THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Day: November 29, 2023 (Page 1 of 2)

TY TABOR – Moonflower Lane

November 29, 2023 /

I’m a huge KingsX fan and their first five albums are untouchable. So, when they go their separate ways and do the solo stuff it’s as though they remove their piece of the triangle. Ty’s love of The Beatles (especially the Sgt. Pepper album) is so evident with this release. I think this is due to the similarity his voice has to John Lennon, and his phrasing.

Coming out in ’98, this was Ty’s second solo release. This album doesn’t have the groove or the edge of KingsX, but the DNA is there with all those luscious vocal harmonies and Ty’s unmistakable guitar tone. Lyrically this is quite joyous and uplifting, and not as dark as the X. I have a couple of favourite tunes: The Island Sea and the sheer beauty of Her Palace. Both very different styles musically but both move me with the harmonies.

A different, but rewarding listening experience.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

DON DOKKEN – Up From The Ashes

November 29, 2023 /

Technically this is Don Dokken’s second solo release as there is a version of Breakin’ The Chains that was released just under his name. Released in ’90, old Donny boy managed to assemble a great band behind him. John Norum on guitar, Mickey Dee on drums, Pete Baltes on bass, and Billy White on rhythm guitar. Musically, Don’s gone for a more melodic slick sound instead of the harder edge of Dokken, which works really well. Frankly, I would have bought this just for the involvement of John Norum.

The album just broke into the top 50. It didn’t do as well as Don hoped, but the musical landscape was changing dramatically and that was a win in my book. There is not a bad song on the record and Don seems to be relishing writing with his new band. Highlights for me are opener Crash N’ Burn with John Norum ripping up a storm over a pacy rockin’ beat, Side 2 opener Give It Up which is a good old anthemic rocker with a great riff and guitar sound, and my personal favourite Down In Flames. It’s got killer guitar all the way through, and they still manage to pull out a great hook and chorus with superb harmonies. A close second favourite track is The Hunger, with Mickey Dee giving it the beans for a great uptempo rocker; the heaviest tune on the record.

Don eventually bit the bullet and teamed back up with George for the Dysfunctional album, but maybe he should have kept this unit together as I really like the difference in styles.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

KILLING JOKE – The Singles Collection 1979-2012

November 29, 2023 /

I am writing this post the day after the passing of Killing Joke guitarist, Geordie Walker. He was such an integral part of the group’s sound, I just can’t see how the band will be able to continue. It’s devastating! They are so out there on their own that they straddle multiple genres and yet, there is a point where they all come together. Genius band.

This compilation was originally put out in 2013 and contains singles, flexi disc tracks, and radio edits. The amount of labels the band have released things on, must have made this a nightmare to put together. Killing Joke are the one post punk band that actually have done it all their own way with a big FU to anyone who has tried to change and manipulate them. They even became chart friendly for a little while with the release of the Night Time album and the singles Love Like Blood and Eighties. They were the most menacing of bands to see live, with both Jazz and Geordie looking as though they would  take no crap.

I’m going for Eighties as my favourite tune as it’s all about that Geordie riff and sound. Killer track and killer band. Sail on Geordie.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

ROUGH DIAMOND – S/T

November 29, 2023 /

I was a big Dave Byron fan, and was gutted when he was removed from Uriah Heep. I think it’s well documented that Dave’s addiction problems were what ultimately killed him, but what a tragic loss.

Dave recorded three solo albums and in between he managed to do this little project in ’77 with Clem Clempson. This is the only thing they did. It didn’t sell too well, so they just parted ways. The songs are okay but there is nothing that grabs you by the throat. Hobo is my favourite, mainly due to the Clempson riff, the uptempo groove, and the cool breakdown. End Of The Line is also a cool, brooding, monster tune, it also has some tasty guitar.

Ultimately, the album is a bit soft and lacking in tunes that you remember. Rest easy Dave Byron.

7/10 from The Grooveman.

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