THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Day: January 3, 2021

THE RODS – s/t

January 3, 2021 /

This is the Arista version of the album as the original was called Rock Hard before they were signed. If anyone is unfamiliar with The Rods, they were part of the USA’s answer to the NWOBHM around the early eighties, and Dave “Rock” Feinstein was Ronnie James Dio’s cousin – in fact they were in the band Elf together. I remember really liking The Rods at the time mainly due to Feinstein’s guitar playing.

In classic power trio tradition, Feinstein handles lead vocal duties on all songs apart from Ace In The Hole, which bassist Gary Bordonaro sings. I guess they were going for that Ted Nugent style which Feinstein’s vocal suit, but Bordanaro is the way better singer. Nothing Going On In The City and Power Lover probably sum up what The Rods are all about the best as they are the stand out tracks. Heads down no nonsense mindless rock n roll. It’s still a fun record to listen to even though it does sound dated.

7/10 from The Grooveman.

ELECTRIC BOYS – Funk-O-Metal Carpet Ride

January 3, 2021 /

One of the joys of reviewing my records by using the randomizer, is that I get to play things I haven’t played in forever. The Electric Boys were part of the so-called Funk Metal off shoot of the late 80’s early 90’s. Definitely funky, but they could rock as well. Saw them twice at the time and they put on a great show. No matter what genre of music, the Swedes seem to be masters of it all!

Kicking things off with the up-tempo Psychedelic Eyes, and straight into All Lips and Hips – this was the Electric Boys at their best. Front man Conny Bloom, although not the best singer in the world, has the swagger to fit the music perfectly. The only weak track on the album, The Change, is followed by the serious groove of If I Had A Car. Side 2 opens up with the funky anthem like Rags To Riches. My favourite song Electrified follows the Hendrix like Cheek to Cheek. The groove and the solo on Electrified is epic and worth buying the album for by itself.

Whilst I am playing this after all these years I am struggling to see why they never made it huge. They had everything going for them, killer production courtesy of Bob Rock no less, great songs, and great crossover appeal as the ladies loved them just as much as the guys. Maybe even a couple of years too late? Who knows. Anyhoo a great overall record.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

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