THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Day: July 29, 2023

FATES WARNING – Parallels

July 29, 2023 /

This is a reissue of the band’s sixth album, originally released in ’91 and was produced by Terry Brown. Is it just a coincidence that the sound reminds me very much of prime time Rush?

Fates Warning were a band very much ahead of their time, and I think a huge influence on Dream Theater who had just recruited James LaBrie at this time. It did quite well commercially, but got patchy reviews from so called critics. This is a very classy, superbly recorded record that should appeal to all.

Highlights for me are Life In Still Water, a track which is trademark Fates, a killer riff with some epic drumming and time changes, I sooo love Ray Alder’s vocals. As well, Eye To Eye which could grace any top ten charts as it’s such a catchy tune. And, my personal favourite the total progtastic Point Of View.

Great band and album.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

UNRULY CHILD – s/t

July 29, 2023 /

Another killer melodic rock band that were very late to the table. This album actually only came out in ’92 right in the middle of the anti-melody brigades onslaught. This pressing is a recent reissue through Real Gone Music and it sounds great.

On The Rise opens the album in fine style. A killer Jay Schellen riff, a monster groove, and Mark Free’s vocals are killer. Take Me Down Nasty is a killer feel good uptempo party stomper. Who Cries Now follows and the awesomeness continues. Huge hook and chorus drive this baby along, and try not to sing along to this one. To Be Your Everything is the first ballad of the album. Love the cool riff at the intro to Tunnel Of Love and that hook and chorus is huge! When Love Is Gone would not be out of place on a Journey or Foreigner album. This is top drawer melodic rock at its best.

Lay Down Your Arms reminds me a lot of Autograph. Again, another huge hook and chorus for you to sing a long to and a superb solo as well. Ballad number two is next with Is It Over. Back to the rock with Wind Me Up, and it could just be my favourite track. A nice simple riff and groove that swings just right, and that chorus is massive. I know it’s an AOR album so I guess a third ballad was inevitable and Let’s Talk About Love is just that. Although, there is a lot more power than ballad this time. Criminal is next up and we are back to that simple riff and solid groove format. All you have to do is a hang a big hook and chorus on to it and we have a winner. The album closes out with Long Hair Woman. A very southern rock groove to the intro and this baby just builds into that big chorus. Nice ending to the album.

Another fine addition to your collection.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

HAREM SCAREM – Mood Swings

July 29, 2023 /


Okay, so a slight break in protocol here as it seems an age ago that this release was announced. I have been seriously interested to hear what the special mix for vinyl sounded like, and if the pressing would live up to my expectations. This was delivered today so the randomizer was bypassed just for today.

Hands on heart here as I think this is one of the best melodic albums ever recorded. Not a bad or wasted second is to be heard throughout the whole album. Every song is perfection and a masterclass in how to write and record the perfect rock album, and I’m pleased to report the pressing is excellent and sounds superb.

Now, I have lived with the CD near on thirty years so I know this album intimately. I find it hard to pick a favourite at the best of times as I really love it all, but for today it’s Change Comes Around. From the cool eerie atmos builder intro, to the stunning vocals and harmonies, and add in there Pete’s killer guitar, it’s a monster. But when those huge harmonies kick in mid way through, it gets even better and then even the fade out is killer. I’m telling you, no one writes tunes like these guys.

I’m not going to blather on and drool incessantly over the rest of the record, all I’m going to say is every one of you should own a copy of this album. It’s a nailed on banger.

10/10 from The Grooveman.

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