THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Category: Vinyl Reviews (Page 276 of 492)

NIGHT RANGER – Somewhere In California

June 28, 2022 /

This album came out on CD originally in 2011, and this is its first time on vinyl as part of RSD 2022 – although I think it was available through the band’s website first. A great line up as well with the addition of Joel Hoekstra on guitar with Brad Gillis – is a killer partnership. This band don’t make bad records, and this album is up there with their best for me . A definite harder edge to the sound – but that’s fine with me.

Growin’ Up In California is a killer track to open up with – a monster hook and groove with some great duelling guitars. Lay It On Me has a ripping riff and groove and I guarantee you’ll be singing this one all day long. Bye Bye Baby is classic old school Night Ranger with a big melody and hook. Follow Your Heart has a huge intro with that Boston Hammond sound, and this could be my favourite Night Ranger song ever. This track has everything and I’m sure the kitchen sink is in there somewhere. Side 1 closes with Time Of Our Lives and it’s ballad time.

Fear not though, as No Time To Lose Ya kicks off with twin guitar heaven and this is a superb power pop groover. Live For Today feels slightly psychedelic and sixties-ish. It’s Not Over again has that power pop groove with a great feel good vibe. End Of The Day follows with a slow build up, and a great double guitar riff – the hook and melody will definitely grab you. Rock N Roll Tonite is all about the guitar, and why not?! It’s a great riff, and I love the hook and chorus. Last song, Say It With Love, is a real barnstormer and a great kick ass ending to a killer record.

9.5/10 from The Grooveman.

KROKUS – The Blitz

June 28, 2022 /

Whereas AC/ DC were your meat and potatoes hard rockers, Krokus were often referred to as AC/ DC with sprinkles. The band had hit on a formula that America really loved, and they stuck to it like glue.

There were two big singles from the album, namely opening track Midnite Maniac, which charted in the US, and a cover of Ballroom Blitz which charted in the UK. There is also a great cover of Brian Adams’ Boys Night Out which was left off of the original version of Reckless.

It’s the non-singles that get my attention the most. Out Of Control is a heads-down-no-nonsense-rock-n-roll-monster of a tune. Out To Lunch has a very Powerage era DC riff and hook. Rock The Nation has a very NWOBHM riff that you will have heard before I’m sure. Boys Night Out is the highlight for me, and it’s way better than Adam’s version – a great fun track.

Krokus were always a fun band live, and I think they are still going.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

GUN – Taking On The World

June 27, 2022 /

I remember these guys seemingly appearing out of nowhere back in ’89, and being very surprised at how awesome this record was. The band were formed around the Gizzi brothers, Dante on bass, and Jools on guitar – with Mark Rankin on vocals. Who knew that five guys from Glasgow could make such a great melodic rock record?

The album opens up with the hit single, Better Days, and this is the one that got everyone’s attention – with a great riff and hook, and a sing-a-long chorus – simple really! The Feeling Within follows and is more laid back than the opener but still a great tune. Inside Out is a four to the floor groover with a great riff – this song really swings. Money is next up and has a very Van Halen feel to the riff with a slow stomp groove – I really like the solo. Side 1 closes out with Taking On The World, a slow track that builds into a big power ballad with a great middle section.

Side 2 opens up with Shame On You, which has echoes of U2 with the intro. The main hook reminds me of Brian Adams, but it’s a great song. Can’t Get Any Lower is my favourite tune as I love the different groove and almost funky riff and beat. Great track! Something To Believe In has a great swagger and bounce to the groove. Girls In Love follows, and that slight funk vibe returns with a slow stomp beat. I Will Be Waiting is the last track and the main lead off riff is very Aerosmith – it’s the poppiest track on the whole record. A very enjoyable album.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

UFO – Mechanix

June 27, 2022 /

This is the band’s 11th studio album which was released back in ’82. It’s also the third one after the departure of Schenker, and it’s the one UFO diehards hate the most. Maybe it’s the use of keyboards? Or a cheesy cover of the rock n roll standard, Something Else? Or the distinct lack of hard rockin’ tunes?

There are only four tunes that give it the beans, and that’s opener The Writer (which is classic UFO), Side 2 opener We Belong Go The Night (which is the best song on the album with a great riff and groove), Side 1 closer Doing It All For You (which has a very Bad Company vibe with a really nice solo), and the final track, Dreaming. The rest is a bit lacklustre if I’m honest – even touching on country with Back Into My Life. The single, Let It Rain, is not a bad  tune – I think it charted at the time.

It’s not the best UFO album, but it’s not the worst either. A mid table effort.

7.5/10 from The Grooveman.

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