THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: music (Page 348 of 454)

CHICAGO – II

September 8, 2021 /

For those of you who are familiar with Chicago as being cheesy ballad heavy schmoozers’, you will not recognize the music played on this record. Originally called Chicago Transit Authority on their first record, that was shortened to just Chicago for this their second record in 1970.

This album is quite experimental in its execution, as the band are playing around with extended arrangements and sounds. However, there were two hit singles on the record: Make Me Smile, and the one everybody’s heard of, 25 or 6 to 4. The centrepiece for the whole album is Ballet For A Girl in Buchannon, which is split into seven pieces – a very ambitious adventure. 1970 was a very turbulent time in the US with Vietnam and segregation, and this album reflects that especially on It Better End Soon. Terry Kath was a bit of a guitar whizz of the time, and his playing is very tasteful and plays for the song, but when he let loose he sure could play.

This album is very much of its time, but it’s also great to hear how amazing this band were.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

THE BLACK CROWES – Shake Your Moneymaker

September 8, 2021 /

There seems to be a million and one bands playing this type of stripped back RnB style music now, but back in ’89 there were none to speak of. So when The Black Crowes burst on the scene they were somewhat a breath of fresh air. Hailing from Marietta, Georgia, this type of southern groove is imprinted in their DNA. Everyone has heard their rendition of Hard To Handle, as this was the track that blew up the band with heavy MTV rotation and constant radio play, but there is so much more to this record.

The focal point is the soulful vocal talents of Chris Robinson, and his guitar slinging brother Rich Robinson. There is also a heavy Stones influence all over this record, especially tracks like Jealous Again, which would not have been out of place on Sticky Fingers. There are two tracks I love, Strutting Blues and Mercy, Sweet Moan – these tracks are long drawn out jams when played Live.

They have only recorded eight full length albums over the 32 years they have been a recording band, and that is due to the endless feuding between the brothers. In the great scheme of things, it’s all a bit ridiculous and childish – but what do I know? The ultimate sinking rivalry. Don’t let that detract from the music though – this is a great record.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

STARFIGHTERS – s/t

September 7, 2021 /

“Mini AC/DC” is what the media called STARFIGHTERS at the time. This was due to the sound and vibe of the band, but also the inclusion of Angus and Malcom’s nephew, Stevie Young, on rhythm guitar. They only recorded two albums, this being the first of those. It’s definitely a cross between DC and Rose Tattoo, and that’s just due to the more aggressive tone in front man Steve Burton’s vocals – who does remind me of Angry Anderson.

No reinventing the wheel here, it’s just just straight up no nonsense barroom rock n roll. Don’t Touch Me, which was a single, is one of the highlights of the album and is a fun facts rockin’ tune. There are not many bands that pull off that DC style and have made a career out of it – especially non-Aussie bands. It’s only now that the stripped down sound is making a comeback. The album is also produced by one-time DC producer, Tony Platt, so it’s no secret what sound they were going for. It’s a fun record to listen to.

7.5/10 from The Grooveman.

KING’S X – Tapehead

September 7, 2021 /

I am a massive King’s X fan, as you can tell by the name of this blog. That name came from the lead off song to this album, as it was the signature song to my business at the time. This is the band’s 7th album, and the 3rd post-break up with Sam Taylor – who was a big influence of those first records. This album follows what a lot of people thought was a disappointing album in Ear Candy, where the main influences seemed to be from Ty and his love of all things Beatles. I actually loved that record as the melodies and the softer approach were just fantastic. I would say this album is a mix between the heaviness of Dogman, and the softer Ear Candy.

Groove Machine opens the album and this is just pure King’s X. It has that heavy groove tone with the guitar and bass in unison to create the heavy riff, along with Doug’s heavy soulful vocals – that’s as trademark as it gets. Next song, Fade, was a single and a video was made – I’m not sure how it did commercially, but I love the song. Over And Over is one of those X songs that has melancholy tone that digs deep into your soul. Such a beautiful piece with a great solo. Ono has that faraway vocal technique the band have used a few times, and mixed with Ty’s fat riff, is very reminiscent of the musical environment of the time. Cupid is one of those songs that I’m not sure they would have recorded in the Sam Taylor years, as the vibe and groove are very different. It has a very grunge feel to the music, but the vocal melody has a hint of Beatles – I love it. Ocean closes out Side 1 and has Ty singing lead, and with most of his songs, the Sgt Pepper vibe is strong.

A Little Bit Of Soul opens up Side 2 with a deep low bass rumble and Doug singing in a softer tone. Another killer tune. A very melodic, Hate You, is next and you would be expecting a more aggressive tone with the subject matter. Higher Than God follows with a slow chugga riff, but has a beautiful melodic hook and chorus. One of the forgotten tracks by the band is next in Happy, and I love the deep repeating groove. The riff is something Dug would use again in his Poundhound project. Mr. Evil is something that would not have been out of place on the first 4 albums. A very slow riff and great melody and harmonies. World is a super old song, as it’s been around since the Sneak Preview days. It has a slight punky vibe to it. A weird live jam closes out the record but it’s just nonsense.

A solid 9/10 from The Grooveman.

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