THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Day: January 12, 2025 (Page 1 of 2)

KING KOBRA – III

January 12, 2025 / / 0 Comments

King Kobra are the epitome of what a “nearly” band is. They seemed to have all the pieces in place, but they never quite reached that point. It’s as though it was a stop gap band for members to drop in to  when other projects were dormant. In fact, the band folded so Carmine Appice, the band’s founder, could join John Sykes in Blue Murder.

This album never had much of a chance. The only deal they could get was on a tiny label called Rocker Records, so the distribution couldn’t have been great. The songs aren’t that bad. If we are being honest, there are some serious kick ass tunes. Walls Of Silence should have been released as a single, I’m sure American radio would have played the hell out of it.

Redline, Take It Off, and Mean Street Machine are all rockin’ tracks and this album should have done more than it did, but I would say it’s the weakest of their three early records.

7.5/10 from The Grooveman.

KEEL – The Streets Of Rock N Roll

January 12, 2025 / / 0 Comments

As it stands at the minute, this is the last album Keel made and released back in 2010. Although, this is a Night Of The Vinyl Dead reissue from 2021.

Apart from bassist Geno Arce, it’s all OG Keel members here including Marc Ferrari and Bryan Jay with that twin guitar attack. Playing this now, it’s over 40 years since the debut Keel album and boy do I feel old.

So, is this just another rendition of Frontiers digging up bands from the rock n’ roll graveyard release or is it a bonafide full on Keel record? Well, I’m glad to say it’s the latter as this baby is chock full of Keel signature rock n’ roll anthems. It’s as though the clock stopped in ’85 and the past 40 years never happened.

Streets of Rock ‘N Roll, Hit The Ground Running, Push & Pull, No More Lonely Nights, The Devil May Care, Looking For A Good Time, Bothers In Blood, and my personal fave Come Hell Or High Water are all seriously great tracks.

Well done Keel for delivering the goods.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

GLENN HUGHES – Feel

January 12, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Now, we are going back to ’95 for one of Glenn’s earlier solo releases. This is a 2017 Back In Black reissue and it sounds really nice and crisp.

This record starts with an absolute belter, and one of the best tracks that Glenn has ever laid to wax. Big Time is very reminiscent of that funky rock groove that Pat Thrall and Glenn did on their very short lived project. In fact, Pat is on guitar here. Killer groove and Glenn is really belting out the vocals. If you’ve never heard this before you will have it on constant repeat.

I do have a love for funk when it’s added to the rock environment, and this album hits all the spots for me. Livin’ For The Minute is just dirty, funky, and groovy with Bruce Gowdy riffing it up on guitar. Glenn goes full RnB and Soul as well on tracks like Does It Mean That Much To You, Save Me Tonight, and Redline. They are very slick tracks, but it’s the dirty grooves that get my attention. Push with Pat Thrall and Talkin’ To Messiah are pure 70’s funk joy and the prince of groove has definitely sprinkled his magic all over these two.

This is a good album but not a great one because there are a tad too many slower tracks.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

IMPELLITTERI – War Machine

January 12, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Now, here is a band that have consistently put out albums since they released their first EP back in ’87. Here we are, nearly 40 years later with album 19, which includes two best of’s. You know what you are gonna get here as they never stray too far from the path: high octane heavy metal with ripping solos, great melodies, and memorable hooks.

Joining Mr. Impellitteri this time is powerhouse vocalist Rob Rock, James Pulli on bass, and ex Slayer skins man Paul Bostaph. I have quite a few albums by these guys, I’m a huge fan of their music and this one is up there for me. Killer tunes with some great over the top riffage and pounding grooves. No overblown songs here as the longest track is 4:27, just straight to the point.

Of course, Chris is not only a monster riff lord but his leads are blinding and it’s nice to hear him ripping it up. Tough to pick a favourite track as this is top notch material we have here, but I’m going with Superkingdom. Very cool riff and Rob’s giving it the beans with that oh so cool voice. Really, I could have picked any of the tunes because this album is killer.

If you’re a fan you will have this anyway, but if you’re new to the party, then dive in. I guarantee you will love this. 

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