REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Day: June 28, 2022

NIGHT RANGER – Somewhere In California

This album came out on CD originally in 2011, and this is its first time on vinyl as part of RSD 2022 – although I think it was available through the band’s website first. A great line up as well with the addition of Joel Hoekstra on guitar with Brad Gillis – is a killer partnership. This band don’t make bad records, and this album is up there with their best for me . A definite harder edge to the sound – but that’s fine with me.

Growin’ Up In California is a killer track to open up with – a monster hook and groove with some great duelling guitars. Lay It On Me has a ripping riff and groove and I guarantee you’ll be singing this one all day long. Bye Bye Baby is classic old school Night Ranger with a big melody and hook. Follow Your Heart has a huge intro with that Boston Hammond sound, and this could be my favourite Night Ranger song ever. This track has everything and I’m sure the kitchen sink is in there somewhere. Side 1 closes with Time Of Our Lives and it’s ballad time.

Fear not though, as No Time To Lose Ya kicks off with twin guitar heaven and this is a superb power pop groover. Live For Today feels slightly psychedelic and sixties-ish. It’s Not Over again has that power pop groove with a great feel good vibe. End Of The Day follows with a slow build up, and a great double guitar riff – the hook and melody will definitely grab you. Rock N Roll Tonite is all about the guitar, and why not?! It’s a great riff, and I love the hook and chorus. Last song, Say It With Love, is a real barnstormer and a great kick ass ending to a killer record.

9.5/10 from The Grooveman.

KROKUS – The Blitz

Whereas AC/ DC were your meat and potatoes hard rockers, Krokus were often referred to as AC/ DC with sprinkles. The band had hit on a formula that America really loved, and they stuck to it like glue.

There were two big singles from the album, namely opening track Midnite Maniac, which charted in the US, and a cover of Ballroom Blitz which charted in the UK. There is also a great cover of Brian Adams’ Boys Night Out which was left off of the original version of Reckless.

It’s the non-singles that get my attention the most. Out Of Control is a heads-down-no-nonsense-rock-n-roll-monster of a tune. Out To Lunch has a very Powerage era DC riff and hook. Rock The Nation has a very NWOBHM riff that you will have heard before I’m sure. Boys Night Out is the highlight for me, and it’s way better than Adam’s version – a great fun track.

Krokus were always a fun band live, and I think they are still going.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.