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When I pass away, and they perform a Rock And Roll autopsy on me, on my brain they'll find Dream Theater. In my heart, they'll find Iron Maiden. There's a good chance they'll find Alice Cooper on my liver.. ;D
But on my soul..well, that's where they'll find UFO.
I turned 13 in September of 1981. It was the same month I entered the 8th grade. But it was also the same month that MSG, the second album from The Michael Schenker Group was released. My local rock radio station would every now and then play On And On from the album. For some reason, I was captivated by it. As soon as I heard that airy keyboard intro, courtesy of Paul Raymond, I was paralyzed. It's a simple hard rock song, but still elegant. Paul Raymond's fluttering keyboards in the chorus was noteworthy, but the guitar/keyboard outro was so addicting. I got the cassette for Christmas that year.
The next winter, in early 1983, my travel hockey team played in Nova Scotia. We all went to the mall one day, and I bought a metal Iron Maiden and Led Zeppelin pin. The Zep pin is notable because on my other (home) team, there was a kid whose mother was in real estate. She took over a house and with it, a large album collection. I was talking about Michael Schenker in the locker room and must've mentioned UFO at some point. This kid pipes up that he his mother had 2 UFO albums from this house. So we worked out a trade. I gave him that Led Zeppelin pin that I had bought in Canada, and he gave me the vinyls of Obsession and Strangers In The Night.
Musical life changed. By Christmas of 1983, I had gotten the entire Phenomenon -Making Contact run. I was 15.
I spent more time listening to UFO in the 80's than any other band. I had friends that liked them. I had a gf that liked them. They were basically the only thing in my car for years. But more than anything, their music resonated with me. At their core, their songs are about living your life. Sure there's adventure and mayhem. But they sparked an interest within me that I've frankly never outgrown.
I started writing this thread a couple of years ago while recovering from a hernia operation. I basically shelved it, but when I heard the news of Paul Chapman's death, I decided that now is the time. I liked Paul Chapman. He was cool.
We're going to cover a lot of ground here. We'll look at Michael Schenker's discography, and I will cover the Waysted albums of the 80's. They are some of my favorite albums, so I hope you don't mind indulging me.
Here are the links to the UFO studio discography. Some are on Spotify and some are on Youtube. This thing will have some pace to it, so I like to make the links available in the OP.
UFO 1 (1970) (https://open.spotify.com/album/64mle6iNvq51hO6D869KLH?si=_2WFtUvgQ_qUEfW8enHt1Q)
Flying (1971) (https://open.spotify.com/album/2EXBxhWhbcJjCiJxHb8EUX?si=12v8jMn-R3yynfpc3Nwzkw)
Live (1971) (https://open.spotify.com/album/0weTjLwJb25GvR5nyPP7UM?si=5odO75wmSGGxnjgQ5eC85g)
Phenomenon (1974) (https://open.spotify.com/album/7rIrjqUmeFTjw9JH9MWekS?si=KiqkEF9CQ-2NaycnHniqEg)
Force It (1975) (https://open.spotify.com/album/2MV8GUvFbQKnpYDLGCGFQf?si=tQmU40_OSs6b34gZSsXvzA)
No Heavy Petting (1976) (https://open.spotify.com/album/3lu8Z9INHhbKLpS4LkJArz?si=0ASd__V5Seqk32R_VhPNiw)
Lights Out (1977) (https://open.spotify.com/album/4YA8LIlVfST5TfphOx28VI?si=5VwV7kbMSWel54k-Kq3g7Q)
Obsession (1978) (https://open.spotify.com/album/3Hc90rSIhfNmtuHGVYu0MI?si=7_gckB0GTkq-F1qy45ZmMQ)
Strangers In The Night (1979) (https://open.spotify.com/album/0zzLh6v9YS3mITft7rCHAf?si=zlw8UVCIRpm1yvTh-4SAeQ)
No Place To Run (1980) (https://open.spotify.com/album/3lNRYIuK5VoKg2UGqQHbeV?si=_Jc07WuyT2-xKKIIljVaWw)
The Wild The Willing And The Innocent (1981) (https://open.spotify.com/album/1idYXIlJPigVtPI7Bu1rtx?si=cSAvD1yQRwOYMQhnAKkTqA)
Mechanix (1982) (https://open.spotify.com/album/1QAhJlwbkZsTHCEV0LAQuw?si=GIbrsSvKTpuFRK_sOVlhjA)
Making Contact (1983) (https://open.spotify.com/album/6SkLeQONahUWBcgZG7QJM8?si=7NLI3T1rRCqVy7c5eo-Zuw)
Misdemeanor (1985) (https://open.spotify.com/album/0rybV1WoTv7CyAxCilGpSX?si=RmRJWzaSQ-Omlc5sDeh8nQ)
Ain't Misbehavin' (1988) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGYmr5Dw4aY&list=PLM0QWHFvEjTZvwwDRy_ex2HnGbcChb_uF)
High Stakes And Dangerous Men (1992) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjQXc00KwR8&list=PLM0QWHFvEjTa8iknKz2KQBKx0rWGJQjca)
Lights Out In Tokyo (1992) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CahRGsqZEkk&list=PLM0QWHFvEjTb59Byig0oWAylMoRHXpYk3)
Walk On Water (1995) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uj6dpOq-Zzs)
Mogg/Way-Edge Of The World (1997) (https://open.spotify.com/album/16WefgAfj6jYxSJYwPjt4F?si=nIOjAYhxSCqBdwinK2Bi7w)
Mogg/Way-Chocolate Box (1999) (https://open.spotify.com/album/5kJsaaRTrF3LkWhrrC894a?si=p6o2d--ZTp6MDEHZW3rrKQ)
Covenant (2000) (https://open.spotify.com/album/1IikN8LUDOh7804d6cKDKH?si=XzE8WkOpRw2DTDmbk2CEhw)
Sharks (2002) (https://open.spotify.com/album/367heGSgC0JH4gl0PIrm8E?si=WDvEe24OS1CIBcwobF2eyg)
You Are Here (2004) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9xcRfPhB80&list=PL5DequlFKZFdumXoa4mexe8WqjsoFHa4z)
The Monkey Puzzle (2006) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WULlhayf0XE&list=PL8a8cutYP7fr12kOXJKy-3YfUu3qdvFgP)
The Visitor (2009) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzItPDYUurg&list=PL5DequlFKZFdPCNbcDZD8gpxQ1gJM0zAR)
Seven Deadly (2012) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNlRN4bZfhs&list=PL8a8cutYP7foGaKhRk3uH4WBUP9OIHWIr)
A Conspiracy Of Stars (2015) (https://open.spotify.com/album/5L1OG8bgU45Awk4AQMUQDo?si=ztUWI4MVQquCLpBuM6hw9A)
The Salentino Cuts (2017) (https://open.spotify.com/album/5FR0J3xqIWwJ3hgz4Lu0kO?si=r4CNLeq7QjuSamO6naUqKg)
As you will find out, UFO has had a ton of members. But there's a basic core set of players that runs throughout.
Let's meet some of the main characters in our story.
Phil Mogg
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.daveling.co.uk%2Fufo%2Fobsmogg.jpg&hash=ff345bd698b76f90c40b5d7e9885e5f6f47ebdce)(https://hardrock80fr.files.wordpress.com/2018/05/phil-mogg-c02e6d17-acdd-400f-9db2-f60111a982f-resize-750.jpeg?w=300&h=196)
Phil Mogg was born on April 15, 1948. He is the singer for every UFO album. Phil has a distinct voice and is able to play many characters with it. He can be soulful, a story teller, a hell raiser. There's no formula on connecting with a vocalist, but I connected with Phil Mogg from day one.
Pete Way
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcTgU5VGUoW-0scjBhyqdz9OkdwtqA9KYLPdcg&usqp=CAU)(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/13/2007-10-23_UFO%2C_Kantine%2C_Koeln%2C_Pete_Way%2C_IMG_7203.jpg)
Pete Way was born on August 7, 1951. He sadly passed away on August 14, 2020, at the age of 69.
Pete would almost revolutionize how bass playing would be performed. I think he's sneaky underrated, technically, but he was a real showman. Not content to stand by the backline, Pete took his playing to the front of the stage. You can see Pete Way in Steve Harris, Nikki Sixx, and Rick Savage. Pete was a legendary rocker, who lived the lifestyle to the fullest, however, he was loved by everybody as he was always friendly. Pete played with UFO from ints inception up through 1982's Mechanix. He rejoined for 1995's Walk On Water and stayed on through 2006's The Monkey Puzzle.
Andy Parker
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ufo-music.info%2Fandy%2Fphotogallery%2Fphotos%2F04.jpg&hash=ead8a31eeecb5c2a3c880c814cee50efee32ec21)(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/de/2007-10-23_UFO_IMG_7496.jpg)
Andy Parker was born on March 21, 1952. Andy was a rock for the band on and off the stage. Even in UFO's crazy days, there is not much said about Andy, other than him being a solid guy all the way around. I love his drumming, and while he will never be confused with Neal Peart, he is solid as hell. Andy played with UFO from its inception through 1983's Making Contact. He did play on the 1995 Reunion album Walk On Water, and rejoined the band for good on 2006’s The Monkey Puzzle, manning the drum stool to this day.
Michael Schenker
(https://i.redd.it/87n0ww3pb1ny.jpg)(https://deanguitarsaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/michaelschenker.jpg)
Michael Schenker was born in Germany on January 10, 1955. He was a mere 18 years old when he recorded Phenomenon, his first with the band. Michael would leave the band during 1978's Obsession tour, but after Strangers In The Night was recorded. He would return for the three reunion albums. Michael, to me, is my favorite guitar player, along with Gary Moore. Michael's playing touches nerves I didn't even know I had. If anyone is not real familiar with Michael Schenker, then you're in for a treat.
Paul Raymond
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/85/ba/4f/85ba4f0de27648acd8523c268a1a73fc.jpg)(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7a/UFO_-_Paul_Raymond_%E2%80%93_Hamburg_Harley_Days_2015_01.jpg/1200px-UFO_-_Paul_Raymond_%E2%80%93_Hamburg_Harley_Days_2015_01.jpg)
Paul Raymond was born on November 16, 1945. He passed away on April 13, 2019, at the age of 73, from a heart attack. Paul played rhythm guitar and keyboards. He joined UFO for 1977's Lights Out album, and left after 1980's No Place To Run. After appearing on 1985's Misdemeanor and 1995's Walk ON Water, Paul would rejoin the band for good with 2004's You Are Here.
Paul Chapman
(https://townsquare.media/site/838/files/2020/06/paul-tonka-chapman.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Paul Chapman was born on June 9. 1956. He passed away on his 66th birthday on June 9, 2020. He had lost his wife and suffered a stroke in the previous year. His death was the catalyst for getting this thread done.
Paul would have brief stints with UFO in the 70's as a touring guitarist before taking over when Michael Schenker left. Paul would play on 4 albums from 1980-1983, affectionately known as the Chapman Era. There are many that actually prefer the Chapman Era to the Schenker Era.
Vinnie Moore
(https://sleazeroxx.com/wp-content/uploads/vinniemoore7.jpg)
American guitarist Vinnie Moore was born on April 14, 1964. Vinnie had carved himself out a great solo career as a guitarist before joining UFO for 2004's You Are Here. He has remained with the band ever since.
I will start the albums tomorrow after work.
So without further ado:
"Would you please welcome from England"
(https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/583863c1e6f2e1216884123c/1543783176297-8TM996C7KLH4V28M0EAD/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kKpkV5xSi67PlYgyjG8KSadZw-zPPgdn4jUwVcJE1ZvWQUxwkmyExglNqGp0IvTJZamWLI2zvYWH8K3-s_4yszcp2ryTI0HqTOaaUohrI8PIqB26jcyg4EO_sBCuD0OTpvI9rjnPmnQsPzzElLeXs9AKMshLAGzx4R3EDFOm1kBS/ufo.jpg?format=1000w)
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Nice presentation.
Everything I've seen says that Schenker played on SitN, and while I'm no guitarist, that sure as hell sounds like him.
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When I pass away, and they perform a Rock And Roll autopsy on me, on my brain they'll find Dream Theater. In my heart, they'll find Iron Maiden. There's a good chance they'll find Alice Cooper on my liver.. ;D
But on my soul..well, that's where they'll find UFO.
That's some really awesome words right there Tim, well written.
UFO are one of those bands I never really got into. I like a lot of their stuff but I'm a very casual fan. I mainly got into them because of Vinnie Moore. Being a shred guy I was more drawn to the later stuff cause of Vinnie and knowing him from his solo stuff. Shenker is a great guitarist. It's weird I don't rate him as high as he is regarded. I listened to some MSG stuff which had some great soloing but I guess by the time I really tried to get into him more, a lot of the stuff didn't seem heavy enough for me.
I look forward to going through these albums again to get a new appreciation. I own quite of few of their albums on cd too but couldn't tell you a whole lot about them truthfully, so still have to dig them out.
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I'm guessing he meant 'not' and not 'but' in that statement about Schenker.
I mean, I'm also pretty sure that The Monkey Puzzle didn't come out in 2660 unless someone has a time machine.
I am just finishing up my first listening of Lights Out right now. Love To Love is playing as I type this.
I will say that Way's playing is not going unnoticed by me. Dude is a stellar player.
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Looking forward to hearing your stories and learning more about UFO :metal
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Nice presentation.
Everything I've seen says that Schenker played on SitN, and while I'm no guitarist, that sure as hell sounds like him.
Correction made. Damn beers. I was torn between trying to say two things at once. He left the tour AFTER the Strangers shows were recorded. He was out of the band when it was released.
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I've heard about this band over the years, but haven't heard a single song from them aside from Maiden's cover of Doctor Doctor. I'll be following this thread and checking out some tracks here and there :)
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I'm giddy about this, seriously. That early years story could be me, but with Ritchie Blackmore instead of Schenker and UFO. For some reason, UFO eluded me; I loved the Scorpions and I LOVED MSG (it was a treat meeting Gary Barden a couple years ago; I felt 17 again!) but for some reason I always skipped over UFO, until I picked up a Chrysalis compilation of the first five Schenker albums a couple years ago, and was BLOWN AWAY. "Love To Love"; man (though oddly, Mechanix, with Paul Chapman, is my favorite UFO album).
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Is it Monday already? :o
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I'm just going to add what is a really obvious comment for this thread: Phil Mogg is one of the most underrated hard rock vocalists of all time.
Also, for my money, Paul Raymond took UFO from being good to great. when I was in a band, I always wanted someone who could go back and forth between rhythm guitar and keys.
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I'm just going to add what is a really obvious comment for this thread: Phil Mogg is one of the most underrated hard rock vocalists of all time.
He sure is. And lyricist, and storyteller. He still sounds great too. That's amazing. This band has many miles on it, yet Phil Mogg still sounds incredible.
Also, for my money, Paul Raymond took UFO from being good to great. when I was in a band, I always wanted someone who could go back and forth between rhythm guitar and keys.
Paul Raymond is great, and underrated as well. His work on MSG hooked me, and as the band got a little softer in the Vinnie Era, he really sounds amazing.
That's some really awesome words right there Tim, well written.
Thanks, Kade.
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UFO were formed in 1969. Pete Way and Mick Bolton became friends as teenagers as part of the music scene in London. They put together a band, and ended up shortly hooking up with Phil Mogg, who was laying carpets by day. One thing led to another and they recruited Andy Parker to play drums. Andy used to help roadie for the band and eventually took over on drums. The would play gigs, but all continued to work day jobs to buy equipment, with Pete Way's dad signing off on a loan to buy Marshall amplifiers. They would secure a record deal with independent Beacon Records. Andy Parker, at 17, needed his parents to co-sign the contract for him.
UFO took their name from the UFO psychadelic rock club, which was basically the home base for Pink Floyd.
Here are a couple of club posters:
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/96/be/ce/96becef1b97d20740892349aacbd2585.jpg)(https://recordmecca.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/IMG_4323.jpg)
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I'm going to blast this batch together. Consider it your weekend assignment. ;D
UFO 1
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/97/UFO1_%28UFO_album_-_cover_art%29.jpg/220px-UFO1_%28UFO_album_-_cover_art%29.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51dpDHKPcIL.jpg)
UFO 1 (1970) (https://open.spotify.com/album/64mle6iNvq51hO6D869KLH?si=_2WFtUvgQ_qUEfW8enHt1Q)
Released October 1970
1. Unidentified Flying Object
2. Boogie For George
3. C'mon Everybody
4. Shake It About
5. Melinda
6. Timothy
7. Follow You Home
8. Treacle People
9. Who Do You Love
10. Evil
Phil Mogg-Vocals
Mick Bolton-Guitar
Pete Way-Bass
Andy Parker-Drums
UFO 1 was recorded in the summer of 1970. Sounding quite typical of an album made during that time, it is at times accessable, and also quite primative sounding, recorded on a four track desk.
A cover of Eddie Cochran's C'mon Everybody would become a huge hit in Germany, so while UFO 1 didn't do much in England, the band would tour Germany (and other parts of Europe) as well as Japan on the strength of C'mon Everybody's popularity.
The album has some bluesy moments similar to Led Zeppelin, as well as shades of Black Sabbath and Uriah Heep. This album certainly does not sit in the echelon of those other bands' debuts but it stands on its own and has given me many happy listens. The most accessable tracks are probably Treacle People, Follow You Home, and Timothy. Evil is also a pretty cool tune.
But this album, and the next two are really for completest only. I catch myself calling Phenomenon their first album. There's really nothing on here to link to what was to come. Other than an eager young band trying to truly learn their instruments and their craft.
Here's a video of the band playing Boogie For George
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=947-wxT1_CY
Flying
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/ec/Ufo2flying-UK.jpg/220px-Ufo2flying-UK.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51VjaWYog%2BL.jpg)
Flying (1971) (https://open.spotify.com/album/2EXBxhWhbcJjCiJxHb8EUX?si=12v8jMn-R3yynfpc3Nwzkw)
Released October 1971
1. Silver Bird
2. Star Storm
3. Prince Kajuku
4. The Coming Of Prince Kajuku
5. Flying
Phil Mogg-Vocals
Mick Bolton-Guitar
Pete Way-Bass
Andy Parker-Drums
UFO's second album, which would come to be known as Flying, was recorded a year later and released in the fall of 1971. Flying is caught in the middle of the blues/psychedelic movement going on. There are actually a lot of cool ideas floating around on this album, but it is quite loose and often times meandering. It's two longest tracks, Star Storm (at 18:56) and Flying (at 26:30) are both journeys to be sure. But both Silver Bird and Prince Kajuku are both pretty cool songs. Flying sets up what tries to be an awesome guitar solo near the end, but Bolton just can't quite capture it.
Here is a video of the band playing The Coming Of Prince Kajuku.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHHbQQzEDyA
Live
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c2/Ufo_live_in_japan_cover.jpg)(https://images.45worlds.com/f/cd/ufo-repertoire-3-cd.jpg)
Live (1971) (https://open.spotify.com/album/0weTjLwJb25GvR5nyPP7UM?si=5odO75wmSGGxnjgQ5eC85g)
Released December 1971
1. C'mon Everybody
2. Who Do You Love
3. Loving Cup
4. Prince Kajuku/The Coming Of Prince Kajuku
5. Boogie For George
6. Follow You Home
Phil Mogg-Vocals
Mick Bolton-Guitar
Pete Way-Bass
Andy Parker-Drums
UFO Live, or Live In Japan, was recorded in Tokyo about the same time as Flying was released, in the fall of 1971. It would be released in early 1972, though by that time, Mick Bolton would be out of the band.
(https://rockphilosophysessions2.metaltoinfinity.be/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/RPSufoband.jpg)
Meanwhile in Germany....
A 16 year old Michael Schenker was playing in his older brother Rudolf's band Scorpions. He would record with the band on their debut album Lonesome Crow.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/02/LonesomeCrowOriginalFront.jpg)(https://greenandblackmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/lonesome-crow-2.jpg)
https://open.spotify.com/album/3QmJ3FADzfeJEeADhJIzWs?si=BwBAgKsIQCGMZH4Xf1qN1A
Released February 9, 1972
Here's the video for I'm Goin' Mad featuring a 17 y/o Michael.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nTGTCSGj30&list=PLyIIPV7O5BOf0h5Sq76L6x4SOUfqAbaG8&index=2
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This is some homework alright!
