THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Day: March 28, 2022

FRANKIE & THE KNOCKOUTS – Below The Belt

March 28, 2022 /

This is an obscure piece of melodic AOR from ’82. Hailing from New Jersey, and led by frontman Frankie Previte, they had a knack for writing some catchy pop/rock tunes. They only released three albums from ’81 to ’84, and they were gone. They had some chart success as they had a top ten hit with the song Sweetheart from the first album, and the ballad Without You from this album.

Opening track, Never Had It Better, is pure American radio rock and a great little tune, as is Keep On Fighting, which has a great chorus and superb harmonies. After the band broke up they released original versions of two songs, Hungry Eyes and I’ve Had The Time Of My Life – both featured in the movie Dirty Dancing and they won Frankie Previte an academy award.

7.5/10 from The Grooveman.

SCORPIONS – Virgin Killer

March 28, 2022 /

Ah…The Scorpions – kings of dodgy album covers, strange lyrics, and suspect album titles. Someone obviously thought this was a sure fire way to gain publicity.

This album came out in ’76 and this version is the Audio Fidelity remastered edition – I have to say it sounds pretty good. I’m a big Uli Roth fan and it was because of Uli that I got into the band – I think it was on this tour that I first saw the band. Other than Klaus’ vocals, you would be hard pushed to recognize the band from what they are today.

The songs are decent enough and they played a lot of them live (just listen to Tokyo Tapes), but it’s Uli that steals the show. His solos are sharp, concise, and to the point, and he plays with so much feel. The title track is the best on the album, it’s a great rocking tune with killer guitar. The intro to Hell Cat is superb – a very Hendrix inspired sound and groove – the only thing wrong is they let Uli sing. His voice isn’t the best that’s for sure, but I can let that slide with playing that good. They actually let him sing in two tracks as Polar Nights has his vocal, and he is in full on Hendrix mode. Superb playing!

I love this period of the band so I’m a bit biased.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

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