THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: vinyl of the day (Page 19 of 474)

POISON – Native Tongue

December 27, 2024 /

Album number four for the sleazy glam ones, only this time, they were not so glam or sleazy. With the hiring of Richie Kotzen they went for a bit more credibility with the songs. Even though this was released in ’93, which was grunge central, the album still went gold in the US. Richie Kotzen looms large all over this album, not only did he gain a new wife (oops) but he brought a sense of his trademark R’n’B blues sound to the music.

Hardcore poison fans hate this album and I can see why, but I really like it. Stay Alive, Body Talk, Bring It Home, Aint That The Truth, Strike Up The Band, and my favourite Bastard Son Of A Thousand Blues are all really great songs. If any of you want to know what a Richie Kotzen solo album sounds like with Brett Michaels on vocals, you should give this album a spin.

Cool record.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

KIK TRACEE – No Rules

December 22, 2024 /

A perfect example of a one and they’re done glam metal band that appeared too late and were swept away by the great grunge unpleasantness. Slaughter’s Dana Strum had a big hand in the creation of this album. Not only did he produce the album, but he also arranged it and had a hand in writing five of the songs.

This album was released in ’91 and spawned two singles Don’t Need Rules and the rock ballad You’re So Strange. Pretty predictable major label formula. Don’t Need Rules is not a bad song if I’m being honest, with a nice groove and riff. I also really like the sleazy version of Mrs. Robinson by Simon And Garfunkel. In fact, there are quite a few highlights to give your ears a good rockin’.

Trash City has a killer sleazy riff and groove as does Hard Time. Generation Express has that roots Americana vibe added to the sleaze. My favourite however, is Tangerine Man because I love the intro, and that hook and chorus is perfect. You can hear why they were compared to GnR and LA Guns as they have that similar vibe and sound, with a hint of old school Aerosmith thrown in as well.

They started recording a follow up to this, but everything fell away.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

RATT – Detonator

December 22, 2024 /

This was album five for Ratt and was also the last of the prime time releases, as it came out in 90 and it would be another nine years before their next one.

They also drafted in Desmond Child to help on production and songwriting to give them a push for that elusive hit single. It sort of worked as Lovin’ You’s A Dirty Job and Giving Yourself Away broke into the charts. However, I think Shame Shame Shame and All Or Nothing are much better songs because they are what Ratt do best with their cool rock/pop groove.

Not their best effort as nothing comes close to Out Of The Cellar, but anything with Warren DeMartini on is worth listening to.

7/10 from The Grooveman.

SCAR SYMMETRY – The Singularity (Phase1 Neohumanity)

December 22, 2024 /

Released back in 2014, this was the first in a trilogy of albums and I think we are still waiting on the third. They seem to change members with alarming frequency and yet that doesn’t seem to stop them from releasing grade A quality tunes, and this album is no exception.

The lead off track Neohuman pounds along with a killer groove and I love the mix of clean and dark vocals. I mentioned in a previous review of one of their albums that they are DT on steroids, and I still think that’s an accurate description. Limits To Infinity emphasizes the Prog like quality of their vocal harmonies and also shows just how melodic they can be, mixing it with some seriously heavy riffs and grooves. Killer stuff!

Cryptic Harvest sounds so majestic and epic at the intro and then it gives way to the expected crunch and heaviness. The Spiral Timeshift is power metal awesomeness that drives along with double kicks a plenty wrapped in harmonic goodness. Massive shout out to Per Nilsson whose axe work is a revelation all throughout this record.

The short instrumental piece Children Of The Integrated Circuit is just sublime that shows of Per’s incredible melody and tone. Neuromancer is so freakin’ heavy it pounds your brain into submission. The album closes out with Technocalyptic Cybergeddon, over 10 minutes of jaw dropping intensity.

Great record! You can buy this album or live under a rock! Your choice!

9.5/10 from The Grooveman.

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