THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Month: January 2022 (Page 4 of 12)

TRIUMPH – Rock & Roll Machine

January 24, 2022 /

Depending on where you are in the world, you may be looking at different front cover to this album as there are a few different variations. Hailing from Mississauga in Ontario, Gil Moore still has ties to the city as his Metalworks studio and school (which he runs) is located there.

This was the band’s first release from ’77. I’m sure a lot of bands at the time (especially if they were from the Toronto area) were influenced in some way by Rush, and I’m sure Triumph were. Maybe not sound wise, as they do have a more commercial approach, but in composition – definitely. Tracks like New York City Streets and The City, where the tracks are split into several parts, have a definite nod to Rush. Having two singers in a three piece is an abundance of Rich’s for sure, and the differing style vocals of guitarist Rik Emmet and drummer Gil Moore do complement each.

Most people will be familiar with the Progressions Of Power/Allied Forces era of the band where they were huge throughout North America, but this album is a band finding their feet in what they wanted to play. There are so many styles on this album, and they have a lot in common with jam bands of the time. It’s the harder rockin’ tracks that do it for me like Bringing It On Home, and Rock & Roll Machine, where the band really let fly. I really love the jam vibe to New York City and that’s my favourite on the whole album.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

WAYSTED – Vices

January 24, 2022 /

Having departed UFO originally to form Fastway with Motorheads Eddie Clark, (which lasted about as long as it takes drink a pint at your local), Pete decided to form his own outfit alongside Scottish vocalist Fin (Ian Muir). This is the first album that was released in ’83. The sound on this album bears no resemblance to later incarnations of the band, as it’s very much in the vein of UFO with a bit more attitude. Fin’s vocal style is a gruffer version of Phil Mogg with a raspier style.

I actually prefer this line up of the band as the songs are more rock and roll and not polished. Side 1 of the album is a great set of songs with Love Loaded opening proceedings with it’s very distinct UFO feel. Women In Chains is a bit more experimental in style, with a slow stomp beat with an almost industrial feel. Sleazy is (as the title says) – just that. Side 1 closer, Night Of The Wolf, is a big epic piece that starts real slow and picks up pace with some nice lead playing from Ronnie Kayfield.

The UFO vibe continues with Side 2 opener, Toy With The Passion, as you can almost hear Phil Mogg singing this song – it’s that close. Right From The Start has a very Springsteen style intro to the song. I would say this is my least favourite track on the album. Hit Love is a very Faces sounding track with a the basic barroom vibe. All Belongs To You has a very sleazy Aerosmith feel to the tune. Carrying on that sleazy feel, the album closes with a cover Somebody To Love.

Side 2 does not live up to Side 1, which is a shame, but it’s still a fun record to listen to.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

WALTER TROUT – The Blues Came Callin’

January 22, 2022 /

Walter is a very lucky boy indeed. After years of abusing himself with drugs and alcohol, his body decided enough is enough. During the recording of this album he was in hospital awaiting a liver transplant. The procedure was obviously successful as he is still with us today.

Understandably, he doesn’t sound great on this album, but he does give it his all. Lyrically, he is looking inward on himself and the situation he is in, and on the track Wastin’ Away, he wishes he could do it over again. Style wise, it’s a very traditional blues album with most of the songs being written by Walter himself – with just a couple of covers. One of them is by his old employer, John Mayall, with Mayall’s Piano Boogie.

Listening to this album is quite sad and uplifting at the same time. He wasn’t sure if this would be his last album, but at the same time there is a feeling of hope. I’ve seen Walter a few times down the years and he always gave it 100%. He is a great entertainer and performer. This is not Walter’s best album, that goes to the live album, No More Fish Jokes, which is amazing. But if you’re a lover of a more traditional sounding album, then this is for you.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

RAGE – Secrets In A Weird World

January 22, 2022 /

You’d be forgiven for looking at the cover, seeing the three dudes, and thinking that this was a hair rock album. Just shows images can be deceiving. This is the band’s 5th release from ’89. It’s one of their best earlier albums that occupies elements of melodic power metal with hints of Metallica in the mix. Peavy Wagner (on vocals and bass) is the only original member. He is still fronting the band today after releasing some 26 studio albums and 4 live albums – plus a myriad of Ep’s.

Stand out tracks for me are the awesome The Inner Search, which pounds away at your brain with some killer guitar playing from Manni Schmidt, the very fast Metallica riffage of Invisible Horizons, and the epic Distant Voices. Not a bad production, and you can’t really go wrong with a three piece. Not too happy with the snare sound as it sounds like a dustbin lid.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

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