THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

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AUTOGRAPH – Get Off Your Ass

March 20, 2025 / / 0 Comments

This album was released back in 2017 when Steve Lynch and Randy Rand were still in the band. Although, I don’t think there are any original members left in the band now as Randy Rand died and I guess Steve just stepped aside.

Now, if you remember the classic first three Autograph albums fondly like I do, then this will feel like a pale imitation because the songs are nowhere near as good. It totally feels like a different band and the main reason for that is the vocals. Simon Daniels is not Steve Plunkett. Another little gripe I have is the drum sound. It sounds muffled and feels as though your needle needs cleaning.

Favourite song? Mmm, well maybe Watch Me Now because the riff is pretty cool as is the guitar sound. In fact, Aerosmith comes to mind in places. You wonder if the band themselves realize that they don’t sound like Autograph because the last track is a live rendition of Turn Up the Radio, just to jog everyone’s memory.

The record is okay but far from great.

6/10 from The Grooveman.

EUROPE – Prisoners In Paradise

March 20, 2025 / / 0 Comments

This was Europe’s fifth album that was released in ’91 and was the last before they went on hiatus, only to reconvene for 2004’s Start From The Dark. I get why they disappeared, because melodic rock wasn’t the flavour of the month but they went out on a high as this is one hell of a record.

Kee Marcello is the axeman on this one and he rips up a storm all throughout the album. If I’m pushed, I would say this is my favourite Europe album because from front to back there is not a bad note played. Who says talent shows don’t produce good bands? Europe are living proof that that’s not the case.

Fave song? Well, that’s a tough choice because every song has a killer hook and chorus but Seventh Sign just nicks it for me. Superb riff and groove that swings so right and you can’t help but sing a long to this one.

Yet another album in a long line of you should own this one.

9.5/10 from The Grooveman.

GOTTHARD – Domino Effect

March 18, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Gotthard are a melodic rock band that appeared right at the height of grunge (now that’s a novelty) in ’92 and have since recorded 14 studio albums. This is their eighth album, released in 2007.

They are from Switzerland and every album they have released has gone to number in their home country. Now, that’s very impressive and yet, I’m stunned how many people have never heard anything by them when I bring them up in conversation.

Founded by guitarist Leo Leoni and vocalist Steve Lee, they have consistently put out killer albums that deserve a place in your collection, and this album is one of my favourites. Full to the brim of killer tunes it’s really hard to pick a favourite track. Yup, there are ballads, but they fit perfectly into the running order of the album and with Steve’s voice they definitely pull at the heart strings.

I’m going to cheat here and pick three favourite songs because this album is so freaking good: Master Of Illuison, The Cruiser, and Bad To The Bone. Each one is a banger, with killer riffs, huge hooks and choruses, and you’ll be wondering why these guys aren’t a household name (well, they are in Switzerland).

You should definitely search this one out as it’s a nailed on banger.

10/10 from The Grooveman.

RAILWAY – Welcome Tonite

March 18, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Railway are a hard rock/metal band from Germany. This is album number five of the six they originally released, and it came out in ’93 through SPV. According to the band’s guitarist/vocalist, they did everything themselves with virtually no help from the label.

There are a couple of stinkers on the album (Let It Be) but otherwise it is a highly enjoyable romp through the 10 songs. Steelhorse Riding is a really great song with a fast pounding groove and killer riff to match that any band of this genre would have been proud of. The one thing that did surprise me was how good the vocal harmonies were, they lift the hooks and chorus to a high level.

I know it’s not Railway’s best effort but it has its moments, and if you see it cheap then it’s worth getting just for Steelhorse Riding.

7/10 from The Grooveman.

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