THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: vinyl records (Page 6 of 477)

SHOK PARIS – Steel And Starlight

March 30, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Hailing from the self professed rock n’ roll capital of the world, Cleveland, Ohio this is Shok Paris’ second and best album that came out in ’87. Treading that fine line between melodic rock and metal at times, they make a wonderful noise indeed. Fronted by the huge voice of Vic Hix (who reminds me of a more metal Parramore McCarty) and and the ever present guitarist Ken Erb, they had their shot for a brief moment but it just didn’t quite happen for them.

Now, if they had more songs like opener Go Down Fighting, I think it would have been a slam dunk for these guys. A high octane melodic metal gem with killer twin guitars and an epic opening, this track definitely hits the spot. You get the same killer opening to Side 2 with On Your Feet. Side 2 is more loaded than Side 1 which, in my experience, never happens. Fallin’ For You and Hot On Your Heels are also great tunes. It just shows how the sequencing of a record can make all the difference. However, four great songs don’t make a great album and there are a few fillers.

7.5/10 from The Grooveman.

STAR STAR – The Love Drag Years

March 24, 2025 /

While searching around for info about these guys I came across a quote that said, “too punk for rock and too rock for punk,” and I think that just about sums them up.

Definitely leaning on the sleazy side of the street musically, although the image is more barfly, they have this knack to write very catchy power pop anthems. They only made two albums, of which this is the second that came out in ’92 and it was too late to make much of an impact with all the attention zeroing in on Seattle. Nevertheless, this is a high grade sleazy rock ‘n roll funorama rammed full of great songs and grooves that has flown under nearly everyone’s radar.

These guys blow bands like Faster Pussycat totally out of the water. So many killer songs you wonder what the hell happened. You can pick any from Fly Boy, Science Fiction Boy, The Love Drag Years, Diggy Dragster, or Treasure Or Trash and they are all bangers and worthy songs. But the favourite tune award goes to the totally sleazeball track, Baby Shoulda Known. Killer fast riff and groove with a matching dirtbag lyric that is just such a fun tune.

Great album that just puts a smile on your face, and these guys can play.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

STRUT – Unlimited Access

March 24, 2025 /

I think Strut are from somewhere in Massachusetts (?) and this is their only album that came out in ’88. They operate in the world of hard rock mainly, but there are side steps into pop and AOR.

The opening track Leaving It All Behind is head and shoulders above the rest, mainly due to the kick ass riffing and guitar tone. If you like the more softer side of rock then Stay Tonight, Makin’ My Way, and the ballad Just Say Goodbye May please you more. There is also quite a dull cover of Montrose’s Rock The Nation, which would have been better served with maybe another original.

There is no doubt that Daren Todd is not a bad guitar player, but some of the solos seem to be a tad off key and are a bit off putting. It’s not a bad effort I suppose. and if you see it cheap it may be worth acquiring for Leaving It All Behind.

6/10 from The Grooveman.

RUNNING WILD – Gates To Purgatory

March 24, 2025 /

These guys are one of the big four power metal bands in Germany, and are considered heroes in their homeland. This is their first release that came out in ’84 and was heavily influenced by the satanic side of things. However, they would have a sharp change in subject matter from album 3 onwards, with pirates and historical happenings being the subject matter.

They were influenced by what was around them at the time and if you listen you can hear classic Priest riffs and NWOBHM attitude mixed with a hint if thrash. I’d be lying if I didn’t say it does sound a bit dated listening to it now, but I quite like it and tracks like Soldiers Of Hell and Diabolical Force are really quite good. As a debut it’s not bad, and it transports you back to a time when it all was new and exciting.

7/10 from The Grooveman.

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