REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

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

DIO – Live In Fresno ’83

This is quite a nice live rendition of Ronnie’s best bits. It was recorded in ’83 in Fresno, and this edition was released as part of RSD. This is a warts and all recording that sounds as though there were minimal overdubs, especially on the vocals. You have to give the little man credit where it’s due because it’s not easy to sing these songs live.

Vivian Campbell is on fire and you have to wonder why he joined Def Leppard as he is totally restrained in that band. (Did somebody mention money?) Plus, he must have balls of steel, not only is he being himself but he also has to be Tony Iommi and Ritchie Blackmore, so no pressure then. It’s very tough to pick a favourite track from all the epics on display here, but just on the performance alone I have to go for Stand Up And Shout. This is a rip roaring version that seems to be faster than the original but it’s a savage rendition.

Shane the little man is no longer with us, but you have to admit he left behind a fine body of work.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

FORTUNE – S/T

We are transporting ourselves to AOR heaven today with one of the genre’s forgotten classics. Fortune actually recorded their debut album in ’78, but then somewhat disappeared only to return in ’85/with this AOR classic. Think Toto crossed with Journey and you should get the picture.

There are a few syrupy ballads to contend with but the more uptempo melodic rockers do shine through. The Thrill Of It All opens up the album and is by far my favourite tune on the album. It has a nice, powerful riff and groove mixed with a killer hook and chorus, and you can see why they were signed. Dearborn Station could be a left over Journey song, with Larry Greene sounding like Steve Perry at times. Lonely Hunter, which opens Side 2 , is another one of the harder rockin’ tracks where the guitar sits front and centre, while the keys take more of a back seat.

The band seem to have the gift of being able to write a catchy hook and chorus at will, coupled with a crisp Kevin Beamish production, you can see why AOR fans rate this album highly.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

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