THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: music review (Page 355 of 493)

LED ZEPPELIN – Physical Graffiti

November 24, 2021 /

This is the sixth album from the band, and I think I mentioned when I reviewed Led Zep 2, that they are not my favourite band in the world. I only really like two of their albums and this is the second. I actually bought this on its first week of release as the hype surrounding it was off the charts, and this was way before social media. I remember feeling slightly underwhelmed after playing it through for the first time.

Side 2 is probably the best side of Zeppelin music out there with tracks like Houses Of The Holy, Trampled Under Foot, and Kashmir, it doesn’t get better than that in Zeppelin heaven. In My Time Of Dying is really cool as they sort of go back to their roots and visit the blues. The Wanton Song does it for me also with the simple riff and that big drum sound that only Bonzo could get. It’s all a bit too rambling if I’m honest, and I think this could have been a stellar single album, but what do I know right?

8/10 from The Grooveman.

DEEP PURPLE – The House Of Blue Light

November 23, 2021 /

This is the second album after the band’s return after their disbandment in ’75. Also, this lineup is what most regard as the classic Purple Mk2 version. Blackmore seemed to be loving this at the time (we all know what transpired later), but he brought with him a more commercial edge to the band after his stint with taking Rainbow in that direction. In fact, the opening track Bad Attitude is a very commercial sounding track and was released as a single – as well as Call Of The Wild.

It’s a good album and it definitely has its moments, but there does seem to be that spark missing from proceedings. Even when we get to speedier songs like Mad Dog, it all seems a bit to polished and the edge has been removed. It’s not until we get to The Spanish Archer when the vibe has that old Purple feel to it, and that’s in the intro. It’s ironic that the best track on the album is the last one, Dead Or Alive, as it does rock quite well and has a light shining to the past.

It’s nowhere near their best effort, but there is still enough here to keep the most discerning rock fan happy.

7.5/10 from The Grooveman.

RAINBOW – Long Live Rock n Roll

November 23, 2021 /

This is the last of (what I call) the classic Rainbow and Blackmore albums before he went in a more commercial direction. Depending who you believe (Richie or Ronnie), this was Dio’s last involvement with Rainbow. Richie said Ronnie was becoming lazy and disillusioned, and he didn’t like the fact that the band were Richie Blackmore’s Rainbow, so he decided to remove Ronnie and get another singer in. Dio says he left the band because he did not want to go in a commercial direction and wanted to carry on the way things were. ‘m sure the real reason is somewhere between the two, and we will never know for sure.

Even though this is the weakest album with Dio, it still has some kick as moments. The title track is a killer opening and is just classic Blackmore with that trademark simple riff. Gates Of Babylon is just an epic piece of rock and one of my favourite Rainbow tunes. Kill The King, which opens Side 2, is another beast of a song. There is some great playing by Blackmore on this record, in fact, some of his best.

Dio must have loved this record as he was playing Kill The King and Gates of Babylon in his live shows. It’s an end of an era album for sure, as Rainbow were never the same after this as Blackmore wanted to explore different things.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

TY TABOR – Alien Beans

November 22, 2021 /

In his day job, he is one third of one of the greatest bands to draw breath (well the first 5 albums for sure) – and that band is KingsX. I love Ty’s playing, and his tone and groove are like no one else out there.

This is a double album from 2017. The first album is all originals for this release, and the second part is a remix Best Of from his other solo material. It’s quite hard to separate his music from KingsX, as that tone and feel are what drives both projects along. This feels like a KingsX album without Dug and Jerry, but it’s one of Ty’s best efforts as a solo or project outside the X. All the songs are superbly written and played, and I love the tone on his voice. His love of The Beatles and their harmonies is here for all to hear, especially on tracks like So Here’s To You. Back It Down is the track that I would say sounds like something away from his customary sound, and this track has a very modern rock sound to it. My personal favourite is Heavily Twisted as I love the melancholic vibe to the piece.

If you’re a Ty or Kings X fan then you will probably have this, but if you’re not, give it a try as it’s a really enjoyable record.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

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