THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Category: Vinyl Reviews (Page 480 of 492)

LED ZEPPELIN – II

January 20, 2021 /

Quite a daunting prospect to review such an iconic album that is loved by so many. I will say this before we get into it, I’m not a big fan of Zeppelin for many reasons, but mainly I thought that they were so self absorbed and arrogant, and I managed to catch them live at Knebworth and they weren’t great.

Anyway on to the review, this is probably my favourite Zeppelin album along with Physical Graffiti. I actually bought this back in ’73 mainly to see what all the fuss was about. It’s quite amazing how many classic Zep songs are on this album. Things start off with probably the most iconic of them all, Whole Lotta Love, or the Top of the Pops theme if you’re British. 1969 this came out, and when you consider it’s over 50 years old it stands up really well with that easily recognizable riff and Plants amazing vocal. Plenty of improv guitar sounds from Page in the middle section to keep everyone amazed, wondering how does he do that? This leads into the bluesy What Is and What Should Never Be, and then boom, another classic, The Lemon Song. Then the only weak song on the album, which stops it from getting the full 10 with Thank You.

Flip it over onto Side 2 and Heartbraker pounds in with that simple but iconic riff played by guitar and bass with a Plant trademark wailing vocal. More Page histrionics in the middle 8 before the groove picks up pace. Living Loving Maid is next and another top Plant vocal. Classic after classic as Ramble On is next, which starts with an almost folky vibe before it kicks in with that heavy groove. Moby Dick is next, another classic, which would always be Bonham’s showpiece when playing live. Then it’s album closer the bluesy Bring It On Home with another killer riff and it’s all over.

As I mentioned earlier, it’s my fave Zeppelin album as it’s the only one I can listen to all the way through without getting bored and lifting the needle. Best track is probably Heartbreaker and it falls into the everyone should own one category.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

J.J. CALE – Naturally

January 19, 2021 /

Yet another artist that had passed me by until about ten years ago. Sometimes you are so in touch with a scene so closely that you go though life with blinkers on and there is so much that you let go. J.J. Cale being a case in point.

Naturally, was – I do believe – Cale’s first album release back in ’72. What would be described as Americana today, it has a very rootsy feel as it incorporates blues, country, jazz, and rock. A lot of songs you will recognize as they have been covered by a who’s-who of artists, namely Magnolia, and After Midnight, which became more famous as a Clapton song. Cale has a very smokey, husky tone to his voice, and a very simple clean bluesy tone to his playing – which suits the songs perfectly.

Sadly, Cale is no longer with as he passed away in 2013. A very enjoyable and relaxing record recommended to any fans of Americana.

7/10 from The Grooveman.

ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES IN THE DARK – Architecture & Morality

January 19, 2021 /

Back in the mists of time, 1981 to be precise, a 21 year old me would not give this the time of day – mainly due to the fact I was wrapped up in the whole NWOBHM scene and the burgeoning thrash metal scene from the States. These guys with frilly shirts and haircuts were so far off my radar, I let them pass me by.

This synth pop band from Liverpool first came to prominence through the singles Electricity and Enola Gay, and everyone thought one hit wonder and goodbye, but no! When this came out I remember the NME going nuts over it, as it was heralded as forerunner in electronic experimental music.

Having gotten older and my musical tastes have broadened over the years, I have come to appreciate albums like this a lot more. It’s not all experimental as it does have its pop moments, as the singles Souvenir and Joan of Arc demonstrate. Quite basic by today’s standards of electronic music, but it stands out as a time capsule of the period, and you can hear their influences in modern day electronic music.

6/10 from The Grooveman.

TED NUGENT – Nugent

January 19, 2021 /

For the purposes of this review, we will keep this about the music, no matter what you think about Ted’s political leanings. There is no doubt about it that 70’s NUGENT could sure rock with the best of them, hell Double Live Gonzo is a kick ass record. Hands up, I was a big fan of those 70’s albums.

This album was released in ’82 and there is a definite change in sound, it’s a lot more polished and clean sounding record. Derek St Holmes is still providing killer vocals on the tracks that Ted doesn’t sing on, and we are also joined by the great Carmine Appice on drums.

Unfortunately the songs are just not that good, it’s trying too hard to be an LA type of record – when Ted’s just not that guy! Even the cover sees Ted without trademark loincloth for a more polished image. No more wild man Ted! The only Nugent type rockers here are Good And Ready and the last track Tailgunner. Sure Ted can still play a decent lead guitar, it’s just that it can’t lift the album out of mid-table mediocrity.

5/10 from The Grooveman.

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