THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: vinyl records (Page 232 of 491)

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY – Blind

November 29, 2022 /

Let’s go all the way back to ’91 with what is COC’s best album. This is a killer reissue, as not only do you get the album but you get a whole albums worth of demos and B-sides. The liner notes are a superb read as well, they actually asked Chris Cornell to join the band prior to the recording of this album. Before this album they were more of a hardcore band and there are elements of that here, but ultimately this is quite a technical metal record with some killer grooves.

Dance Of The Dead is quite simple with a basic descending riff, but it’s a really cool song with hints of Sabbath. In fact, those Sabbath tones are sprinkled liberally throughout the album. Break The Circle has a hint of hip hop with the groove and vocal.  My favourite track is the brutal Vote With a Bullet, such a dirty riff and groove that just bounces along. This is the 30th anniversary reissue and it’s rather excellent.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

IT BITES – Once Around The World

November 28, 2022 /

I bet when It BItes had a hit with Calling All The Heroes from their first album, that Virgin thought they had struck gold. I would love to have been in the room when the execs got a playback of this beauty. Produced by Steve Hillage, this is a modern prog masterpiece. Yes, there are songs with a great pop sensibility like Midnight and Kiss Like Judas, but they are tinged with these big prog arrangements.

Cards on the table time, this is one of my favourite albums ever. An absolute killer selection of tunes with melodies that send goosebumps all over your body. The production and arrangements are freakin’ amazing, there is not a bad second on the whole album. No one sings like Francis, a truly unique individual with an amazing voice and a killer guitar player as well.

Eight songs of pure joy and delight with melodies and harmonies oozing from every groove, but it’s the closing masterpiece of Once Around The World that is my favourite song. It feels like an homage to every classic prog band that has gone before them, but with a twist all of their own. A superb album that sounds huge and you should definitely add this to your ever expanding collection.

10/10 from The Grooveman.

TESTAMENT – Souls Of Black

November 28, 2022 /

Another MOV reissue of one Testament’s classic early albums. Souls Of Black was release number four for the band, and is prime time Testament. I know I have mentioned this before, but these guys should have been in the Big 4 instead of Slayer, who I think are the most over hyped band in metal. There has to be a groove in the music that at least makes you want to bang your head. Testament have got that part down to a tee. They are the best at writing tunes full of groove and move.

The title track is a prime example of groove and move with a killer riff and beat. Side 2 has to be one of the best sides in thrash. Malpractice starts all groovy and weird, then a killer bouncy groove kicks in, it’s my favourite track. One Mans Fate really slays with a superb riff and killer groove! Testament rule!!!

9/10 from The Grooveman.

GARY CLARK JR. – This Land

November 26, 2022 /

A superb 2019 release from one of America’s new shining lights, Gary Clark Jr.. Fusing together all styles and falling into all categories. When it’s Grammy time he gets nominated right across the board, and I think this album and the song This Land scooped up three.

This is a seriously groovy record with a stunning production by Gary himself. Everyone should own this album. It’s a record I go back to all the time as I find it a joy to listen to. Lyrically it’s hard hitting and truthful, and musically it’s seriously uplifting and joyful. Really hard to pick a favourite track, but I will go for What About Us as the groove and vibe are just awesome. Ask me tomorrow and it could be the epicness that is I Got My Eyes On You. Do your record collection a favour and go purchase at your earliest convenience.

10/10 from The Grooveman.

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