THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Month: September 2021 (Page 10 of 13)

ANTHRAX – Fistful Of Metal

September 9, 2021 /

M.E.T.A.L.

Released in ’84, this was the East Coast of the US’ turn to enter the Thrash arena. The only album to have the original line up, as the next album would see fan favourite Dan Lilker replaced by Frank Bello, and Neil Turbin replaced by Joey Belladonna. All original tunes, apart from a cover of I’m Eighteen by Alice Cooper.

You can hear the enthusiasm and energy coming through the speakers. This was their shot, and they weren’t gonna blow it. It’s a fun listen to hear it now as I haven’t played this in a while. Did Thrash get any better after ’86? I would say not. Deathrider, Metal Thrashing Mad, Soldiers Of Metal, and Howling Furies are genre defining tracks. The Thrax were consistently faster than everyone else at the time, but they always had that riff to drive the songs along. I forgot how much I enjoy this album.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

WAYSTED – The Good The Bad The WAYSTED

September 9, 2021 /

This is technically the band’s third album – the second one was really an EP. Having released the first album, Vices on Chrysalis, as well as the Waysted EP, this album was released on the indie Music For Nations. Ironically, with the switch to a more cleaner polished sound after this album, and replacing their vocalist Fin with Danny Vaughan, they would be back on a major. This album, and Vices, are a lot more rock n roll with a dirtier sound. This is mainly due to the gravelly tones of Fins voice.

Lead off track, Hang ‘Em High, got the band a bit of attention upon release. It struts and swaggers along and has a killer riff from Tonka. Hi Ho My Baby would not have been out of place in the LA glam scene as it has that sleazy vibe to the beginning of the song, but the middle eight has a totally different feel with a great solo. The main single from the album was Heaven Tonight, and it would not have been out of place on a UFO album. Side 1 closer, Manuel, also has the UFO vibe in their mellower moments.

Dead On Your Legs opens up Side 2 and is the Stones on steroids. Fin does struggle with the higher register vocals, but he does sing the sleazier tunes better. Rolling Out The Dice returns us to UFO territory again. I get Pete was a part of that band forever, but I would have gone for a different approach. Land That’s Lost The Love is the most non UFO sounding track so far, and that’s down to the heavier groove and riff. Crazy Bout The Stuff follows and carries on from the previous song with a heavier groove. The album closes out with a rousing cover of Chuck Berry’s Around And Around.

An enjoyable record none the less, but I get the change in vocalist as Danny could sing the phone book and would kill it.

7.5/10 from The Grooveman.

CHICAGO – II

September 8, 2021 /

For those of you who are familiar with Chicago as being cheesy ballad heavy schmoozers’, you will not recognize the music played on this record. Originally called Chicago Transit Authority on their first record, that was shortened to just Chicago for this their second record in 1970.

This album is quite experimental in its execution, as the band are playing around with extended arrangements and sounds. However, there were two hit singles on the record: Make Me Smile, and the one everybody’s heard of, 25 or 6 to 4. The centrepiece for the whole album is Ballet For A Girl in Buchannon, which is split into seven pieces – a very ambitious adventure. 1970 was a very turbulent time in the US with Vietnam and segregation, and this album reflects that especially on It Better End Soon. Terry Kath was a bit of a guitar whizz of the time, and his playing is very tasteful and plays for the song, but when he let loose he sure could play.

This album is very much of its time, but it’s also great to hear how amazing this band were.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

THE BLACK CROWES – Shake Your Moneymaker

September 8, 2021 /

There seems to be a million and one bands playing this type of stripped back RnB style music now, but back in ’89 there were none to speak of. So when The Black Crowes burst on the scene they were somewhat a breath of fresh air. Hailing from Marietta, Georgia, this type of southern groove is imprinted in their DNA. Everyone has heard their rendition of Hard To Handle, as this was the track that blew up the band with heavy MTV rotation and constant radio play, but there is so much more to this record.

The focal point is the soulful vocal talents of Chris Robinson, and his guitar slinging brother Rich Robinson. There is also a heavy Stones influence all over this record, especially tracks like Jealous Again, which would not have been out of place on Sticky Fingers. There are two tracks I love, Strutting Blues and Mercy, Sweet Moan – these tracks are long drawn out jams when played Live.

They have only recorded eight full length albums over the 32 years they have been a recording band, and that is due to the endless feuding between the brothers. In the great scheme of things, it’s all a bit ridiculous and childish – but what do I know? The ultimate sinking rivalry. Don’t let that detract from the music though – this is a great record.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

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