REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Day: May 15, 2023

BEGGARS OPERA – Pathfinder

This is a nice change from the randomizer picking a Prog album. I have a love of Prog and I have quite a few, but for some reason they don’t come out too often.

This is another album from my youth. A friend back then used to play this all the time. It was the cover and the poster that initially got my attention as the artwork of the spaceman on a horse is incredible.

Of course, the big production piece on the album is MacArthur Park. The song was a hit for actor Richard Harris in ’68, but this version is a 70’s Prog masterpiece and is head and shoulders above anything else the band ever did. It’s the instrumental sections of the piece that are fantastic, as the lyrics and melody are set in stone. The other track that stands out is the title track Pathfinder. The twin guitar wah wah groove is really cool, and the harmonies are very reminiscent of Wishbone Ash.

This was recorded in ’72 so it does sound a tad dated with that flat drum sound, but I have very fond memories of this record.

7.5/10 from The Grooveman.

KILL FOR THRILLS – Dynamite From Nightmareland

I guess you can call this a mini LA sleaze supergroup. Gilby Clarke on vocals and guitar, Todd Muscat on Bass (Brent’s brother), and Jason Nesmith lead guitar, (Monkees Mike Nesmith’s son). I think not long after this Gilby was picked for the GnR gig. So, this is their only release, up until now any way.

It sounds exactly like what you’d expect. That big sleaze simple rock n’ roll vibe with a huge hint of the Stones thrown in. In fact, in the opener Motorcycle Cowboy someone is channeling their inner Keef, as that rhythm guitar is so close. Brothers Eyes is also stealing from The Cult this time, as that strummed guitar and groove is really cool. My favourite track is Rockets. The production is really huge on this tune courtesy of Vic Maile. A very commercial sounding song that should have been released as a single, with a great hook and chorus. Honourable mention to My Addiction which mixes the sleaze and punk perfectly.

Not a bad album at all as I haven’t heard this for a few years.

7.5/10 from The Grooveman.