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I’ve never heard Boogie for George. That’s a cool tune and vibe; reminds me a bit of Deep Purple. It’s kind of weird how the first two albums from a lot of classic rock legends have a different sound then what they ended up being known for. Top of my head- UFO, Alice Cooper, Thin Lizzy, Accept, Scorpions. I’m sure there are lots more.
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I’ve never heard Boogie for George. That’s a cool tune and vibe; reminds me a bit of Deep Purple. It’s kind of weird how the first two albums from a lot of classic rock legends have a different sound then what they ended up being known for. Top of my head- UFO, Alice Cooper, Thin Lizzy, Accept, Scorpions. I’m sure there are lots more.
It's weird huh. We're going to cover so much ground, I figured I'd just drop these together for the weekend. I didn't want to get to next Wednesday and we'd still be on Flying.
If you haven't, check out that Scorps vid. Klaus :lol
This is some homework alright!
(https://media.tenor.com/images/2d87af99ce4dea97a8a0e47157d4b7c3/tenor.gif)
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Obviously, I'm a big fan of Timothy. That, and a certain Ozzy track means my name is immortalized in song! :lol
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When I pass away, and they perform a Rock And Roll autopsy on me, on my brain they'll find Dream Theater. In my heart, they'll find Iron Maiden. There's a good chance they'll find Alice Cooper on my liver.. ;D
But on my soul..well, that's where they'll find UFO.
I thought on your soul we would find Thin Lizzy. :corn
Actually Winger
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When I pass away, and they perform a Rock And Roll autopsy on me, on my brain they'll find Dream Theater. In my heart, they'll find Iron Maiden. There's a good chance they'll find Alice Cooper on my liver.. ;D
But on my soul..well, that's where they'll find UFO.
I thought on your soul we would find Thin Lizzy. :corn
I do love Thin Lizzy and they land in the 5 or 6 spot with Ronnie Dio.
Actually Winger
When I die and my innards let go,....
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Obviously, I'm a big fan of Timothy. That, and a certain Ozzy track means my name is immortalized in song! :lol
Took me a minute to get the Ozzy one.
Was wondering where there was a character mentioned in an Ozzy song named Tim until it dawned on me. :lol
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Tim, I'm so happy that you decided to do this discography thread! I remember when you first mentioned doing it, and I've been waiting patiently since then. It's so obvious how much this band means to you, and I look forward to learning more about these great musicians from you.
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Was wondering where there was a character mentioned in an Ozzy song named Tim until it dawned on me. :lol
I was reading there was an early version called I Don’t Know Tim, but they ended up shortening it.
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Huge UFO fan here, one of the first bands I was into back in my taste forking days. The first band I saw live too, at the local university. Me and a mate found a spot on the outside of the building where you could see the stage and you could hear the band as clear as being in there. The first band I paid to see was Gary Moore.
Strangers was the album that did it for me, and I soon got Obsession at a market stall - I bought most of my early lps there.
UFO start for me when Schenker joined and there are several albums I haven’t heard so looking forward to this.
Listening to the first album now and it’s a tough listen. I’m not sure the guitar is in tune. 🙉
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Just about to spin UFO1.
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I love that riff in Boogie.
This gives me a real debut Sabbth vibe to be honest, mixed with some Hendrix.
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Love that solo section in Shake it About. Great tempo and groove. Love Schenker's bluesy organic playing too. The thing sounds very organic. Love the mixing with Shenker between speakers. Or does Paul do some leads too? Most of the leads are in the one speaker so not sure if Paul is on the other side?
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Wasn't too sure on Melinda in the first half but that second half is epic.
Timothy gave me Paint it Black vibes at the start. Energetic rocker. Reminds me of early Rush.
Follow You Home is like Sunshine of Your Love mixed with You Really Got Me at the Start lol.
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Couple of songs at the end had more of a Beatles and Stones vibe which I wasn't crazy about but Evil was a cool closer. Gave me that early Sabbath vibe again.
Really cool debut.
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:rollin I should read before I listen and post. This isn't even Schenker. :lol This Mick Bolton has some nice chops however. ;D
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20 minutes into Flying and holy shit, how many drugs were these dudes doing at the time? :lol
I see the title track is like 26 minutes. I don't think I'm ready for that. Star Storm is already making me hallucinate!
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But this album, and the next two are really for completest only. I catch myself calling Phenomenon their first album. There's really nothing on here to link to what was to come. Other than an eager young band trying to truly learn their instruments and their craft.
Yeah, same here. Being a fan from '74 on, none of us knew that these first three albums even existed here in the States. Even the record store guru's (as far as I know) hadn't heard of them and considered Phenomenon as the debut. I didn't hear of these albums or listen to them until 2008 or so.
I like them okay, but it's not really what I go to UFO for. I want sing-a-long, near-metal, with killer solos. These are more of a curiosity, and at times (to be honest) Mogg's singing is pretty amateurish. He gets so much better, later.
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20 minutes into Flying and holy shit, how many drugs were these dudes doing at the time? :lol
I see the title track is like 26 minutes. I don't think I'm ready for that. Star Storm is already making me hallucinate!
:rollin :rollin
Glad you checked it out Kade!
But this album, and the next two are really for completest only. I catch myself calling Phenomenon their first album. There's really nothing on here to link to what was to come. Other than an eager young band trying to truly learn their instruments and their craft.
Yeah, same here. Being a fan from '74 on, none of us knew that these first three albums even existed here in the States. Even the record store guru's (as far as I know) hadn't heard of them and considered Phenomenon as the debut. I didn't hear of these albums or listen to them until 2008 or so.
I like them okay, but it's not really what I go to UFO for. I want sing-a-long, near-metal, with killer solos. These are more of a curiosity, and at times (to be honest) Mogg's singing is pretty amateurish. He gets so much better, later.
Looking forward to your participation, Gregg!
I think Andy Parker is actually really good on these first two albums.
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Listened to Silver Bird and Price Kajuku off the Flying album. This is classified as Space Rock and I don’t think you can find a better description than that. I definitely think it’s good stuff but I know it’s not something I would buy or listen to on repeat. But I’m liking the songs off the first two UFO albums more than I thought I would
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Listened to Silver Bird and Price Kajuku off the Flying album. This is classified as Space Rock and I don’t think you can find a better description than that. I definitely think it’s good stuff but I know it’s not something I would buy or listen to on repeat. But I’m liking the songs off the first two UFO albums more than I thought I would
That's awesome Jason. They sounded like a lot of bands at that time.
If you really want to hear something strange, give that Scorpions album a spin. At least watch the video I posted.
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Ok Tim I just watched that Scorpions video for the first time ever.......................................
Those are Bad Boys Running F&$@ing Wild!!!!!! :metal
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Ok Tim I just watched that Scorpions video for the first time ever.......................................
Those are Bad Boys Running F&$@ing Wild!!!!!! :metal
:lol
If you don't play along with their games, you better get out of their way.
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Update
So Mick Bolton would leave UFO in late '71/very early '72. He was engaged to be married, and started to drift away from the band.
UFO enlisted local player Larry Wallis, who would go onto play in an early version of Motorhead.
Here is some very rare footage of Wallis in the band:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bu1lb6-rWlw
Wallis lasted about 8 months, so in late '72, Bernie Marsden would join the band. You may recognize Marsden as a future member of Whitesnake.
Here is a band pic:
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a5/43/d6/a543d66e25a00ad8dcccdad8c050d687.jpg)
During a spring tour in 1973, UFO were touring with Scorpions. On a trip to Germany, Bernie Marsden, the story goes, apparently lost his passport, so he could not travel to Germany. UFO asked Scorpions if they could "borrow" Michael Schenker to play their set. After a couple of shows with Schenker, Marsden rejoined the band. After the tour, before the band could fire him, Marsden quit.
The band would set their sights on Schenker.
Michael had always said that if an English band came calling, he would move to London because that's where the scene was. Well,..an English band came calling.
Here is some amazing footage from a German TV show in 1973:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ke_DWm4mtw4
It starts off with an early version of Rock Bottom, with very different lyrics. The Rock Bottom portion is great, but the video does suffer from some synch issues after that.
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Did Mick Bolton go on to do anything else of relevance?
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Did Mick Bolton go on to do anything else of relevance?
Nope!
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Did Mick Bolton go on to do anything else of relevance?
Nope!
Huh! A shame because his playing on the debut was really tasty.
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I read a review of Flying where they basically said that they would've loved to see where the band went from there, as they would refine their playing.
I actually like both albums. I don't listen to them a whole lot, not because they aren't good, but more because they sound so completely different than anything else UFO did. They are just so different.
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I got a bit of an early start with UFO 1 and 2 as I just purchased everything up to Misdemeanor recently. I really enjoyed 1. It was a nice, steady rocker and Pete is super loud in the copy I purchased. I found 2 to be a tad unfocused with the long tracks, otherwise, I enjoyed it as well.
It's kind of funny that 1 and 2 cost me exactly the same as it cost me to buy the box that has Phenomenon through Misdemeanor. Hah, just did the math and the 12 albums cost me an average of $6.66 a piece! All physical, of course. My 1 and 2 remasters are hotter than the box with the 2008 remasters of the other 10.
Anyway, 1 is the clear winner for me out of 1 and 2. I am a sucker for long songs but the ones on 2 aren't quite up to snuff.
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Update
Here is some amazing footage from a German TV show in 1973:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ke_DWm4mtw4
It starts off with an early version of Rock Bottom, with very different lyrics. The Rock Bottom portion is great, but the video does suffer from some synch issues after that.
I think that it might be safe to say that none of us has heard Rock Bottom played that fast since. Holy :censored they're flying through that one!!!
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Yeah 1 definitely is my preferred one also.
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That Scorpions vid. What the fuck was that? So many joints smoked that day. And the song was just as fucking baked.
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That Scorpions vid. What the fuck was that? So many joints smoked that day. And the song was just as fucking baked.
:lol
If you have a spare couple of minutes, you should checked out some of that album. It makes Flying sound concise.
Here's the title track
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRKTvZV1rkg
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Lonesome Crow has some cool parts to it, but overall it’s so far removed from what they ended up sounding like. Reading the reviews, there are people who love that track and I can totally understand that. It’s out there and like wolf said, lots of smoking was done during these albums lol.
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Just noticed this now. :metal Will catch up later today, and do my hardest to follow along better than I did with the Riot listening party.
P.S. Great opening statement, Tim. Also, your buddy got the better deal with that Zeppelin pin. :corn :biggrin:
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Great opening statement, Tim.
Thanks, Chad!
do my hardest to follow along better than I did with the Riot listening party.
That shouldn't be too hard. :neverusethis:
Don't kill yourself on these first albums I posted. Shit gets real later today.
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I get that it's not "Blackout" but I LOVE that first Scorpions record. It was real; some of the later stuff - even the "classic era" stuff - sometimes seemed a little... contrived. There was this vibe about Scorpions of being "crazy rockers", with Rudy always looking like he's screaming whatever, and it seemed a little silly. The records are good, especially deeper tracks, but it was cartoony compared to the early stuff with Michael and Uli.
Good thing Klaus got his teeth done, too.
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I love the Roth albums, but the Scorps would end up writing themselves into a corner in the 80's.
The albums where they "passed the torch" like Lovedrive , Blackout, and Love At First Sting are all excellent.
I'll talk about Lovedrive later on when the time comes in this thread, and it's interesting to hear Michael's thoughts on the whole era.
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You know, on listening to UFO1 and Flying today (just a refresher), I have to say I prefer Flying. Silver Bird is really cool and I think the Mogg's maturity as a singer really shows a pretty big leap from UFO1 (although his performance on UFO1 was not as bad as I remembered). Anyway, I like the spacey shit and enjoyed the journey more than I thought I would.
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The hardest part about listening to Flying is actually DECIDING to listen to it. :lol
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The hardest part about listening to Flying is actually DECIDING to listen to it. :lol
:lol
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The hardest part about listening to Flying is actually DECIDING to listen to it. :lol
Big UFO fan here (from Phenomenom onwards at least), specially the Schenker and Chapman phases, but I really like a lot of the albums/songs even after the classic years (74-83). So I will follow this thread. TAC, thanks for you to have started it!
But, I don't know, I still don't have the courage to listen to UFO 1 and 2... :lol
Man, that Scorpions videoclip! :rollin
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I'm following along here. My only exposure to UFO has been Lights Out and Redemption's cover of Love to Love. I listened to the first 2 today. 1st wasn't really my thing and you can tell it is a first album. Not bad just not really anything I found interesting. The second I found a lot more interesting. Lots of growth from the first to the second. (Lots of drugs probably as well) I'm most of the way through Phenomenon and I really like that. So far so good.
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Phenomenon
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3e/UFO_album_Phenomenon.jpg)(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/8c/06/2c/8c062c5da97f091408a9575ba186d648.jpg)
Phenomenon (1974) (https://open.spotify.com/album/7rIrjqUmeFTjw9JH9MWekS?si=KiqkEF9CQ-2NaycnHniqEg)
Released May 1974
1. Too Young To Know
2. Crystal Light
3. Doctor Doctor
4. Space Child
5. Rock Bottom
6. Oh My
7. Time On My Hands
8. Built For Comfort
9. Lipstick Traces
10. Queen Of The Deep
Phil Mogg-Vocals
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Pete Way- Bass
Andy Parker-Drums
Phenomenon was the first album with Chysalis and also the beginning of the Classic Michael Schenker era. After their contract with Beacon ran out, they were trying to sign with Chrysalis. The first song they wrote with Schenker was Give Her The Gun, which would be part of the demo brought to the record company. Chrysalis asked Leo Lyons, bass player for Ten Years After, and part time producer, to take UFO in the studio for a day and see what they came up with. Chrysalis had an interest in the band, given their popularity in Europe and ended up signing UFO.
It was recorded at Morgan Studios (which would later become The Power Plant) in London, familiar to Lyons. It was a popular studio, with Yes, Juthro Tull, and Rod Stewart having all used it.
For the cover of Phenomenon. UFO would use Hypgnosis, who at the time were also doing Pink Floyd's albums.
Songwise, Phenomenon is a bit all over the place. But it gives a great introduction of some of the types of things UFO would deliver. UFO, especially in the Schenker era, would always be able to go from rocker to ballad to slow to fast. Phenomenon has all of it. Obviously, the two tracks that stand out are Rock Bottom and Doctor Doctor. Michael for years would cite his Rock Bottom solo as his favorite, and considering he was only 18 when he recorded Phenomenon, it's well,..phenomenal.
Time On My Hands has one of my all time favorite Schenker solos. It's just beautiful.
I also want to call a shout out to Queen Of the Deep, which truly is a um..deep track. So much to chew on in this track. It's like every song on this album rolled into one.
After returning home from a US tour, Michael felt that he needed more than just bass and drums underneath his solos. UFO would enlist Paul Chapman, fresh off of replacing Gary Moore in Skid Row. Chapman toured with the band for the better part of a year, and was present while the band was writing Force It. Chapman fancied himself a true lead guitarist, so he would leave to form Lone Star.
The remaster contains two demo versions of Oh My and Sixteen, both with Bernie Marsden on guitar.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aPr9jZrmu9c/THF920w75FI/AAAAAAAACXA/g-L7HII6tHc/s1600/UFO+-+Band.jpg)
l-r..Way, Parker, Mogg, Schenker
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/6f/b7/f8/6fb7f8fcc88e30ab198417d53e1ba55f.jpg)
l-r.. Mogg, Way, Chapman, Parker, Schenker
Live on Don Kirshner (https://youtu.be/MrJePqPkNUM?t=784)
I queued it up at Rock Bottom. Good God Michael Schenker :hefdaddy
Atlanta 1974 audio (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtBkuJ5M6lE&t=2083s)
Amazing quality!
London 1974 audio (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGjJErwdE5Q&t=35s)
Quality a bit iffy, but it does include Paul Chapman
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@ Stadler... Is it me, or does Too Young To Know sound like a sped up Back Into My Life.
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@ Stadler... Is it me, or does Too Young To Know sound like a sped up Back Into My Life.
No it's not just you; I think I hear that when the vocals kick in. Blasphemy alert: I like the Chapman version a little better. Both songs really bring out Mogg's voice though; what a great singer.
It's so unfortunate though; I get that I'm a relative new-comer to the UFO party, but he has no... I was going to say charisma, but that's not really it. He's not flamboyant like the other singers that came out around that time; he doesn't have that larger than life personality. You kind of know where Paul Stanley and Robert Plant are coming from. Stephen Tyler. Jon Anderson. Geddy Lee. Ozzy. But it's like I don't know a single thing about Mogg. You know Stanley was hustling in New York, working as a cab driver, the mythology being that he banged 1000 women, four at a time. Ozzy worked odd jobs at a machine shop and didn't do a great job of staying out of jail, the mythology being he did 1000 tons of drugs, sometimes four at a time. Stephen Tyler was a hippie Beatles fan that spent summers in the New Hampshire woods, the mythology being he banged 500 women while doing 500 tons of drugs. Phil Mogg? Beats the hell out of me; he might as well have invented a synthesizer for all I know.
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@ Stadler... Is it me, or does Too Young To Know sound like a sped up Back Into My Life.
No it's not just you; I think I hear that when the vocals kick in. Blasphemy alert: I like the Chapman version a little better. Both songs really bring out Mogg's voice though; what a great singer.
I find the little guitar accent bits in the verses really similar too.
It's so unfortunate though; I get that I'm a relative new-comer to the UFO party, but he has no... I was going to say charisma, but that's not really it. He's not flamboyant like the other singers that came out around that time; he doesn't have that larger than life personality. You kind of know where Paul Stanley and Robert Plant are coming from. Stephen Tyler. Jon Anderson. Geddy Lee. Ozzy. But it's like I don't know a single thing about Mogg. You know Stanley was hustling in New York, working as a cab driver, the mythology being that he banged 1000 women, four at a time. Ozzy worked odd jobs at a machine shop and didn't do a great job of staying out of jail, the mythology being he did 1000 tons of drugs, sometimes four at a time. Stephen Tyler was a hippie Beatles fan that spent summers in the New Hampshire woods, the mythology being he banged 500 women while doing 500 tons of drugs. Phil Mogg? Beats the hell out of me; he might as well have invented a synthesizer for all I know.
He was actually laying carpet when he met up with Pete Way. ;D
The thing is, when I got into UFO, there were no video major videos. All I had was his voice and his songs.
And while I can't speak to Plant and Anderson, everyone else that you listed sounds like ass today. Mogg, who has done just as much touring, especially in the last 10 years, still sounds great.
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@ Stadler... Is it me, or does Too Young To Know sound like a sped up Back Into My Life.
No it's not just you; I think I hear that when the vocals kick in. Blasphemy alert: I like the Chapman version a little better. Both songs really bring out Mogg's voice though; what a great singer.
It's so unfortunate though; I get that I'm a relative new-comer to the UFO party, but he has no... I was going to say charisma, but that's not really it. He's not flamboyant like the other singers that came out around that time; he doesn't have that larger than life personality. You kind of know where Paul Stanley and Robert Plant are coming from. Stephen Tyler. Jon Anderson. Geddy Lee. Ozzy. But it's like I don't know a single thing about Mogg. You know Stanley was hustling in New York, working as a cab driver, the mythology being that he banged 1000 women, four at a time. Ozzy worked odd jobs at a machine shop and didn't do a great job of staying out of jail, the mythology being he did 1000 tons of drugs, sometimes four at a time. Stephen Tyler was a hippie Beatles fan that spent summers in the New Hampshire woods, the mythology being he banged 500 women while doing 500 tons of drugs. Phil Mogg? Beats the hell out of me; he might as well have invented a synthesizer for all I know.
For me Mogg's performances have always been pretty journeymanlike, a craftsman with a microphone as his preferred tool. He has passion for his craft, without a doubt, but it's subtle. More like Daltrey rather than Plant. His stage persona is much the same. The consummate team guy who plays his part, enthusiastically, but isn't put off by playing a support role when the performance demands it.
That being said, I remember reading about him being a real tough guy asshole off the stage. A beer swilling hooligan with a background in boxing. Didn't Geddy Lee once talk about Phil getting plastered and taking a swing at Gene Simmons when Rush, UFO and Kiss were all touring together? I forget.
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Yeah, he has a reputation to be pretty brash off stage.
He actually seems so mild mannered on stage.
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcRKUtbmyNzA8np94g9AWlBA08QBWezImKwkIw&usqp=CAU)
Gregg, at what point did you become aware of UFO? Was it with Phenomenon? And how so? Radio, record store..?
