THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: music review (Page 127 of 485)

WAR – Galaxy

November 3, 2023 /

Now, I have mentioned my love for killer 70’s funk and instrumental groove albums a few times. But, I also have a bad habit of buying records upon hearing one killer tune. This album by War released back in ’77 is one of those records.

The title track is a pure gold, a funk classic that has a groove and vibe to die for. It deserves a 10/10 rating on its own. The only other track that comes close to that level of groove is the end of the fourteen minute The Seven Tin Soldiers. War have had chart success in their career with some soul classics but it’s the funk that I love, which when they do it, they do it so well.

As I mentioned, the title track is killer and if you can pick the album up cheap enough it’s worth it.

7/10 from The Grooveman.

COVET – Catharsis

November 2, 2023 /

Now, if you’re into guitar music and guitar players and you have not heard of Yvette Young over the past few years, then I’m guessing you may have been trapped in a cave or you may have left this planet all together. She is such a breath of fresh air in what has become seemingly an Olympic event with modern guitarists to see how many notes and sweeps you can squeeze into the smallest amount of time. Her note choices and sense of melody, coupled with the way she plays is breathtaking and the sheer joy on her face will tell you when she plays it is her definite happy place.

I love all of this album and find it such a calming experience to listen to. If you’re expecting shred city then forget it. There are no wasted notes here, just beauty. It’s hard to pick a favourite but I will go with either Firebird or Merlin as these are the two tracks that resonate with me the most as the melody and groove are so cool on them both.

Do yourself a favour and buy this record, you will not regret it.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

DIVING FOR PEARLS – s/t

November 2, 2023 /

This is a very classy and well-produced AOR masterpiece, recorded and put out in ’89. At the time the relevant music press were falling over themselves to heap praise on Diving For Pearls and comparing them to Journey. Yet, for all the good vibes they were getting it didn’t translate into sales, and other than their second album that didn’t come out till 2005, that was it for the band.

The lead off single Gimme Your Good Lovin’ did quite well in the US, reaching #50 in the Billboard chart and is probably the best thing the band put out. It’s a killer tune and my personal favourite from the album. Other notable tracks are Never On Monday where the band up the tempo somewhat to deliver a melodic gem; You’re All I Know which is a very similar tune but with a hook and chorus to die for; Keep Your Love Alive which reminds me of It Bites with a great pop/rock groove; and lastly, the killer album closer The Girl Can’t Stop It.

Hats off to David Prater for a crystal clear production that really brings out the best in the music. Great band that should have done so much more.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

DANGEROUS TOYS – s/t

October 30, 2023 /

When I heard that vocalist Jason McMaster had left Watchtower to hook up with these guys I was a bit confused, as you can’t get much further apart in musical terms than those two bands. However, it all makes sense when you play this record as his voice fits like a glove and this album actually sold really well and was certified gold.

The two singles open up the album: Teas’m Pleas’m and Scared. This was a really good call as they are the most commercial tracks. Scared is a great tune and my favourite on the album.

It’s the deeper cuts that do it for me though. Bones In The Gutter has a crazy little groove and nice riff. Take Me Drunk is funky as hell and the hook and chorus are awesome. Outlaw has a crazy opening riff and a cool middle section.

Dangerous Toys are not your typical sleaze band and there’s a lot going on here if you give it time.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

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