REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: vinyl records (Page 155 of 491)

SKID ROW – All Access Live

I think this originally was a Japanese only release, but this version is from the box set released last year. By the time Subhuman Race was released, they could no longer be considered a hair band. This is a full on raw metal show, warts and all, just as it should be.

There are only six tracks to wet your whistle with here and two of them are covers. A rip roaring version of Judas Priest’s Delivering The Goods, and an insane version of The Ramones Psycho Therapy. However, my favourite track is Monkey Business, it’s a killer tune anyway but hearing this blowout version really puts a smile on my face. Don’t forget, they toured with Pantera around this time and they held their own every night.

I’m not sure you can buy this without buying the box set, but it’s a fun addition to anyone’s collection.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

POUNDHOUND – Pineappleskunk

If you listen to all the solo albums that the members of KingsX have released you can hear how the X music comes together. The first five KingsX albums are all classic, and then it all went a bit weird. However, the releasing of solo material also diluted the well of music that they drew from for group efforts.

This is Doug’s second album under the Poundhound name. The format is stripping the sound down and keeping it simple with that huge bass tone front and centre. When this album is on, boy is it on. Jumpin’ just does what  it says on the tin as that’s what you will be doing soon as that huge groove hits you. Mind is just a simple, huge riff and funky bass groove with such a beautiful hook and chorus line that sends goosebumps to all the right places. The rest of the album does have a tendency to wander and therefore loses focus at times.

Doug is all about the soul and groove, and when they come together this album really shines.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

FAITH OR FEAR – Punishment Area

One of the lesser known bands from the thrash explosion. These guys hail from New Jersey and they sound like old school an Anthrax/Megadeth hybrid with more of a hardcore edge.

This is their first album, originally released on Combat in the US, this is a UK version on Under One Flag. They have all the moves and chord progressions that were stock back in the day and I really love the naivety and energy they throw into every song, you forget this is nearly forty years old. It’s hard to pick a favourite as I love all of them but I’m going for C.D.S. Killer, an old school headbangin’ instep riffage.

It’s really weird how a band gets chosen out of a bunch of equally talented bands with similar sounds and grooves. If I was an A&R guy I would have picked these guys hands down.

A great fun album.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

SNARKY PUPPY – We Like It Here

Hopefully most of you will have at least heard of this jazz fusion collective. They are one of the best live experiences on the planet. I first heard this through a DVD I purchased and was so blown away that I just had to have a vinyl copy of it.

Believe it or not, this is a live album that was recorded and filmed in Holland. A very unique set up as the audience was mostly in the middle and the band around the edge in what was a quite a small space, considering how many musicians there were. I think there are 20 musicians so you get an idea how cramped it was.

I will give special mention to two of them however, Larnell Lewis on drums who I have to say is other worldly as he keeps the beat and groove going when every one around him is improvising, plus his solo in What About Me is absolutely amazing. Also a mention to Cory Henry on keys whose solo in Lingus is incredible and I’m not sure I have seen anyone improv as awesome as this anywhere.

In short, I implore all of you to beg, borrow, or steal a copy either on vinyl or the DVD/CD package as you will NOT be disappointed. Killer stuff!

10/10 from The Grooveman.

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