REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Day: March 13, 2021

THIN LIZZY – Chinatown

This is the often maligned and forgotten 10th studio album from one of the best rock bands of the era. This was also the introduction to the band of guitarist Snowy White, who was only previously known as a touring member of Pink Floyd – and seems an odd choice to join these hard livin’ rock n rollers. I can see why that fans don’t like this album. Other than the two singles, the material wasn’t that strong.

The first of the singles mentioned is the title track, with is unforgettable and brilliant opening riff. In my opinion, one of the best Lizzy tracks. It made fans pay attention and accept Snowy into the band. The other single was the hard drivin’ Killer On The Loose, which people bought because of the upholder-of-decent-moral- standards, Mary Whitehouse’s hatred of the song. Other than Genocide, all of the remaining songs seem to be rehashed ideas of previous Lizzy tunes and are frankly not that strong.

It’s well documented that Phil’s problems with his addiction to the demon heroin, and because of it the material was beginning to suffer. There were only 2 more Lizzy albums to follow after this before Phil’s death in ’86. I did see them on this tour, and they were still entertaining, Phil gave it is all.

The title track gets 10/10, and the album 6.5/10 from The Grooveman.

GLENN HUGHES – Building The Machine

Released 20 years ago, this was The Voice Of Rock’s 9th solo release. The first 4 solo efforts nearly passed unnoticed as he was playing really small venues just to keep going. Of course, he is known by most people as being in the Mk111 and Mark1V line ups of Deep Purple. He was the best vocalist in the band, and yet he was not the lead vocalist as that honour went to Mr Coverdale. Well known for his like of all things funky and soulful, he was partly responsible for turning Purple in that direction – resulting in the departure of Richie Blackmore for the first time.

Anyway, let’s get down to reviewing this slab of wax. It starts with Can’t Stop The Flood and it sounds exactly like you would expect, a big funk rock tune to get your grooves firmly in place. Inside keeps things going in that funky direction before Out On Me arrives and takes us back to Glenn’s first outfit, Trapeze, with the feel and soul of the song. A cover of Rare Earth’s I Just Want To Celebrate is next, and as expected, is rocked up to go with the song’s funky grooves – plus a guest appearance on vocals and guitar from Pat Travers. Don’t Let It Slip Away is next and is downright dirty funk, and for me is the best track on the album. Great key changes and harmonies. Feels Like Home has the unenviable task of following after that and it is a really laid back tune, but with a great vocal from Glenn. The old Deep Purple song, High Ball Shooter, is next and is given the full funk treatment. When You Fall starts with a big fat riff from JJ Marsh and is a really good funk rock tune – with the usual over the top vocal from Mr Hughes. I Will Follow You closes out Side 3 and is ballad central. Beyond The Numb opens up Side 4 with its cinematic beginning and a killer Glenn vocal. It’s a really cool groovy tune. The album ends with Big Sky and is a quiet ending to a really rockin’ record.

I would say Glenn was at his vocal peak at this point and his voice is undeniably awesome. Also a big shout out to JJ Marsh whose lead and rhythm playing is top drawer.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.