THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: vinyl records (Page 123 of 491)

FORTUNE – S/T

November 29, 2023 /

We are transporting ourselves to AOR heaven today with one of the genre’s forgotten classics. Fortune actually recorded their debut album in ’78, but then somewhat disappeared only to return in ’85/with this AOR classic. Think Toto crossed with Journey and you should get the picture.

There are a few syrupy ballads to contend with but the more uptempo melodic rockers do shine through. The Thrill Of It All opens up the album and is by far my favourite tune on the album. It has a nice, powerful riff and groove mixed with a killer hook and chorus, and you can see why they were signed. Dearborn Station could be a left over Journey song, with Larry Greene sounding like Steve Perry at times. Lonely Hunter, which opens Side 2 , is another one of the harder rockin’ tracks where the guitar sits front and centre, while the keys take more of a back seat.

The band seem to have the gift of being able to write a catchy hook and chorus at will, coupled with a crisp Kevin Beamish production, you can see why AOR fans rate this album highly.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

KATMANDU – S/T

November 27, 2023 /

Dave King was part of the original Fastway band that were put together after Fast Eddie left Motorhead, and he stayed there until they disbanded. Dave put Katmandu together with ex-Krokus member, Mandy Meyer. This is the only album that the band put out, and Dave now resides in the band Flogging Molly. One and they’re done!

There are so many bands that didn’t get passed that first album and I guess there are a million reasons why. If you don’t get that one big song to tie the album to, then it’s definitely uphill all the way. This album falls into that category. It’s a solid record, but it just misses that one stand out song. When The Rain Comes is a killer track, but it has zero appeal for a single. It’s got a killer bluesy groove and riff, and I love Dave’s voice. Warzone also rocks like a mutha, and takes it for my favourite tune.  

Still a very enjoyable listen.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

DR. FEELGOOD – Private Practice

November 27, 2023 /

When you think of Dr. Feelgood, you automatically think of Wilko Johnson with that crazed expression on his face moving manically all over the stage, and Lee Brilleaux with the stained white suit giving you the evil stare. This band oozed menace, but they were so good live. It’s ironic then that the biggest hit they ever had didn’t feature Wilko, because he left the band in ’77.

Milk And Alcohol was a ripping single with a killer riff, and it actually made the top ten in the UK, you can’t go wrong with a shuffle. If only real bands had a chance to do that today. There is another track here that I wished they had released as a single, that’s Take A Tip. It has a much busier riff and groove but it’s so cool. I think it would have done better than Down At The Doctors, which is a also great tune but it doesn’t make you want to move like Take A Tip.

There are no original members left alive which is sad, but they left behind some great old school rockin’ R’n’B.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

CINDERELLA – Still Climbing

November 27, 2023 /

I have to say, I was amazed that this album actually came out on a major label. Every other “Hair” band at the time were being released from contracts, as the musical landscape had changed so much in such a short space of time. Tom Keifer was certainly ahead of the curve with steering the band down a more bluesier approach, as nearly every new rock band today have done the same. The album had some rough reviews upon its release, which were totally unfounded as a lot of journalists just wanted to be hip to what was now relevant, but me… I love it!

Cinderella are still one hell of a rock and roll band, and there are some smokin’ tracks for you to savour. Bad Attitude Shuffle opens the album with some old school blues swagger before that very familiar Cinderella groove kicks in. All Comes Down has that kind of Aerosmith swing, it’s one of my favourite tunes. Freewheelin’ is my favourite tune however, this is the one song that would be at home on any of their albums. It’s got a kickass uptempo groove with some great slide playing, and Keifer just firing off those lyrics.

Other than a live album, that was it from Cinderella. It’s a shame because you feel like they had more than four albums in them.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

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