THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: vinyl records (Page 8 of 459)

LOCK UP – Something Bitchin This Way Comes

December 16, 2024 /

I reviewed an album by Heads Up a couple of weeks back and it brought back a lot of memories of that whole funk rock movement that disappeared just as quick as it came. Here is another great record from that period with a similar vibe. This one is of interest however for one Tom Morello on guitar. He would eventually go on to form Rage Against The Machine after these guys split. He plays a lot more “normal” leads on this one with not so many squeaks and squeals, and the funk is high on this one.

Controversial opinion, but I like this way more than the Rage albums. Way more groove and the songs are better. This album is a belter from back to front, so many great songs with killer arrangements. Matt Wallace has given the record a very in your face production and the mix by Steve Thompson and Michael Barbiero is superb. Pick a song: Can’t Stop The Bleeding, Punch Drunk, Tell Me When It’s Over, and 24 Hour Man. They are all great tracks and all groove hard.

Great band!

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

EASY ACTION – That Makes One

December 12, 2024 /

This is the band’s second and final album, and it’s a whole bunch different to their first. Moving away from the glam sound and image for a more radio friendly and polished pop rock groove. I mean, this sounds like Hall & Oates at times, but it’s such a fun high energy record and the production is so bright and loud.

The keys are very front and centre and very trademark 80’s, but Kee Marcello drizzles some great flourishes throughout the album. It’s such an infectious record it’s impossible not to feel great while listening to it. Favourite track is Teachers Do It With Class. Such a good song and what this album is all about.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

GEORGE LYNCH & GEOFF PILSON – Heavy Hitters

December 12, 2024 /

Does anyone remember those cheapo records that companies like KTel and Pickwick put out and you could find them in your convenience store and other weird places? Keep that thought!

Now, I don’t mind when some of my rock gods put out cover albums because it’s cool to hear what influences and tunes inspired them. However, this is a whole different ball gam. It just seems to be random pop songs that have been picked and then given the rewrite experience, so hence my original thought above.

Now, some of these work quite well like You Got The Love, the Chaka Khan tune where Marq Torien shows what a killer soulful voice he has as well as the funky groove and George giving it plenty. The band are cooking on this one. Musically, I love the version of Carole King’s I Feel The Earth because the band and George in particular are just grooving, and it’s only in the vocal parts where you recognize the song.

I’m not a big fan of vocalist Will Martin as his style is too light for these grooves. The cover of Madonna’s Music just doesn’t work for me but then again, I didn’t like the original too much either. Prince’s Kiss is great a part from the vocal because the band are smokin’.

The whole album is a bit hit and miss I’m afraid, mainly due to my annoyance with the vocals.

7/10 from The Grooveman.

CHINA – Go All The Way

December 10, 2024 /

This is the band’s third album, released in ’91 and the follow up to the hugely successful (in Switzerland) Sign In The Sky. I’m not sure if they are still together, but as of 2013 the only original member was guitarist Claudio Matteo and over the six studio albums they managed to record, it was a revolving door of coming and going of members.

I have to say this is my favourite of all the band’s records. Here, they have the right mix of a great production coupled with some killer songs. China have the gift when it comes to writing memorable melodic rock tunes, each song has an unforgettable sing a long hook and chorus. It’s really hard to pick a favourite song as there are some killer tracks to assault your ears here but Pictures Of You, Medicine Man, and In Trouble With Angels are killer tracks that would float anyone’s boat.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

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