THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Day: January 25, 2022

SWEET & LYNCH – Only To Rise

January 25, 2022 /

Although I’m not a big fan of Stryper, I do like Michael Sweet’s vocals and I am a huge fan of The George. This is a vinyl reissue of the 2015 release on Frontiers, and as I hoped, this is a great melodic rock album full of great songs with some killer playing. As well as having George and Michael in the band, there is James Lorenzo on bass and Brian Tichy on drums. I know this was only a project, but these guys would make a killer band.

Every song hits the spot, but there are the ones that smash the spot. The Wish is a great opening to the album with an awesome groove, and Exodus Dying Rose has a superb vocal from Michael, and I really love the chorus. The big Zeppelin vibe to Rescue Me is a huge sounding track. Recover is a groovy up-tempo rocker with a nice solo from George. Divine has a near funk groove and lots of George. My favourite of all the tracks is September, as I love the melody and hook and it has a different feel to all the other tracks on the album. Great record and if you’re a hard rock fan…BUY IT!

9.5/10 from The Grooveman.

THIN LIZZY – Jailbreak

January 25, 2022 /

This was album number six for the band, but this was the one that really broke them open to a wider audience. There is not a bad moment on this album, it’s a bonafide classic and every song is a gem. The music, the composition, and the brilliance of Phil’s lyrics all come together on this album. It’s the best Lizzy album by a mile. I know there were some great songs done after this, but for me this is the one.

I would have paid my money just for the opening track of Jailbreak alone, but add to that The Boys Are Back In Town, The Cowboy Song, Emerald, and Warriors, bands would kill family members just to have written one of those. My favourite track on the album is Warriors – such a killer track, and the riff and groove alone get me every time. The twin lead guitars on this album were ground breaking and would lead to lots of bands copying this style. I know Gary Moore was in the band, but this line up was the best. Brain Robertson’s tone and playing on this album is just sublime. Luther demon drink and drugs would be the downfall for this band, and Phil died way to soon.

10/10 from The Grooveman.

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