MOUNTAIN - Masters Of War

Posted: 11/07/07

Reviewed by: Dirt

Category: Heavy Rock/70s Hard Rock

Released: 7/24/07

Label URL:

Artist URL: www.mountaintheband.com

I first became aware of Mountain singer/guitarist Leslie West when he and Howard Stern hosted MTV's Headbanger's Ball in 1987.  At that time, Leslie was singing the praises of Howard for resurrecting his career.  Apparently, Leslie had hit hard times (ironically this was also the title of the single/video from 1985's Go For Your Life) and Howard had helped to bring some attention to him again.  On that episode of Headbanger's Ball, Leslie played a snippet of Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are A-changin'."  Why do I mention this, you ask?  Because 20 years later, Mountain has released Masters Of War, an album that completely consists of reworked Bob Dylan tunes.  If you've been a Mountain fan since the late 60s, you know that the band's association with Dylan dates back to Woodstock.

The title track, which opens the album, features Ozzy Osbourne trading vocals with Leslie, and it is simply one of the best heavy rock tunes that I've heard in years.  Their voices sound great together!  Lyrically, the song written by Dylan years ago is timely as well, considering the ongoing situation in Iraq.  Gov't Mule vocalist/guitarist Warren Haynes, lends his guitar skills on "Serve Somebody" and "The Times They Are A-changin'," and former Frehley's Comet guitarist Ritchie Scarlet plays bass on a few tracks.  While I'm familiar with some of Dylan's original versions ("Blowin' In The Wind," "Mr. Tambourine Man," "Like A Rolling Stone"), I really can't compare Leslie's interpretations because I'm not a Dylan fan.  In fact, it wasn't until I got half-way through this record and suspiciously checked out the liner notes, that I learned that Mountain was reinterpreting Dylan. 

The Bloody Truth:  On paper, this might seem like just another cover album, but Leslie has really reworked Dylan's songs, and from what I understand (and from the songs that I'm familiar with) he's kept the lyrics but basically Mountain-ized the music.  The band's heavy rock/blues style, Leslie's original guitar sound, and his raspy but soulful vocals are in tip-top shape here.  Masters Of War is an inspired performance that you rarely hear from a band so many years into their career.  I'd say the only song that Leslie's vocals don't work on is "Mr. Tambourine Man."  Overall, though, this album is one of Leslie's best vocal performances and the musical delivery is totally original.  Just listen to Leslie's moving acoustic interpretation of "Blowin' In The Wind."  It may bring you to tears.