THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: music (Page 336 of 454)

INXS – Kick

October 6, 2021 /

I think everyone and his dog will have heard this album at some point, or a least the raft of singles that were released from it. This is the 30th anniversary half speed master Abbey Road edition, and it sounds incredible.

For such an amazing groundbreaking and successful record, it amazes me that the album opens with such an average track with Guns In The Sky. The only thing I like about the track is how much Michael Hutchence sounds like Mick Jagger. Other than that track, this album is a pop/rock masterpiece. The band took advantage of all tools and gadgets at their disposal to make this a work of sonic genius. Tracks like New Sensation, Devil Inside, and Need You Tonight are superb songs and these are what cemented the bands legacy.

Unfortunately, Hutchence is no longer with us and so this classic sound went with him. If you can get a copy of this version I highly recommend it as it sounds superb.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

EXTREME – Three Sides To Every Story

October 6, 2021 /

This is the band’s third album and the one that followed the multi platinum smash, Pornograffiti. It was always going to be a difficult record to make as the record company wanted a carbon copy repeat, but the band wanted to try to expand their sound. The result is something in the middle of the two.

I really like this record as it’s not as immediate as the previous two, and does remind me somewhat of Queen. This is a concept album and is split into three parts: Yours, Mine and The Truth. Yours is more of a hard rock affair, a bit like the first two records in style and sound. Mine is more experimental in style and sound. For example, keyboards are more prevalent on this part. If you have only heard the CD version, you won’t have heard Don’t Leave Me Alone as it was left off the CD as it would not fit time wise. The Truth is one song in three parts and it’s almost Prog rock in its arrangement.

There are two stone cold classics on this album, namely opener Warheads, which is the Extreme everybody knows, and the absolute monster Cupid’s Dead, which carries on the funk vibe from the previous album and is always killer live. In hindsight, this was a very brave move from the band especially as grunge was swallowing all around it. They could easily have done Porno 2 to bend over for the record company, but they didn’t. Believe it or not, the band have only made 5 albums in total throughout their career. I for one wish they would have been more prolific, but alas not.

9.5/10 from The Grooveman.

MOONPARTICLE – Hurricane Esmeralda

October 5, 2021 /

Moonparticle is the brain child of one time Steven Wilson guitarist, Niko Tsonev. In fact, there are a few ex and current SW employees on this album, namely Craig Blundell on drums, Adam Holzman on Keys, Theo Travis on wind instruments, and Niko himself. It’s almost a reunion of sorts.

This is part instrumental and part vocals featuring the talents of female vocalist Grog Lise, who also plays in a band called Die So Fluid. You can see the Prog credentials of this release are very high, and the music is very Prog with lots of seventies influences but with a very modern edge. It also gives Niko a chance to show his chops. The space he was given with SW didn’t show what tools he had in the locker. The music is quite eclectic and varies in style, and Niko switches from each effortlessly.

My favourite track is the epic sounding The Strength Of A Thousand Year Rose, which as far as ballads go, is huge. Also a big mention to the instrumental track, White Light, which has a great heavy groove, and in its slower moments, reminds me of Whiter Shade Of Pale. I’m a big fan of Craig Blundell’s drumming and he is excellent on this album. I think SW dropped the ball when dispensing his services. Anyhoo, a good album.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

ROBIN TROWER – Coming Closer To The Day

October 5, 2021 /

Robin has been a solo artist for over 50 years after leaving Procul Harum in ’71. This is his 23rd solo studio album, and for me, it’s a return to the vibe and sound of his earlier albums. This was recorded as a two piece, Robin playing all guitars, bass, and vocals, and Chris Taggert playing drums. Now I know Robin is no James Dewar with his vocal style, but the tone and sound of his voice suits the music really well. Robin is now 76 years old and he is still cranking out quality music. Early in his career he was passed off as a Hendrix copyist, but there is so much more to his playing. He plays with so much feel and soul, and his tone is incredible. No one plays like this today.

My personal favourite tracks on this release are the title track, which is such a beautiful tune and his playing is just sublime. No widdly-diddly nonsense here – every note means something. Someone Of Great Renown, which has a beautiful slow funk groove – and again – superb playing, the dirty slow blues of Tell Me, which is just superb and possibly my favourite track on the album, and Don’t Ever Change just gives me goosebumps when I hear it – the tone is incredible. 23 albums in and he drops such a great album.

10/10 from The Grooveman.

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