While bassist McCoy is perhaps best known for his work with Gillan, Mammoth and most recently GMT, he's been recording since the late 60s and this compilation gives a good overview.

1969's 'Walking Strong' by Welcome is a big band rocking effort, and you can here McCoy pounding through. There's Zzebra (1973), who were more jazz rock inspired, and Quadrant from 1975, who mixed psychedelic and funk to rock.

The hard rock interest starts off with McCoy's 'Big Boss Man', featuring guitarist Paul Samson. A live number that really shakes, well worth a listen. Guaranteed to get your head nodding.

Samson's 'It's Not As Easy As It Seems' (an early version) is a classic in its own right, as are the Gillan tracks included here ('No Easy Way' and 'Are You Sure' are essential listening). And don't forget the Top Of The Pops appearance with John Du Cann and 'Don't Be A Dummy'. Samson's 'It's Not As Easy As It Seems' (an early version) is a classic in its own right, as are the Gillan tracks included here ('No Easy Way' and 'Are You Sure' are essential listening). And don't forget the Top Of The Pops appearance with John Du Cann and 'Don't Be A Dummy'.

Disc 2 also contains some gems, including Atomic Rooster (yes this man has been about), Joint Forces (including Paul Samson and Nicky Moore), and the previously unreleased 'Hard Times' by Torme McCoy Thunderstick.

McCoy's 'Freemind' is not only a brilliant rock track, but one of the best pieces of guitar work from Paul Samson.

The disc continues with Mammoth, Samson and Sun Red Sun (the latter featuring singer Ray Gillan and drummer Bobby Rondinelli). To finish, we get 'Cannonball' from current project GMT, a blistering stripped down rock'n'roll number, and the enjoyable and relevant 'Shaving Cream' by The Split Knee Loons. Behind the power, heavy bass, and shaven head, is McCoy's sense of humour.

Annotated by the big man himself. BUY!

****½

Review by Joe Geesin

£12.99

The Russians Are Coming (Joint Forces)

© 2007 Angel Air Records. All rights reserved.

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly