THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Month: February 2023 (Page 2 of 9)

ALCATRAZZ – Born Innocent

February 23, 2023 /

I’m sure if you’re like me you will remember Alcatrazz as a killer melodic rock band that had a revolving door of amazing guitarists. So, this 2020 version was a bit of a shock to my ears. There are three original members Graham Bonnet, Jimmy Waldo, Gary Shea, and the guitar wizard/shred head extraordinaire Joe Stump. The result is a kick ass speed metal album. Of course it’s going to sound like Alcatrazz with Bonnet on vocals, but that’s where the similarities end.

The guitar playing is off the charts impressive with a widdle slotted into every inch of space. Other than the power ballad We Still Remember, this is a full on assault and very impressive indeed. My favourite track is Something That I’m Missing. It has a killer riff and groove with a weird time signature that could fit into any Alcatrazz album, it sounds very epic.

For a guy well into his seventies, Bonnet’s voice is freakin’ awesome.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

GOV’T MULE – Bring On The Music 3

February 22, 2023 /

Gov’t Mule are probably the kings of the jam band scene, taking a song and stretching it way beyond the original. This album is part three, of what was originally released as a whole thing. The songs here are taken out of context and order of the original.

The album opens up with the superb slow blues of Hammer & Nails with some slide playing by Warren Haynes. An old band favourite is next with Trane, where the band take the song to different places every time they play it. Not many bands do this anymore as they nearly all play to click tracks and each gig you go to is very regimented, music-wise. The best parts of going to a music show would be these jam sections. Dreams & Songs closes out Side 1. Warren has such a warm tone to his voice and you feel as though you are sat on a porch down in Macon Georgia.

Whisper In Your Soul opens up Side 2 and this is quite an epic sounding piece from the slow build up to the groovy hook, this is a wonderful performance. Little Toy Brain starts slow low and bluesy and the listener feels as though they have been bought back to the mid-seventies. The album closes out with Funny Little Tragedy, with the added bonus of Message In A Bottle thrown in. The groove and the bass line are very similar so why not!

Going to see The Mule is quite the experience and one I recommend to all.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

KIX – Midnite Dynamite

February 21, 2023 /

This is KIX’s third album, released in ’85, they hit gold with this and the one that came next, Blow My Fuse. I was a big fan of the first album and the brat rock attitude that ousted from the grooves. This album on the other hand is very commercial sounding, produced by Beau Hill.

You can’t keep a good AC/DC riff down, and opener Midnite Dynamite reminds big time of the down under rockers, albeit with a very catchy hook and chorus – it’s my favourite track. Red Hot (Black & Blue) is a slowed down rocker and again, that hook and chorus are great – sooo catchy. Bang Bang (Balls Of Fire) follows and has sleazy riff. This band are all about the big sing-a-long chorus, and this track is no exception. The tempo increases somewhat with the fast blast of Layin’ Rubber, a great welcome injection of pace. Side 1 closes out with Walkin’ Away and it’s a super cheesy ballad.

Normal service is resumed with Side 2 opener Scarlet Fever. It’s the full on stomp rock groove that they do so well with added solo by Mike Slamer. A cool opening to Cry Baby and a return to first album brat rock vibes. Cold Shower tries something a little different with a funk groove and gang vocals. Lie Like A Rug is up next and has Anton Fig on the drums. I have to say there is a touch of the Stones’ Satisfaction to parts of this song. The album closes out with Sex, a sleazy barroom rocker.

A fun album that I haven’t played in a long while.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

BLUE OYSTER CULT – Mirrors

February 20, 2023 /

This is album number six for Blue Oyster Cult, and the last album of their 70’s original golden period. They didn’t mean a whole bunch outside of the US until they struck gold with Don’t Fear The Reaper. I’ve always found them a difficult band to pigeonhole as they cross musical styles with each record. Their first album was almost punk/garage rock in style, and compared to this, which is quite a polished sound, they could be a different band altogether.

There are a couple of very radio-friendly tunes on this album namely opener Dr. Music with its super catchy hook line, In Thee which has a very mid west country sound, and the killer Moon Crazy. I tend to swing towards the Prog sounding tracks like The Great Sun Jester which is my favourite, and the great album closer Lonely Teardrops with the Trampled Under Foot riff.

A very underrated band that have consistently made good records.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

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