REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Day: April 3, 2021

JEFF BECK’S – Guitar Shop

Jeff is widely considered one of the best guitarists of his generation, and rightly so. Never content to rest on his laurels, he is always trying new things and is not afraid to experiment with guitar, rhythms, and new technology. This is Jeff’s 5th solo studio album and is one of his most adventurous. Back to recording as a three piece with just himself, the amazing Terry Bozzio on drums, and Tony Hymas on keyboards. I suppose this would fall into the fusion category, but there is so much to take in, but make no mistake – Jeff is the centre of attention for sure.

I love every track on this record, and for me it’s one of his best. Tracks like Savoy are just a joy to hear, great licks and grooves – this track really swings. The reggae infused Behind The Veil is just sublime, such beautiful playing from Jeff. Big Block that does feel like a big block V8 starting up and cruising down the road. The absolute funky beast of a track Day In The House is a personal favourite, as is the close out track Sling Shot. No, Jeff does not play a million random notes really fast – that is not his style. He is a lot more subtle with his playing and style, and boy does he have feel. A Great album.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

CINDERELLA – Night Songs

Even though the band formed in ’82, this was not released until ’86. Fun fact, original members Michael Schermick and Tony Destra would leave the band to form another glam metal outfit, Britney Fox, who would have limited success – but nowhere near as famous as Cinderella would become. Now, most critics love the album after this Long Cold Winter, but for me, this was as good as it got for them. The band were all about Tom Keifer’s voice and Jeff Lebar’s guitar antics. Keifer’s voice is so distinctive with that gravelly style, but that would cause him constant problems that would need a few surgeries to keep him going.

Anyway, onto the music. What we have here folks is mid-eighties glam metal in all its glory. First song and the title song of the album, Night Songs, shows just how strong Keifer’s voice is. Second track in, Shake Me, is a bonafide glam classic. Killer tune! Nobody’s Fool is a typical power ballad that every band would throw in to keep the record company happy. There are quite a few classics on this record that they would not better on forthcoming releases. Once Around The Ride, Hell On Wheels and Push Push are really cracking tunes that any band around at the time would be jealous of.

My personal favourite track is Once Around The Ride – a great riff that really drives the song along. One of the best glam metal albums for sure.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.