THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: vinyl records (Page 3 of 491)

BAD ENGLISH – Backlash

July 15, 2025 /

This is the second album from this rock supergroup that came together after Journey split in ‘87. This album did a whole bunch of nothing when it was released and all the members said it was too poppy and corporate. When you look at the writing credits they were well aware the direction this album was heading as Russ Ballard, Dianne Warren, and Tim Pierce write commercial radio hits. Schon and Castronovo went on to form Hardline after this and would eventually return to the cash cow that is Journey.

I like John Waites voice and I think this record is not as bad as people would have you believe. Yup, there are syrupy ballads aplenty but there are some bangers as well. Straight To Your Heart, Dancin’ Off The Edge Of The World, Pray For Rain, and Life At The Top are all great tracks but it’s So This Is Eden that is the best tune here. Killer swing and groove with a hook and harmony to die for.

This is a super slick sounding record and quite frankly would be a great addition to any rock fan’s collection.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

TIKTAALIKA – Gods Of Pangea

July 13, 2025 /

Me likey a lot! I loved his first Tiktaalika record and with this one he takes the metal and groove further away from his day job in Haken. I’m super stoked to see Textures vocalist, Daniel De Jongh guest on three tracks as I’m a big fan, and I can’t wait to hear the new material from them.

We are in concept album world here, exploring the supercontinent of Pangea and all of its life. Only seven tracks on the vinyl version, but lots of very heavy crushing metal riffs, with plenty of groove entwined around the more proggy elements make this a very enjoyable listen indeed.

The title track is a monster piece of music but The Forbidden Zone tweaks the nodes of groove perfectly while at the same time sounding heavy and dark, it reminds a tad of Mastodon. It’s not all heavy crunch and groove, Mesozoic Mantras has more progtastic melodic sections to add some differing flavours to the proceedings.

Great record and I highly recommend it as great addition to the collection.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

LEATHERWOLF – EP

July 13, 2025 /

Not to be confused with the band’s first full length record, but this EP has the same artwork. Five tracks and everyone is a gem of mid eighties US metal.

A killer vocalist in Mike Oliveri and a triple guitar attack (long before it was a twinkle in Steve Harris’s eye) these guys caused quite a buzz at the time with their early prog/power metal hybrid. Seasons Of The Witch is a beast of a track and gets my vote for favourite tune.

Hard to find one of these in decent condition at a good price but if you do, then snag one up.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

MR NASTY – 38 Caliber Kisses

July 10, 2025 /

If you like your rock n’ roll as sleazy as it comes then Mr. Nasty may scratch that itch. Usually this vibe  is associated with the LA strip, but these honchos reside in New York.

This is as simple as it gets; no frills rock n’ roll and they do have a knack for writing a catchy hook. Singer Dee Dee Sweet is from the Taime Downe school of vocal delivery. In fact, if you cross pollinate Faster Pussycat with The Quireboys and a hint of early Aerosmith you should now have the perfect idea of what these guys sound like.

Released in ´90 I don’t think it shook many trees sales wise, but it’s held in high regard within the glam brigade as a bit of classic and who am I to argue. Opening track Guns & Money pretty sums up the band and the album, it is an obvious choice for favourite tune.

I would say this is for aficionados only.

7/10 from The Grooveman.

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