THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Month: December 2022 (Page 10 of 11)

GENESIS – The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway

December 3, 2022 /

This is the last album to feature Peter Gabriel, and the one most fans think is their finest hour. I’ve always liked Nursery Cryme more, as it was the first Genesis album I heard. As in true prog tradition, this is a concept album with songs in multiple parts going on for days. Just a little humour there. It’s a fact that all the imagery and theatrical elements left when Gabriel did, and over time they bore no resemblance to the band that recorded this album.

Chart positions were at the bottom of the list of priorities here, but I do remember The Carpet Crawlers being a released as a single, although I’m not sure how well it did. Very hard to pick a favourite out of what is basically a whole piece of music, but the opening title track is the obvious choice. You have to listen to this as a whole thing to appreciate it, and it’s a piece of work for sure. I’m not sure Genesis will ever record again and definitely nothing like this.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

SPIRITBOX – Eternal Blue

December 3, 2022 /

I’m not sure how many metal bands originate in Victoria, British Columbia, but Spiritbox have certainly put it on the map. This album is a killer modern metal masterpiece. Revolving around the vocal talents of Courtney LaPlante, who with a flick of the switch possesses the deep screams that any death metal band would be proud of. A lot of modern metal bands sacrifice groove for speed, and how many millions beats you can you do in a second. But, the groove is deep and wonderful with Spiritbox.

Hurt You is just insanely awesome. A heavy D-tuned groove with epic vocal that is both growl and clean, plus the samples and electronic elements are very effective. Yellowjacket is freakin’ nuts! With a guest vocal from Sam Carter, and at times sounding deliciously evil. Silk In The Strings is so cool. There is soooo much going on! The groove is epic and the electronic guitar wizardry is awesome. Holy Roller is my favourite tune. When metal and technology collide – just supremely heavy! The beauty of Courtney’s vocals on the title track is just superb. Great band and I’m looking forward to many more tunes like this.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

TEARS FOR FEARS – The Seeds Of Love

December 2, 2022 /

If you want an album to test how good your hi-fi is, then I suggest you buy this. This a superb sounding album!!! Mind you, it should do as it took nearly three years to record and cost over a million to make. I also have the surround sound version, and that is mind blowing. The separation of the instruments is incredible. This is one of those records you put on to impress yourself. They opened the paintbox when they made this and made sure they used all the colours.

Amongst the hits you all know like Woman In Chains, and the epic Sowing The Seeds Of Love, which is my favourite, there are killer extended pieces like Birdmans Song, which encompass a variety of musical styles, and Swords And Knives, which is progressive rock. Great band and they are something else live, surrounding themselves with the best.

A definite 10/10 from The Grooveman for sonic S alone. 

LIZZY BORDEN – Visual Lies

December 2, 2022 /

If you have read some of my reviews you will know that I love guitars, and guitar players. The guitar player in question here is Joe Holmes. Joe has not had a whole lot of recorded output but he was with Ozzy for about six years, and he toured with Dave Lee Roth on the  Little Ain’t Enough tour after Jason Becker fell ill. You should check out Joe’s Facebook page as he has a new album coming out soon, and some of the samples have been killer. Anyway, this is Lizzy Borden’s fourth full studio album, released back in ’87. It’s a lot more melodic than previous efforts and I think it’s one of their best albums.

Me Against The World is a kick ass opening with a great riff and groove. Shock is a very commercial sounding tune with a great hook and chorus that repeats over. Nice snappy solo as well. Outcast is a pure hair metal anthem, especially around the chorus, with a slow build up, great sing a long section, and killer solo. Den Of Thieves is pedal to the metal old school Lizzy Borden. Great stuff! The intro to Visual Lies is pretty cool, and the harmonies are on the money with a hands in the air groove.

Eyes Of A Stranger has a Judas Priest opening, and has a very euro metal vibe with a very melodic solo. Lord Of The Flies is up next and it is my favourite track, mainly due to the guitar sound and playing, parts of this song remind me of early Iron Maiden. Great song! Voyeur has a really cool opening, but this is the weakest song on the album. The album closes out with Visons, an epic brooding builder. Nice riff and groove, and that’s your lot. Lizzy Borden never quite made it out of the second division and this album reflects that.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

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