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(https://scontent.fbed1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/66522963_10156828964959177_1589589807388950528_n.png?_nc_cat=102&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_ohc=UjZiY4n9J4kAX9qBVrz&_nc_ht=scontent.fbed1-2.fna&oh=d852fe43080d64836c20dc5b40bd8eb9&oe=5F735581)
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Gregg, at what point did you become aware of UFO? Was it with Phenomenon? And how so? Radio, record store..?
I was 12, in the record store (Raspberry Records as I recall), with a $10 bill burning a hole in my pocket, and was looking at the Rock new releases. I liked the cover and turned it over. The faces on the back looked like me and some of my friends (except we wore shirts). I saw that Hypnosis was the album designer and I associated them with quality acts due to Pink Floyd and 10cc. I plucked it off the rack and asked the store attendant what he thought of the record. He told me that it was pretty rockin' and kinda spacey. So I bought it.
When I got it home I wasn't particularly connecting with it until Rock Bottom started playing. My god, that riff just knocked me over and then when the solo section started I was transfixed by the liquid tone of Michael's korina wood flying V. I probably made 20 tapes of that song to share with my friends. For a time I was a hero among my peers for that song alone (I only topped that when I was the first of my crowd to discover Boston).
Other than Rock Bottom and Queen of the Deep, the rest of the album was more of a curiosity and I'll admit it didn't really resonate with me for a while. In the end I came to love Crystal Light, Space Child, Time on my Hands, Built for Comfort, Lipstick Traces, just as much. I can do without pretty much the rest of the album, and yes I include Doctor Doctor...I don't get the love for that one. It never gets anywhere, IMO.
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That's awesome! Was that grass cutting money?
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Actually, I got a summer job when I was 11 at a nearby farm. Taking care of livestock, weeding corn fields, painting barns, whatever Mr. Noble wanted done on his property. He paid me pretty well for the time and I saved up a bunch of money which I promptly blew on a stereo that would blow my bedroom windows out. :lol
The ten bucks was probably allowance money. I needed to find music to put on my new stereo, you understand.
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Checked out Phenomenon and it rocks :metal
My three favorite UFO tracks are Lights Out, Rock Bottom and Doctor Doctor, so clearly Phenomenon had a head start. Schenkers guitar playing is head and shoulders above most and his playing is what stood out to me in most tunes. I was familiar with Oh My before; that’s a great tune. The song that I hadn’t heard before that stood out the most was easily “Queen of the Deep”. That is an awesome tune with fantastic riffs. Crystal Light and Time on My Hands are nice ballads but nothing on either that overly stood out upon first listen. Space Child seems to continue in that space rock vibe but still a cool song and great guitar solo. Lipstick Traces was a very nice instrumental. Bottom line....Michael Schenker :metal
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Phenomenon is a good album and it shows a promising band with a impressive guitar player still in its embrionary stage and with the great achivement of already having 2 of the greatest all time UFO classics. Besides Doctor Doctor and Rock Bottom, I also really love Oh My and Time on My Hands, but it's my less favourite album from the Phenomenon to Making Contact run. Of course it's an old album, but it does sound much more dated than Force It and No Heavy Petting.
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it's my less favourite album from the Phenomenon to Making Contact run.
I think that's fair. I don't really disagree.
And you better not bale after Making Contact!
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:lol
No way, TAC! I have a lot of good things to say post-Making Contact, you'll see! There's even a non Schenker/Chapman album that I think it is at least better than Phenomenon... :omg:
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I own this one on CD, somewhere. Will try and find it so I can spin it in the car. :metal
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I mentioned in the writeup, but I just want to say it again that the solo in Time On My Hands is amazing. One of my favorite moments in their catalog. I love how the section goes on long enough for the solo to fully develop.
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Ah, the first proper UFO album! :biggrin:
It's ok. There's clearly two quite phenomenal ;) songs here, but he rest is ok.
I've always loved Phil's voice. He just seems like a mate telling stories where you're never quite sure what he's going on about, but he's entertaining so you listen.
And Schenker. Well, he's young here but what a player.
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Have this CD out and ready to go in the car on the way to work tomorrow.
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Listening now and its a better album than I remember. There hasn't been a bad song yet and I do recognise many of these that I thought I was unfamiliar with so I must have played it a fair bit at one time.
I'll say it again - Schenker :hefdaddy
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I'll say it again - Schenker :hefdaddy
Yeah, his lead playing was unique at this point in his career. It's hard to describe, but his note choices, phrasing, and tone really spoke to me and was like nothing else I was familiar with. The rockingest music I owned when this album came out was Zep II, Aqualung, and Styx II but those were more blues based rock. The riff for Rock Bottom and the lead guitar work on this album was just so different--heavier but so melodic. By the time the next few albums came out, Schenker was my favorite guitarist and would remain so for many years.
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I'll say it again - Schenker :hefdaddy
Yeah, his lead playing was unique at this point in his career. It's hard to describe, but his note choices, phrasing, and tone really spoke to me and was like nothing else I was familiar with. The rockingest music I owned when this album came out was Zep II, Aqualung, and Styx II but those were more blues based rock. The riff for Rock Bottom and the lead guitar work on this album was just so different--heavier but so melodic. By the time the next few albums came out, Schenker was my favorite guitarist and would remain so for many years.
Really looking forward to jamming this one.
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I was secretlt very pleased with myself when I learned to play Rock Bottom - not the solo though. I'm nowhere near good enough for that.
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I was secretlt very pleased with myself when I learned to play Rock Bottom - not the solo though. I'm nowhere near good enough for that.
Oh not the solo?
Then probably best to keep it a secret. :lol
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I was secretlt very pleased with myself when I learned to play Rock Bottom - not the solo though. I'm nowhere near good enough for that.
Oh not the solo?
Then probably best to keep it a secret. :lol
I can't play anyone's solos. Just haven't got the memory for it. takes all my time to remember riffs. The riff was tricky. my fingers just didn't want to do it.
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Just busting.
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The faces on the back looked like me and some of my friends (except we wore shirts).
HAHAHA that made me laugh out loud.
(By the way, I'm with you on Doctor, Doctor; good not great. I honestly like it best when it's played loud through the PA before Maiden take the stage.)
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Had another listen today. So much nostalgia.
Another thing that I admired about Schenker was his improvisational talent. The lead breaks on these records (and live as well) were never written out note for note, but instead the band just had a framework of underlying music. Michael would just feel inspired and well... not wing it exactly--he would often have certain progressions or licks in certain spots--but everything else was left to improve and inspiration in the moment. I just love that! It keeps him on the razors edge, keeps him interested, and while it doesn't always work, there are times (more often than not) that it's simply magic.
I assume, for the studio albums, he would do several takes until he or the producer were satisfied, but I'm actually not sure. I'd love to ask him someday.
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When so many people have connected with a band and I have tried multiple times through the years to feel that connection, but can't, it kinda bums me out. Like I'm missing something crucial that I need to get. UFO is one of those bands. I owned one album. They just don't connect with me. Bummer.
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I was secretlt very pleased with myself when I learned to play Rock Bottom - not the solo though. I'm nowhere near good enough for that.
Oh not the solo?
Then probably best to keep it a secret. :lol
Wow. :lol
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When so many people have connected with a band and I have tried multiple times through the years to feel that connection, but can't, it kinda bums me out. Like I'm missing something crucial that I need to get. UFO is one of those bands. I owned one album. They just don't connect with me. Bummer.
Which one?
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When so many people have connected with a band and I have tried multiple times through the years to feel that connection, but can't, it kinda bums me out. Like I'm missing something crucial that I need to get. UFO is one of those bands. I owned one album. They just don't connect with me. Bummer.
I understand this with UFO. I even purchased a lot of their albums over the years to try and get into them more. I've said before I like the later stuff more but hoping this thread expands my view on the Schenker stuff more.
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Heading off for work and should get about half a listen to the album in.
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Heading off for work and should get about half a listen to the album in.
And the other half on the way home? ;D
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Heading off for work and should get about half a listen to the album in.
And the other half on the way home? ;D
Pretty much. :lol
That's my life.
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When so many people have connected with a band and I have tried multiple times through the years to feel that connection, but can't, it kinda bums me out. Like I'm missing something crucial that I need to get. UFO is one of those bands. I owned one album. They just don't connect with me. Bummer.
Which one?
Lights Out.
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Many consider that one a favorite. I personally do not.
Well, give the albums a listen. I had never heard a Jethro Tull album before, and I made it through Orbert's thread.
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I'm already listening ahead. Force It is excellent :metal
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Alright, as a guitarist, I feel a bit ashamed not really delving into Schenker a little more. I have so many albums in my collection that I would have never listened to properly and I believe these UFO ones are no exception.
Halfway through this album and it's very cool. But the guitar playing is just unreal.
The version I have opens with Oh My. It seems Oh My and Too Young to Know are switched around for some reason. Oh My was a solid opener though and I love the guitar work here. The playing here reminds me a lot of Guthrie Govan's style actually.
Crystal Light was a nice number and I love Schenkers guitar tones.
Doctor Doctor is obvioulsy a song I know well, but that's a cracker of a tune. That whole intro is amazing.
Space Child is something really special. This moment just now I kind of realised the big deal about Schenker. That solo was bloody incredible. A four minute song with a guitar solo going for a minute 40!? Love it. The pure expression and feel he has when playing is top notch. The note selections and phrasing are second to none. A player that really feels the music and connects with the instrument.
I thought that was good then Rock Bottom started. Man, that riff is sexy. That solo though, holy shitballs! How am I just hearing this now, what an incredible 2 minutes 20 or so! I almost crashed my car it was so good. I rewound it again in the work carpark to listen again. What a buildup, what a groove, the way he builds the solos is pure class. Again, some interesting note selctions and the phrasing and expression is wicked. Really impressed. Looking forward to the second half of the album on the way home.
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I'm already listening ahead. Force It is excellent :metal
(https://i.imgur.com/apn2iYU.jpg)
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Alright, as a guitarist, I feel a bit ashamed not really delving into Schenker a little more. I have so many albums in my collection that I would have never listened to properly and I believe these UFO ones are no exception.
Halfway through this album and it's very cool. But the guitar playing is just unreal.
The version I have opens with Oh My. It seems Oh My and Too Young to Know are switched around for some reason. Oh My was a solid opener though and I love the guitar work here. The playing here reminds me a lot of Guthrie Govan's style actually.
Crystal Light was a nice number and I love Schenkers guitar tones.
Doctor Doctor is obvioulsy a song I know well, but that's a cracker of a tune. That whole intro is amazing.
Space Child is something really special. This moment just now I kind of realised the big deal about Schenker. That solo was bloody incredible. A four minute song with a guitar solo going for a minute 40!? Love it. The pure expression and feel he has when playing is top notch. The note selections and phrasing are second to none. A player that really feels the music and connects with the instrument.
I thought that was good then Rock Bottom started. Man, that riff is sexy. That solo though, holy shitballs! How am I just hearing this now, what an incredible 2 minutes 20 or so! I almost crashed my car it was so good. I rewound it again in the work carpark to listen again. What a buildup, what a groove, the way he builds the solos is pure class. Again, some interesting note selctions and the phrasing and expression is wicked. Really impressed. Looking forward to the second half of the album on the way home.
What if I told you he recorded this album when he was 18?
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Alright, as a guitarist, I feel a bit ashamed not really delving into Schenker a little more. I have so many albums in my collection that I would have never listened to properly and I believe these UFO ones are no exception.
Halfway through this album and it's very cool. But the guitar playing is just unreal.
The version I have opens with Oh My. It seems Oh My and Too Young to Know are switched around for some reason. Oh My was a solid opener though and I love the guitar work here. The playing here reminds me a lot of Guthrie Govan's style actually.
Crystal Light was a nice number and I love Schenkers guitar tones.
Doctor Doctor is obvioulsy a song I know well, but that's a cracker of a tune. That whole intro is amazing.
Space Child is something really special. This moment just now I kind of realised the big deal about Schenker. That solo was bloody incredible. A four minute song with a guitar solo going for a minute 40!? Love it. The pure expression and feel he has when playing is top notch. The note selections and phrasing are second to none. A player that really feels the music and connects with the instrument.
I thought that was good then Rock Bottom started. Man, that riff is sexy. That solo though, holy shitballs! How am I just hearing this now, what an incredible 2 minutes 20 or so! I almost crashed my car it was so good. I rewound it again in the work carpark to listen again. What a buildup, what a groove, the way he builds the solos is pure class. Again, some interesting note selctions and the phrasing and expression is wicked. Really impressed. Looking forward to the second half of the album on the way home.
What if I told you he recorded this album when he was 18?
Yeah, lol that's prodigy like.
The other thing I noticed is that you can hear all 3 of the Maiden boys are influenced by this guy. I hear all three of them in the solos of Rock Bottom and Space Child. His tone is nice and Tipton like too.
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I went crazy over Rock Bottom over in the official UFO thread. That whole song is just magic. Schenker, of course, tears it up but Pete really shines there as well.
Where's my award? I just finished Strangers In The Night two nights ago. I'm way ahead! :metal
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Where's my award? I just finished Strangers In The Night two nights ago. I'm way ahead! :metal
(https://i.imgur.com/boCdi.gif)
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I'm already listening ahead. Force It is excellent :metal
(https://i.imgur.com/apn2iYU.jpg)
I'm gonna get me one of these.
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I went crazy over Rock Bottom over in the official UFO thread. That whole song is just magic. Schenker, of course, tears it up but Pete really shines there as well.
I'm going to have to learn to play it I think.
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And post a youtube link in the thread. Maybe just learn the solo. Seems Paul has the main riff covered. :lol
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And post a youtube link in the thread. Maybe just learn the solo. Seems Paul has the main riff covered. :lol
:lol you're a fucker! :lol
I haven't recorded a vid for years, I'll see what I can do. Might just see if I can do a shitty one through my phone or something.
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From Schenker;
Speaking about the freeform nature of this song and how he improvises it during live performances, Schenker told us: "'Rock Bottom' has that piece in the middle of free expression, and it's perfect for me because I love pure self-expression. It's a really, really good part to play over that particular chord there, and it leaves a lot of space to come up with a whole bunch of creative ideas. Over the years, the solos have changed. I keep the basic structure of it, but there is a lot of space to put new 'sparks' on here and there and keep it fresh.
It's always enjoyable to play over and over and over, because I can be very creative with it on the spot. That's a very fascinating, enjoyable part of music for me."
I thought all that the moment I heard it. Would be great to improvise over this one and can see Schenker going off in a live setting.
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Hint, Hint
Rock Bottom is 11:26 on Strangers In The Night.
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Hint, Hint
Rock Bottom is 11:26 on Strangers In The Night.
Wow. I own this CD too. Again, don't think I've ever properly listened to it.
Sounds like I will be in for a treat.
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As a fellow guitarist that is fairly familiar with the man's work, I think that I can say with a fair amount of confidence that if you guys are enjoying MS playing on this album then you're in for a treat later on in this discography thread. In my opinion, his best lead playing is on his first solo album. All of the basic elements are present from the beginning, but the first MSG album is where he shines the greatest. I realize that is jumping ahead quite a bit, but it might give some of you guys that are just discovering him something to look forward to.
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As a fellow guitarist that is fairly familiar with the man's work, I think that I can say with a fair amount of confidence that if you guys are enjoying MS playing on this album then you're in for a treat later on in this discography thread. In my opinion, his best lead playing is on his first solo album. All of the basic elements are present from the beginning, but the first MSG album is where he shines the greatest. I realize that is jumping ahead quite a bit, but it might give some of you guys that are just discovering him something to look forward to.
Look forward to checking it when Tim gets there.
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The rest of the album wasn't as good as the first half to be honest. Not a huge fan of the softer stuff but the guitar work makes it enjoyable.
I do like the all out blues in Built For Comfort and the closer was quite good too.
Rock Bottom though, fuck that's some song.
Looking forward to keep going through the albums.
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Just from this album alone you can hear that he's influenced so many guitarists. The Maiden boys, Michael Dennar, Michael Amott, Criss Oliva, Dimebag. I can hear them all in his playing.
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The rest of the album wasn't as good as the first half to be honest. Not a huge fan of the softer stuff but the guitar work makes it enjoyable.
I do like the all out blues in Built For Comfort and the closer was quite good too.
Rock Bottom though, fuck that's some song.
Looking forward to keep going through the albums.
Huh, I was pretty sure you'd love Time on My Hands based on your comments yesterday. Perhaps you didn't like the lyric, "I've been drinkin' with a sailor-boy!" :lol
Built for Comfort always surprises me, because I don't think of MS as a blues player, but holy Thor when he does play blues licks he brings an edge to it. Those chirping harmonic notes are attention grabbing and contrast nicely with the over all sultry nature of the rest of the song.
Lipstick Traces is always nice to hear, but if your not sitting on a beach under an umbrella, it's not really noticeable. It's inclusion on the album is pretty cool though. I always enjoy the little atmospheric numbers...from any band.
Thought you'd have more to say about Queen of the Deep. Pretty imaginative writing from Moog and Schenker there. I think Way and Parker really contribute a lot to this song too.
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Just from this album alone you can hear that he's influenced so many guitarists. The Maiden boys, Michael Dennar, Michael Amott, Criss Oliva, Dimebag. I can hear them all in his playing.
My thought is many guitarist should be at least partially influenced by MS philosophy of having a solo melodically fit the song. He can play fast, but he uses that skill sparingly and at appropriate moments. Plus, he'll avoid cliches and end solos on unexpected notes. That is a great way to make a memory in the listener. I don't know, I don't want to gush and I'm not a guitar player so my knowledge of technique is poor at best. I just know that even at a young age (mine) his playing and therefore UFO stood out.
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The rest of the album wasn't as good as the first half to be honest. Not a huge fan of the softer stuff but the guitar work makes it enjoyable.
I do like the all out blues in Built For Comfort and the closer was quite good too.
Rock Bottom though, fuck that's some song.
Looking forward to keep going through the albums.
Huh, I was pretty sure you'd love Time on My Hands based on your comments yesterday. Perhaps you didn't like the lyric, "I've been drinkin' with a sailor-boy!" :lol
Built for Comfort always surprises me, because I don't think of MS as a blues player, but holy Thor when he does play blues licks he brings an edge to it. Those chirping harmonic notes are attention grabbing and contrast nicely with the over all sultry nature of the rest of the song.
Lipstick Traces is always nice to hear, but if your not sitting on a beach under an umbrella, it's not really noticeable. It's inclusion on the album is pretty cool though. I always enjoy the little atmospheric numbers...from any band.
Thought you'd have more to say about Queen of the Deep. Pretty imaginative writing from Moog and Schenker there. I think Way and Parker really contribute a lot to this song too.
I'll revisit Time and Queen. Halfway through Queen I was wondering how long the song was so I could listen to Rock Bottom again so I guess it didn't have my full attention.
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Hint, Hint
Rock Bottom is 11:26 on Strangers In The Night.
Wow. I own this CD too. Again, don't think I've ever properly listened to it.
Sounds like I will be in for a treat.
A huge part of your musical education missing there Kade, but we'll get to it. Legendary album and the definitive versions of the songs for me. And Rock Bottom doesn't feel like 11 minutes.
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I'm not quite sure why I never took to him learning the guitar. Probably because everything I heard wasn't really heavy enough for me. I guess I'm maturing and exploring more sides to the guitar the older I get.
I remember a while back buying a 5cd MSG thread when you guys were talking about him. Assault Attack was probably my fav of the bunch. Probably cause it was a little heavier. Will revisit all them too as I didn't give all of those much chance either.
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The thing about Schenker, besides the incredible melodic solos - even when he goes faster, there's a clarity of the notes played, we feel like every note is there for a musical purpose - is the quality of his guitar riffs. But I dont't think he was properly heavy, even at the time he appeared. At least Page, Iommi and Lifeson played heavier riffs at the time.
Rock Bottom maybe was the begginnig of his mastering on guitar riffs and it's still one of his greatest! Man, I NEVER get sick of this song!
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Alright, as a guitarist, I feel a bit ashamed not really delving into Schenker a little more. I have so many albums in my collection that I would have never listened to properly and I believe these UFO ones are no exception.
Halfway through this album and it's very cool. But the guitar playing is just unreal.
The version I have opens with Oh My. It seems Oh My and Too Young to Know are switched around for some reason. Oh My was a solid opener though and I love the guitar work here. The playing here reminds me a lot of Guthrie Govan's style actually.
