THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: music (Page 321 of 454)

WHITE ZOMBIE – La Sexorcisto: Devil Music Volume 1

November 11, 2021 /

I’m not the biggest Rob Zombie fan. I think he has been making the same record over and over since the release of this one. Sure, there are bells and whistles and a whole bunch of technology added to the mix now, but essentially there has been nothing new for eons. Apart from John Tempesta on drums, he got rid of the whole band so he could just name the whole shebang after himself. I’m sure there were a lot of “financial” reasons for doing that because as a solo unit you make more of the cash yourself.

I quite like the B-Movie horror schtick that is interspersed throughout the whole album here, as it was new and fresh. Black Sunshine is really cool with a sub fifties groove to the beat, and an appearance from Iggy Pop. Grindhouse A Go Go is probably the best on here – he has revisited this groove and vibe a lot on the albums that came after.

The band has gotten better for sure, as you won’t get a better guitarist than John 5 in your band, but for me, I don’t need to own anything else other than this.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

DREAM THEATER – Awake

November 10, 2021 /

Whereas the previous album Images And Words was the one that brought them to worldwide attention (mainly due to the single Pull Me Under), this – their second album – was the one that cemented their status as Prog metal kings. This album is truly a superb record where they pulled out all of the stops as they knew this was their big chance – and boy did they deliver.

Everything about this album is pure class. From the intricate arrangements, wonderful melodies, and unbelievable playing, this is the album that laid down a template for every Prog metal band that came after. 6.00 is such a killer opening and contains everything I love about this era of the band. The opening to Caught In A Web is jaw droppingly amazing and has a great D-tuned riff and groove. The musicianship is just off the charts. If this was some jazz fusion supergroup the critics would be moistening themselves. I remember reading some very average reviews about this record at the time, which just blew my mind. Side 3 opens with The Mirror and Lie is as good as it gets, absolute epic stuff, and boy do I wish Mike Portnoy was still in the band.

I could go on and on about why and how awesome this record is, but you should get the message by now – and yes – every home should have one.

10/10 from The Grooveman.

BUDGIE – Nightflight

November 10, 2021 /

After the band’s return in 1980, this is the second album and Deliver Us From Evil would be the final release from that period. This is definitely the most melodic of all Budgie albums. The writing partnership between band founder, Burke Shelley, and guitarist, John Thomas, was working great and I for one was definitely surprised when they disappeared again without recording anything else until 2006.

Opening track, Turned To Stone, is a killer opening track with a great melody and hook – plus an awesome instrumental section. Keeping A Rendezvous is a cool song with a superb harmony and great guitar from Thomas. Reaper Of The Glory opens with a cool chord pattern and an almost shuffle groove. Side 1 closes out with She Used Me Up and is quite a simple riff and groove, very NWOBHM sounding.

Side 2 opens with the amazing Lay Down And Die – a great song and a killer ending. Apparatus is as close to a ballad as this band gets. Superstar is next, which is my favourite track on the album, and with a monster riff and groove, this track really swings. Change Your Ways follows and has a somewhat Beatles vibe to it but much heavier. The album closes out with Untitled Lullaby and is an acoustic piece – and if I’m honest, it’s a bit of a let down to close out the album, but it’s still a great record.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

DANKO JONES – A Rock Supreme

November 9, 2021 /

Hailing from Toronto, this is the band’s 9th studio album and continues their stripped down rock/punk sound. There are no surprises here as it’s a tried and trusted formula: short, sharp, and to the point – no frills rock n roll with attitude.

First track in, I’m In A Band, pretty much sums Danko Jones perfectly – he just wants to play the music. I spoke to him at a gig (I think it was the Mod Club) and he was a really down to earth guy and was surprised I knew who he was. Stand out tracks for me are Dance, Dance, Dance, which has a really cool groove and a god sing a long chorus, Fists Up High, which starts with a nice riff and a great choppy groove, and also Burn In Hell, which is the fastest song on the record and has Danko channeling his inner Phil Lynott – certain tones in his voice remind me so much of Phil.

If stripped back rock n roll is your thing, then this could be for you.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

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