THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Day: October 24, 2022

THE BLACK KEYS – Let’s Rock

October 24, 2022 /

I’m not usually a fan of lo-fi music, but these guys seem to give me that itch I need to scratch. This album came out in 2019 after a five year gap. Again, it’s just the duo of Dan Auerbach and Pat Carney. The album contains 12 songs, nothing longer than 3.57 – that’s short and snappy and to the point.

I’m a huge fan of the blues, and this album is a groovy blues delight and is a superb record – plus I think it’s the best they have done. Quite a liberal use of the fuzz box – as you would expect – and it’s no coincidence that every man and his dog have done the same since the band became successful. It’s really tough to pick a favourite track as they are all quite different. I love the change in vibe from song to song, but if I’m pushed it would have to be Fire Walk With Me as I love the swing and groove, plus the Roy Orbison style vocals are just epic. A really cool band that make great records.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

MARSEILLE – s/t

October 24, 2022 /

If you are from the UK, you may remember a kid’s TV show called Art Attack with presenter Neil Buchanan. Well, before TV stardom Neil was a member of hard rock combo, Marseille. The band formed back in ’76 and were part of the NWOBHM scene. They were the first band from that explosion to release an album in the US, and that is what we have before us today.

I saw them support UFO around this time and they weren’t a bad band Live. The album opens up with Rock You Tonight – an up-tempo boogie with a certain Kinks riff I’m sure you’ve heard before. Armed And Ready has a slower groove and has a very UFO vibe about it. Over And Over follows and is more commercial with a very poppy hook and chorus, and doing a fine Def Leppard before Def Leppard did. Lady Of The Night closes out Side 1 and is one of the best tracks on the album. Again, taking cues from UFO, this is a very big arrangement and not as immediate as the rest of the album, but a great tune nonetheless.

Side 2 kicks in with Walking Through The Night and it’s back to the boogie – a great tune with a nice riff and infectious hook. Kites is the only track not written by the band and it’s not great. It sounds like a different band. You’re A Woman sounds like an LA sleaze band way before that was a thing, but has a cool riff and hook. Don’t Wanna Hurt You is next and it’s a ballad – meh! We end on a somewhat high note with Some Like It Hot. Definitely my favourite track. A great riff and groove. Did Leppard steal the the vibe and riff?

This album lacks a decent production and producer. Things could have been a whole lot different for these guys.

7/10 from The Grooveman.

Archives

© 2025 THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