THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Month: November 2023 (Page 2 of 14)

DIO – Live In Fresno ’83

November 29, 2023 /

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

November 29, 2023 /

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.

KATMANDU – S/T

November 27, 2023 /

Dave King was part of the original Fastway band that were put together after Fast Eddie left Motorhead, and he stayed there until they disbanded. Dave put Katmandu together with ex-Krokus member, Mandy Meyer. This is the only album that the band put out, and Dave now resides in the band Flogging Molly. One and they’re done!

There are so many bands that didn’t get passed that first album and I guess there are a million reasons why. If you don’t get that one big song to tie the album to, then it’s definitely uphill all the way. This album falls into that category. It’s a solid record, but it just misses that one stand out song. When The Rain Comes is a killer track, but it has zero appeal for a single. It’s got a killer bluesy groove and riff, and I love Dave’s voice. Warzone also rocks like a mutha, and takes it for my favourite tune.  

Still a very enjoyable listen.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

DR. FEELGOOD – Private Practice

November 27, 2023 /

When you think of Dr. Feelgood, you automatically think of Wilko Johnson with that crazed expression on his face moving manically all over the stage, and Lee Brilleaux with the stained white suit giving you the evil stare. This band oozed menace, but they were so good live. It’s ironic then that the biggest hit they ever had didn’t feature Wilko, because he left the band in ’77.

Milk And Alcohol was a ripping single with a killer riff, and it actually made the top ten in the UK, you can’t go wrong with a shuffle. If only real bands had a chance to do that today. There is another track here that I wished they had released as a single, that’s Take A Tip. It has a much busier riff and groove but it’s so cool. I think it would have done better than Down At The Doctors, which is a also great tune but it doesn’t make you want to move like Take A Tip.

There are no original members left alive which is sad, but they left behind some great old school rockin’ R’n’B.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

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