Based on a recommendation, I got a copy of this out-of-print compilation which covers what I call the "Iommi Sabbath" years.

The songs aren't bad, though there are instances where singer Tony Martin comes off as a poor man's Ronnie James Dio. Decent enough '80s metal, but it's still Black Sabbath in name only - this was really Tony Iommi solo music. Which is how it began - Seventh Star began as as a Tony Iommi solo album but the record company forced the Sabbath name on the project and it went from there.

While I don't feel I threw my money away, I'm not inspired to go out and get the Iommi Sabbath catalog, either.

It's too bad that they included the Ian Gillan-sung "Disturbing The Priest" rather than "Trashed," which is the best song on Born Again, IMO.

But I guess it's good that this period is represented on a comp, though I understand it's now out-of-print. Got mine through eBay at a reasonable price.

I have all of the Black Sabbath Martin era albums . I don't look at them or listen to them as Black Sabbath albums . I listen to them as Iommi albums . I can't consider them Sabbath but they are still good albums . Sure most of them aren't strong all the way through , but not much is (by anyone). When Rhino finally puts out the remaider of the "Sabbath" catalog , I'll re-buy them remastered .
Most FYE stores in my area (Long Island) still have the Sabbath Stones cd's at $5.99 or $6.99

I understand the Martin era isn't for all Sabbath fans, but I feel the material is of a very high quality and, as long as it's Iommi-it's Sabbath.
I'm glad you got to check it out Chris, keep listening, trust me. I disagree about Martin as a Dio clone-on "Eternal Idol" absolutely, but beyond that, no. Tony has a more AOR-oriented and bluesy style than Dio and I don't feel that he sounds like Dio very much at all.
The reason he did on "Eternal Idol" was because the vocals had already been demoed by Ray Gillen and when he was sacked, Martin came in and replicated the vocal melodies.
Anyway, I still feel "Headless Cross", "Tyr" and "Cross Purposes" rank among the best Sabbath albums ever. But, for me, the Ozzy years were the very best, with Dio a close 2nd and Martin 3rd-I also enjoyed the Gillan/Hughes eras and what I've heard from the Donato and Gillen demos that leaked out.
I'm still glad you checked it out Chris!

At least now that era is represented in my Sabbath collection, but I still contend that it's Tony Iommi music, not Sabbath. No Geezer, no Sabbath. And yes, I do realize that Cross Purposes does have Geezer on bass, but by that point, the name had kind of been run into the ground with the multiple lineup changes. Again, just my opinion.

Is "Loser Gets It All" still considered somewhat of a rarity?

I think Cross Purposes is the best of the Martin era albums . I think thats because Geezer was back and helped in the song writing. Cross Purposes Live was a very good live album where Martin sang Ozzy and Dio songs (and did a very good job of it) as well as Sabbath Martin songs.If pretty hard to find at a decent price but if you find it check it out .