Crystal Light was a nice number and I love Schenkers guitar tones.
Doctor Doctor is obvioulsy a song I know well, but that's a cracker of a tune. That whole intro is amazing.
Space Child is something really special. This moment just now I kind of realised the big deal about Schenker. That solo was bloody incredible. A four minute song with a guitar solo going for a minute 40!? Love it. The pure expression and feel he has when playing is top notch. The note selections and phrasing are second to none. A player that really feels the music and connects with the instrument.
I thought that was good then Rock Bottom started. Man, that riff is sexy. That solo though, holy shitballs! How am I just hearing this now, what an incredible 2 minutes 20 or so! I almost crashed my car it was so good. I rewound it again in the work carpark to listen again. What a buildup, what a groove, the way he builds the solos is pure class. Again, some interesting note selctions and the phrasing and expression is wicked. Really impressed. Looking forward to the second half of the album on the way home.
You didn't get the cassette tape wound around the capstan, did you? :) :) :)
(Just busting on you, bud!)
The other thing I noticed is that you can hear all 3 of the Maiden boys are influenced by this guy. I hear all three of them in the solos of Rock Bottom and Space Child. His tone is nice and Tipton like too.
Yeah, this can't be understated. All four of the banjo players in Maiden are HEAVILY influenced by the UFO of that era. I even think Di'Anno was too (not so much Dickinson; he's more an Ian Gillan guy).
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Yeah, this can't be understated. All four of the banjo players in Maiden are HEAVILY influenced by the UFO of that era. I even think Di'Anno was too (not so much Dickinson; he's more an Ian Gillan guy).
???
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I'll revisit Time and Queen. Halfway through Queen I was wondering how long the song was so I could listen to Rock Bottom again so I guess it didn't have my full attention.
This made me laugh. :lol
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The authopsy bit is stellar stuff, and already worth a whole thread.
Said that, I'm in desperate need for some scientist to invent a 26 hours day, but fock it, there is no way I'm missing this.
UFO are the kings of eternal shelf life details, and Shenk the prince of painstakingly deep guitar writing.
Catching up with the albums tonight.
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Hey look who it is!!
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Yeah, this can't be understated. All four of the banjo players in Maiden are HEAVILY influenced by the UFO of that era. I even think Di'Anno was too (not so much Dickinson; he's more an Ian Gillan guy).
???
I think he means it should be well known as they are heavily influenced, it should be somewhat knowledge to everyone and well spoken about.
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The rest of the album wasn't as good as the first half to be honest. Not a huge fan of the softer stuff but the guitar work makes it enjoyable.
Huh, I was pretty sure you'd love Time on My Hands based on your comments yesterday. Perhaps you didn't like the lyric, "I've been drinkin' with a sailor-boy!" :lol
I'll say it again, that is such a magical solo. I love that song.
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Yeah, this can't be understated. All four of the banjo players in Maiden are HEAVILY influenced by the UFO of that era. I even think Di'Anno was too (not so much Dickinson; he's more an Ian Gillan guy).
???
I think he means it should be well known as they are heavily influenced, it should be somewhat knowledge to everyone and well spoken about.
Mostly the first part; Harris names a number of influences, and Murray always names Paul Kossoff (and Gers, Blackmore) but I think UFO, at the end of the day, is their primary influence.
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You guys ready for Force It? I don't want to go too fast, but we have a lot of ground to cover.
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I’ve already been doing my homework.....how was “Too Much of Nothing” not a big hit? That song rocks
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I’ve already been doing my homework.....how was “Too Much of Nothing” not a big hit? That song rocks
I LOVE that song!
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I’ve already been doing my homework.....how was “Too Much of Nothing” not a big hit? That song rocks
I LOVE that song!
It might be the stand out song of all the UFO songs I’ve listened to so far
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Force It
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/f7/Force_It_cover.jpg/220px-Force_It_cover.jpg)(https://www.rarerecords.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/UFO-Force-It-1.jpg)
Force It (1975) (https://open.spotify.com/album/2MV8GUvFbQKnpYDLGCGFQf?si=tQmU40_OSs6b34gZSsXvzA)
Released July 1975
1. Let It Roll
2. Shoot Shoot
3. High Flyer
4. Love Lost Love
5. Out In The Street
6. Mother Mary
7. Too Much Of Nothing
8. Dance Your Life Away
9. This Kids (including Between The Walls)
Phil Mogg-Vocals
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Pete Way- Bass
Andy Parker-Drums
The follow up to Phenomenon would benefit from the band touring together for the previous year. The album is rocking and has a live feel. Leo Lyons would once again produce. The sound is quite raw and clear. Keyboards courtesy of Lyons' Ten Years After bandmate Chick Churchill.
There are more songs from Force It on Strangers In The Night than any other of the Schenker albums.
For the Force It tour, the band would enlist keyboardist Danny Peyronel, formerly of the Heavy Metal Kids, whoever the hell they were.
Over this tour and the No Heavy Petting tour, Peyronel would play a big role in developing the keyboard parts that Paul Raymond would make famous.
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcRBpwSGhwdatqUbfCZszpAUnsttZs6v7Qa_tw&usqp=CAU)
Peyronel, Mogg, Schenker, Parker, Way
FM Broadcast recorded at The Record Plant in LA 9-75
https://youtu.be/S1h9ldHcBAg?t=2
A couple of live clips from the Roundhouse in London 12-1975
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPSsC5cO7qU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFBYat1V2CY
Also it should be noted that Paul Chapman was still in the band when they started writing Force it. He claims to have helped write Let It Roll and Mother Mary. Speaking of Mother Mary, check out Lone Star's song From All Of Us To All Of You, from their second album, Firing On All Six. Let me know when you get to the chorus...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGyJisYUBjA&list=PLtJK_InIjqtRGMHPp1RupBVsIS-iIva0E&index=9&t=0s
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No more of that space rock stuff, this is when UFO turned it up a notch with the hard rock
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Yup. Pretty much are on their way.
You mentioned Too Much Of Nothing. That is a deep track, but I have always loved it. It has a great understated guitar solo in it along with the bass and drums. The band was really on fire for that part.
And while Dance Your Life Away is not a favorite of mine, it does have the best guitar solo on the album.
As a fellow guitarist that is fairly familiar with the man's work, I think that I can say with a fair amount of confidence that if you guys are enjoying MS playing on this album then you're in for a treat later on in this discography thread. In my opinion, his best lead playing is on his first solo album. All of the basic elements are present from the beginning, but the first MSG album is where he shines the greatest. I realize that is jumping ahead quite a bit, but it might give some of you guys that are just discovering him something to look forward to.
Been thinking about this post, Jason. I'm listening tonight with your post in mind. I have never really loved his first solo album.
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As a fellow guitarist that is fairly familiar with the man's work, I think that I can say with a fair amount of confidence that if you guys are enjoying MS playing on this album then you're in for a treat later on in this discography thread. In my opinion, his best lead playing is on his first solo album. All of the basic elements are present from the beginning, but the first MSG album is where he shines the greatest. I realize that is jumping ahead quite a bit, but it might give some of you guys that are just discovering him something to look forward to.
Been thinking about this post, Jason. I'm listening tonight with your post in mind. I have never really loved his first solo album.
It's not as good as a whole (in the song writing department) as the next album, but his lead playing is at it's best to my ears. That being said, it does have some stellar individual songs. Armed and Ready, Into the Arena and Lost Horizons are MSG classics.
Once again, sorry for leaping ahead. I'll leave further discussion alone until the time for it comes.
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Late with my comments... had a hectic couple of days.
UFO 1 and Flying. I could've gotten 'in' to these if I'd first explored them around the same time I was exploring all classic rock from the 70s (ie, in my teenage years). Psychedellic Rock is what I'd classify it as. Hell, as I mentioned a couple months back in the main UFO thread, Star Storm sounds like the extended mix of Whole Lotta Love. On the whole, I left with the thought "what the hell did I just listen to". Enjoyable enough, but not sure they'll draw me back in with these two albums.
Phenomenon. Maybe it was a function of multi-tasking during both listens, but nothing really grabbed my attention with this. Naturally, I know Doctor Doctor and Rock Bottom, but I'm very much partial to the SitN version of the latter.
Force It. Yum Yum. Much better variety here. I'm spinning Mother Mary right now, and every song has given me something to appreciate so far. Let it Roll was a great opener; High Flyer a nice ballad and bluesy solo; Mother Mary had a cracking solo; Too Much of Nothing ... jj's right. This should've had "hit" potential.
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That's great Chad!
Yes High Flyer does indeed have a tasty solo, much like Time On My Hands.
As a fellow guitarist that is fairly familiar with the man's work, I think that I can say with a fair amount of confidence that if you guys are enjoying MS playing on this album then you're in for a treat later on in this discography thread. In my opinion, his best lead playing is on his first solo album. All of the basic elements are present from the beginning, but the first MSG album is where he shines the greatest. I realize that is jumping ahead quite a bit, but it might give some of you guys that are just discovering him something to look forward to.
Been thinking about this post, Jason. I'm listening tonight with your post in mind. I have never really loved his first solo album.
It's not as good as a whole (in the song writing department) as the next album, but his lead playing is at it's best to my ears. That being said, it does have some stellar individual songs. Armed and Ready, Into the Arena and Lost Horizons are MSG classics.
Once again, sorry for leaping ahead. I'll leave further discussion alone until the time for it comes.
Cool. We'll pick it up in a couple of weeks or so.
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Second listen of Time on My Hands and yeah that's a nice solo. Not my fav on the album but indeed a well crafted solo. Will try and get onto Force It tomorrow.
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I bought so many classic albums in '75, but very few have stuck with me like Force It. Physical Graffiti and Night at the Opera being the only real contenders.
Lyons improved his skills tremendously with this album (or maybe just had a better engineer). Parker and Way are much easier to hear and follow along with. It really gives this album more of a band feel and helps you appreciate just how fantastic of a rhythm section they are. Chick Churchill's contributions really broadened their sound
The two songs penned by Way (Out in the Streets and Too Much of Nothing) are outstanding deep tracks that really round out the album and keep it from getting too samey.
I think this where Mogg really started to come into his own. I don't know if it was his or Lyon's idea to have so much more vocal harmonies but they really add to the performances. Tim, have you ever heard who it was who was singing those harmonies? It doesn't sound like Mogg double tracked. I suspect it may have been Way but I don't know why I think that.
Let It Roll, Shoot Shoot, are great opening tracks that make a "we're rockin' now" statement. High Flyer really shows Schenker's love and skill with acoustic guitar...of course with a fantastic restrained solo. Love the intro lead to Love Lost Love and the really heavy tone of the rhythm riffs. Yes your pretty, but who needs a pretty face/With a hot lip reputation -- nice Phil. Out in the Street is my favorite from side one. Love the keyboards and Schenker's solo, how it starts out nice and mellow and then builds to a real intense climax. He's just so great at that.
Mother Mary, just so heavy. I love how in the second verse they lean into the chugging riff and Way adds extra notes to give it a galloping feel that intensifies Schenker and Parker. Of course Schenker's lead work is interesting, short with little sprinkles during the chorus of the second half. Too Much of Nothing (again written by Way) is my second favorite from side two. Parker's fills and Ways and rambling baseline along with Schenker's wailing lead notes...fuck, I just love it. Like Tim mentioned above, I never really liked Dance Your Life Away very much, but that's probably because I can't dance. Over the years, I've warmed up to it...of course, it doesn't hurt that the lead is ripping! (I can't wait to hear what Kade thinks of it). This Kid's is the highlight of side two for me (maybe even the whole album). The opening riff is awesome, but Schenker playing single note riff in harmony with Mogg in the verses is the best! Bands don't do enough of that in my opinion. UFO would revisit the technique a few times over the coming years and I think it's magic. Then it slides into that tasty blues showcase to close it out. Between the Walls may be my favorite album closer ever. It's like a scoop of chocolate ice cream after an intense and satisfying meal.
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I think this where Mogg really started to come into his own. I don't know if it was his or Lyon's idea to have so much more vocal harmonies but they really add to the performances. Tim, have you ever heard who it was who was singing those harmonies? It doesn't sound like Mogg double tracked. I suspect it may have been Way but I don't know why I think that.
My understanding is that it is James Dewar from Robin Trower's Band.
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Great writeup Gregg.
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Yeah Gregg. Lots to chew on there. I’m at work but I’ll dig in later. I have an interesting take on those backing vocals that I want to talk about tonight.
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Yeah Gregg. Lots to chew on there. I’m at work but I’ll dig in later. I have an interesting take on those backing vocals that I want to talk about tonight.
DTF while at work. :metal
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Now we're talking.
Great album from start to finish, though the definitive versions of these songs are on Strangers In The Night.
Let It Roll is a great song, but I struggle to listen to this version as the vocal is massively inferior to the Strangers version (that I heard first).
Schenker's playing is so melodic but rocking.
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That Lonestar song also nicks the opening riff to Burn.
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Holy crap, so much to chew on here...
On topic: Force It is an excellent album. For me the standout tracks are Mother Mary and especially Out In The Street. That's one of my favorite UFO songs ever; I just love Mogg's vocals on that track. Too Much Of Nothing is good; I think "Out In The Street" is the sleeper hit, but that's just me. To-may-to, to-mah-to. Let It Roll and Shoot Shoot are solid, too. This Kids/Between The Walls is excellent; I always thought BtW was sort of what Caviar and Meths by Judas Priest could have been. I kind of dig watching a band grow right before our eyes; not that Phenomenon is bad - it's not - but this is clearly a band that is getting better with every tour and every album. This is a great album to put on and listen to in it's entirety; other than Love Lost Love, there's not a track on there that I would ever skip.
Trivia (for which I do not have the answer!): what is that riff at the start of Dance Your Life Away? It reminds me of something and it's driving me crazy!
The cover is interesting; the two people are famous - well, relatively; they are two performance artists, Genesis P-Orridge and Cosey Fanni Tutti, that later formed the band "Throbbing Gristle" (an influence on Trent Reznor). Google at your own risk. Horrible pun though ("Force It"/"faucet").
Slightly off topic: I never heard of Lone Star (well, I did but I thought it was a country band from the 90's). They were hard to find, but then I realized that's Paul Chapman! I saw the live version of that song on YouTube and it's like a Steel Panther show; the intro riff is Burn without the resolution of the last chord. The singer - John Sloman? - is clearly doing a Robert Plant impression, with the open kimono top, the long blonde hair and the off hand wave of the hand on every verse. And the chorus is rather similiar to Mother Mary, isn't it (a song that Chapman no doubt played at that point)?
Way off topic: I kind of think SitN is getting to be "too" revered; it's good - it's very good - but I don't see it as the be all and end all that most do; having said that, the live version of Mother Mary just slays. The atmospherics of Mogg's vocals, the keyboards, and the heft of Michael's guitars... that ambiance of the crowd behind Mogg as he sings "Mother Mary...." it's like you're there.
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If Phenomenon was a very consistent and good album, UFO was really begginning to take off with this one! A good chunck of the album, like Let It Roll (what a riff!), Shoot Shoot, High Flyer (started here the UFO’s habit of writing great ballads?), Out on the Street, Mother Mary (what a riff! 2) and This Kid’s, shows the band’s greatness. The other songs are good, maybe Dance Your Life Away, the less good of them, with UFO trying to sound a bit funky. Resuming, a very good album, with a lot of classics! The production is a bit raw, but fortunately we have better recordings of a lot of these songs on Strangers in the Night.
Just a head’s up, TAC is already posting youtube links for the live shows from each tour, but, if you have Spotify or something similar, I strongly recommend to hear “The Official Bootleg Box Set (1975-1982)”, where you can hear good quality recordings from almost every tour in that period. The first one is from Force It tour (in this case, I think it's the same from The Record Plant's youtube link).
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Trivia (for which I do not have the answer!): what is that riff at the start of Dance Your Life Away? It reminds me of something and it's driving me crazy!
That bass riff? I didn't do a research, but it seems something off Led Zeppelin I or II.
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Trivia (for which I do not have the answer!): what is that riff at the start of Dance Your Life Away? It reminds me of something and it's driving me crazy!
That bass riff? I didn't do a research, but it seems something off Led Zeppelin I or II.
No, the intro guitar lick. I'm thinking Blackmore off of Burn or Stormbringer but I don't think that's it.
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Horrible pun though ("Force It"/"faucet").
And a really horrible cover. I read somewhere that was exactly what Hipgnosis did when they designed the cover and where all the faucets come into play.
That is one thing that has bugged me about going through their catalog, some either truly awful or truly puzzling album covers. I normally couldn't care less, but these struck a cord with me for some reason. They are memorable and maybe that's the point.
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Force It is an excellent album. For me the standout tracks are Mother Mary and especially Out In The Street. That's one of my favorite UFO songs ever; I just love Mogg's vocals on that track
. . .
Way off topic: I kind of think SitN is getting to be "too" revered; it's good - it's very good - but I don't see it as the be all and end all that most do; having said that, the live version of Mother Mary just slays. The atmospherics of Mogg's vocals, the keyboards, and the heft of Michael's guitars... that ambiance of the crowd behind Mogg as he sings "Mother Mary...." it's like you're there.
All those are excellent songs, but This Kid's is #1 for me on this album.
I'll save most of my comments on SitN until we get there.
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Yeah...about that um...live version of Mother Mary....
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Way off topic: I kind of think SitN is getting to be "too" revered; it's good - it's very good - but I don't see it as the be all and end all that most do
I can't speak for anyone else, but for me SitN is like a greatest hits compilation of that era of the band with more energetic versions of the songs. Also, as someone else already mentioned, the vocal melody for Let it Roll is far superior on the live version.
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Force It is their best album.
The album cover isn’t great but I’ve seen worse for UFO. Come to think of it, all the UFO album covers are pretty crappy.
Just to retread what I missed so far:
I can’t bring myself to listen to UFO1 or 2. They’d make pretty good stoner rock albums though.
Phenomenon is excellent. Hard hitting rock album that has their most well known tracks.
I’d gotten into UFO about ten years ago thanks to TAC (along with Thin Lizzy, which I rate higher than UFO). Somehow I skipped the whole mid/late 70s hard rock scene, going straight from Zep/Tull/Genesis etc and the 70s prog scene to 80s metal like Maiden, Metallica and Mercyful Fate. The darker themes just appealed to me, on top of the fact that these metal bands had prog leanings. 666? Satan? Cthulhu? I was on board. I found no appeal in music that focused on barrooms, groupies and hookers.
But there’s a ‘meat and potatoes’ (I think these are TACs words) quality about bands like UFO that finally got to me. There’s a sentimentality and sincerity on these albums that just grabs you. And the playing is great. Excellent rhythm section, not to mention Schenker. When I heard his playing, it dawned on me where Mercyful Fate got their inspiration for a lot of their riffs and solos.
But Force It. One of the best hard rock albums ever.
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Yes, I like Force It quite a bit and Lights Out as well. Seen them live twice too. Great live band really.
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When I heard his playing, it dawned on me where Mercyful Fate got their inspiration for a lot of their riffs and solos.
Yeah exactly. You can hear that right away. Pretty sure Michael Dennar thinks he's Shenker. He was the first one I though of when listening to Phenomenon.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUbWQO4yjFk&list=OLAK5uy_mIjznJ1oGWGrfFXBgA2O7l-bQfWL7_poY
Vinnie Moore shared this on Facebook- the info is all wrong but a shout out at least 😀
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Been so happy to read all of the comments today while at work.
I think this where Mogg really started to come into his own. I don't know if it was his or Lyon's idea to have so much more vocal harmonies but they really add to the performances. Tim, have you ever heard who it was who was singing those harmonies? It doesn't sound like Mogg double tracked. I suspect it may have been Way but I don't know why I think that.
My understanding is that it is James Dewar from Robin Trower's Band. On the back of the album is says thanks to Jimmy and Bobby. Pretty sure Jimmy is Dewar. Not sure who Bobby is though. I think I grew up assuming they were Pete Way as well, but I was suspicious once I finally heard Pete sing.
Also I must say that those vocal harmonies are awful. They kind of bring the album down a notch for me. I have always found them really distracting.
When I heard his playing, it dawned on me where Mercyful Fate got their inspiration for a lot of their riffs and solos.
Yeah exactly. You can hear that right away. Pretty sure Michael Dennar thinks he's Shenker. He was the first one I though of when listening to Phenomenon.
