THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: vinyl (Page 6 of 50)

JEFF BECK’S – Guitar Shop

April 3, 2021 /

Jeff is widely considered one of the best guitarists of his generation, and rightly so. Never content to rest on his laurels, he is always trying new things and is not afraid to experiment with guitar, rhythms, and new technology. This is Jeff’s 5th solo studio album and is one of his most adventurous. Back to recording as a three piece with just himself, the amazing Terry Bozzio on drums, and Tony Hymas on keyboards. I suppose this would fall into the fusion category, but there is so much to take in, but make no mistake – Jeff is the centre of attention for sure.

I love every track on this record, and for me it’s one of his best. Tracks like Savoy are just a joy to hear, great licks and grooves – this track really swings. The reggae infused Behind The Veil is just sublime, such beautiful playing from Jeff. Big Block that does feel like a big block V8 starting up and cruising down the road. The absolute funky beast of a track Day In The House is a personal favourite, as is the close out track Sling Shot. No, Jeff does not play a million random notes really fast – that is not his style. He is a lot more subtle with his playing and style, and boy does he have feel. A Great album.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

CINDERELLA – Night Songs

April 3, 2021 /

Even though the band formed in ’82, this was not released until ’86. Fun fact, original members Michael Schermick and Tony Destra would leave the band to form another glam metal outfit, Britney Fox, who would have limited success – but nowhere near as famous as Cinderella would become. Now, most critics love the album after this Long Cold Winter, but for me, this was as good as it got for them. The band were all about Tom Keifer’s voice and Jeff Lebar’s guitar antics. Keifer’s voice is so distinctive with that gravelly style, but that would cause him constant problems that would need a few surgeries to keep him going.

Anyway, onto the music. What we have here folks is mid-eighties glam metal in all its glory. First song and the title song of the album, Night Songs, shows just how strong Keifer’s voice is. Second track in, Shake Me, is a bonafide glam classic. Killer tune! Nobody’s Fool is a typical power ballad that every band would throw in to keep the record company happy. There are quite a few classics on this record that they would not better on forthcoming releases. Once Around The Ride, Hell On Wheels and Push Push are really cracking tunes that any band around at the time would be jealous of.

My personal favourite track is Once Around The Ride – a great riff that really drives the song along. One of the best glam metal albums for sure.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

ISOTOPE – Deep End

April 2, 2021 /

This one is for all fusion fans out there. Founded in the UK in 1972 by guitarist Gary Boyle, this is the band’s third release. Buoyed on by the success of similar British outfits of the time (Coliseum, Brand X and Soft Machine), there were a lot of go’s fusion bands around at the time. I remember seeing the band on The Old Grey Whistle Test and really liking what I was hearing. There was a lot more variety on labels back then as they were willing to take a chance on non-chart specific bands, but bands that were album orientated in there approach. It’s great to hear musicians of this quality just going for it. The playing is exceptional throughout, and with killer production, this is highly recommended record if your that way inclined.

The opening and closing tracks on Side 1 Mr. M’s Picture and Black Sand are wonderful tunes with lots of groove, swing, and superb musicianship. Fonebone is my personal happy track as the funk is alive and well on this piece. If you like to stretch your brain with new musical experiences then you should give this a try.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

STEELER – s/t

April 2, 2021 /

So before Malmsteen was…err…Malmsteen, and before Keel was…well…Keel – there was Steeler. Mike Varney was responsible for bringing Yngwie over to America with a work permit, and getting him to record and write this – the one and only – Steeler record with Ron Keel.

So what does it sound like I hear you ask? Well it sounds like Keel the band with Yngwie on guitar. The songs are typical American cock rock stompers with an over the top guitar player. I’m not surprised this project only lasted the one album, as this was always going to be a clash of the egos. What was left behind was the blueprint for Keel to record his next 3 records, and Yngwie would go on to be the donut eating guitar virtuoso we all know – after his short lived stint in Alcatrazz.

Cold Day In Heel is a kick ass opening tune and rocks accordingly with a typical Yngwie over the top solo. In fact, this is very much the order of proceedings all the way through the album – apart from Hot On Your Heels, which sees Yngwie widdly diddling right from the get go. Although very impressive, it’s all just fast runs and scales at this point. The intro to Abduction, the Side 2 opener, is very much in the direction in which Yngwie would go when he would go solo – very neo classical in style. My favourite track is the last song, Serenade, which, believe it or not, reminds me of Rush – especially the opening section. The song is a slow build tune with the appropriate big rock ending.

I admit to having a soft spot for this record, and I do like it. I know they would go on to bigger things, but it’s fun to see where it all started.

7.5/10 from The Grooveman.

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