THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Month: October 2022 (Page 1 of 4)

BRUCE DICKINSON – Tattooed Millionaire

October 31, 2022 /

This is Bruce’s first solo album, which he recorded whilst he was still a member of Iron Maiden (he left leave in ’93). I think the idea was to record a rock album in the classic sense, avoiding areas that he was familiar with. I think this is my favourite of his solo releases as he was just being himself. Ironically, future Maiden guitarist Jannick Gers, was recruited on guitar.

It’s all quite one paced groove-wise with Bruce’s humour present throughout the record. Check out the intro to Dive Dive Dive with his mention of Seaman Stains. Tattooed Millionaire was a hit single and I would say it’s the most commercial sounding track on the album. A lot of his vocals have a more gravelly tone to them I guess to separate more from Maiden. There is a decent cover of Mott The Hoople’s All The Young Dudes, but it’s the close out track No Lies which is my favourite on the album. I really like the up-tempo groove and the melody and hook are great.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

ZZ TOP – Fandango

October 31, 2022 /

I love the concept of half live and half studio albums, and I’m surprised more bands don’t do this. My favourite ZZ period is the mid-to-late seventies, when they were a smoking live act and were experimenting with sounds and grooves which eventually led them to Eliminator.

Side one of this album was recorded one hot sweaty night in New Orleans – I think in ’75.  A mixture of originals and blues/rock n roll covers, it’s as raw and as groovin’ you’d expect ZZ to be. But it’s Side 2 that really draws your attention with all killer originals, that today, the band play a lot of live.

Nasty Dogs And Funky Kings has a killer riff and groove, and a bass line to die for. Blue Jean Blues is a real slow blues with a crystal clear production, and you gotta love Billy G’s tone. Balinese is one of those Tex Mex delights that only ZZ do – a great groove and vibe! Mexican Blackbird is the odd track on the album, mainly because of Billy’s vocal, and there is some cool slide playing. The last two tracks are stone cold classics. Heard It On The X has a killer simple riff and groove and busy beat- superb stuff! The album closes out with Tush – a great heavy boogie that I’m sure you’ve all heard of. A lot of other bands borrowed it as well. Check out Motörhead’s No Class. I love this album, as I do most mid-period ZZ Top.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

IRON MAIDEN – Killers

October 29, 2022 /

Think if you will, that if Paul Di’anno hadn’t been asked to leave Iron Maiden and he was still in the band today, what would they sound like? Interesting thought eh? Well, I think they would have probably killed him as he isn’t the easiest of guys to be around apparently, but musically I often wonder if they would be different.

I actually love the first two albums, and I don’t care too much for modern Maiden.  I know probably not many people agree with this, but for me this is the last great Maiden album. I love the energy, attitude, and the raw sound of this album. Not a bad moment on the album, and this is a bonafide classic in every sense.

The Ides Of March intro that bursts into the awesome Wrathchild. I remember buying the single as well. We are lulled into a false sense of security with the delicate intro to Murders In The Rue Morgue, before that superb riff and groove kick in. I love how the guitar and bass follow the vocal in the chorus. A killer busy intro to Another Life, and it’s hard to believe it, but no one else was playing like this at the time. I love the time and groove change in the middle – it’s very punky. The superb instrumental, Genghis Khan, is up next and what metal band was doing that at the time? The side closes out with Innocent Exile which is my favourite Maiden track ever! I love the riff, key changes, Paul’s vocals, and the epic middle section. They have forgotten how to write grooves like this.

The epic title track opens up Side 2, and we are off to the trademark Maiden gallop. Twilight Zone is up next and was another single – it was quite a straight forward riff and groove for Maiden compared to everything else they were writing at the time. Prodigal Son follows, and I’m guessing this was a big influence on Dream Theater, and also Steve Harris’ is a big Prog fan.  The super busy riff of Prodigal Son is classic old school Maiden, and I love the middle section. The awesomeness that is Drifter closes out the album, and with the end of old Maiden.

A sure fire 10/10 from The Grooveman.

THE JEFF HEALEY BAND – Hell To Pay

October 29, 2022 /

This is Jeff’s 2nd album and was released in 1990. Right from the off, this album feels a lot more rock n roll than the exceptional ,Steal The Light.  There are some pretty high profile special guests as well with George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, and Mark Knopfler making an appearance.

Full Circle opens up the album and it’s a great rock track with customary Jeff killer guitar, and the production is very slick. I Think I Love You Too Much has Knopfler guesting with Bv’s and trading licks with Jeff. I’m not sure what Clive Davis’ plan was for Jeff, as the first album did very well with Jeff really ripping it up (as he does when you see him live), and this is very polished and it seems as though he was being steered into the mainstream – but with no big single on the record. My favourite track is the the cover of While My Guitar Gently Weeps, and it’s super cool that George Harrison guests with bv’s and acoustic. I do like Geoff when he rips it up, and this album is a bit too shiny for me, but it’s still a solid record.

7.5/10 from The Grooveman.

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