Can't really comment on Denner, but I heard Schenker in Andy LaRoque's playing for sure.
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Trivia (for which I do not have the answer!): what is that riff at the start of Dance Your Life Away? It reminds me of something and it's driving me crazy!
Lay Down Sally?
Slightly off topic: I never heard of Lone Star (well, I did but I thought it was a country band from the 90's). They were hard to find, but then I realized that's Paul Chapman! I saw the live version of that song on YouTube and it's like a Steel Panther show; the intro riff is Burn without the resolution of the last chord. The singer - John Sloman? - is clearly doing a Robert Plant impression, with the open kimono top, the long blonde hair and the off hand wave of the hand on every verse. And the chorus is rather similiar to Mother Mary, isn't it (a song that Chapman no doubt played at that point)?
Um...that was the whole point of linking that song ;D
Chapman claim's to have helped write Mother Mary.
And yes, that is John Sloman.
John Sloman would feature quite prominently on a future UFO album too.
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I bought so many classic albums in '75, but very few have stuck with me like Force It. Physical Graffiti and Night at the Opera being the only real contenders.
Lyons improved his skills tremendously with this album (or maybe just had a better engineer). Parker and Way are much easier to hear and follow along with. It really gives this album more of a band feel and helps you appreciate just how fantastic of a rhythm section they are. Chick Churchill's contributions really broadened their sound
The two songs penned by Way (Out in the Streets and Too Much of Nothing) are outstanding deep tracks that really round out the album and keep it from getting too samey.
I think this where Mogg really started to come into his own. I don't know if it was his or Lyon's idea to have so much more vocal harmonies but they really add to the performances. Tim, have you ever heard who it was who was singing those harmonies? It doesn't sound like Mogg double tracked. I suspect it may have been Way but I don't know why I think that.
Let It Roll, Shoot Shoot, are great opening tracks that make a "we're rockin' now" statement. High Flyer really shows Schenker's love and skill with acoustic guitar...of course with a fantastic restrained solo. Love the intro lead to Love Lost Love and the really heavy tone of the rhythm riffs. Yes your pretty, but who needs a pretty face/With a hot lip reputation -- nice Phil. Out in the Street is my favorite from side one. Love the keyboards and Schenker's solo, how it starts out nice and mellow and then builds to a real intense climax. He's just so great at that.
Mother Mary, just so heavy. I love how in the second verse they lean into the chugging riff and Way adds extra notes to give it a galloping feel that intensifies Schenker and Parker. Of course Schenker's lead work is interesting, short with little sprinkles during the chorus of the second half. Too Much of Nothing (again written by Way) is my second favorite from side two. Parker's fills and Ways and rambling baseline along with Schenker's wailing lead notes...fuck, I just love it. Like Tim mentioned above, I never really liked Dance Your Life Away very much, but that's probably because I can't dance. Over the years, I've warmed up to it...of course, it doesn't hurt that the lead is ripping! (I can't wait to hear what Kade thinks of it). This Kid's is the highlight of side two for me (maybe even the whole album). The opening riff is awesome, but Schenker playing single note riff in harmony with Mogg in the verses is the best! Bands don't do enough of that in my opinion. UFO would revisit the technique a few times over the coming years and I think it's magic. Then it slides into that tasty blues showcase to close it out. Between the Walls may be my favorite album closer ever. It's like a scoop of chocolate ice cream after an intense and satisfying meal.
Really enjoyed your post this morning, Gregg. I bolded some points that I'm totally on board with.
You can really heard Pete Way. It's almost as if because Leo Lyons was a bass player, he wanted to make sure you could hear it through.
That breakdown in Too Much Of Nothing is great. I love what Schenker does there. So subtle. I feel he built upon that approach on Belladonna, but that's getting ahead..
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I’d gotten into UFO about ten years ago thanks to TAC (along with Thin Lizzy,
Good times, Gord.
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Just a head’s up, TAC is already posting youtube links for the live shows from each tour, but, if you have Spotify or something similar, I strongly recommend to hear “The Official Bootleg Box Set (1975-1982)”, where you can hear good quality recordings from almost every tour in that period. The first one is from Force It tour (in this case, I think it's the same from The Record Plant's youtube link).
That's an amazing box set. I am planning on giving it its due in the thread.
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Definitely following this. Love UFO, one of my favorite bands. First concert I went to as a 10 yr old kid. Schenker is my favorite guitarist, absolutely love his playing, his melodic leads, his tone, everything. He seems to find that sweet spot with his Cry Baby and just leaves it there on some of his leads. Love the Chapman era too.
Phenomenon and Force It both great albums, especially Force It, so many good songs, Let it Roll and Out in the Street two of my favorites. Only heard a few tracks from UFO1 and 2, will have to give them a full listen.
Thanks for doing this TAC.
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Thanks for doing this TAC.
You're welcome! :)
First concert I went to as a 10 yr old kid.
Where and when?
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First concert I went to as a 10 yr old kid.
Where and when?
[/quote]
At the Amphitheater in Chicago in '78, mostly all I saw was the back of peoples heads,lol. But, the live sound of the band and Schenker really had an influence on me. And when i was able to see the stage, Pete Way moving all over the place and Schenker jamming on his V was what stood out.
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At the Amphitheater in Chicago in '78, mostly all I saw was the back of peoples heads,lol. But, the live sound of the band and Schenker really had an influence on me. And when i was able to see the stage, Pete Way moving all over the place and Schenker jamming on his V was what stood out.
That's awesome. I turned 10 in 1978 too. By the time that tour got to Boston (where I am located near) Schenker had already left and Paul Chapman was in the band. I have a pretty good boot of that show.
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That's awesome. I turned 10 in 1978 too. By the time that tour got to Boston (where I am located near) Schenker had already left and Paul Chapman was in the band. I have a pretty good boot of that show.
[/quote]
Cool, don't post much but I have noticed that we have very similar tastes, UFO and Thin Lizzy to name a couple. SiTN and Live and Dangerous are still 2 of the best live albums ever, even if they get too much recognition, they never get old. Looking forward to your write ups on all of their albums and especially SiTN.
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Hopefully you'll improve your post count with this thread. ;D
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I like Live And Dangerous well enough. The studio sound of Southbound is tough to ignore. At least Ron Nevison did a better job of that kind of thing on Strangers.
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Don't hear much Schenker in Andy LaRocques playing Tim, but Dennar played on the first two King Diamond albums if you are thinking about anything from those two.
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Don't hear much Schenker in Andy LaRocques playing Tim, but Dennar played on the first two King Diamond albums if you are thinking about anything from those two.
I remember reading an interview in one of the big guitar magazines in the late 80's with Andy, and he does mention being influenced by MS. I do agree that I hear it more in Dennar's playing, though.
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A question for the other guitarists in this thread, does anyone know what MS's amp setup was at this point? I know that he started using a JCM800 in the mid/late 80's, and has since then. However, I've been trying to figure out his rig prior to the first McAuley album. I started playing again after a long layoff, and I've got a Line6 setup with several different amp models, but I'm not sure of a good starting point to approach his early sound.
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Don't hear much Schenker in Andy LaRocques playing Tim, but Dennar played on the first two King Diamond albums if you are thinking about anything from those two.
I remember reading an interview in one of the big guitar magazines in the late 80's with Andy, and he does mention being influenced by MS. I do agree that I hear it more in Dennar's playing, though.
Yeah cool, I'm sure most guitarists of that era would have been influenced by him somewhat.
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A question for the other guitarists in this thread, does anyone know what MS's amp setup was at this point? I know that he started using a JCM800 in the mid/late 80's, and has since then. However, I've been trying to figure out his rig prior to the first McAuley album. I started playing again after a long layoff, and I've got a Line6 setup with several different amp models, but I'm not sure of a good starting point to approach his early sound.
Can't help you bro. Maybe search for some guitar interviews on YouTube or something. You may stumble across something.
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Also I must say that those vocal harmonies are awful. They kind of bring the album down a notch for me. I have always found them really distracting.
This is why you fail, Grasshopper. You will never get the UFO emblem scared into your forearms this way. :sadpanda:
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I'm enjoying this trip through the albums - I'm a couple ahead now as I've got the bug. Some many great songs that don't even make the best of albums.
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Trivia (for which I do not have the answer!): what is that riff at the start of Dance Your Life Away? It reminds me of something and it's driving me crazy!
Lay Down Sally?
Closest I can come is "Breakfast In Bed", but that's not it. It will come to me, it always does....
Slightly off topic: I never heard of Lone Star (well, I did but I thought it was a country band from the 90's). They were hard to find, but then I realized that's Paul Chapman! I saw the live version of that song on YouTube and it's like a Steel Panther show; the intro riff is Burn without the resolution of the last chord. The singer - John Sloman? - is clearly doing a Robert Plant impression, with the open kimono top, the long blonde hair and the off hand wave of the hand on every verse. And the chorus is rather similiar to Mother Mary, isn't it (a song that Chapman no doubt played at that point)?
Um...that was the whole point of linking that song ;D
Chapman claim's to have helped write Mother Mary.
And yes, that is John Sloman.
John Sloman would feature quite prominently on a future UFO album too.
That was my ham-fisted way of agreeing with you. Sorry! :) I was kind of shocked at seeing Chapman there to begin with and it threw me off. :)
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I love Schenker’s solo on High Flyer. It is really majestic and gives a feel of an eagle soaring.
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I’m listening to Force It better today and I think it deserves more praising than I thought previously. After all, the highs of the album are truly impressive which makes it a really excellent album!
Just for the sake of coherence, and in terms of comparasion within their discography, I made this ranking, with grades. So far (without spoiling the album’s discussion):
? (my favourite)/? - 10+/10
FORCE IT/?/? - 9,5
?/?/? - 9,0
PHENOMENON/?/? – 8,5
Others
TAC, I’m having much fun revisiting UFO’s discography because of this thread, thank’s!
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UFO- No Heavy Petting :metal :metal
I actually really like these album covers. It's the same as the Riot ones; you just like them because they are so silly.
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"On With the Action" is so catchy
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I like a lot the Phenomenon's cover and Force It's cover, although this one is a little unsettling... but it has impact and those black/white/silver tones work great!
But No Heavy Petting's cover I find just plain (a bit) disgusting... but also leaves a impression, which always is an interesting quality.
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For TAC, this thread must be like inviting all your buddies over for your favorite 10 course meal and everyone keeps going into the kitchen to help themselves to the next or several courses ahead.
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For TAC, this thread must be like inviting all your buddies over for your favorite 10 course meal and everyone keeps going into the kitchen to help themselves to the next or several courses ahead.
:lol I figure if you talk about the current album, or the one before or the one after, that's acceptable. I just like to look ahead at what's coming up.
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And I don't think Tim will get upset that everyone is listening ahead or different albums of UFO. That's the purpose.
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For TAC, this thread must be like inviting all your buddies over for your favorite 10 course meal and everyone keeps going into the kitchen to help themselves to the next or several courses ahead.
Hah!
Well, that's why I put all of the albums in the OP. There's a lot of ground to cover so I hope people are a little ahead so we can move things along.
Still trying to figure what is a good pace. Every other day seems quick, but I don't want to drag either.
And I don't think Tim will get upset that everyone is listening ahead or different albums of UFO. That's the purpose.
Zaccaly.
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So here's my plan. Going to post No Heavy Petting in a little bit. That will give everyone the weekend to jump on that, catch up, maybe give these first few albums a relisten, before moving on. The Leo Lyons Era will soon becoming to a close.
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Tim, I'm going to get in trouble here. I had a Queen friend from Tennessee who sent me five or six cdrs of UFO about six years ago after I had surgery. I listened to them then, I've listened to a few since this thread started.
I am 'not getting it'. Is it because I didn't hear them in my youth, my later 'rock' era, or....because I'm just too old to appreciate them and find them 'simple'?
Please don't castigate, just trying to be honest.
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Tim, I'm going to get in trouble here. I had a Queen friend from Tennessee who sent me five or six cdrs of UFO about six years ago after I had surgery. I listened to them then, I've listened to a few since this thread started.
I am 'not getting it'. Is it because I didn't hear them in my youth, my later 'rock' era, or....because I'm just too old to appreciate them and find them 'simple'?
Please don't castigate, just trying to be honest.
(https://i.imgur.com/txhsvP5.jpg)
I don't "get" Queen.
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:rollin
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No Heavy Petting
(https://img.discogs.com/WrBxzBfjgeEetIxc8jsbGU6Sst8=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-973684-1557841176-1272.jpeg.jpg)(https://www.music-bazaar.com/album-images/vol15/741/741607/2590756-big/No-Heavy-Petting-2-picture.jpg)
No Heavy Petting (1976) (https://open.spotify.com/album/3lu8Z9INHhbKLpS4LkJArz?si=0ASd__V5Seqk32R_VhPNiw)
Released May 1976
1. Natural Thing
2. I'm A Loser
3. Can You Roll Her
4. Belladonna
5. Reasons Love
6. Highway Lady
7. On With The Action
8. A Fool In Love
9. Martian Landscape
Phil Mogg-Vocals
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Pete Way- Bass
Andy Parker-Drums
Danny Peyronel-Keyboards
For 1976's No Heavy Petting, UFO would again use Leo Lyons as producer. This would be the first (and only) album with keyboardist Danny Peyronel. In fact he wrote Highway Lady and co-wrote Can You Roll Her, the two singles from the album. I actually really like Peyronel's performance on this album.
After being somewhat surprised by Force It's success in the US, Chrysalis had high hopes for No Heavy Petting. Chrysalis would actually end up shooting themselves in the foot, as they changes US distributors, and apparently, there were major issues with the albums initial shipping. The band talks about playing great shows, but the fans couldn't buy the album.
And folks, No Heavy Petting is my favorite UFO album.
UFO Live at the Roundhouse, London
April 25, 1976
https://youtu.be/-Leyoxallas?t=1
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Catching up on Foce It;
Let It Roll: Gotta love that riff. Kicks things off perfectly. You can tell right away Phil
s voiced has matured and he's found more his style. Love the long 1:30 instrumental section too. Always welcome. Love the key changes within the song too.
Shoot Shoot: Reminds me a lot of the later Vinnie Moore stuff actually. Pretty standard this one. Schenkers solo reminds me of that Oh My Guthrie Govan style, nice and busy. Cool riffs, solid enough song.
High Flyer: Nice atmosphere on this one. The solo though is fucking magic. The way the solo climbs is excellent. This solo brough Kai Hansen to mind actually. Can hear a lot of Schenker is his playing too now. Schenkers note selection and phrasing on this one is just wonderful.
Love Lost Love: This one was okay. Didn't blow me away however. Schenker plays the major key really well though. I find some guitarists get a bit boxed in when soloing in a major key and don't have the ideas they would have in a minor but Schenker is a natural. The chorus is cool and fun.
Out In the Street: This one takes a bit to get going for me. Wasn't sure at first. The chorus is very good however. It has a nice nostalgic atmosphere though. Schenker soloing in the major key again too. That change into the minor key when it gets heavier is really nice.
Mother Mary: Nice groovy one this one. Very cool riffing in this one. This one gives me that old school Sabbath vibe. Reminds me of The Wizard or something perhaps. like how there's two solos too. What Shenker does at 3:07 is brilliant.
Too Much of Nothing: A bit darker this one, which I like. I love the chorus too. I really like the backing vocals also. That mid quiet section from Shenker is so good, but I kind of wish it kept building up into a long solo Rock Bottom style. Just feel they could have done something more with that.
Dance Your Life Away: Another typical song this one. Not much to say. I like the bass in this one, very cool. Shenker fucking rips on this one though, love it. Takes it to another level.
This Kid's: That intro actually reminds me a lot of Maiden. Actually think Steve Harris might have copied this for something from one of his British Lion songs. Fucking love that breakdown at the 2 minute mark, oh yeah! Shenker tears it up here too. This one is epic. Love the structure and didn't expect another instrumental section to close it out. Beautiful outro.
This was a nice album but I actually think I prefer Phenomenon, but it's close.
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Great post Kade. Can't argue with any of that. An interesting thought about extending the middle section of Too Much Of Nothing. I've never thought about that, but that actually would be cool.
You mention 3:07 of Mother Mary. Yeah, that's the spot where that solo goes from 50 to 100 in an instant, yet he comes out of it so damn clean.
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And folks, No Heavy Petting is my favorite UFO album.
Favorite album?! Cool to know! It is excellent, but it’s an interesting choice/taste, because the band clearly was still growing musically. Danny was indeed an excellent adition to UFO, with that very cool rock ‘n’ roll piano in a lot of the songs and participating as a writer in 3 of 9 songs. It has less classics than Force It, but the overall level of the songs is even more consistent. Natural Thing is maybe my favorite Schenker’s riff. Also love I’m a Loser, Can You Roll Her, Bella Donna and One with the Action.
Ranking:
? (my favorite)/? - 10+/10
FORCE IT/NO HEAVY PETTING/? - 9,5
?/?/? - 9,0
PHENOMENON/?/? – 8,5
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Great post Kade. Can't argue with any of that. An interesting thought about extending the middle section of Too Much Of Nothing. I've never thought about that, but that actually would be cool.
Yeah. On my second listen what they did works a lot better than I thought it did the first time but Shenker could have gone into something really epic. I guess it's just the dark tones of the mid section is really my style and I wanted more.
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And folks, No Heavy Petting is my favorite UFO album.
Favorite album?! Cool to know! It is excellent, but it’s an interesting choice/taste, because the band clearly was still growing musically.
Yes, it's neck and neck with a non Schenker album. I'll have more to say about how and why I feel about NHP tonight.
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Tim, what do you think about these album covers? Dumb but cool right?
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Tim, what do you think about these album covers? Dumb but cool right?
I like the covers. Obviously I spent a lot of hours looking at them. They're a little weird for sure. I do like the NHP one.
The only one I don't really care for is Light Out. A little too um... how do I say this...gay? (not that there's anything wrong with that) ;D
My favorite album cover of theirs is actually No Place To Run.
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Tim, I'm going to get in trouble here. I had a Queen friend from Tennessee who sent me five or six cdrs of UFO about six years ago after I had surgery. I listened to them then, I've listened to a few since this thread started.
I am 'not getting it'. Is it because I didn't hear them in my youth, my later 'rock' era, or....because I'm just too old to appreciate them and find them 'simple'?
Please don't castigate, just trying to be honest.
When TAC introduced me to UFO 10 some years ago, I felt the same way. Coming from a world of Jethro Tull Yes genesis, I felt like UFO was simple. But I’ve grown to appreciate the band in the same way I appreciate comfort food. Nothin fancy but good to the core. Schencker’s playing is spontaneous and combustible the same way Page and Blackmore’s playing is. The notes just seem to explode off the fretboard. And that Way/Parker rhythm section is tight as f**k.
That said, No Heavy Petting might be TACs favorite, but it’s one of their weaker albums IMO. Force It blows it away. And the albums to come are better too. I’m a Loser is iconic though.
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No Heavy Petting is kicking ass :metal
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Had to grab my magnifying glass. This is for you, TAC :D https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDI3jo9ei3o
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Tim, I'm going to get in trouble here. I had a Queen friend from Tennessee who sent me five or six cdrs of UFO about six years ago after I had surgery. I listened to them then, I've listened to a few since this thread started.
I am 'not getting it'. Is it because I didn't hear them in my youth, my later 'rock' era, or....because I'm just too old to appreciate them and find them 'simple'?
Please don't castigate, just trying to be honest.
That's a paddling.
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THIS is a paddling. :lol
That said, No Heavy Petting might be TACs favorite, but it’s one of their weaker albums IMO. Force It blows it away. And the albums to come are better too.
Podaar is going to give me a paddling over this one too.
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Tim, I'm going to get in trouble here.
I am 'not getting it'. Is it because I didn't hear them in my youth, my later 'rock' era, or....because I'm just too old to appreciate them and find them 'simple'?
When TAC introduced me to UFO 10 some years ago, I felt the same way. Coming from a world of Jethro Tull Yes genesis, I felt like UFO was simple. But I’ve grown to appreciate the band in the same way I appreciate comfort food. Nothin fancy but good to the core.
It's always a kind of crapshoot with these things, right? I mean, people have spent their whole lives listening to bands like Bad Company, Cheap Trick, Blue Oyster Cult. For me, that band is UFO.
