing. Remember, I think this is the ONE TRUE Sabbath. This is the genetic core. I loved it and I continue loving it.
(6) Speaking of Dio, I love "Strange Highways". Usually my heart is swollen with 80's content. But there's something wonderful about "Strange Highways" that lets it sneak in.
(7) Speaking of Sabbath, I've always thought that "Supertzar" was a corny-yet-awesome title for a song. Apparently, I haven't changed much since 4th grade.
(
I actually enjoy drinking "Sweat Leaf" tea products, but I can't help but think of a particular Sabbath song whilst slaking my thirst:
(9) I'll stop now.
See? I found a cheesy way to get around the whole "What's the best Sabbath line-up?" question. I also found a way to totally contradict my initial plan (to not make any comments).
(10) I am not completely in love with the most recent Maiden (the astronaut corpse cover art). Nat, of course you should get it...but, it is lacking (some songs are tedious, but they were intended to be "epic"... but they aren't strong enough to be epic.)
(11) The Maiden album prior to that (zombie soliders + tank?) was better, I think, but still not amazing.
(12) I really liked Brave New World, though. That had some spark to it. Moxie.
(13) As a kid, I had those "BLACK VELVET + Flourescent" posters for Maiden and Dio. I LOVED THOSE POSTERS. I wish I kept them. Folks who have been around here a long time may be sick of my lament for these posters.
(14) A few years ago, I finally watched the film "Black Sabbath".
(15) OK, now I'll stop.