THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Month: February 2021 (Page 1 of 12)

MAGNUM – Kingdom of Madness

February 27, 2021 /

The very British sounding, Magnum, have been hanging around since ’72. They started out as a progressive rock band, as this album testifies to. They were playing everywhere and anywhere for six years before they got to record this record. Kingdom Of Madness was first was released in ’78, and it wasn’t until ’82 when the British rock press started to take notice. Early reviews had singer Bob Catley being mentioned in the same breath as Freddie Mercury – so no pressure there then. They hardened up their sound with the second album, and the live album, Marauder, as they were released when NWOBHM hit and the band rode that wave for a while.

In The Beginning is really good rocking rune with that progressive edge – whereas Baby Rock Me is more of a straightforward rock tune. Universe and the title track are more what you would expect from Magnum later on in their career. Side 2 opener, All That Is Real, is a full on pop masterpiece and very reminiscent of Styx. The Bringer is another good tune and Catley’s voice is really strong. Invasion sounds a bit like an Iron Maiden gallop – before Maiden invented them. Lords of Chaos is the best song on the album, and does remind me of classic Uriah Heep. The whole thing ends with All Come Together, which again has that Heepish vibe.

Not a bad beginning to one of Britain’s best loved bands, which have always had a cult like following.

7.5/10 from The Grooveman.

STYX – Kilroy Was Here

February 27, 2021 /

This was the band’s 11th studio release, and the last of their huge selling albums. After the release, the tour, and promotion, the band disappeared for seven years. When the band first started out, they were a progressive/pop rock band, but by the time this album was released, they had changed the sound to a pop rock outfit with their eyes on the singles chart.

To emphasize that point the opening track, Mr. Roboto, was a huge hit for the band. The concept around the album was based around the censorship of music, and was aimed at the group Majority for Musical Morality – a right wing Christian group. After the strong opening of Mr Roboto, the very poppy Cold War is next, before the uber ballad Don’t Let It End, which was another huge smash. High Time closes out Side 1, and is another full on pop song. In fact, this band sounds nothing like the band that started out in ’72.

Side 2 begins with Heavy Metal Poisoning, a rather sanitized rocker. Just Get Through The Night is next, and it really should belong on Broadway as it’s more of a show tune. Double Life, and Haven’t We Been Here Before just trundle on by, and the last song is just a reprise of Don’t Let It End.

This album is a million miles away from Pieces Of Eight, which is a classic album. When the band returned, it was without Dennis De Young, and after this album I’m not surprised. Mr Roboto is the best song on the album in my opinion.

6/10 from The Grooveman.

PORCUPINE TREE – Metanoia

February 26, 2021 /

This album was the runt of the litter, as it was not released as a proper album. It was recorded as an improvisation as part of the Signify sessions. This is the original release on double 10 inch vinyl, and only 1000 were pressed. The CD that was released much later contains an extra 2 pieces.

I would have loved for this period of PT to have gone on longer, as I really love the experimentation with groove and sounds. They manipulated and twisted sounds to make them unrecognizable from what they originally were, and fit them into pieces that are accessible and with grooves. Very trippy and psychedelic in places and is a perfect album to put on and just chill. It reminds me of the Ozrics as this was their mantra as well, just play and see where we go – although I’m sure there is more structure to proceedings here. Mesmer, in it’s 3 parts, is just fantastic, and held together by the bass and drums. The idea that they are just winging it gives substance at the beginning of track 3 – as the talking between the band has been left in and is the most experimental piece here.

You will either love this or hate it, there is no middle ground. If you are new to Steven’s catalogue, and only took an interest since Raven, I can’t see there being anything of interest here. Anyway, I love the quirkiness of the piece, and that they just went in to see what happens is amazing.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

TRIUMPH – Thunder Seven

February 26, 2021 /

This is Triumph’s 7th studio outing, and you could say the last before their popularity started to drift off. Recorded at the legendary Metalworks Studio in Mississauga Ontario, which drummer Gil Moore now owns. Although still a studio, it’s now also a music college. Triumph were renowned for their live show and being a kick ass live act, even though when drummer Moore was taking lead vocal, it felt a bit strange as there was no focal point. Anyway, this album doesn’t disappoint as this does exactly what says on the tin and rocks hard.

Opening track, Spellbound, is a typical Triumph rockin’ track, but with more keyboards than previous efforts. Rock Out Roll On sees Rick Emmett take lead vocals with his higher range, and again is a typical Triumph rocker. Third track in Cool Down, has a very Zepplin driven heavy groove and is a killer tune. Side closer, Follow Your Heart was a single, and at the time, the band’s highest charting and was typical syrupy rock radio fodder of the time.

Over to Side 2 we go and Time Goes By, the album’s longest track, and the epic track that the band would always throw in on each album. Two throwaway short pieces are next before Killing Time, the power ballad you’ve all been waiting for rolls on by. Stranger On A Strange Land is very Van Halen-esque, and is my choice for best track on the album. Things come to a close with Little Boy Blues, and is a subdued close out track – not a bad tune as there is some nice playing by Emmett. I just think a more rocky track would have been better to end with.

Other than Rush, Triumph at the time were Canada’s biggest rock band.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

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