REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Day: June 23, 2024 (Page 2 of 2)

SAINT VITUS – Mournful Cries

A lot of bands have copied the Sabbath blueprint and carved out a career for themselves. Saint Vitus however took Iommi’s fuzzed out guitar sound that he used only on a couple of albums and forged a career of their own with this sound.

This is a reissue of the band’s ’88 album, and when you think of big stoner bands Saint Vitus don’t spring to mind even though they have been doing this sound since ’78. Comprising of only six tunes with two intros, it’s a relatively short piece of work but they have captured that early 70’s sound perfectly with a lo/fi production to add to the vibe. My favourite tune is the heavily Sabbath influenced final cut Looking Glass. This could seriously be a Sabbath outtake it’s that close.

I don’t normally buy things like this, but for $5 it was screaming “buy me.”

7/10 from The Grooveman.

SARAYA – When The Blackbird Sings

There seemed to be a whole bunch of female fronted bands at the end of the eighties as record companies tried to cash in. Saraya were in a different class. They had success with their first album and especially the song Love Has Taken It’s Toll, which had huge airplay on radio and MTV. However, this was their second and final album, and it was the cherry on the cake for me. Although Sandi was the face and name of the band, guitar man Tony Bruno was the driving force of the band as he penned all the tunes. Couple that with Sandi’s great voice and I’m sure the record company thought they could match the success of Pat Benatar.

Not a bad tune to be heard on these fine and silky grooves, there are quite a few vying for the spot of favourite track. Opener Queen Of Sheba is just a top top tune. A great ripping guitar riff coupled with a monster hook and groove, just sneaks it for me. However Hitchin’ A Ride with its huge hook and chorus, and the riff monster that is When You See Me Again run it close, as does the Van Halen tinged Lions Den. Tony Bruno is a very tasty player indeed and he adds some flare to nearly all the tunes, but my favourite solo is on the title track.

If you track down a copy of this masterpiece then I urge you to buy as you will not be disappointed. Great record.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

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