THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Day: March 18, 2021

RAINBOW – Down To Earth

March 18, 2021 /

This is the album where Blackmore ditched the dungeons and dragons and went for a more commercial pop sound. With the discovery of vocalist Graham Bonnet ( who was only known for singing in an Aussie band called The Marbles), the new version was ready to go. In Bonnet, Ritchie had found an incredible talent with a strong powerful voice that was perfect for this type of rock.

The opening track, All Night Long, is a great tune and was a hit single all over the world, and showed everyone Bonnet’s talents. If anyone was in any doubt that Blackmore had sold out, a more recognizable vibe was present with the next track Eyes Of The World, which sees a long solo piece to keep the faithful happy. No Time To Lose is next up and is a straight up rock n roller. Side closer, Makin Love, is ballad city with some nice classical guitar from Blacker’s at the intro.

Over to Side 2 we go and the best known track from the band’s history, Since You’ve Been Gone. Unless you have been on a different planet for the past 40 years, you cannot have missed this song – this was as commercial as Blackmore came. DIO could never have sung this. Love’s No Friend is next up, and is pure Deep Purple in vibe – I wonder if this was a left over riff?! Danger Zone has a cool choppy riff and a great vocal from Bonnet. That brings us to the album closer, Lost In Hollywood, a decent rockin’ tune.

Bonnet only lasted this one album before he was gone. He would later join MSG for the great Assault Attack album. Not a bad album and was a success sales wise.

7.5/10 from The Grooveman.

GAMMA – 1

March 18, 2021 /

I assume everyone has heard of Montrose and how they were touted as America’s version of Led Zeppelin. Well, after they imploded in late ’76, Ronnie toured as a solo artist before teaming up with Scottish singer, Davey Pattinson, to form Gamma. In Pattinson, Ronnie had a vocalist in the similar vain as Sam the Sham Hagar, but with a more soulful tinge to his voice. So the hard rockin’ tunes were nailed down, but now they had the option of doing more laid back grooves as well. Add to the that, the embracing of the synthesizer as a lead instrument, and the opportunities were endless for the band. This album sees more of a reliance on the rock element – with synths added for effect, but subsequent albums, especially the 3rd album, the keys would be more upfront.

The album kicks off with the excellent Thunder And Lightning, a great fast paced rocker with a great vocal and killer guitar. I’m Alive is almost a synth pop tune before it became fashionable. Razor King is another killer tune with a great melody and an almost Scottish feel at times – and some superb playing from Ronnie. Close out track on Side 1 is another great pop song, No Tears, with a great vocal from Davey. Awesome tune!

Side 2 starts off with the spacey instrumental Solar Heat. This shows how to use a synth within a rock band to great effect – emphasizing both synth and guitar and showcasing both. A very atmospheric opening piece. Uptempo rocker, Ready For Action, follows and this is what the band were really good at- foot to the floor hard driving tunes. Wish I Was is a killer blues based tune that highlights both Ronnie’s playing and Davey’s vocal range and feel. The synth led, Fight To The Finish, closes out the album in fine style with its dark brooding vibe. Again, more killer guitar from Ronnie – how sadly missed he is.

The verdict is in – it’s another great album and has aged a lot better than others from this era. Remember this was released in ’79 and was ahead of its time with its style and sound.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

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