THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Category: Vinyl Reviews (Page 1 of 492)

TALK OF THE TOWN – S/T

July 31, 2025 /

It’s always cool to look back and see where musical careers started. Now, if you’re a fan of power metallers Therion then Thomas Vikstrom will be well known to you as he’s their frontman, but back in 1988 young Thomas was just starting out with Talk Of The Town.

In AOR circles this album is regarded as a classic of the genre, and rightly so as Mr. Vikstrom’s voice soars over each of the songs offered here. I would say TOTO were a big influence because throughout the album you will pick up on little musical references like in the intro to Feel My Heartbeat and Free Like An Eagle.

Now, I’m sure someone will put me right here but did Sing To The World get entered for the Eurovision Song Contest? It just screams out to me. If not, it sure as hell should have been entered. Anyhoo, this is very pleasant, well produced record and if you love AOR then this is for you.

7/10 from The Grooveman.

SWEDISH EROTICA – Live In Sweden

July 27, 2025 /

This album was recorded at Sweden Rock Fest in 2024 to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the band. Nine songs are played here, eight of which are from the band’s first album. I loved the first album. It’s regarded as a bit of a Scandi classic in hair metal circles, and what better place to celebrate than at the Sweden Rock Festival – probably the best festival in the world for this type of music.

It’s a raw warts n’ all recording but it works perfectly and that’s how it should be. Maybe there are some BV’s on a backing track, but that’s it. If you have the first album then you know which are the bangers. Loaded Gun, She Drives Me Crazy, Rock N’ Roll City, and We’re Wild, Young & Free are all great songs and it’s cool to hear them done live.

This is a limited pressing so I’m not sure how easy it is to grab a copy.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

VICTORY – Culture Killed The Native

July 27, 2025 /

The one thing you can say about Victory is that they’re consistent. They have that heavy hard rockin’ formula that works, so why change it?

This is album number four released back in ´89 and it’s just a huge sounding record with a killer production. The band did quite well in the US and I think that’s because they sound American. A lot of European rock bands didn’t do anything at all in the US because they were too European sounding, of course the Scorpions were the exception to the rule.

This album is just hands in the air arena rock and just a fun record from front to back. All killer on filler as they say. Favourite track? Well, that’s a tough one as this is a bit of a banger but I’m going for Don’t Tell No Lies. A great tune with a huge hook and chorus that will have you singing along while you do your ironing.

If you like your rock arena style then this is for you.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

SOTO – Origami

July 24, 2025 /

I am a huge fan of JSS and have loved most of what he has put his name to. It took me a while to appreciate this album because at first I found the production quite off putting. The drums are so in your face it takes a while to get used to, as is the guitar which is way down in the mix. Anyhoo, this is Jeff getting his Prog metal head on, much in the same way as Sons Of Apollo, and now after many plays I have grown to love this record.

Lots of low end riffage, crunch, and killer grooves mixed with Jeff’s trademark vocals and harmonies. I think the brief here was to try something a little different within a genre that has basically seen and done it all, and once you rap your head around the production this is a very rewarding record. You get a couple of power ballads, which Jeff does so well in Belie and Torn, but as usual with me it’s the more crunchy toons that shake my tree the best, namely Detonate and the epic Dance With The Devil. Very cool indeed. Honourable mentions to Origami and Afterglow which are both killer tunes.

Long may Jeff keep releasing awesome records as we are in a time that is blessed with great vocalists right now.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

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