REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: vinyl records (Page 5 of 477)

DREAM THEATER – Parasomnia

I guess it was inevitable that MP would rejoin Dream Theater at some point. I mean, if you are totally cynical, you can look at the last couple of DT albums and say they haven’t been up to standards, that the attendances may not of been that great, and that they needed something to boost their creative juices. A lot of the press and blurb that appeared before the album’s release mentioned that this record was a follow up to where they left off after MP’s last album with the band (2008’s Black Clouds And Silver Linings). But, I’m not sure that’s the case. This is a very slick and polished record, maybe too much so, whereas Black Clouds was quite a heavy affair, but I do get the point they are trying to make.

There is the usual awesome musical interplay between Petrucci and Rudess which, since Jordan’s arrival in the band, has been a highlight for me, but it’s Petrucci who is the star of the show here. I know all eyes and ears were on Portnoy to see what he was going to inject back into the band but I have to say, he is quite restrained for the most part, but Petrucci on the other hand is just incredible.

I know you may need a lie down here, but the “ballad” Bend The Clock is my favourite track. Petrucci’s solo starts at about five minutes in and goes to fade out, it is breathtaking. So much tension, feel, and emotion in the song, and the picking is so clean I’m just in awe. No one else can inject so much emotion into their playing and at the flick of a switch be one of the best shredders around.

I am pleased that they are “back,” and it’s their best album since Black Clouds that’s for sure, but if you’re a DT fan there is a lot of recycling of melodies and lines from past DT albums. I’m not sure if that was intentional or not but I’ll leave that as a quiz for you all. Anyhoo, I do like this album and maybe you will too.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

VICE – Second Excess

This is Vice’s second album, released back in ’90 it was quite a different vibe and feel to their debut album which came out two years earlier. Gone is the synth pop rock and it is replaced with a much harder rockin’ sound.

Now, as a whole, this album is a massive improvement on their debut and it just shows you how record companies manipulate their investments. This time around, it’s the classic hair metal blueprint sound rammed full with anthems, so you can get out the lighter and put your hands in the air while your kids look at you in bewilderment.

I’m not sure if this album ever did anything outside of Germany as it was probably too late by then, but if it came out five years earlier then, who knows. The only song I don’t care for too much is the cover of Proud Mary, but the rest of the songs are just fun. The album puts the listener in a happy mood and that’s what the eighties were all about for me. As for a fave track, well, I’m going for It Only Takes A Minute. It reminds me of first album Cinderella with the attitude and groove, plus the hook and chorus are huge.

If you’re a fan of 80’s hair bands then you should own this.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

NEVADA BEACH – Zero Day

Originally, other than an EP this was the only album Nevada Beach released and it came out in ’90. But, they have since resurfaced with new material. Think of AC/DC crossed with Great White and mid period Cinderella, and you get the idea.

I have seen these guys described as “the biggest bar band you’ve never heard of” and I think that does not do them justice at all. If you like the no nonsense, no frills approach to your rock n’ roll then you will really love this album. Led by the vocal and guitar talents of Hank Decken, this album is guaranteed to get you up and rockin’. Decken’s voice is from the Bon Scott school of delivery and it fits the grooves perfectly.

This is one of those records that you love instantly because it goes straight for the throat and you will be bobbin your head and tappin’ your toe, it’s highly infectious. There is only one track I don’t care for too much and that’s the ballad Only The Fool. I have a couple of favourite tracks on this one and that’s the full on groove boogie of Action Reaction and the title track, which shows how they are no one trick pony with a really cool song.

You can pick this up for not a bad price and it’s a highly enjoyable record.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

SNAKEPIT REBELS – S/T

Now, if you see the band’s picture on the cover and the name of the band you’d be forgiven for thinking that these guys were an out and out sleaze/glam outfit. Bu, that is not the case! There are little moments where you could say that, but overall this is one kick ass hard rockin’ melodic fun fest. Plus, they are Swedish and we all know everything from there is awesome right?

Great production, big hooks with massive sing along choruses, this is another band that sailed right below the radar. I was skipping around the internet looking for people’s views on this band and the ballad You Left Me seems to be the one song that people rave about. Yup, it’s a good one, but the uptempo songs are the ones that get my brain cells groovin’. Wild Boy, Nightmare Boggie, and Sex Booze And Tattoos are awesome tunes. They also do a great AC/DC groove with songs like Lady In Black.

Cool band and a fun record.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

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