THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: album review (Page 73 of 469)

Priestess – Prior To The Fire

March 18, 2024 /

Sometimes bands just don’t help themselves. For instance, here we have a band that released a double album plus a seven inch single and decided to put no identifiers on any of the labels. Never mind what track it is, but you have no clue as to what side you are playing.  

This is the Quebec retro rockers’ second album released on independent Tee Pee records in 2010. They sound like (on this record at least) a cross between Kyuss and early Mastodon, and maybe the MC5 with a touch of Sabbath. Yeah I know, it’s hard to get a handle on them.

My favourite tune is The Firebird. It’s a heavy punked up rocker with a killer retro solo. The production is very clear and raw, which I think suits the groove they are playing.

7.5/10 from The Grooveman.

MOTLEY CRÜE – Saints Of Los Angeles

March 18, 2024 /

This album actually came out in 2008 and was the last proper studio album they released. Sure, there have been live albums and such but that’s sixteen years between albums. These guys are just milking the audience by retiring and coming back playing the same old songs again and again. The only one of the four I have time for is Mick Mars, the others… not so much.

Anyway, it’s about the music right? Hmmmm…! This album doesn’t really feel like a Crüe record as there are a lot of outside influences, namely DJ Ashba and James Michael who get a credit on nearly every song, so it has a modern vibe to it (well, for sixteen years ago anyway). Face Down In The Dirt and Animal In Me are good songs but it’s all a bit average really and it sounds as though they have forgotten how to be Motley Crue.

I’m interested to see what John 5 brings to the band as he is a great player.

7/10 from The Grooveman.

CHILDS PLAY – Rat Race

March 18, 2024 /

This is for lovers of good old shit kicking rock and roll.

The album’s title is Rat Race but it’s nowhere to be seen on the cover other than the song of the same name. Coming from that hot bed of rock n’ roll Maryland, the band first appeared in ’86 with an EP called Ruff House, and it wasn’t until ’90 that this album was unleashed. Musically, they fit in with all the sleaze glam scene over in LA but they have that little bit more balls and rock harder.

I am a sucker for riff heavy straight up rock and these guys give me just that. The first three tracks Good old Rock And Roll, Day After Night, and Rat Race are all kick ass rockers driven by the almighty riff and a great driving groove all giving me just what I want. It’s a toss up between Knock Me Out and Bang Bang for favourite tune as they both have that killer groove and riff to match. Both fun tunes!

I managed to snag a copy from drummer John Allen, I think there are only 200 available.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

HARDLINE – Double Eclipse

March 18, 2024 /

The classic first album was released back in ’92 and this is the recent reissue on Real Gone Music. Of course, I have had the CD since forever ago and it’s cool to final have a copy on vinyl.

The band broke up after touring this album and the obvious reunion (sort of) happened in 2002. I think the brief for this project was to do something that had a harder edge but still having the melody and hooks, and for the most part they succeeded.

There are some great banging tunes lurking in these grooves and Rhythm In A Red Car is up there with the best. Schon is really riffing it up big time with a monster guitar sound and the beat just drives this beauty home. Killer track! Of course the huge power ballads can’t be held at bay and Change Of Heart should keep the aor brigade drooling.

It’s the uptempo rockers that really do it for me, Schon was born to play these type of songs. Life’s A Bitch, Dr. Love, and Takin’ Me Down all hit the spot. Hot Cherie I think did some business as a single and gave the band a push in the right direction, this is the only song where my brain thinks Journey.  Bad Taste is a close second for best tune as this baby drives along at a great pace with a super catchy hook and chorus, and I love the main riff and solo.

Overall, this is a very good record and is as welcome addition to my collection and maybe to yours too.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

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