THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Month: June 2022 (Page 2 of 14)

GIUFFRIA – Silk & Steel

June 29, 2022 /

This the band’s second album, released in ’86. By the time they got around to recording this album, original guitarist Craig Goldy had jumped ship to join Dio, and he was replaced by Lanny Cordola. Of course by now Journey’s Escape was mega huge everywhere, and all the record companies were after their own version, and in David Glen Eisley they sure had a power house vocalist who could sing the ass off anything; especially the ballads.

Check out Love You Forever, this could have been on any Journey album. For some reason the format of putting all your best tracks on the first side is reversed for this album, as all the best tracks are on Side 2; which is quite apt as it is called Side Steel. Side 1 is overloaded with ballads and slower AOR style tunes, except for opener No Escape which rocks hard with a killer solo. Side 2 kicks in with Radio, and a fat riff opens things up instead of the usual keyboard intro. Lethal Lover is the standout track on the album, with some great guitar histrionics in the intro, as well as a huge hook and chorus. The very Def Leppard sounding Dirty Secrets closes out the album with a bang. There were demos made for a third album but they were dropped by MCA, and a lot of these demos would end up on the first House Of Lords album.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

STEELY DAN – Can’t Buy A Thrill

June 29, 2022 /

This was their first album released way back in ’72, and since then I believe they have sold in excess of 40 million albums over all formats. I mean, you have to be doing something right with figures like that. The format is pretty simple; write what we want to write and get the best session guys around to record it.

They sort of hit the ground running with the singles Do It Again (which opens the album and was a smash) and the sublime Reeling In The Years, with its ear-worm hook and chorus, and a great solo from Elliot Randall. As would be their trademark in all later albums, this record is super slick, well written, and perfectly recorded. As well as the already mentioned Reeling In The Years, which is such a great a tune, my other favourite is Fire In The Hole with Donald’s great piano playing – and I love his word play in his lyrics. They just don’t make albums like this anymore and the seventies brought out some brilliantly recorded albums, of which all Steely Dan output from this period are in there.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

NIGHT RANGER – Somewhere In California

June 28, 2022 /

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

June 28, 2022 /

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.

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