THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Category: Vinyl Reviews (Page 451 of 492)

LION – Dangerous Attraction

March 29, 2021 /

Although around since ’84 and having a track in the movie Friday The 13th: The Final Chapter, it wasn’t until ’86 that this, their first full length album, was released. At the same time they also had written the theme song to the animated Transformers movie. Everything seemed to be going their way, but as with everything hard rock and LA, they seemed to fall between the cracks. It’s a shame, as this album and the follow up are really good records and should have seen the band crack into the big leagues. Plus, they had hot shot guitarist Doug Aldrich, who would later join Whitesnake and the Dead Daisies playing up a storm, and on vocals there was ex-Tytan vocalist Kal Swan.

Make no mistake, this is one of the best hair rock albums you have never heard of. Every song is a killer song of this genre of rock. Well written songs and some great playing from all involved, especially Doug Aldrich who plays his ass off. If Never Surrender had been released as a single things might have been a whole lot different. My favourite track is the last track on the album, Shout It Out, which is a kick ass up tempo rocker with a killer chorus and hook. I personally think this kills anything that Def Leppard ever did, but that’s just my opinion. Doug Aldrich hasn’t had a lot of luck with his bands as nobody seems to care about the excellent Burning Rain as well.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

IMPELLITTERI – Stand In Line

March 29, 2021 /

This is the second full length album from shredder Chris Impellitteri’s band named after himself obviously. This album although being chock full of shredtastic solos at every available gap in the music, is very melodic and the songs have come first. The main reason that there is so much melody is thanks to the amazing voice of Graham Bonnet. There are a couple of sly digs at one of Bonnets previous employers Richie Blackmore as there is a pretty pointless cover of Since You’ve Been Gone with suitably over the top solo and Somewhere Over The Rainbow both Blackmore played live . I suppose this was melodic metal before it became a thing. Opening track is Rainbow style souped up rocker as is Secret Lover. I’m not sure if Bonnet ever played live with this line but if he did I’m sure they would have to tune down as there is no way he would hav been able to sing in this range night after night. The other notable guest on the album is Mr Big drummer Pat Torpey. If your a fan of Yngwie style shred guitar playing then this is for you. The last track is an instrumental and is widdly diddly heaven I’m amazed there is only one of those tracks here. While I do admire the skill that goes into playing this fast it does leave me cold as there seems to be an an absence of feel. Anyway the songs rescue this album and the hooks and melodies are really good and the production is nice and crisp also. 7.5/10

KALEO – A/B

March 29, 2021 /

It’s easy to see how America thought KALEO were from one of the southern states, as their mix of delta blues with modern production is straight out of Mississippi. In fact, they are from that hotbed of the blues – Iceland. This is their second full length release and it is split into Side White and Side Black or A&B. Mixed with a modern leaning on blues, and great production, we have a winner winner chicken dinner.

They had two huge hit singles from this record in America – the opening two tracks No Good and the platinum Way Down We Go. Have to say there is a touch of The Black Keys at play, but that’s not a bad thing. Broken Bones is straight out of Clarksdale – they certainly do it right. Side B is more acoustic in approach, and more authentic if you will, with a big dose of Americana thrown into the mix. Vocalist JJ Julius Son has an amazing voice that is pure blues one minute, and pure roots the next. All The Pretty Girls is such a beautiful song. Automobile is straight out of the American roots song book, but sang in Icelandic.

I managed to catch them live a couple of years ago and they were fantastic. A great band, and this album deserves your attention.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

KING CRIMSON – Discipline

March 26, 2021 /

King Crimson have been around since 1968 in various guises, and in fact are still playing live today. Robert Fripp disbanded the band in ’74, only to return with this line up in ’81. Only Fripp and Bill Buford were there from the ’74 line up, and were joined by ex Talking Heads guitarist and vocalist Adrian Belew, and stick bass man extraordinaire Tony Levin. I can’t emphasize how much this line up changed the way progressive music was played and presented after the release of this record. This is such a ground breaking record for the use of rhythms with instruments other than percussion. Belew brought so much to the band – his influences were totally different from Fripps, and the amalgamation of styles really works.

Tracks like Elephant Talk are just a joy of rhythmic pleasure, while Frame By Frame is a beautiful ballad with a great vocal from Belew. But it’s the weird and wonderful tracks like Indiscipline, Theela Hun Ginjeet, and the title track which are the stand out songs that really drive this album. The odd time signatures, abrasive guitar sounds, and the brilliance of Brufords drumming are a breath of fresh air. I remember hearing this back in ’81 and my jaw hit the floor, I had not heard anything like this before – and they were even better live.

Now if you like your music meat and potatoes type, then this is not for you, but if you like to experiment with your music then give it a try.

9.5/10 from The Grooveman.

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