THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Category: Vinyl Reviews (Page 279 of 492)

DAN REED NETWORK – Slam

June 21, 2022 /

Dan Reed’s first album was a great record but it didn’t sell that well with the R’n’B soul crowd (which I think it was aimed at), but it did great with a rock audience, especially in the UK and Europe. So, when second album Slam dropped, it was no surprise to see the tunes rocked up somewhat. Of course the funk and groove were still present, but with the added heaviness it was winner winner chicken dinner.

A near perfect example of how to make a funk rock record, and I’m sure Max Martin used this as a blueprint for his songwriting. I saw them a couple of times and they were an amazing live band. Tiger In A Dress is a perfect example of how the funk and groove are still there, but add the fat huge riff into the mix and man what a killer song. It’s not my favourite though, as that goes to Cruise Together. A dark brooding synth driven piece with an amazing vocal from Dan, the main vocal line and melody gets me every time; add to that some great guitar and it’s definitely one of the Network’s best tunes. Everyone should own this album.

10/10 from The Grooveman.

RICHIE KOTZEN – Electric Joy

June 21, 2022 /

I’m sure we’re all familiar with Richie today; fronting The Winery Dogs, and a successful solo artist where he possesses one of the most amazing soulful voices of anyone. His style is very rock mixed with soul. Back in the midsts of time however, he was known for being a monster shredder and this is his third album released in ’91 through Shrapnel. If you love guitar as I do, then this is a must have. I’ve always found Richie different to most shredders of this period, as it wasn’t just about playing 10,000 notes as quick as possible, it was about adding melody and groove to the pieces.

Funk opens up Side 1 and this emphasizes my point perfectly; some great guitar, some serious groove, and tons of melody. Electric Toy has a quirky time signature to keep it interesting. Shufina is a blues beefed up blues shuffle. Acid Lips is pure shred with the Hot For Teacher beat and groove. Slow Blues does exactly what it says on the tin but with some incredible playing. High Wire has a strange dual harmony guitar, and has an entry for the fretboard olympics. Dr. Glee has a slight country feel to it, and again those dual harmony pieces are all over this track. Hot Rails is peddle to the metal slide, and you don’t see Richie do that too much. The Deece Song ends the album, and this song is all about technique. It’s one of those songs where you ask yourself “how the hell does he do that?” For guitar nerds.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

BUDGIE – Never Turn Your Back On A Friend

June 20, 2022 /

The one Budgie album that most people have heard of – well, if you’re a Metallica fan anyway, as they covered Breadfan on their Garage days EP.

This is the band’s third album released in ’73. They were a big deal in the mid seventies in their first reincarnation and were an influence on a lot of heavier bands as the riff was king. They also had a thing for having the most amazing song titles like You’re The Biggest Thing Since Powdered Milk that starts with a drum solo, and the amazing In The Grip Of A Tyre Fitters Hand which, along with Breadfan, are the best two tracks on the album. I haven’t played this in a while and it does sound dated, but if you love seventies blues rock you will get a blast out it that’s for sure, and they are a killer live band. Sadly Burke Shelley is no longer with us as he passed away last year.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

CHEAP TRICK – Woke Up With A Monster

June 20, 2022 /

Album number 12 sees the US power pop kings in fine form, and let’s be honest they nearly always deliver great tunes. This was the first album for Warners, having been dropped by Epic after previous album Busted. Warners brought in the big guns with Ted Templeman producing.

This album came out in ’94; the supposed lean years for rock bands after the great grunge unpleasantness, but for Cheap Trick they put out one of their best ever albums. My Gang kicks things off with a great power pop groover and trademark sing along chorus. The title track is next, a slow brooding groover with a killer riff and hook very reminiscent in feel to Gonna Raise Hell from the Dream Police album. That jingle jangle Beatles vibe which Cheap Trick do a lot is up next with Your All I Wanna Do. Never Run Out Of Love was the big single from the album, and we have entered ballad city. Didn’t Know I Had It is Cheap Trick 101, they write tunes like this in their sleep and I’m sure the Wilburys stole this one. Great riff and groove to Ride The Pony, which closes out Side 1 – a great little stomper. Girlfriends’ riff is the exact same as Bad Boy Boogie by AC/DC. Let Her Go is as close as the band get to the Stones, especially at the intro. Tell Me Everything sees Robin Zander channeling his inner Roy Orbison, and it’s back to power ballad. Cry Baby is a dirty sleazy blues which I really like. Love Me For A Minute closes out the album and it’s my favourite track. Love the swing and groove to the main riff a killer ending to the album.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

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