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It IS a crapshoot. But I think part of it comes from the fact I’m about 10 years older than you. Your UFO thin lizzy scorpions is to my led zep Jethro Tull Pink Floyd. Our youth and teen years are indelible when it comes to forging our musical lives and DNA.
But it’s never too late to discover the best of newer music. Dream theater is what brings it all together here. UFO thin Lizzy and Alice In Chains are bands that I missed out on for one stupid reason or another but am just now rediscovering.
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Natural Thing is a great rocker to kick things off. Great opener.
Loser is a bit weird but I warmed to it by the end. This actually reminds me of Pearl Jam in parts.
Can You Roll Her blisters, love it and Schenker kills on this.
I liked Belladonna and lol the Maiden vibe is strong here in that riff. Love the subtle Schenker solo too.
Reasons Love has an awesome riff. Great driving tempo this one, and love Shenkers tone here. This has early Dave Murray written all over it.
Highway Lady is a bit different. Very British and a bit punky. I actually hear a lot of Pearl Jam in this too. The 'in my arms' line is so Eddie Vedder. I wonder if they were an influence. I'd dare say Mike McCready would be influenced by Shenker too.
On With the Action. Fuck yeah, now we're talking. Might be my fav song up to this point besides Rock Bottom. Schenker destroys this, good Lord. That solo in the middle, wow. This whole thing reminds me or Dio era Sabbath too. Over and Over comes to mind. What a tune, what a player.
Fool is okay. Pretty standard but feels a bit filler but maybe cause it comes after Action.
Landscape has a nice feel. Has that very British vibe once it gets going. Interesting song really, no real solo either.
I like this one a lot more than Force It. Feels like an expected continuation in the bands sound but I like the songwriting a lot more here.
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But I think part of it comes from the fact I’m about 10 years older than you.
It's only 5 years, old man. :lol
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Natural Thing is a great rocker to kick things off. Great opener.
Loser is a bit weird but I warmed to it by the end. This actually reminds me of Pearl Jam in parts.
Can You Roll Her blisters, love it and Schenker kills on this.
I liked Belladonna and lol the Maiden vibe is strong here in that riff. Love the subtle Schenker solo too.
Reasons Love has an awesome riff. Great driving tempo this one, and love Shenkers tone here. This has early Dave Murray written all over it.
Highway Lady is a bit different. Very British and a bit punky. I actually hear a lot of Pearl Jam in this too. The 'in my arms' line is so Eddie Vedder. I wonder if they were an influence. I'd dare say Mike McCready would be influenced by Shenker too.
On With the Action. Fuck yeah, now we're talking. Might be my fav song up to this point besides Rock Bottom. Schenker destroys this, good Lord. That solo in the middle, wow. This whole thing reminds me or Dio era Sabbath too. Over and Over comes to mind. What a tune, what a player.
Fool is okay. Pretty standard but feels a bit filler but maybe cause it comes after Action.
Landscape has a nice feel. Has that very British vibe once it gets going. Interesting song really, no real solo either.
I like this one a lot more than Force It. Feels like an expected continuation in the bands sound but I like the songwriting a lot more here.
Awesome notes Kade. Maiden in Belladonna? That's interesting. Funny you mention Pearl Jam. Eddie Vedder has a little Phil Mogg in him, I've always thought. Pearl Jam is a band I respect the hell out of. I just wished I liked their music more.
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The intro acoustic guitar. It's the same as Hallowed or Infinite Dreams style. Think of it with electric guitars and a bit fast. Same notes and similar patterns.
Yeah, first album that Pearl Jam comes to mind. Love that band, but that's a different story.
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I'll try to find the source for it, but I'm pretty sure McCready is a BIG UFO fan.
EDIT: That was easy: https://twitter.com/MikeMcCreadyPJ/status/1294395837032751105?s=20
McCready has been in a side UFO tribute band for almost 20 years. I guess he's a fan. ;)
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So a couple of reasons why I gravitate to NHP.
First, it's my favorite Schenker performance. Sure he's great on all of these classic albums, and he rips it up big time on Obsession, but for me, what he does on this album is truly mesmerizing.
And second, and maybe more important, it's my favorite Mogg performance. I love his voice on this. He's growing into his voice, and it really resonates with me. His lyrics, as always are amazing.
On With The Action:
"But the minister's starin'
With his Bible in his hand
Was this god's children, he didn't understand"
From Belladonna:
"The open letter just carelessly placed
And you move in silence, the tea so delicately laced"
Martian Landscape"
"So let it be a small haven big in Your heart
Don't let it turn into an nova
Tryin' to climb and climb"
Look, I love Paul Raymond. But Danny's keyboards on Martian Landscape are breathtaking.
Another thing I love about this album, and Lyons's production as a whole, is that he does not hide the bass at all. At times, like in Belladonna, the bass is playing above the background of Shenker, providing the main rhythm.
Kade, you're dead on with the Over And Over analogy with On With The Action. That Schenker riff is downright sinister.
And at 3:34 of Martian Landscape, Schenker comes in with this wicked guitar part, and then majestically carries the song out from there. Amazing.
For Lights Out, Ron Nevison would have a production budget well north of what Leo Lyons had for THREE albums.
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Here's a killer live version of On With The Action from the Lights Out tour. Paul Raymond on rhythm guitar.
The opening solo is great. Really sets the mood.
https://youtu.be/kLiqLJM_RhQ
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Another thing I'd add, while Mogg certainly has his moments, many of his lyrics are hidden gems. I think I've said to myself "wow, that's an interesting lyric" more with UFO than any similar band of the 70's and 80's.
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Another thing I'd add, while Mogg certainly has his moments, many of his lyrics are hidden gems. I think I've said to myself "wow, that's an interesting lyric" more with UFO than any similar band of the 70's and 80's.
I've always found them really interesting. I've read a number of interviews over the many years where other members of the band are like, WTF is he talking about? :lol
Stadler, I'd be curious of your thoughts on this album.
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Two more things from me on this album, and I'm just keeping it real.
I find Natural Thing extremely average. Even below average for this band.
A Fool In Love is barely B side material. As is A Fool For Love, but that's a few weeks away..
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I'll try to find the source for it, but I'm pretty sure McCready is a BIG UFO fan.
EDIT: That was easy: https://twitter.com/MikeMcCreadyPJ/status/1294395837032751105?s=20
McCready has been in a side UFO tribute band for almost 20 years. I guess he's a fan. ;)
I will say, my musical ear is not too bad.
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I'll spin this album again before moving on. Mainly for Action, but there's probably a lot I missed that I want to go back to.
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I'm liking everything I've heard from No Heavy Petting so far.
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I'm liking everything I've heard from No Heavy Petting so far.
:metal :metal :metal
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Another thing I'd add, while Mogg certainly has his moments, many of his lyrics are hidden gems. I think I've said to myself "wow, that's an interesting lyric" more with UFO than any similar band of the 70's and 80's.
Absolutely and that’s one of the things that hooked me on this band. Yes, the songs may be about barroom/street brawls and groupies but the way Mogg tells these stories is fascinating. The lyrics are way out there in a wonderful way. And he just offers snippets of the story, leaving space for the imagination to work to the point where you’re wondering WTF is he really singing about. Love it. It’s different from Phil Lynott, where there’s almost no question what his songs are going for.
I gave NHP another listen and maybe I was too harsh in my assessment. Yes those couple of tracks TAC mentioned are weak/subpar, but the rest is excellent. Schenker blisters of course. The keyboard parts in Loser are brilliant. And Mogg sings about the Martian Landscape with all the sentimentality that Ian Anderson pines for the pastoral life in Heavy Horses.
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On With the Action is fucking amazing.
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The keyboard parts in Loser are brilliant.
I agree. Yes Paul Raymond gets all of the accolades, but Danny Peyronel really helped shape so many of the keyboard parts on these early classics. A sneaky important member of the band given his short time in the band.
I'm A Loser is a Top 3 UFO track for me.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/cragOn79myotlB6fkKLthLAyF3DDCgjEZNUzp2-RfouVeGJ2Rt8k1AmcuIYCG5pKyuso1le0xJtDMqTqlRQjdf2X1X2R5o1-AzAw4d6fWw)
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On With the Action is fucking amazing.
What a standout song :metal
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Loved my listen to this at work the other day. As I alluded to in an earlier post, so many great songs I’ve overlooked in the past because they weren’t on the best of or SITN. I own all these albums but haven’t returned to them in years.
I always wondered if Phil’s lyrics were too British for a foreign audience, but it seems not.
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Podaar is going to give me a paddling over this one too.
Nah, I freely admit my problem with this album is personal. With that in mind, I’m going to preface my thoughts about this album by setting the scene of 1976 in music. So, boring fogey story warning:
For Christmas of ’75, my favorite present was A Night at the Opera. I was spellbound by the vocals, creativity, storytelling, and some of the darker moments. Then 1976 came and it was like a dam broke on dynamic, lush, platinum produced, rock albums. 2112, Boston, Dreamboat Annie, Rising, Leftoverature, Agents of Fortune, Chicago X, Hotel California, Frampton Comes Alive, Presence…and, I’m sure, a myriad of albums that I didn’t buy.
In the middle of all this quality, the band I’d been looking forward to the most, my discovery, the band that had given me music cred with my buddies a few years before (keep in mind that I still wasn’t shaving regularly at this point so stature among my peers was everything [see also, Indiscipline’s Scenes From His Memory thread]), I eagerly pluck No Heavy Petting off the rack at the record store and jet home with my treasure.
My buddy Stan came over for the inaugural listen. What we heard was a thin, harsh, album that sounded like it was recorded in the men’s toilet at the Greyhound station. Worse, the songs sounded like an inexperienced band trying to be UFO. Where was the edge? Where was the quintessential Britishness? Why was Schenker trying to get into slide guitar? What’s with the Nashville rock of Highway Lady? I remember halfway through Belladonna, Stan started laughing with disbelief. Finally when Reasons Love came on, we both looked at each other with a smile thinking, “Here we go, finally a Schenker riff you can sink your teeth into”, but then it just repeated over and over until it got boring…and that solo. What the fuck? Where was the liquid midrange tone of his guitar? It was all squashed down into a trebley mess. Where was the melodic note selections? Where was his lush string bends? This was just an athletic exercise in seeing how many notes can be played in a minute.
I think you get the idea. I don’t need to belabor it more than that. We were disappointed to say the least. I maybe had a few more listens before the album got relegated to, ‘That UFO album that has On With the Action.’ It got pushed to the bottom of the pile and promptly forgotten. I honestly don’t think I listened to it again for a few years. Even now, when I try to give it an honest go (like yesterday), I end up feeling dissatisfied every time.
So, if you want to know why I don’t like this album, listen to A Night at the Opera, Boston, Leftoverature, 2112, Rising, then No Heavy Petting. Then, listen to Lights Out!
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I enjoyed the read Gregg I remember you making the point before of going from Force It to NHP in real time and being disappointed.
It’s a perspective I appreciate. Sometimes it’s a whole different ballgame going back in time on albums. Kind of like going from I&W and Awake to FII, and not understanding how a new listener would choose FII.
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And I’m throwing it out there but Lights Out is way overrated. ;D
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And I’m throwing it out there but Lights Out is way overrated. ;D
I never cared for the song itself.
I think that is one of their songs I knew yet never really liked and therefore made me not really check the earlier stuff perhaps.
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I'm A Loser is a Top 3 UFO track for me.
Huh, interesting.
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And I’m throwing it out there but Lights Out is way overrated. ;D
I never cared for the song itself.
I think that is one of their songs I knew yet never really liked and therefore made me not really check the earlier stuff perhaps.
Oh the song is fine. I just think the album is overrated.
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And I’m throwing it out there but Lights Out is way overrated. ;D
Love this song. Fifth Angel does a great cover too.
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And I’m throwing it out there but Lights Out is way overrated. ;D
Love this song. Fifth Angel does a great cover too.
I like the song too, but I was talking about the album.
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And I’m throwing it out there but Lights Out is way overrated. ;D
Love this song. Fifth Angel does a great cover too.
I like the song too, but I was talking about the album.
I was always under the impression that Lights Out, the album, is considered UFO'S defining moment.
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I never liked that cover right in the middle of a great album. But that's a different story.
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Podaar is going to give me a paddling over this one too.
Nah, I freely admit my problem with this album is personal. With that in mind, I’m going to preface my thoughts about this album by setting the scene of 1976 in music. So, boring fogey story warning:
For Christmas of ’75, my favorite present was A Night at the Opera. I was spellbound by the vocals, creativity, storytelling, and some of the darker moments. Then 1976 came and it was like a dam broke on dynamic, lush, platinum produced, rock albums. 2112, Boston, Dreamboat Annie, Rising, Leftoverature, Agents of Fortune, Chicago X, Hotel California, Frampton Comes Alive, Presence…and, I’m sure, a myriad of albums that I didn’t buy.
In the middle of all this quality, the band I’d been looking forward to the most, my discovery, the band that had given me music cred with my buddies a few years before (keep in mind that I still wasn’t shaving regularly at this point so stature among my peers was everything [see also, Indiscipline’s Scenes From His Memory thread]), I eagerly pluck No Heavy Petting off the rack at the record store and jet home with my treasure.
My buddy Stan came over for the inaugural listen. What we heard was a thin, harsh, album that sounded like it was recorded in the men’s toilet at the Greyhound station. Worse, the songs sounded like an inexperienced band trying to be UFO. Where was the edge? Where was the quintessential Britishness? Why was Schenker trying to get into slide guitar? What’s with the Nashville rock of Highway Lady? I remember halfway through Belladonna, Stan started laughing with disbelief. Finally when Reasons Love came on, we both looked at each other with a smile thinking, “Here we go, finally a Schenker riff you can sink your teeth into”, but then it just repeated over and over until it got boring…and that solo. What the fuck? Where was the liquid midrange tone of his guitar? It was all squashed down into a trebley mess. Where was the melodic note selections? Where was his lush string bends? This was just an athletic exercise in seeing how many notes can be played in a minute.
I think you get the idea. I don’t need to belabor it more than that. We were disappointed to say the least. I maybe had a few more listens before the album got relegated to, ‘That UFO album that has On With the Action.’ It got pushed to the bottom of the pile and promptly forgotten. I honestly don’t think I listened to it again for a few years. Even now, when I try to give it an honest go (like yesterday), I end up feeling dissatisfied every time.
So, if you want to know why I don’t like this album, listen to A Night at the Opera, Boston, Leftoverature, 2112, Rising, then No Heavy Petting. Then, listen to Lights Out!
I can appreciate the many great albums of 75-76. And I know that disappointing first impressions, especially when you were looking so forward to something that no way near met expectations..sometimes those feelings can last forever. I can totally understand your sentiment here.
But if you weren't happy with NHP, how in the hell would you ever reconcile Lights Out? Don't answer that...yet.
I must say that Rising, as a follow up to the first Rainbow album must have had the complete opposite reaction. Now THAT is going next level. (even though side 1 is useless..)
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I must say that Rising, as a follow up to the first Rainbow album must have had the complete opposite reaction. Now THAT is going next level. (even though side 1 is useless..)
Sometimes I think of you as a kindred spirit in the music world. Then you say something like this... :lol
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I must say that Rising, as a follow up to the first Rainbow album must have had the complete opposite reaction. Now THAT is going next level. (even though side 1 is useless..)
Sometimes I think of you as a kindred spirit in the music world. Then you say something like this... :lol
Indeed. And then he got sucked into the growlie world too. :omg:
All of Rising is perfect. See my top 50 thread for details :biggrin:
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I must say that Rising, as a follow up to the first Rainbow album must have had the complete opposite reaction. Now THAT is going next level. (even though side 1 is useless..)
Sometimes I think of you as a kindred spirit in the music world. Then you say something like this... :lol
Indeed. And then he got sucked into the growlie world too. :omg:
All of Rising is perfect. See my top 50 thread for details :biggrin:
Don't you talk Schuldiner lover!
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Doing a bit of listening ahead and I think I have an idea why I never really got into old UFO. I think I have an answer why I never explored the older stuff and somewhat moved more to the Vinnie era if I ever did listen to something from UFO.
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Doing a bit of listening ahead and I think I have an idea why I never really got into old UFO. I think I have an answer why I never explored the older stuff and somewhat moved more to the Vinnie era if I ever did listen to something from UFO.
Ahead as in Lights Out, or post Schenker?
As a guitar player, it's clear you gravitate to the virtuostic playing. I do worry about you drifting a bit once Schenker leaves, because I think Chapman's lead playing will not likely satisfy you. And I can also see why you'd be interested in Vinnie.
That said, once Schenker ultimately leaves, there's a tremendous amount of great music to come. It can be a bit of a minefield here and there, but you'll just have to trust your humble guide. ;D
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I must say that Rising, as a follow up to the first Rainbow album must have had the complete opposite reaction. Now THAT is going next level. (even though side 1 is useless..)
Sometimes I think of you as a kindred spirit in the music world. Then you say something like this... :lol
I like Starstruck well enough, and Tarot Woman is passable. But to me, Rising is all about Side 2.
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Doing a bit of listening ahead and I think I have an idea why I never really got into old UFO. I think I have an answer why I never explored the older stuff and somewhat moved more to the Vinnie era if I ever did listen to something from UFO.
Ahead as in Lights Out, or post Schenker?
As a guitar player, it's clear you gravitate to the virtuostic playing. I do worry about you drifting a bit once Schenker leaves, because I think Chapman's lead playing will not likely satisfy you. And I can also see why you'd be interested in Vinnie.
That said, once Schenker ultimately leaves, there's a tremendous amount of great music to come. It can be a bit of a minefield here and there, but you'll just have to trust your humble guide. ;D
Talking Lights Out mate.
I'll a listen a couple more times when we get to it and will post more thorough thoughts.
I'm pretty invested in this one mate and won't drift out. Looking forward to the rest of the Schenker era and what was in between Shenker and Moore. To be honest, I thought Shenker played on a lot more albums than he did. Was so out of touch I didn't even know they had a guitar player in between for so damn long.
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Well Schenker does return for three albums in the late 90's/early 00's.
I already sent you the George Bellas album, and Lawrence Archer fucking rips another album too! :metal
Plus, we're also going to cover Schenker's solo albums as well..
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Well Schenker does return for three albums in the late 90's/early 00's.
I already sent you the George Bellas album, and Lawrence Archer fucking rips another album too! :metal
Plus, we're also going to cover Schenker's solo albums as well..
Yeah cool. That Mogg/Way album was tasty and will rip into that again.
I have that 5cd MSG set that I bought a couple years ago when you pimped him to me the first time. Need to listen to all of them but Assault Attack was easily the best of that set.
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Well Assault Attack is one of the best sounding albums ever.
It is produced by Martin Birch, after all.
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I must say that Rising, as a follow up to the first Rainbow album must have had the complete opposite reaction. Now THAT is going next level. (even though side 1 is useless..)
Sometimes I think of you as a kindred spirit in the music world. Then you say something like this... :lol
Indeed. And then he got sucked into the growlie world too. :omg:
All of Rising is perfect. See my top 50 thread for details :biggrin:
Don't you talk Schuldiner lover!
Exaggerated rasp not growls. Big difference 😀😀🤘
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I must say that Rising, as a follow up to the first Rainbow album must have had the complete opposite reaction. Now THAT is going next level. (even though side 1 is useless..)
Sometimes I think of you as a kindred spirit in the music world. Then you say something like this... :lol
I like Starstruck well enough, and Tarot Woman is passable. But to me, Rising is all about Side 2.
It's all good. For me Tarot Woman is the 2nd best song on the album, but I could understand why others might prefer ALintB. My true "controversial opinion" of the Dio era Rainbow albums is that Long Live Rock 'N Roll is better than the first two combined. I doubt that very many people would agree with me, but different songs speak to different people in different ways. Thank gawd for that!
Having said all of that, I probably hold Lights Out in higher regard than you as well, but I plan on giving the four albums a couple of more play-throughs before I cement that decision. I do prefer the first two reunion albums over the classic era albums by a long shot, and I doubt that I'll ever change my opinion on that in the future. Time can only tell, though.
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I think if Side 1 of Rising was...
Kill The King
Long Live Rock And Roll
Gates Of Babylon
Rainbow Eyes
...then we'd be onto something!
Walk On Water is amazing. As is Covenant.
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I must say that Rising, as a follow up to the first Rainbow album must have had the complete opposite reaction. Now THAT is going next level. (even though side 1 is useless..)
