THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Month: June 2023 (Page 9 of 10)

QUEENSRYCHE – Operation Mindcrime

June 9, 2023 /

It took me a long time to appreciate this record. I loved The Warning, and Rage For Order albums that were taking what NWOBHM gave the world and running with it. So, when this arrived I thought what the hell is going on here? I mean, go back and listen to The Warning and then play this straight after, it’s a big and bold leap for sure.

Concept albums weren’t new, but they were fairly rare in metal world. Now this album is held in high regard as one of the first Prog metal albums, and it paved the way for bands like Fates Warning and Dream Theater. How many metal bands were doing tracks at over ten minutes at the time this came out? None. Suite Sister Mary seemed to be the one song that proved, and was an inspiration to many. That and Eyes Of A Stranger are my favourite tracks.

I do however think this album became a millstone around the band’s neck, as they always had to live up to the hype around the record. Although, with Todd Le Tore now on vocals the band do seem to be reinvigorated.

This version I have is the Capitol masters audiophile pressing. It’s a lot quieter so you have to crank it somewhat, but it sound super clear. An album that you have to hear a few times for it to sink in.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

JOURNEY – Live In Houston 1981

June 8, 2023 /

When you see Journey now, bickering and fighting on who spends the most on the company credit card, compared to the band that appears on this live release, it feels as though we are in a different universe. This was recorded in 81 days while the band were in their prime and were untouchable within their sphere of aor/melodic rock. I think this originally came out as a DVD and this is the soundtrack of that.

As with all bands at that time you have a keys solo, drum solo, and guitar solo. Although, knowing now how the relentless touring took its toll on Perry’s voice I’m sure he was glad of the break. I’m mean where do you start with the songs, every one is a classic and is a testament to the band that you know them all and can sing along. I’m going for Stone In Love as my favourite. I’ve always loved that song but the version here is killer. I’m a huge fan of Neal Schon’s guitar playing and he gives it plenty throughout.

I prefer to remember the band this way. You will not be disappointed with this recording.

10/10 from The Grooveman.

EZO – Fire Fire

June 7, 2023 /

This is the band’s second and final album, released back in ’89. They don’t get the same amount of love as Loudness or Bow Wow, but I like them as the groove is a lot more hard rock than metal. They are different from the norm and this record has that LA vibe going on.  

Love Junkie opens up the album with a very dirty riff and sleazy groove. Night Crawler is a straight up four to the floor groover with a simple but very effective riff. The title track is up next and starts with a killer sounding ascending riff and a slower pounding beat. Great tune! Wild Talk lives up to its name as the main riff has quite a wild groove going on and I love the middle section. Side 1 closes out with Burn Down The Night and sees the more melodic side of the band come to the fore.

Over to Side 2 with Black Moon, the fastest song on the album. Double kicks all the way and there is a definite punk vibe. Great groovy intro and vibe to Back To Zero. Channeling their inner Aerosmith with that killer riff, it’s my favourite track. Cold Blooded has a slower groove and I love the guitar sound. She’s Ridin’ The Rhythm sounds very similar to Victim Of Illusion by MSG. It’s party time next with Streetwalker. The main riff and groove are pure Sunset Strip. Last track is Million Miles Away, a track that could have graced any album by The Cult.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

DARE – Blood From Stone

June 6, 2023 /

This is album number two for probably the UK’s finest aor/melodic rock band. The band were put together by ex-Thin Lizzy sidekick Darren Wharton and featured one Vinnie Burns on guitar, who would later join Ten and Brian Cox on keys who would later be known for being a boffin for the BBC in some of there science based programmes.

The album came out in ’91 on A&M just when all things melodic became surplus to requirements. There is a big Celtic vibe to this album and obvious influence picked up from Darren’s time in Lizzy.

Wings Of Fire opens up the album in serious kick ass style. A great track with a huge hook and chorus, and Vinny riffing hard. We Don’t Need A Reason follows and it’s more of the same with added Def Leppard-style gang harmonies. Surrender follows and is my favourite track. Yes, it’s even better than the first two, massively catchy hook and chorus that has you singing along and pumping your fist in the air. Great track! Great country/blues vibe to Chains adding a cool addition to the rockin’ grooves. Side 1 close out with Lies and we are firmly in ballad city, although the switch gets flicked mid way in.

Back to the rock with Side 2 opener Live To Fight Another Day. This song has American radio written all over it and five years earlier this would have been huge. Cry Wolf is up next and another gem of a tune for your delight. It sort of reminds you of everybody as it feels as though you have heard it before, but it’s still a great tune. Breakout is the big anthem tune on the album. Pounding groove with the big ending and that huge sing a long chorus is the perfect recipe. The big hooks keep coming with next track Wild Heart. This one has big Lou Gramm vibes in the main verse, but that chorus is huge. We close out the album with Real Love and a power ballad in the true sense of the word.

Dare are one of rock’s forgotten bands and don’t get enough love. Great record!

9/10 from The Grooveman.

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