THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Day: November 23, 2023

BOSTON – Third Stage

November 23, 2023 /

Boston made one of the best albums ever with their first album that came out way back in ’76. With that, it was always going to be tough with whatever they put out afterwards. Don’t Look Back was a great follow up, but all the reviews said it wasn’t as good as their first. It took another eight years for Third Stage to see the light of day and yep, it was still compared to the debut.

First up, I will say the production is stellar. Super clear and very loud, and Tim Scholz’s guitar sound is epic. There are some really good songs on here. Amanda, which opens the album is such a good power ballad with the emphasis on the power, it sounds huge. My favourite is Cool The Engines. Killer guitar sound and the middle section is awesome.

My criticism is that there are too many slow songs and not enough tunes that rock. Even though the sound is stellar, it can’t hide the weakness of some of the songs.

7/10 from The Grooveman.

SWEDISH EROTICA – S/T

November 23, 2023 /

This is Swedish Erotica’s first album, they formed in ’85 and released this back in ’89. The only person I am familiar with is Mats Leven who has sang with a long list of bands, of which Yngwie is the most prominent. Think of a sleazier version of Bon Jovi and you are close to the the band’s sound. If you check out the band members alleged names, Morgan Le Fay, Johnny D’Fox, B.C. Strike, and Magnus Axx that gives an even bigger clue to what we’re aiming for here.

The opening salvo of Rock N’ Roll City and Love On The Line is as good as you’ll hear from any of the “bigger” melodic rock bands of the time. Two stonkingly awesome tunes that set the mood perfectly. Just get those hands in the air🤘. We’re Wild Young And Free, if it wasn’t released as a single then why the hell not?! US radio would have lapped this up.

If you like big rock anthems then wrap your ears around Love Me Or Leave Me. This is what the mid eighties was all about, a huge hook and chorus that will have you singing along in no time. If that doesn’t do it for ya, then I’m sure Downtown will get you up and rockin’ with its party anthem groove. What a great, fun tune! There are so many great songs on the album and Side 2 is seriously loaded. She Drives Me Crazy is a great tune that veers slightly from the norm. Also on the flip side is my personal favourite, Loaded. A killer uptempo rocker with a kickass hook and chorus.

Great record that deserves your love. Grab a copy if you can!

9/10 from The Grooveman.

GALACTIC COWBOYS – s/t

November 23, 2023 /

Galactic Cowboys are often unfairly called KingsX-lite, mainly due to the association of Sam Taylor producing both bands and each band’s love of three part harmonies. This album came out in ’91, near enough at the same time as Nirvana’s Nevermind, so you can guess the amount of promo the record company spent on the album. There are some really fine moments locked in the grooves of this forgotten gem.

Why Can’t You Believe In Me is just superb. The vocal harmonies alone are worth the price of admission. Add to that, a quirky killer riff and groove, and it’s a winner all the way (yes, it does sound like KingsX). They even delve into thrash territory with Kaptain Krude. On this track they mix heavy Anthrax-style riffage with those superb harmonies.

Talking of an Anthrax, where does the first riff to Sea Of Tranquility come from? Caught In A Mosh maybe? They do have a weird sense of humour that comes through in a lot of their tunes. None more so than on Pump Up The Space Suit, which just for the craic gets my thumbs up for favourite tune.

They have disappeared and come back a few times over the years, they last released an album back in 2017. This one is still a great listen after all these years.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

MAMMOTH WVH -2

November 23, 2023 /

Well, it doesn’t seem even five minutes ago since I reviewed Mammoth WVH’s first album. By now, everyone should have the message that he is his own man and not riding on his dad’s coat tales. The most dumb comment I have read online was someone saying “Why are you using the Van Halen name to promote yourself?” I mean, it’s his freaking name for god’s sake.

Once again, Wolf plays all the instruments himself and writes all the tunes. This album is the schnizz! The music lives in that modern rock vibe and groove. It rocks hard while never losing sight of the huge melodies that are in each song’s DNA. I’m not sure who Wolfie’s favourite bands are, but I hear the odd reference to Blink 182, Anthrax, Tool, and I’m sure I have missed a few in the mix. I’m going for Optimist as my favourite tune, as it borders on Prog territory at times, with odd grooves and beats, there may be a hint of Karnivool in there as well.

He really does have the gift of writing killer tunes that’s for sure. I look forward to the next album.

9.5/10 from The Grooveman.

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