Sometimes I think of you as a kindred spirit in the music world. Then you say something like this... :lol
Indeed. And then he got sucked into the growlie world too. :omg:
All of Rising is perfect. See my top 50 thread for details :biggrin:
Don't you talk Schuldiner lover!
Exaggerated rasp not growls. Big difference 😀😀🤘
The denial is strong here. ;D
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UFO Live at the Roundhouse, London
April 25, 1976
https://youtu.be/-Leyoxallas?t=1
Really cool to hear those live versions! Interesting to see a lot of the songs rearranged for the keyboards (mostly piano/organ) in a way that UFO never played again like this in the future tours (The version of Oh My, with piano and extended guitar solo, fantastic!). But I agree it was better to have a keyboad/guitar player live. And Paul Raymond added a lot more different keyboard sounds to the songs, which it was even cooler.
Nothing to do with the commentary above, but, c'mon guys, show more love for Natural Thing, it's an instant/incredible classic! :metal :hefdaddy
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I'm A Loser is a Top 3 UFO track for me.
Naturally. :biggrin:
Before we move on, I will say that I've become fond of Natural Thing, and I'm a Loser (perhaps for obvious reasons, *cough*strangers*cough*). I've always loved the east-end street tough imagery of On With the Action, as well as the music itself. The plodding riff with Schenker's vintage tone is luscious, in spite of the 'plastic toy megaphone production' (I kid, I kid). I'll have one more listen today, then it will be time for an ear cleansing.
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I'm A Loser is a Top 3 UFO track for me.
Naturally. :biggrin:
I should’ve know that was coming. :lol
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Okay, I don't know if it was me getting my complaints off my chest, or the 2007 remaster on Spotify, but I really enjoyed my final listen this morning. So much so, that I bought that version of NHP from Amazon to add to my music collection (previously I just had the rip of my old LP that I made before giving my vinyls away some decades ago).
Tim what do you think of the bonus music on this release?
All or Nothing
French Kisses
Have You seen Me Lately Joan
Tonight Tonight
All the Strings
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I must say that Rising, as a follow up to the first Rainbow album must have had the complete opposite reaction. Now THAT is going next level. (even though side 1 is useless..)
Sometimes I think of you as a kindred spirit in the music world. Then you say something like this... :lol
Indeed. And then he got sucked into the growlie world too. :omg:
All of Rising is perfect. See my top 50 thread for details :biggrin:
Don't you talk Schuldiner lover!
Exaggerated rasp not growls. Big difference 😀😀🤘
The denial is strong here. ;D
;)
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All or Nothing
French Kisses
Have You seen Me Lately Joan
Tonight Tonight
All the Strings
All Or Nothing- I'm probably way more used to the live versions of this song, but this studio version sounds really tepid.
French Kisses-Musically this is excellent. The lyrics blow, but I'd still rather have this than A Fool In Love.
HYSMLJ....WTF??
Tonight Tonight-really decent song that is miles better than A Fool In Love
All The Strings....yawn.
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I got a new shirt!
(https://i.imgur.com/RpWx5dM.jpg)
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That's actually a really outstanding shirt.
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Nice.
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Okay, I don't know if it was me getting my complaints off my chest, or the 2007 remaster on Spotify, but I really enjoyed my final listen this morning. So much so, that I bought that version of NHP from Amazon to add to my music collection (previously I just had the rip of my old LP that I made before giving my vinyls away some decades ago).
:lol
Mission accomplished!
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Lights Out
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/8b/UFOLightsOutalbumcover.jpg)(https://www.vinyliciously.com/images/uploads/UFO---LIGHTS-OUT-2011-2lp-2.jpg)
Lights Out (1977) (https://open.spotify.com/album/4YA8LIlVfST5TfphOx28VI?si=5VwV7kbMSWel54k-Kq3g7Q)
Released May 7, 1977
1. Too Hot To Handle
2. Just Another Suicide
3. Try Me
4. Lights Out
5. Gettin' Ready
6. Alone Again Or
7. Electric Phase
8. Love To Love
Phil Mogg-Vocals
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Pete Way- Bass
Andy Parker-Drums
Paul Raymond-Keyboards/ Guitar
Chrysalis, eager to break the US market paired the band with American producer Ron Nevison. They would also replace Danny Peyronel with Savoy Brown keyboardist/guitarist Paul Raymond.
Lights Out is a far more polished effort than the previous albums. Nevison brought in Allan MacMillan to do the string arrangements, as he had done on Alice Cooper's Welcome To My Nightmare and Goes To Hell albums.
Lights Out ended up doing very well in the US, however, on the eve of the US tour, Michael Schenker went AWOL. He explains it as the stardom really freaked him out. Old friend Paul Chapman would come in and start the tour, with Schenker eventually rejoining the tour a few weeks in.
There is very little video from 1977, but there are 3 songs from the the Roundhouse in London.
Too Hot To Handle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRtjZKiNkgQ)
Lights Out (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIQhqWeDwMo)
(the audio seems legit, but the video is a montage of footage, some from 1976)
Let It Roll (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCudBalUMxo) NSFW
UFO
Roundhouse, London
April 2, 1977
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRBmmfSE_Ws&t=65s
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That’s interesting that Schenker bailed the night before the tour started. Sounds like between previous albums not be available for fans to buy and then touring issues, there always seemed to be some hang up that prevented break through success for the band.
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Love to Love is my favorite classic era UFO song, and really reminds me a lot of a song that would come many years later on the first reunion era album.
Too Hot to Handle and Lights Out seem to be the classics that I'm guessing most people would recognize. Just Another Suicide and Electric Phase are really strong tracks, and the rest of the songs seem to be rather middling to me.
As far as strength of production goes, this is the best sounding studio album from the classic era to my ears.
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I love this album, the Ron Nevison’s production is awesome which highlight the quality of the songs. But I have 2 minor complaints about this album: although a good opener, Too Hot to Handle isn’t as good as Let it Roll or Natural Thing and Alone Again, although very good, it’s very similar to the original recording, only a bit more “flamenco-ish”. Just Another Suicide and Gettin’ Read also are very good, Electric Phase is excellent and Try Me, Lights Out and Love to Love are perfects.
Ranking:
? (my favorite)/? - 10+/10
FORCE IT/NO HEAVY PETTING/LIGHTS OUT - 9,5
?/?/? - 9,0
PHENOMENON/?/? – 8,5
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I'm not going to tell you I don't like Lights Out, because I do. I've had so many great listens to this album. I just think it's a tad overrated in general.
Obviously Love To Love is amazing. Top shelf UFO track across all eras. And the title track is fantastic as well.
I remember when I was high school, I brought this album in, and played Just Another Suicide in my religion class. Don't remember exactly what the subject matter was, but it must've been relevant.
I've never thought Too Hot To Handle was all that special. In fact, it's not until Paul Chapman plays it live that it really comes alive. And that's not the only Schenker Era song that I prefer with Chapman.
Also, the Love To Love main riff gets recycled in an upcoming MSG track. Anyone know?
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Too Hot to Handle, Love to Love and especially Lights Out are awesome. Listening to the other five tracks, none of them are really grabbing me on first listen. Still good, but a tad bland. But those three tracks are classic
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Also, the Love To Love main riff gets recycled in an upcoming MSG track. Anyone know?
I know what song you're referring to, and I've heard other people make the same claim. Let's just say that I vehemently disagree. I understand why some people believe this because each one uses third intervals instead of perfect fifths. However, that's where the similarities begin to diverge. The phrasing is different etc. etc...
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Also, the Love To Love main riff gets recycled in an upcoming MSG track. Anyone know?
I know what song you're referring to, and I've heard other people make the same claim. Let's just say that I vehemently disagree. I understand why some people believe this because each one uses third intervals instead of perfect fifths. However, that's where the similarities begin to diverge. The phrasing is different etc. etc...
Don't get all technical on me! :lol :lol
It sounds just like it! ;D
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Also, the Love To Love main riff gets recycled in an upcoming MSG track. Anyone know?
I know what song you're referring to, and I've heard other people make the same claim. Let's just say that I vehemently disagree. I understand why some people believe this because each one uses third intervals instead of perfect fifths. However, that's where the similarities begin to diverge. The phrasing is different etc. etc...
Don't get all technical on me! :lol :lol
It sounds just like it! ;D
Tell me the song and I can try and break it down even more technically if you like? ;D
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The song that he's referring to is Desert Song from Assault Attack. I learned how to play DS several years ago and if someone had a gun to my head I could probably play it again without practice. It's in E minor and has a flat 7th (C#) in the chorus.
The main riff uses 3rds in stead of 5ths (power chords).
I've never learned how to play Love to Love, but from using my ear I don't think that it's the same riff. There might be a lot of similarities, though.
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The song that he's referring to is Desert Song from Assault Attack. I learned how to play DS several years ago and if someone had a gun to my head I could probably play it again without practice. It's in E minor and has a flat 7th (C#) in the chorus.
The main riff uses 3rds in stead of 5ths (power chords).
I've never learned how to play Love to Love, but from using my ear I don't think that it's the same riff. There might be a lot of similarities, though.
Love both songs, heard them literally hundreds of times and never noticed. That's why my guitar playing sucks!
Listening to both now and it's certainly a similar feel, if not the same chords.
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Lights Out is the best sounding album of the classic era - Phil's phrasing is excellent throughout.
Probably th emost consistent of them too.
Love To Love is awesome and I really love Too Hot. It's one of their (many) classic songs for me. Well, it's on STrangers so it has to be.
On a side note and ahead of schedule, why am I only just finding out there was a dvd of MSG's Rock Will Never Die live album? I'd have been all over that! Needs a re-release on dvd. I've always loved that album.
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Apparently Love To Love is Steve Harris' favourite song ever. It is a great one.
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The song that he's referring to is Desert Song from Assault Attack. I learned how to play DS several years ago and if someone had a gun to my head I could probably play it again without practice. It's in E minor and has a flat 7th (C#) in the chorus.
The main riff uses 3rds in stead of 5ths (power chords).
I've never learned how to play Love to Love, but from using my ear I don't think that it's the same riff. There might be a lot of similarities, though.
Listening over the last week, I haven't tried to play anything yet but it's so prominent just from listening that Schenker loves using the Dorian mode. Uses it all the time.
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Apparently Love To Love is Steve Harris' favourite song ever. It is a great one.
Apparently Zydar needs to participate more in the thread.
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As I mentioned, I've always been a casual UFO fan but drifted towards the Vinnie stuff. I own however Phenomenon, LO, Obsession and Strangers. I don't remember where I bought them, how much or the reasons behind buying them. I think it was when I was trying to get into them, but I also had a CD buying addiction.
Lights Out is the only one I remember giving a good go. Not sure why again. There wasn't much in Lights Out that I took to. Listening again, I share the same feelings and can see why I moved on so quick on old school UFO back in the day.
The only one I liked back in the day was Love to Love. That song is magic. The whole album back then I think wasn't heavy enough like Priest and Sabbath were offering me. However now, I just think it's weaker than the last 3.
The opener is too Foreigner Hot Blooded type rock which I'm not keen on. Suicide is just okay. Try Me I think listening now is fucking amazing. What a song. Lights Out is better than I remember but I never cared for the chorus. Shenker rips though. The next 3 are just meh.
So, yeah I find this on a whole very underwhelming compared to the last 3. There's something missing there for me.
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Foreigner is a good comparison That's kind of what they were going for with this album. Chrysalis tabbed Nevison because of what he did with Bad Company.
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Foreigner is a good comparison That's kind of what they were going for with this album. Chrysalis tabbed Nevison because of what he did with Bad Company.
There just seems to be less edge on this album. Maybe they were writing somewhat more contemporary, I don't know.
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I've had an on-again-off-again relationship with the album Lights Out. During all the years, the one constant has been my abiding adoration for Another Suicide, Lights Out (the song), Electric Phase, and Love to Love...oh, and the sound of this record is silky.
The rest are great, I find the main riff for THtH pretty creative, Mogg performance on Try Me is awesome (the underlying music ain't too shabby either), Gettin' Ready is way more than a basic rocker and again shows the creativity of the band. Yet there have been times in my life where I would skip almost all of those songs. I'm not sure why.
Alone Again Or is pretty faithful to the original tune and is performed and recorded well, but I've always thought it's inclusion on this album as being strange. I'd like to know if it was the bands or the producers idea. I think I'd respect it more if I knew that it was Mogg's or Way's favorite song, or something.
There aren't many songs, by anyone, that I listen to in preference to Just Another Suicide. I hesitate to call it my favorite song ever, but if it's not it's certainly my favorite UFO song, ever.
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I'll spin Suicide again Gregg.
Random comment, but the note Shenker decides to end Try Me on is absolutely incredible.
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I seriously doubt Foreigner was on their radar, gents. I can guarantee you, UFO was a way bigger deal than Foreigner at the time they were writing and recording this record. Yeah, by the next year, Foreigner had two gold records on their hands and were huge, but it's still a stretch...and if anything, it's more likely that Mick Jones was influenced by listening to Lights Out.
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I seriously doubt Foreigner was on their radar, gents. I can guarantee you, UFO was a way bigger deal than Foreigner at the time they were writing and recording this record. Yeah, by the next year, Foreigner had two gold records on their hands and were huge, but it's still a stretch...and if anything, it's more likely that Mick Jones was influenced by listening to Lights Out.
Good enough Gregg. But it was those Gold Records they were looking at for sure. Yeah, you're right. Lights Out preceded Foreigner. My quick comment this morning was basically that UFO was looking for a hit.
Random comment, but the note Shenker decides to end Try Me on is absolutely incredible.
There's a live version of Try Me (and On With The Action) in the concert I linked.
There aren't many songs, by anyone, that I listen to in preference to Just Another Suicide. I hesitate to call it my favorite song ever, but if it's not it's certainly my favorite UFO song, ever.
Wow, that's really interesting.
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I'll spin Suicide again Gregg.
Random comment, but the note Shenker decides to end Try Me on is absolutely incredible.
What interval is it?
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Gregg, with your disappointment of NHP, was Lights Out an automatic buy? Did you hear a single on the radio first and then decide?
Do you attend any shows during the 70’s?
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Gregg, with your disappointment of NHP, was Lights Out an automatic buy? Did you hear a single on the radio first and then decide?
It was another record store trip, Tim. I was 15 and was saving money for my first car (I was going to turn 16 later in the year) but my financial philosophy was to enjoy about 5% of my earnings and music was still my preferred entertainment. I went to the store with the idea that I could afford two albums but I needed to be choosy. I was perusing the racks and not really finding anything that interested me. I saw Lights Out and saw on the back cover that they had a new member in Raymond (who bore a striking resemblance to my buddy Stan). Like you say, given my disappointment for NHP, I put it back on the rack.
I was about to give up and save my money when Johnny (the store clerk) asked if he could help me find something. He knew me by sight if not name. I said sure, so he recommended Cat Scratch Fever, Little Queen (Heart), and Lights Out. We talked for awhile, and I told him about not enjoying NHP...he laughed and said, "Yeah, this is an entirely different animal. Let me put it on." So, I sniffed around the import section while listening to Lights Out over the PA in the store. I left with it and Little Queen. I did end up with Cat Scratch Fever but I got it when I joined the Columbia Record Club later in the summer.
Do you attend any shows during the 70’s?
I did, but not until '79. That was one of the bigger disappointments of my young life...but, that's another story.
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Let It Roll (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCudBalUMxo) NSFW
What the actual fuck?! The funny thing is I probably wouldn't have clicked the link (in my office at work) but for the "NSFW" warning, so thanks for that! :-)
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Sorry, Tim, I tried to stay off screens this weekend. Mission accomplished (mostly!).
I like No Heavy Petting, generally:
Natural Thing: I have no idea what Mogg is singing about, but feel it might not be for mixed company. In any event, it's a great song; I love the riff and I think it's one of his better vocals on the record.
I'm A Loser: I have no idea what Mogg is singing about, but I feel it might be a song that I can identify with. In any event, it's a great song; I love this in the same way I love Dreaming Of Summer; there's something unstructured about it. It's like you expect it to go here, then it goes there. Then, when you expect it to go there, it seems to find it's way back to here. I find that interesting, and it's one of the things I like about UFO.
Can You Roll Her: I actually DO have an idea what Mogg is singing about ("Vincent" is a British motorcycle, built during and immediately after the Great War), but this one doesn't register much, though; not big on the arrangement, and coming after "I'm A Loser", it sort of pales.
Belladonna: Another song that is mesmerizing. This reminds me so much of Scorpions, who I was into well before UFO. I like the ending, and I like the vocal in this a lot.
Reasons Love: Another copped riff (well, Jane's Addiction copped this, for the bass line of Mountain Song), but this time with an INSANE solo. I love this solo. I dig this song a lot; it's one of those that are a hidden jem.
Highway Lady: Fucking GREAT song. I love everything about this tune. I love how the solo covers all the bases in one go, then the perfect "boogie woogie" of the keyboards back into the vocals...
On With The Action: I have no idea what Mogg is singing about, but I feel it might be a song that I can identify with. But this song is all about the guitars. I love the riff, I love that guitar figure after the first chorus; then a solo that is an almost totally different feel and elevates the song. Michael tears it up here big time. I like Mogg's vocal, but the affectation on the chorus is... wierd, and I'm not sure I get it.
You know, something that never occurred to me: we have the Maiden thread and there's a lot of discussion about "this is Dave", and "that is Adrian" and there are so many competing styles in there... As much as I love Blackmore (for one), it's always Blackmore. Schenker has this odd ability that I'm not sure any other big-time guitar player has (MAYBE Hendrix) to literally sound like two or even three players in one tune. Not just "tone" but the entire approach. And yet, it's always HIM. He's a really underrated player, even with all the accolades he gets, because you never hear him in the same breath as Gilmour, Page, Blackmore, Hendrix, but he's there.
A Fool In Love: Good tune, not great.
Martian Landscape: I THINK I have an idea what Mogg is singing about (It's a nod to another land; "Martian" may be a metaphor for either home, or Peyronnel's home country Argentina). I love this song; I love the beautiful harmonies Schenker plays in this. This may be one of my favorite SCHENKER albums, even if the songs aren't all my favorite.
Rising: I actually dig side one of Rising, though it's Side Two that makes the record. LLRnR is the second best Dio era Rainbow record (only hurt by LA Connection and Sensitive To Light) and the debut a distant third. Then again, I prefer the Joe Lynn Turner era of Rainbow, so what do I know?
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I don’t think Mogg knows what he’s singing about most of the time. 😀
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Can I say, I'm not the hugest Nevison fan; he is responsible for my least favorite Kiss album - Crazy Nights - and I think he kind of butchered Ozzy. Then again, I LOVE the work he did with Schenker solo, and it's hard to argue with the two Heart records he did.
Here, I wish Leo Lyons produced the guitars, and Nevison the vocals, if that's possible. There are times when Schenker sounds almost neutered (Just Another Suicide comes to mind).
Too Hot To Handle: I love this song. I would love to hear it without the chorus-y background vocals. I think this is one of Mogg's better vocals.
Just Another Suicide: I love this song for the playing; I which Michael was a little more... prominent in the mix. His signature sound doesn't really come out until that solo, but there are some tasty riffs going on in here that I think lose some teeth in the mix.
Try Me: Is there a song and lyric BETTER suited to Mogg's voice? I wish there was more guitar and less "strings", but it's not my band or my song. :) But I love this vocal, and when the simple, but crystal clear solo comes in, it's perfect.
Lights Out: Good song, not great. Great vocal, though. I'm pretty sure that even though Harris cites "Love To Love", he's listened to this one a couple times (that gallop...).
Gettin' Ready: Love this song. Along with "Love To Love", my favorite song on the record. One of the few times where the subdued sound for Schenker actually works; I love how understated his rhythm playing is here, because when he has to kick it up a notch, he does at that end. Just those simple chords make the song. (The intro sounds a little bit like the main riff from "Wheels Of Confusion" by Sabbath.)
Alone Again Or: I don't know what to make of this. This would have been a great b-side; you know when someone (me!) says "that song should have been on the album!" I feel like this is what happens. Maybe a change of pace or a breather, but the band is completely wasted on this (except for Schenker's harmony bit in the middle). As in, misused, not hammered. ;)
Electric Phase: I THINK I have an idea what Mogg is singing about, but I may just be a perv. Another great song; probably the one song where Schenker was not overproduced. I don't know if it's the dreaded "third song of the second side" (and therefore a throwaway) but it's a great track. I wish they stuck that abysmal "Alone Again Or" somewhere else, because it ruins an almost perfect album side. I love how the ending segues into...
