THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Page 16 of 458

McCOY- Think Hard

October 24, 2024 /

So, when the Gillan band ceased to be, a lot of interesting little off shoots with members appeared. Other than Mammoth, which I was sure was a joke because all of the other bands had some great material.

This record released in 84 under the McCoy name is not a bad effort and is somewhat forgotten. In places it is a very melodic record with some very poppy tunes as John is joined by Gillan bandmate Colin Towns on keys, Paul Samson on guitar, Ron Rebel on drums, and an unknown T. Bone on vocals.

Freemind and Demon Rose open the album and are both great songs, showing how melodic these guys were defying the image that everyone had of John. Demon Rose is my favourite track on the record. Paul Samson has always liked a blues shuffle and Fear Of The Morning is a fine example.

The rest of the tracks are lost in that mid seventies sound.

6.5/10 from The Grooveman.

SKYBLOOD – S/T

October 23, 2024 /

Mats Levin is a vocalist who has appeared on seemingly squillions of records. I’m sure you have at least one album in your collection with a song where he lends his voice to (do a search and you will be amazed). But, this is the first time he is the head honcho on his own project playing guitar and keys, as well as that very distinctive voice.

Progressive metal encompasses a very wide breadth of musical styles. I would definitely put this album in the progressive metal box, but we do veer off into folk and norse melody, as well as the expected metallic crunch. This is not an album that immediately connects straight away, you have listen to this over and over because this is an album that keeps on giving with every listen.

Mats is not a squealer or a wailer, he has a very expressive voice and knows how to write a killer melody and hook. Highlights for me are The Not Forgotten and Wake Up To The Truth because they both have a great groove and killer vocals, but my favourite track is For Or Against. With a quirky marching style riff and groove, and Mats giving it the full beans on toast. This is the track that took the longest for me to latch onto and I just love it.

I do like to be challenged with an album and I found this record very rewarding, and I still do.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

JIMMY BARNES – Freight Train Heart

October 21, 2024 /

Any peeps from Australia and New Zealand will be more than familiar with the voice of Jimmy Barnes, as Cold Chisel were heroes down under. Of his solo albums, this is his best effort and he is joined by an amazing bunch of muso’s to help him along. The record company gave Jimmy the big push with this one. Mike Stone produced most of the record however, Desmond Child did his thing on two tracks. Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Randy Jackson, Huey Lewis, and Joe Lynn Turner all appear, so no expense was spared.

I’m not sure if anybody has ever called Jimmy Barnes smooth, but this record is a very slick and smooth sounding record with a killer blues tone to the proceedings. There is not a bad moment on the whole record if we are being honest, but as usual it’s the more up tempo rockin’ tracks that do it for me and Lessons In Love is one of the best melodic rock tracks you will ever hear. Not only does Jimmy sing his ass off but Neal Schon lays down the perfect guitar accompaniment and has you wishing they had held back on the fade out.

So many good songs on one record should be a criminal offence, and why Barnes never reached mega status is a massive head scratcher for me. Every wannabe vocalist should listen to this to see how it’s done. Great record.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

CARR JAM – 21

October 21, 2024 /

So, what’s this all about then? This is the fourth instalment of a series of charitable releases in tribute to the late great Eric Carr of Kiss. Most of the musicians taking part are Swedish and the production is top drawer.

The EP is all covers of Kiss released tunes. In fact, the first track Eyes Of Love has Eric himself on vocals. Killer tune with a great swing to the groove and the hook and chorus are infectious. Love Her All I Can is next up, a Paul Stanley tune and it sounds killer. Can You Feel It rolls on in and it’s a tune written by Eric and Bruce Kulick that has Wig Wam’s Age Stan Nilsen on vocals. Another Ace tune gets an airing next with Snow Blind and Dregen on the box does a good Ace impression. The EP closes out with I’ve Had Enough (Into The Fire) with Mats Levin on vocals, and I would say this is my favourite cover of the bunch.

Records like this are so often train wreck material but this is rather good with a decent production.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

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