THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: music (Page 352 of 454)

RACER X – Second Heat

August 30, 2021 /

There’s big line up changes from the first record here with the addition of a second guitarist in Bruce Bouillet ,and Scott Travis on drums. To say the guitar playing is incredible on this record would be an understatement. It’s everywhere and fills every spare space, and this time there is the addition of two part harmonies. It’s the addition of Travis for me that makes the biggest difference. His double kick playing is outstanding.

It all comes together on Scarified, with that lead off drum groove, and the killer playing from everyone. This has to be one of the best virtuoso instrumental pieces put to wax – all band members are shredding. Incredible track! Hammer Away is one of the finest melodic metal tracks you will hear. As well as the incredible playing, the melody and the hook were important in this track. There are two covers on the album, a great rendition of Bowie’s Moonage Daydream, and a Judas Priest song that never was in Heart Of A Lion, which was given to the band by Rob Halford (it was supposed to be on the Turbo album but never made it).

It’s astounding that the band could not get any major label backing at the time. They would only record a live album and then Paul Gilbert was approached to join Mr. Big – and that was it. They would reform to play a few shows and record a couple of more albums, but it would just be for fun and was now a side project for all concerned. Love this record and everything they have done.

9.5/10 from The Grooveman.

TESTAMENT – Demonic

August 30, 2021 /

This is one of Testament’s heaviest records. Recorded in ’97, when the whole Pantera thing was in full swing, and the sound reflects that. Even Chuck Billy’s vocals are full on growl. The only two original members are Billy himself, and Eric Peterson on guitars – plus they are joined by the amazing Gene Hoglan on drums.

Demonic is a very apt title for this record. From the very first note as the needle drops, it sounds pure evil. If you were a fan of the band around The Legacy and The New Order, then this sounds like a totally different band. Killer monster riffs and heavy grooves are high on the menu, and with Hoglan in the band, anything is possible. I do miss hearing the finesses of Alex Skolnick though. I think he is a great player and added that little something to the band.

The Demonic Refusal and The Burning Times are seriously heavy tracks, and they are a killer opening to proceedings. My favourites on the record are Jun Jun, which has an awesome groove and riff and is a tad different to the rest of the album, John Doe is another stand out track for me and the beginning is epic with massive chugga riffage. In fact nearly the whole of Side 2 is just so crushingly heavy that I like the whole Side. Special mention goes to the last track, Nostrovia, which has nods to old school thrash with a more intense drum groove – and the breakdowns are killer. Nuclear Blast have done a good job of these reissues and they sound great. A great addition to any metal fans collection.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

FRANK MARINO & MAHOGANY RUSH – Real Live Vol. 1

August 28, 2021 /

Frank’s career can be split into eras. His first was the very psychedelic trippy phase. Then he moved into the loud and brash guitar hero phase, and then finally, we came to an almost mix of the two with huge nods to the blues. This album was recorded in his latter phase, in his home town of Montreal in 2001. Don’t get me wrong, it’s chock full of the most killer guitar playing you will ever hear. This record (and Part 2) were part of RSD as limited editions.

To make the tracks fit onto two records, He’s Calling and Poppy have been split into two parts and put on two differing sides. You may also not be familiar with the versions that you hear on this record. For example, Like Voodoo Chile is way slower here and has a heavy blues groove – but jeez does Frank let it go here. Incredible playing! Plus you get an excerpt from Something’s Coming Our Way from What’s Next. His love of Hendrix is here for all to see. As well as Voodoo Chile, you get ripping versions of Red House and Crossroads.

Frank is definitely one of Rock’s greatest and most overlooked guitar players. I’m not too sure we will get to see him play live again as he has a debilitating disease that stops him playing. Other than these two RSD releases, Frank released a six hour DVD last year of a show recorded in Cleveland. I urge any of you who love guitar music to track it down. It’s a final fitting performance of one of Rock’s great guitarists.

10/10 from The Grooveman.

JOE BONAMASSA – You & Me

August 28, 2021 /

This album was the beginning of a change in fortunes for Mr. B. Before this record, he was well known within blues circles, but he was finding it hard to break through. He had recorded 4 albums before this that had been well received, but he seemed to be treading water. So for this record, grade A producer, Kevin Shirley, was brought in to give him a much needed shot in the arm. You have to say it worked rather well, as 15 years later they are still working together.

The album is a near enough 50/50 split with originals and covers, and as usual, Joe plays his ass off – only this time, due to a killer production, each song hits the spot. I know a lot of people don’t like Shirley’s style of production and the sound he gets, but you have to agree it’s a marriage made in heaven for Joe.

The emphasis on this record was to make a true blues album, and not a rock album with a hint of blues. Originals like Bridge To Better Days which is a fantastic song, and a traditional cover like Your Funeral And My Trial, just work so well here. It’s so easy to do blues covers and just play them without giving them the respect they deserve, and I think Joe does a great job here of mixing the two perfectly. If I’m pushed for a favourite I would go for Django, as Joe’s playing is so good and so emotive. Bonamassa doesn’t make bad records, and the attention to detail is second to none.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

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