THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: vinyl of the day (Page 54 of 450)

MOTLEY CRÜE – Saints Of Los Angeles

March 18, 2024 /

This album actually came out in 2008 and was the last proper studio album they released. Sure, there have been live albums and such but that’s sixteen years between albums. These guys are just milking the audience by retiring and coming back playing the same old songs again and again. The only one of the four I have time for is Mick Mars, the others… not so much.

Anyway, it’s about the music right? Hmmmm…! This album doesn’t really feel like a Crüe record as there are a lot of outside influences, namely DJ Ashba and James Michael who get a credit on nearly every song, so it has a modern vibe to it (well, for sixteen years ago anyway). Face Down In The Dirt and Animal In Me are good songs but it’s all a bit average really and it sounds as though they have forgotten how to be Motley Crue.

I’m interested to see what John 5 brings to the band as he is a great player.

7/10 from The Grooveman.

CHILDS PLAY – Rat Race

March 18, 2024 /

This is for lovers of good old shit kicking rock and roll.

The album’s title is Rat Race but it’s nowhere to be seen on the cover other than the song of the same name. Coming from that hot bed of rock n’ roll Maryland, the band first appeared in ’86 with an EP called Ruff House, and it wasn’t until ’90 that this album was unleashed. Musically, they fit in with all the sleaze glam scene over in LA but they have that little bit more balls and rock harder.

I am a sucker for riff heavy straight up rock and these guys give me just that. The first three tracks Good old Rock And Roll, Day After Night, and Rat Race are all kick ass rockers driven by the almighty riff and a great driving groove all giving me just what I want. It’s a toss up between Knock Me Out and Bang Bang for favourite tune as they both have that killer groove and riff to match. Both fun tunes!

I managed to snag a copy from drummer John Allen, I think there are only 200 available.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

HARDLINE – Double Eclipse

March 18, 2024 /

The classic first album was released back in ’92 and this is the recent reissue on Real Gone Music. Of course, I have had the CD since forever ago and it’s cool to final have a copy on vinyl.

The band broke up after touring this album and the obvious reunion (sort of) happened in 2002. I think the brief for this project was to do something that had a harder edge but still having the melody and hooks, and for the most part they succeeded.

There are some great banging tunes lurking in these grooves and Rhythm In A Red Car is up there with the best. Schon is really riffing it up big time with a monster guitar sound and the beat just drives this beauty home. Killer track! Of course the huge power ballads can’t be held at bay and Change Of Heart should keep the aor brigade drooling.

It’s the uptempo rockers that really do it for me, Schon was born to play these type of songs. Life’s A Bitch, Dr. Love, and Takin’ Me Down all hit the spot. Hot Cherie I think did some business as a single and gave the band a push in the right direction, this is the only song where my brain thinks Journey.  Bad Taste is a close second for best tune as this baby drives along at a great pace with a super catchy hook and chorus, and I love the main riff and solo.

Overall, this is a very good record and is as welcome addition to my collection and maybe to yours too.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

GARY MOORE – Wild Frontier

March 12, 2024 /

The ever chameleon-like Irish guitarist Gary Moore is trying a Celtic approach with this album. He is forever searching for that formula that gives him success and happiness. Of course, he was accused of bandwagon jumping as that whole Celtic sound was big at the time.

This album feels a bit like a bits and pieces record. I’m not sure if that’s due to the different producers on the album or if that’s what Gary was looking for. Over The Hills (which opens up the album) is Gary at his best. A killer melody and hook, and he rips in when appropriate. Wild Frontier has a hint of Thin Lizzy about it and is a very commercial sounding track, plus the solo is short but soooo good.

Take A Little Time is Gary doing power pop and him making sure to get that Celtic influenced line in there to keep the theme going. The Loner is just WOW! The opening reminds me of his Colosseum days and the rest of the song reminds me of what was yet to come. Killer playing! I could have done without the cover of Friday On My Mind as it does nothing for me. Yeah, the solo is cool but… meh!

Strangers In The Darkness reminds of something else but I can’t put my finger on it. It’s an okay ballad that he sings very well and the guitar tone is killer. Thunder Rising again revisits that Lizzy vibe, and is a nice uptempo rocker with a cool melody. The album closes out with Johnny Boy, a traditional Irish arrangement that brings a tear to the eye.

It’s cool to go back and listen to this record after all this time, Gary is missed greatly.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

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