REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Day: January 11, 2024

Shooting Star – Burning

This is album number four for Shooting Star. It was released in ’83 and was the last of their albums to hit the charts. They had a somewhat unique sound coming over as a cross between Survivor and Journey. They certainly had everything going for them: a contract with Virgin who were desperate to sign an American melodic rock band, and they were coupled with producer Kevin Elson who had a great track record with aor bands.

This album is a bit hit and miss for me. Tracks like Straight Ahead, Taken Enough, and Go For It from Side 1 and Winner from Side 2 are great songs, but the rest just don’t reach the heights I’m afraid, and the cover of Reach Out is a bit meh.

You could put together a great album of Shooting Start if you took the best tracks from their first four albums.

6.5/10 from The Grooveman.

PLINI – Handmade Cities

This is the debut album from the (seemingly) very prolific Plini, released back in 2016. In fact, he has only released two full length albums, most of his physical releases are EPs.

If you are a lover of instrumental progressive guitar music then this is a must. It’s full of amazing playing, killer grooves, and a great production. This is a killer record from needle drop to fade out.

The title track is one big awesome fest right from the get go. Stunning playing without it being a widdle fest, matched with a great groove and beat. My favourite track however is Inhale. There is so much going on here, with a groove that chops and changes from really cool jazz vibes to prog metal low end rumble. The whole album is just a treat for the ears.

There is definitely something in the water (or beer) in Australia, as there is so much amazing music there right now. More please!

10/10 from The Grooveman.