THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: vinyl records (Page 2 of 478)

TIGRES – Take It All

April 20, 2025 / / 0 Comments

I don’t know a whole bunch about Spanish rock and metal bands, the only one that made it further than Spain were Baron Rojo. Tigres had been around in various guises before settling on their name, and I think this was the only album they released in ´88.

The choice of the opening track is very strange. They covered the song Black is Black by Spanish one hit wonders Los Bravos. It doesn’t give off the right message that’s for sure. At best, they come off as a bargain basement Judas Priest and at worst, any Friday night wannabe rock band. If it wasn’t for guitarist Albert Pont I would have removed this from my collection a long time ago. He has a great tone and can really play, and he does lift what in general would be mediocre tunes. Winning and Guns Are Shining are perfect cases in point.

I wouldn’t spend a lot of cash on it if you see it, but if you like guitar players then it’s worth a punt.

6.5/10 from The Grooveman.

H.E.A.T – Freedom Rock

April 19, 2025 / / 0 Comments

This is a reissue of the band’s second album that originally came out in 2010. H.E.A.T’s sound has been described “as if the nineties had never happened,” while I guess that was meant as an insult from the mag it came from, it gives you a good idea of what they sound like.

Very well written melodic rock/aor with massive hooks and killer choruses are what this band excel at. They were even a runner up in Sweden’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest. They did well in picking Beg Beg Beg as the lead off single as it’s the best song on the album. Great hook and chorus with a huge feel good vibe to the song, which is present on the whole album.

If you’ve never heard of the band before this would a good starting point.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

MR.BIG – Bump Ahead

April 19, 2025 / / 0 Comments

When all melodic rock bands went into hibernation during the lean years of the 90’s, Mr. Big managed to keep it going, mainly due to the big love from Japan. It’s crazy to think that they have just called it quits with the release of their final album 10, and the subsequent farewell tour and live album.

This is the band’s third album, released back in ´93, and if I’m pushed, I would say this is my favourite. Very strong songs coupled with some killer playing makes this a must have album. When you kick off a record with a song as good as Colorado Bullfrog, you know it’s gonna be a good record. Ripping it up big time with a super fast groove and Paul Gilbert is giving it all the beans.

The cover of Free is classic Mr. Big and the inspiration for the band’s name, it is a great choice for a cover and they indeed do it justice. The cover of Wild World was released as a single and it is ok, but it doesn’t do a bunch for me. Yup, there are a couple of covers which I can forgive them for because they do them really well, but it’s the harder edged tracks that that they really shine at.

The Whole World Is Gonna Know is such a great song and Eric’s voice is just so good on this one. Other than the already mentioned Colorado Bullfrog, the track that really scratches that itch is the funky grooves of Temperamental.

Great record played by stellar musicians and a worthy addition to anyone’s collection.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

ARK – Burn The Sun

April 16, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Album number two from this oh so short lived project that I wish would have carried on for much longer. Ark were put together by ex-Conception guitarist Tore Ostby and drummer for hire John Macaluso. They would later recruit the mighty Jorn Lande on vocals and bass whizz Randy Coven on bass. I don’t think Jorn has surpassed the vocal performance he puts in here. Incredible vocals throughout, that perfectly fit the sonic landscapes created by Ostby. And for Ostby, it has to be up there with the best tunes he has created.

I have had this on CD since it was released in 2001, and I still play it regularly as it really is a freaking awesome album. The riffs and grooves are just incredible and the vocal melodies and hooks are on a different level. This album should have made them stars within the genre.

Favourite track? Well, pick any and you would not be disappointed. Today, I will pick the title track. It has a superb riff and groove, and what a powerhouse vocal performance. It gives me goosebumps every time I hear it.

This is a perfect album and if you like progressive metal then you MUST own this.

10/10 from The Grooveman.

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