THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: vinyl collection (Page 35 of 449)

VANDENBERG – 2020

June 10, 2024 /

After releasing three albums, culminating in Alibi which was released back in ’85, Vandenberg were put to sleep apparently over and done while Adrian was with Whitesnake and the brief project Moon Kings. So, I was quite surprised when Adrian resurrected the band with Ronnie Romero on vocals (well, for this album anyway).

Adopting a more harder edged approach this time around, but still with a ton of melody, this is a great record that went by largely unnoticed when it appeared in 2020.  Adrian obviously picked up some influence from Mr. Coverdale as there are a couple of tunes that could have been on any Whitesnake record. Hell And High Water being one of them is drenched in that heavy soulful blues groove and Ronnie sings those songs so well. My favourite tune is Freight Train, a straight up groove rocker with a dirty killer riff and a hook and chorus to match.

A welcome return from Vandenberg with a superb production job from Bob Marlette makes this a worthy addition to the collection.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

PINK CREAM 69 – Games People Play

June 10, 2024 /

This is album number three from one of Germany’s most underrated bands, Pink Cream 69. This was also the last for singer Andi Deris before he jumped ship to join Helloween. This version came out as part of RSD a few years ago, and just to show how record companies don’t care about vinyl at all, it was released in just a hard plastic cover. I’m sure if you are a collector you will be aware of “gassing,” where over time the plastic breaks down and adheres itself to the record. Anyhoo, enough of me moaning it’s the music we are here for.

I love this album as it was sort of a transition record moving away from the hair band grooves to a more hard rock sound, and I think no other one sounds like it. Plus it contains one of their best tunes in Keep Your Eye In The Twisted. Great groove and riff and a chorus that you will be singing constantly as it just sticks in your brain. Yes, it’s my favourite tune. Face In The Mirror and Way Down run it very close however, both are killer songs and the breakdown in Way Down is superb. And, Monday Again has to be one of the heaviest tunes the band have done with double kicks pounding all the way.

Great band and a great album.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

SEDUCE – S/T

June 10, 2024 /

I don’t know a whole bunch about these guys, other than the fact that they are from Michigan and released two albums in the mid eighties, of which this is the first. I think this is a self financed recording put out on a tiny boutique label, Psycho Mania. Their other claim to fame is that they appeared in The Decline Of Western Civilization Part 2 The Metal Years performing the song Crash Landing, which does not appear on this record.

They were never going to break into the big league but I love the raw in your face enthusiasm that screams out of every song. This was their shot and they are going for it. The production isn’t the best as there is way too much treble in the mix but that doesn’t stop the heavy metal crunch of David Black’s guitar shining through. The tracks the shake my tree are opener Viper’s Bite with a great ripping riff and pounding metal groove, and my favourite Headbangers which is halfway between NWOBHM and thrash.

For sure they weren’t gonna change the world but it sure puts a smile on your face, and it’s Fun with a capital “F”.

7.5/10 from The Grooveman.

THE ARISTOCRATS – Duck

June 6, 2024 /

Instrumental music seems to be the Discogs randomizer’s flavour of the week.

The Aristocrats are the flag wavers of the instrumental scene and they push every envelope possible to push each other creatively. Containing three of the best musicians out there they seemingly can play anything. Guthrie Govan is the best there is on guitar, as is Marco Minneman on drums, and ditto Bryan Beller on bass, they are at their creative peak.

They have outdone themselves with this one however, it’s just incredible. Aristoclub is probably the most commercial thing they’ve ever done. Taking inspiration from Technotronic and C &C Music factory you think it would be a recipe for disaster, but instead it’s their finest hour. Massive groove courtesy of Mr. Beller on bass with Guthrie playing a stunning main harmony and just a sublime solo while Marco grooves just as hard on the drums. The band shows their sense of humour with the song titles such as Hey, Where’s My Drink Package, Sittin’ With A Duck On A Bay, and This Is Not Scrotum to name a few.

Real musicians at the top of their game making incredible music, what more could you want, and the production is superb. You have to have this.

10/10 from The Grooveman.

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