THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: music review (Page 481 of 493)

ALANIS MORISSETTE – Live at London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire

January 20, 2021 /

Now before we get started, I will own up to avoiding acoustic albums like the plague as I always viewed them as a bit of a cop out and more often than not it’s not the way the music was meant to be presented. So what made me cave you wonder? Well I am a big fan of Ms. Morrissette’s voice, and with the clarity of the recording, and the power of that voice with just a pair of acoustic guitars as backing, I could not resist.

What you get here is her amazing break up album Jagged Little Pill played in its entirety, although not in order, with 4 other tracks that fit in with the theme. There are no overdubs here its a warts-n-all recording, which makes it a superb document. There are lots of little comments that obviously make her feel more comfortable, as well as the crowd, and add some fun to the occasion. Also she makes some cool little lyric changes to make things more current.

I won’t dissect this song by song as it think it distracts from the beauty of the whole piece. Each song feels as though she is telling you individually about the trails and tribulations of her life at the time, as it sounds as though she is in the room with you. You can feel the pain and the anguish!!! I love all of this and if you can track one down, get it! This is a RSD Black Friday release and was limited to 7000 copies worldwide.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

LED ZEPPELIN – II

January 20, 2021 /

Quite a daunting prospect to review such an iconic album that is loved by so many. I will say this before we get into it, I’m not a big fan of Zeppelin for many reasons, but mainly I thought that they were so self absorbed and arrogant, and I managed to catch them live at Knebworth and they weren’t great.

Anyway on to the review, this is probably my favourite Zeppelin album along with Physical Graffiti. I actually bought this back in ’73 mainly to see what all the fuss was about. It’s quite amazing how many classic Zep songs are on this album. Things start off with probably the most iconic of them all, Whole Lotta Love, or the Top of the Pops theme if you’re British. 1969 this came out, and when you consider it’s over 50 years old it stands up really well with that easily recognizable riff and Plants amazing vocal. Plenty of improv guitar sounds from Page in the middle section to keep everyone amazed, wondering how does he do that? This leads into the bluesy What Is and What Should Never Be, and then boom, another classic, The Lemon Song. Then the only weak song on the album, which stops it from getting the full 10 with Thank You.

Flip it over onto Side 2 and Heartbraker pounds in with that simple but iconic riff played by guitar and bass with a Plant trademark wailing vocal. More Page histrionics in the middle 8 before the groove picks up pace. Living Loving Maid is next and another top Plant vocal. Classic after classic as Ramble On is next, which starts with an almost folky vibe before it kicks in with that heavy groove. Moby Dick is next, another classic, which would always be Bonham’s showpiece when playing live. Then it’s album closer the bluesy Bring It On Home with another killer riff and it’s all over.

As I mentioned earlier, it’s my fave Zeppelin album as it’s the only one I can listen to all the way through without getting bored and lifting the needle. Best track is probably Heartbreaker and it falls into the everyone should own one category.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

J.J. CALE – Naturally

January 19, 2021 /

Yet another artist that had passed me by until about ten years ago. Sometimes you are so in touch with a scene so closely that you go though life with blinkers on and there is so much that you let go. J.J. Cale being a case in point.

Naturally, was – I do believe – Cale’s first album release back in ’72. What would be described as Americana today, it has a very rootsy feel as it incorporates blues, country, jazz, and rock. A lot of songs you will recognize as they have been covered by a who’s-who of artists, namely Magnolia, and After Midnight, which became more famous as a Clapton song. Cale has a very smokey, husky tone to his voice, and a very simple clean bluesy tone to his playing – which suits the songs perfectly.

Sadly, Cale is no longer with as he passed away in 2013. A very enjoyable and relaxing record recommended to any fans of Americana.

7/10 from The Grooveman.

ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES IN THE DARK – Architecture & Morality

January 19, 2021 /

Back in the mists of time, 1981 to be precise, a 21 year old me would not give this the time of day – mainly due to the fact I was wrapped up in the whole NWOBHM scene and the burgeoning thrash metal scene from the States. These guys with frilly shirts and haircuts were so far off my radar, I let them pass me by.

This synth pop band from Liverpool first came to prominence through the singles Electricity and Enola Gay, and everyone thought one hit wonder and goodbye, but no! When this came out I remember the NME going nuts over it, as it was heralded as forerunner in electronic experimental music.

Having gotten older and my musical tastes have broadened over the years, I have come to appreciate albums like this a lot more. It’s not all experimental as it does have its pop moments, as the singles Souvenir and Joan of Arc demonstrate. Quite basic by today’s standards of electronic music, but it stands out as a time capsule of the period, and you can hear their influences in modern day electronic music.

6/10 from The Grooveman.

« Older posts Newer posts »

Archives

© 2026 THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