THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Day: August 1, 2024

DANGEROUS TOYS – Hellacious Acres

August 1, 2024 /

This is album number two from these Texan noise merchants and it was the final album under their contract with CBS. It was actually produced by legendary Queen producer, Roy Thomas Baker. Saying that, the album does sound a bit thin and the volume needs cranking to compensate.

I know everyone raves about their debut but I really prefer this one. The riffs and grooves are more rocking and toe tapping, and it’s much more of a sing along album. Gunfighter, Gimme No Lip, and my favourite Sticks And Stones open up Side 1. That’s not a bad start to the record as the riffs are flying thick and fast. The biggest surprise is their cover of the Bad Company classic, Feel Like Makin’ Love. They have made it into a country blues rocker. I know that may not sound great, but it works.

The band still get together occasionally to play live and have some fun but haven’t released any new material since ’95.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

TROUBLE TRIBE – Something Sweet

August 1, 2024 /

Another hair band that appeared just a little too late. This album came out in 1990 and although they had a couple of hits on MTV with Tattoo and Here Comes Trouble, the inevitable hand of grunge doom was lurking. Trouble Tribe are from New York and they were a step up from the Faster Pussycat’s of this world as they had a great sense of melody and knew how to write a good tune.

Tattoo is definitely my favourite tune. Killer hook and chorus with a stomping riff and groove. Back To The Well is a close second however, as they are trying something a little different here with a little funk added to the rock groove, it works really well and the chorus is pure pop. They also do the LA hair glam thing really well as Boys Night Out could have been any Friday night party soundtrack. Red Light Zone is a superb pop rock track with a nice riff and pounding groove, plus a hook and chorus to die for.

Definitely one of the better late period hair band albums and a worthy addition to your collection.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

ERIC STEEL – Infectious

August 1, 2024 /

A band called Eric Steel and yet no one in the band has that name. Actually, these guys are quite good at playing some kick ass hard rock with that metal edge. The band are from Chicago and released three albums, of which this is album number two.

Now, I’m a sucker for a loud and crunchy dirty riff, and these guys have them in overload. The production is raw and loud and it captures the band perfectly. I love this record, it’s nice and simple. No hairs and graces just BAM, CRUNCH, and they’re gone. Bruce Hausfield seems to be the one calling all the shots as he’s lead vocalist and guitarist, and the dude sure can lay down the riffs. Forever Yours, After Midnight, and my favourite, Since You’ve Been Gone are great tunes. They all have the simple format of a huge fat riff and killer groove that you just can’t help rockin’ out to.

This is FUN, pure and simple.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

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