THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Month: November 2023 (Page 9 of 14)

NOTORIOUS – S/T

November 14, 2023 /

Who? I hear you ask. Well, when Diamond Head sort of fell apart in the mid eighties vocalist Sean Harris got together with guitarist Robin George to form this project. Now, it’s nothing like Diamond Head and I would say this is closer to pop than rock but I think it’s a really cool record. It was a great move to make at the time as melodic rock was dominant (especially in the US), and I see why John Kalodner signed them to Geffen.

Opening track The Swalk feels a bit like Robert Palmer in his “Addicted” phase. This Night has a big Bad Company vibe with a huge guitar sound. You Need More is pure AOR goodness; huge on the melody. Just to turn things upside down, Arrianne feels like new wave pop. Losing You closes out Side 1 and keeps the new wave thing going but with a much slower groove.

Radio Silence turns up the volume somewhat and has an old school rock n’ roll vibe buried in the mix, Billy Squier keeps popping up in my head. Eyes Of The World has a big Queen vibe, with a hint of funk. Touch starts like Tears For Fears and carries on like that all the way through. I would describe Love Fades as a pop ballad. The close out tune I Believe In You ends with some old school R’n’B.

I can see why people backed away at the time as Harris and George both came from hard rock backgrounds and the only audience that knew them would shy away from anything like this. The online reviews for this are extreme in their hate or love of it. I am somehow in between.

7.5/10 from The Grooveman.

PAUL LAINE – Stick It In Your Ear

November 14, 2023 /

Paul Laine is yet another melodic rock artist that came on the scene just a little too late. Most people might remember Paul more for fronting Danger Danger after Ted Poley jumped ship. As far as I’m aware, this was Paul’s first release and it originally came out in ’90. Somebody really believed in his talents as Bruce Fairbairn was brought in to produce the album.

This album had a bit of success in Canada as the two singles that were released, Dorianna and Is It Love charted. If it would have been me, I would have released my favourite track, We Are The Young. It’s a monster track with a lot more groove and rock than the other two. I can see why Dorianna  was the lead off track as it’s a more radio friendly tune. But you know me, I always go with the rock.

There is actually quite a lot of kick ass guitar on the album, courtesy of Kenny Koos and Paul himself. Side 2 opener Main Attraction is another great rockin’ tune with a massive hook and chorus, on another day I could have picked this as my favourite tune.  Another track that really floats my boat is Doin Time. A slightly different vibe and groove that’s almost a shuffle, but man does this baby swing.

This album passed a lot of people by at the time as tastes were changing, but this would be a great addition to any self respecting rocker’s collection.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

ACCEPT – S/T

November 13, 2023 /

I guess there are similarities between Saxon and Accept. Both bands recorded their debut albums in ’78 before NWOBHM had taken a hold, and thus both come across as more of hard rock bands than metal ones, but both would change their sound considerably.

If you’re a fan of Restless & Wild or Balls To The Wall then there is very little here that you may recognize. It’s quite strange to hear UDO’s voice on this album as it’s almost unrecognizable because the songs are sung with a very clean tone. In fact, Pete Baltes actually sings the ballad Seawinds and Sounds Of War.

One of the only songs that puts the pedal firmly to the floor is Free Me Now, which comes across a bit like Motorhead crossed with Queen. Yeah I know, weird eh!? My favourite tune is Helldriver. It reminds me of early period Scorpions with some really wild guitar.

This album is for completists only.

6.5/10 from The Grooveman.

EASY ACTION – s/t

November 13, 2023 /

Easy Action only ever released two albums, this being the first one released originally in ’83 (although this copy is a repress from ’85). They are mostly known for (I guess if you’re outside of Sweden) having Kee Marcello on guitar before he jumped to Europe, and one Zinny Zan on vocals who would later go one to front Shotgun Messiah. They set out to be the ultimate glam rock band with their love of all the 70’s scene. Add a small dose of punk, a huge dose of rock, and you get the picture.

The band sued Poison for the song We Go Rockin’ as they stole the main chorus melody for their song I Want Action, it’s pretty much a straight lift. The band were awarded damages from Poison’s label. Although, I’m sure if Sweet and Kiss were paying attention they may have taken steps against Easy Action. My favourite track however is Mental Dance, a fun uptempo pop rock tune with a killer guitar sound and groove.

70’s glam was a huge part of my musical development, so I guess that’s why I have a soft spot for bands like this.

7.5/10 from The Grooveman.

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