THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: music review (Page 327 of 482)

WAYSTED – Vices

January 24, 2022 /

Having departed UFO originally to form Fastway with Motorheads Eddie Clark, (which lasted about as long as it takes drink a pint at your local), Pete decided to form his own outfit alongside Scottish vocalist Fin (Ian Muir). This is the first album that was released in ’83. The sound on this album bears no resemblance to later incarnations of the band, as it’s very much in the vein of UFO with a bit more attitude. Fin’s vocal style is a gruffer version of Phil Mogg with a raspier style.

I actually prefer this line up of the band as the songs are more rock and roll and not polished. Side 1 of the album is a great set of songs with Love Loaded opening proceedings with it’s very distinct UFO feel. Women In Chains is a bit more experimental in style, with a slow stomp beat with an almost industrial feel. Sleazy is (as the title says) – just that. Side 1 closer, Night Of The Wolf, is a big epic piece that starts real slow and picks up pace with some nice lead playing from Ronnie Kayfield.

The UFO vibe continues with Side 2 opener, Toy With The Passion, as you can almost hear Phil Mogg singing this song – it’s that close. Right From The Start has a very Springsteen style intro to the song. I would say this is my least favourite track on the album. Hit Love is a very Faces sounding track with a the basic barroom vibe. All Belongs To You has a very sleazy Aerosmith feel to the tune. Carrying on that sleazy feel, the album closes with a cover Somebody To Love.

Side 2 does not live up to Side 1, which is a shame, but it’s still a fun record to listen to.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

WALTER TROUT – The Blues Came Callin’

January 22, 2022 /

Walter is a very lucky boy indeed. After years of abusing himself with drugs and alcohol, his body decided enough is enough. During the recording of this album he was in hospital awaiting a liver transplant. The procedure was obviously successful as he is still with us today.

Understandably, he doesn’t sound great on this album, but he does give it his all. Lyrically, he is looking inward on himself and the situation he is in, and on the track Wastin’ Away, he wishes he could do it over again. Style wise, it’s a very traditional blues album with most of the songs being written by Walter himself – with just a couple of covers. One of them is by his old employer, John Mayall, with Mayall’s Piano Boogie.

Listening to this album is quite sad and uplifting at the same time. He wasn’t sure if this would be his last album, but at the same time there is a feeling of hope. I’ve seen Walter a few times down the years and he always gave it 100%. He is a great entertainer and performer. This is not Walter’s best album, that goes to the live album, No More Fish Jokes, which is amazing. But if you’re a lover of a more traditional sounding album, then this is for you.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

RAGE – Secrets In A Weird World

January 22, 2022 /

You’d be forgiven for looking at the cover, seeing the three dudes, and thinking that this was a hair rock album. Just shows images can be deceiving. This is the band’s 5th release from ’89. It’s one of their best earlier albums that occupies elements of melodic power metal with hints of Metallica in the mix. Peavy Wagner (on vocals and bass) is the only original member. He is still fronting the band today after releasing some 26 studio albums and 4 live albums – plus a myriad of Ep’s.

Stand out tracks for me are the awesome The Inner Search, which pounds away at your brain with some killer guitar playing from Manni Schmidt, the very fast Metallica riffage of Invisible Horizons, and the epic Distant Voices. Not a bad production, and you can’t really go wrong with a three piece. Not too happy with the snare sound as it sounds like a dustbin lid.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

WHITESNAKE – Slide It In

January 21, 2022 /

This is the 35th anniversary remix edition. Depending on what version you had at the time (whether the UK or the US version), you had either Mickey Moody or John Sykes on guitar. Coverdale’s ego was out of control at the time. He belittled Moody in front of Sykes after some show in Germany, and it wasn’t long after that Sykes was in the band. Coverdale was going for the pretty boy approach for the American market. As we all know, it worked wonders for him and the band as the 1987 album sold squillions, but you have to feel for Mickey Moody, Mel Galley and Bernie Marsden.

This is the last British sounding album with the heavy blues thing still very prevalent in all the songs. I’m not sure Coverdale would get away with it today, but the lyrics are very suspect and overloaded with double entendres and sexual references. Musically, the first three tracks are all classics with Slide It In, Slow An Easy, and Love Ain’t No Stranger – all crowd favourites that are killer live. Guilty Of Love is another great track that really grooves along, and Coverdale has a perfect voice for the heavy blues vibe that this band did so well.

I am used to hearing the UK version of this album, so hearing Sykes’ guitar parts and the slightly different bass lines is an odd experience. Anyway, good songs are good songs no matter how you tinker with them to rewrite history.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

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