THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Month: July 2023 (Page 2 of 10)

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.

SKID ROW – All Access Live

July 28, 2023 /

I think this originally was a Japanese only release, but this version is from the box set released last year. By the time Subhuman Race was released, they could no longer be considered a hair band. This is a full on raw metal show, warts and all, just as it should be.

There are only six tracks to wet your whistle with here and two of them are covers. A rip roaring version of Judas Priest’s Delivering The Goods, and an insane version of The Ramones Psycho Therapy. However, my favourite track is Monkey Business, it’s a killer tune anyway but hearing this blowout version really puts a smile on my face. Don’t forget, they toured with Pantera around this time and they held their own every night.

I’m not sure you can buy this without buying the box set, but it’s a fun addition to anyone’s collection.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

POUNDHOUND – Pineappleskunk

July 27, 2023 /

If you listen to all the solo albums that the members of KingsX have released you can hear how the X music comes together. The first five KingsX albums are all classic, and then it all went a bit weird. However, the releasing of solo material also diluted the well of music that they drew from for group efforts.

This is Doug’s second album under the Poundhound name. The format is stripping the sound down and keeping it simple with that huge bass tone front and centre. When this album is on, boy is it on. Jumpin’ just does what  it says on the tin as that’s what you will be doing soon as that huge groove hits you. Mind is just a simple, huge riff and funky bass groove with such a beautiful hook and chorus line that sends goosebumps to all the right places. The rest of the album does have a tendency to wander and therefore loses focus at times.

Doug is all about the soul and groove, and when they come together this album really shines.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

FAITH OR FEAR – Punishment Area

July 27, 2023 /

One of the lesser known bands from the thrash explosion. These guys hail from New Jersey and they sound like old school an Anthrax/Megadeth hybrid with more of a hardcore edge.

This is their first album, originally released on Combat in the US, this is a UK version on Under One Flag. They have all the moves and chord progressions that were stock back in the day and I really love the naivety and energy they throw into every song, you forget this is nearly forty years old. It’s hard to pick a favourite as I love all of them but I’m going for C.D.S. Killer, an old school headbangin’ instep riffage.

It’s really weird how a band gets chosen out of a bunch of equally talented bands with similar sounds and grooves. If I was an A&R guy I would have picked these guys hands down.

A great fun album.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

« Older posts Newer posts »

Archives

© 2025 THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