Love To Love: The perfect song, and perhaps my favorite UFO song (or at least top three). I see the similarity to Desert Song, but I see enough different in the songs to over look it. I love the keyboards here; wonderful atmosphere.
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On With The Action: I have no idea what Mogg is singing about, but I feel it might be a song that I can identify with. But this song is all about the guitars. I love the riff, I love that guitar figure after the first chorus; then a solo that is an almost totally different feel and elevates the song. Michael tears it up here big time. I like Mogg's vocal, but the affectation on the chorus is... wierd, and I'm not sure I get it.
Bolded the important point there. Good to see it's not just me. The chorus vocals rub me the wrong way and take me out of it a bit. Almost in an inflection where someone is trying to be funny or doing a parody and being goofy. I don't know, but I'm totally with you on this.
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I'll spin Suicide again Gregg.
Random comment, but the note Shenker decides to end Try Me on is absolutely incredible.
What interval is it?
When I pick up my guitar next I'll work it out.
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I first got into UFO in 1982 with No Heavy Petting. I had the first two MSG albums and absolutely loved Schenker. Within 6 months of getting NHP I had purchased all of UFO's catalogue, except for the first two albums (which I have still yet to hear) and Force It. For some reason I did not get Force it until 6 or 7 years later.
For many years I considered NHP to be my favourite UFO album. A few years ago I got the CD box set containing all the studio albums from Phenomenon to Misdemeanour. Last month I listened through the whole box set and concluded that Phenomenon is now my favourite. The production isn’t the greatest, but the songs move me.
Lights Out is my least favourite Schenker-era album. I rather like Alone Again Or, which I see is not getting a lot of love. No pun intended, but that song is a cover...the song was written by the band Love and appears on their Forever Changes album (which is great, btw).
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Besides the three big songs, can't say Lights Out overly impressed me. Listening to Obsession now.......... :metal
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I first got into UFO in 1982 with No Heavy Petting. I had the first two MSG albums and absolutely loved Schenker. Within 6 months of getting NHP I had purchased all of UFO's catalogue, except for the first two albums (which I have still yet to hear) and Force It. For some reason I did not get Force it until 6 or 7 years later.
For many years I considered NHP to be my favourite UFO album. A few years ago I got the CD box set containing all the studio albums from Phenomenon to Misdemeanour. Last month I listened through the whole box set and concluded that Phenomenon is now my favourite. The production isn’t the greatest, but the songs move me.
Lights Out is my least favourite Schenker-era album. I rather like Alone Again Or, which I see is not getting a lot of love. No pun intended, but that song is a cover...the song was written by the band Love and appears on their Forever Changes album (which is great, btw).
Misdemeanor....half filler half KILLER!!!
Zoom, if I remember correctly, you bailed on the Riot thread after Born In America. I am expecting much better participation from you this time around.
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Tim I agree that LO is overrated. It feels like the 2-3 excellent songs raise the reputation of the rest of the album. Meanwhile, I underestimated NHP for just the opposite reason: the couple of weak tracks work to bring the rest of that album down, even tho it’s pretty dang good.
The LO album cover is another head scratcher!
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On With The Action: I have no idea what Mogg is singing about, but I feel it might be a song that I can identify with. But this song is all about the guitars. I love the riff, I love that guitar figure after the first chorus; then a solo that is an almost totally different feel and elevates the song. Michael tears it up here big time. I like Mogg's vocal, but the affectation on the chorus is... wierd, and I'm not sure I get it.
Bolded the important point there. Good to see it's not just me. The chorus vocals rub me the wrong way and take me out of it a bit. Almost in an inflection where someone is trying to be funny or doing a parody and being goofy. I don't know, but I'm totally with you on this.
It's a legit point. I don't disagree. It seems like they may have missed what they were going for.
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Tim I agree that LO is overrated. It feels like the 2-3 excellent songs raise the reputation of the rest of the album. Meanwhile, I underestimated NHP for just the opposite reason: the couple of weak tracks work to bring the rest of that album down, even tho it’s pretty dang good.
Yes, very true.
And I'm glad to see the love coming in for NHP. It is my favorite Schenker Era album, and likely my favorite UFO album. I just think Mogg sounds really cool. He has much better control, yet is still vulnerable. But there's still a youthfulness in his vocal.
And Schenker...well, he just rips on the entire album.
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Both UFO and Saxon get reference as two of the most influential metal/rock bands ever. But besides satellite radio or House of Hair, I've never once heard them on the radio or anybody talk about either expect once for Saxon. For people that experienced UFO in the 70s or 80s, were they ever considered an A list band or were they always a bit of an underground band with a dedicated following?
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Both UFO and Saxon get reference as two of the most influential metal/rock bands ever. But besides satellite radio or House of Hair, I've never once heard them on the radio or anybody talk about either expect once for Saxon. For people that experienced UFO in the 70s or 80s, were they ever considered an A list band or were they always a bit of an underground band with a dedicated following?
This is a great point and I was actually wondering the same thing. I can't believe how these guys ever missed my radar. I mean, my Dad has pics of me as a toddler trying to queue up a 45 on his turntable. I have been music obsessed my whole life. I have a huge collection. Somehow, I have always heard of UFO but never heard UFO. I am through Strangers so far and literally the only thing that I even recognized was the chorus of Love To Love. Other than that, nothing rings a bell.
Same with Saxon. I have heard of them but have never heard them either.
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Yeah both bands have songs that by all accounts should be played on a regular basis on classic rock radio. I've listened to thousands of hours of classic rock radio, and not once have either UFO or Saxon been mentioned.
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And Spinal Tap was based on Saxon for crying out loud......................Spinal Tap :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal
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Both UFO and Saxon get reference as two of the most influential metal/rock bands ever. But besides satellite radio or House of Hair, I've never once heard them on the radio or anybody talk about either expect once for Saxon. For people that experienced UFO in the 70s or 80s, were they ever considered an A list band or were they always a bit of an underground band with a dedicated following?
This is a great point and I was actually wondering the same thing. I can't believe how these guys ever missed my radar. I mean, my Dad has pics of me as a toddler trying to queue up a 45 on his turntable. I have been music obsessed my whole life. I have a huge collection. Somehow, I have always heard of UFO but never heard UFO. I am through Strangers so far and literally the only thing that I even recognized was the chorus of Love To Love. Other than that, nothing rings a bell.
I hope you're enjoying what you have heard. We have a long way to go.
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In between all this I'm going through the MSG 5 album classic series pack I have. I guess I'll share thoughts on that if Tim delves into MSG. Seems like I have a lot of catching up to do with this band also.
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In between all this I'm going through the MSG 5 album classic series pack I have. I guess I'll share thoughts on that if Tim delves into MSG. Seems like I have a lot of catching up to do with this band also.
As a guitarist, Wolf, you can't deny the talent of Nigel Tufnel :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal
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I will just say without giving much away that Martin Birch was a fucking genius.
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In between all this I'm going through the MSG 5 album classic series pack I have. I guess I'll share thoughts on that if Tim delves into MSG. Seems like I have a lot of catching up to do with this band also.
As a guitarist, Wolf, you can't deny the talent of Nigel Tufnel :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal
Lol, I guess Spinal Tap is another one I need to catch up on. :lol
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1) Nigel Tufnel
2a) Wolfster
2b) Brent
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I'm A Loser: I have no idea what Mogg is singing about, but I feel it might be a song that I can identify with. In any event, it's a great song; I love this in the same way I love Dreaming Of Summer; there's something unstructured about it. It's like you expect it to go here, then it goes there. Then, when you expect it to go there, it seems to find it's way back to here. I find that interesting, and it's one of the things I like about UFO.
I know you love Dreaming Of Summer. So do I. One of my favorite UFO tracks. Phil weaves a fantastic tale. Great background keys by Paul Raymond, especially in the chorus. And that amazing extremely understated Schenker solo.
I suppose we're getting ahead of ourselves. That's at least two weeks away.
Reasons Love: Another copped riff (well, Jane's Addiction copped this, for the bass line of Mountain Song), but this time with an INSANE solo. I love this solo. I dig this song a lot; it's one of those that are a hidden jem.
I love it. Schenker is ridiculous on it.
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I first got into UFO in 1982 with No Heavy Petting. I had the first two MSG albums and absolutely loved Schenker. Within 6 months of getting NHP I had purchased all of UFO's catalogue, except for the first two albums (which I have still yet to hear) and Force It. For some reason I did not get Force it until 6 or 7 years later.
For many years I considered NHP to be my favourite UFO album. A few years ago I got the CD box set containing all the studio albums from Phenomenon to Misdemeanour. Last month I listened through the whole box set and concluded that Phenomenon is now my favourite. The production isn’t the greatest, but the songs move me.
Lights Out is my least favourite Schenker-era album. I rather like Alone Again Or, which I see is not getting a lot of love. No pun intended, but that song is a cover...the song was written by the band Love and appears on their Forever Changes album (which is great, btw).
Misdemeanor....half filler half KILLER!!!
Zoom, if I remember correctly, you bailed on the Riot thread after Born In America. I am expecting much better participation from you this time around.
TAC, you have quite the memory. I’ll do my best to hang with the thread, but I expect my participation ribbon to arrive in the mail. ;D
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Speaking of Schenker, I was out and had my iPod on shuffle and a track came on from his Adventures Of The Imagination instrumental record. I need to give that one a full listen again. I have had it as long as it's been out, I think. It's memorable for the ridiculous names he gave most of the tracks.
Time to rock out to 'Aardvark In A VW Smoking A Cigar'.
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Speaking of Schenker, I was out and had my iPod on shuffle and a track came on from his Adventures Of The Imagination instrumental record. I need to give that one a full listen again. I have had it as long as it's been out, I think. It's memorable for the ridiculous names he gave most of the tracks.
Time to rock out to 'Aardvark In A VW Smoking A Cigar'.
So I will be covering that album coming up, and will do so for two reasons.
First, it's an amazing album, and
Second, I have a personal story attached to it.
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Some pics of the Lights Out US tour with Rush..
(https://i.pinimg.com/474x/dc/47/f0/dc47f09edf02c4225412b19b8e759d10.jpg)
(https://www.cygnus-x1.net/links/rush/images/books/prog-04.2013/prog-04.2013-15.jpg)
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f1/9f/f7/f19ff7ec3650bb243e32137bbc466777.jpg)
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Did you see Rush with opening act UFO???? Best show ever?
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I must say, the amount of traffic this thread is getting is highly impressive. Great to see and makes Tim's efforts well worthwhile.
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I must say, the amount of traffic this thread is getting is highly impressive. Great to see and makes Tim's efforts well worthwhile.
Definitely, Tim is doing an awesome job 👍🏻
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Rising: I actually dig side one of Rising, though it's Side Two that makes the record. LLRnR is the second best Dio era Rainbow record (only hurt by LA Connection and Sensitive To Light) and the debut a distant third. Then again, I prefer the Joe Lynn Turner era of Rainbow, so what do I know?
I can see that point of view between those two albums. I do like LA Connection, though. It's not as good as the rest of the album, but it doesn't bring it down for me.
I really like Joe Lynn Turner's voice, and some of the songs from his era are really good. It just feels like it's a different band that has nothing in common with its beginnings. I might be trying to be too much of a purist, though.
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I think you guys earlier were a little harsh. I wouldn't say it's a rip but I totally hear what Tim is hearing with the Love ToLove/Desert Song similarities.
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Did you see Rush with opening act UFO???? Best show ever?
Not me. My first show was in 1983.
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Speaking of Schenker, I was out and had my iPod on shuffle and a track came on from his Adventures Of The Imagination instrumental record. I need to give that one a full listen again. I have had it as long as it's been out, I think. It's memorable for the ridiculous names he gave most of the tracks.
Time to rock out to 'Aardvark In A VW Smoking A Cigar'.
So I will be covering that album coming up, and will do so for two reasons.
First, it's an amazing album, and
Second, I have a personal story attached to it.
Strangely, as a huge guitar instrumental fan, and a huge Schenker fan, I've never heard it. Another new one to check out.
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On With The Action: I have no idea what Mogg is singing about, but I feel it might be a song that I can identify with. But this song is all about the guitars. I love the riff, I love that guitar figure after the first chorus; then a solo that is an almost totally different feel and elevates the song. Michael tears it up here big time. I like Mogg's vocal, but the affectation on the chorus is... wierd, and I'm not sure I get it.
Bolded the important point there. Good to see it's not just me. The chorus vocals rub me the wrong way and take me out of it a bit. Almost in an inflection where someone is trying to be funny or doing a parody and being goofy. I don't know, but I'm totally with you on this.
It's a legit point. I don't disagree. It seems like they may have missed what they were going for.
What the hell? I know it's not the Jets vs. Sharks on Broadway, so it might not be obvious to us Americans, but sheesh. The song is about urban ghetto life across the pond. In all fairness, I'm sure the 'affectation' of rap music from the same time confused suburban white-bread Brits too. :lol
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Just Another Suicide: I love this song for the playing; I which Michael was a little more... prominent in the mix. His signature sound doesn't really come out until that solo, but there are some tasty riffs going on in here that I think lose some teeth in the mix.
I appreciate this post in it's entirety but I'm just addressing this bit.
Tastes, as Chad would say.
The dialed back production on Michael's electric guitar is part of the brilliance of this song...listen to his acoustic work, for Thor's sake! It's fantastic how he and Raymond build this vast arena sized space for Parker and Way to shine in while Mogg shows real feeling through Verse 1a and Verse 1b...then they all come together for the chorus into a near unison at "Somebody, someone..." The sound is fit for an Stadium. Then when Schenker's lead work comes in, it has the perfect sonic space to deliver notes and phrases in the way that only he can. It's absolutely chill inducing.
Look, I know I'm old fashioned and maybe out of touch, but rock doesn't have to have a scratching distorted guitar to be impactful, powerful, and soul crushing. This song isn't about getting wasted and banging chicks. The music fits the song in a very creative, unique way. Just like music should.
IMO
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On With The Action: I have no idea what Mogg is singing about, but I feel it might be a song that I can identify with. But this song is all about the guitars. I love the riff, I love that guitar figure after the first chorus; then a solo that is an almost totally different feel and elevates the song. Michael tears it up here big time. I like Mogg's vocal, but the affectation on the chorus is... wierd, and I'm not sure I get it.
Bolded the important point there. Good to see it's not just me. The chorus vocals rub me the wrong way and take me out of it a bit. Almost in an inflection where someone is trying to be funny or doing a parody and being goofy. I don't know, but I'm totally with you on this.
It's a legit point. I don't disagree. It seems like they may have missed what they were going for.
What the hell? I know it's not the Jets vs. Sharks on Broadway, so it might not be obvious to us Americans, but sheesh. The song is about urban ghetto life across the pond. In all fairness, I'm sure the 'affectation' of rap music from the same time confused suburban white-bread Brits too. :lol
It is weird and as a Brit I can't offer any explanation for the way he sings it. It's not a local accent type of thing as far as I can tell. It's in contrast to the great tone Mogg sings the rest of the song with.
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What the hell? I know it's not the Jets vs. Sharks on Broadway, so it might not be obvious to us Americans, but sheesh. The song is about urban ghetto life across the pond. In all fairness, I'm sure the 'affectation' of rap music from the same time confused suburban white-bread Brits too. :lol
It is weird and as a Brit I can't offer any explanation for the way he sings it. It's not a local accent type of thing as far as I can tell. It's in contrast to the great tone Mogg sings the rest of the song with.
Whether they achieved what the were going for is a different argument, but in my view they were portraying mealy-mouthed street kids loafing on corner trying to look tough.
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I thought we were talking about how the words On With The Action were sung in the chorus.
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Both UFO and Saxon get reference as two of the most influential metal/rock bands ever. But besides satellite radio or House of Hair, I've never once heard them on the radio or anybody talk about either expect once for Saxon. For people that experienced UFO in the 70s or 80s, were they ever considered an A list band or were they always a bit of an underground band with a dedicated following?
This is a great point and I was actually wondering the same thing. I can't believe how these guys ever missed my radar. I mean, my Dad has pics of me as a toddler trying to queue up a 45 on his turntable. I have been music obsessed my whole life. I have a huge collection. Somehow, I have always heard of UFO but never heard UFO. I am through Strangers so far and literally the only thing that I even recognized was the chorus of Love To Love. Other than that, nothing rings a bell.
Same with Saxon. I have heard of them but have never heard them either.
That's me too. And considering I grew up on Kiss, Maiden, Scorpions and MSG, it's a disgrace, frankly. :)
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I thought we were talking about how the words On With The Action were sung in the chorus.
:lol
We are...
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Rising: I actually dig side one of Rising, though it's Side Two that makes the record. LLRnR is the second best Dio era Rainbow record (only hurt by LA Connection and Sensitive To Light) and the debut a distant third. Then again, I prefer the Joe Lynn Turner era of Rainbow, so what do I know?
I can see that point of view between those two albums. I do like LA Connection, though. It's not as good as the rest of the album, but it doesn't bring it down for me.
I really like Joe Lynn Turner's voice, and some of the songs from his era are really good. It just feels like it's a different band that has nothing in common with its beginnings. I might be trying to be too much of a purist, though.
I totally agree it's a different band, no argument. I just LIKE that. Fire Dance. The live version of "All Night Long" from the "Can't Let You Go" single. Man.
The thing with Dio for me is, I first heard him in Sabbath. Heaven and Hell, and Mob Rules. So "Sign Of The Southern Cross" and "Heaven and Hell". And for me, while I don't care all that much about lyrics (and JLT is a horrible lyricist) there are things on the first couple Rainbow albums that stick out, badly. "Double indemnity" on "Black Sheep", etc. My "impression" is of Dio as this evil gnome wizard, and there's a lot on the early stuff that betrays that (listen to some of his stage patter on the Japan releases; I know it's Japan and the odds are most don't understand a word of what he's saying, but still, it's inane at times).
I also have a sort of East Coast bias against certain songs about Los Angeles. "LA Connection", "Steamrock Fever" by Scorpions... there are a couple others. I know, I'm weird.
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Just Another Suicide: I love this song for the playing; I which Michael was a little more... prominent in the mix. His signature sound doesn't really come out until that solo, but there are some tasty riffs going on in here that I think lose some teeth in the mix.
I appreciate this post in it's entirety but I'm just addressing this bit.
Tastes, as Chad would say.
The dialed back production on Michael's electric guitar is part of the brilliance of this song...listen to his acoustic work, for Thor's sake! It's fantastic how he and Raymond build this vast arena sized space for Parker and Way to shine in while Mogg shows real feeling through Verse 1a and Verse 1b...then they all come together for the chorus into a near unison at "Somebody, someone..." The sound is fit for an Stadium. Then when Schenker's lead work comes in, it has the perfect sonic space to deliver notes and phrases in the way that only he can. It's absolutely chill inducing.
Look, I know I'm old fashioned and maybe out of touch, but rock doesn't have to have a scratching distorted guitar to be impactful, powerful, and soul crushing. This song isn't about getting wasted and banging chicks. The music fits the song in a very creative, unique way. Just like music should.
IMO
No I hear you. There's another song on that album where the subdued production fits like a glove - Gettin' Ready. I'm not saying that it ALWAYS has to be gritty, but in that case of JAS, I think it went too far the other way.
And you have no idea what Mogg is singing about. It well COULD be getting wasted and banging chicks. NO ONE knows what Mogg is singing about. :) :) :) :) :)
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I think you guys earlier were a little harsh. I wouldn't say it's a rip but I totally hear what Tim is hearing with the Love ToLove/Desert Song similarities.
I definitely didn't intend to be. If that's the way that it sounded then I apologise.
Both songs are my favorite from their era's. I do hear some similarities, and I appreciate that someone who isn't a musician can identity them.
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I think you guys earlier were a little harsh. I wouldn't say it's a rip but I totally hear what Tim is hearing with the Love ToLove/Desert Song similarities.
I definitely didn't intend to be. If that's the way that it sounded then I apologise.
Both songs are my favorite from their era's. I do hear some similarities, and I appreciate that someone who isn't a musician can identity them.
All good mate. That outro solo in DS is so damn tasty.
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The outro solo is something Schenker really excels at. It's evident throughout the MSG albums.
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Obsession
(https://img.discogs.com/l5RRXBEC_YvDerTUK0DtJV4jHME=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-1661677-1419786254-8589.jpeg.jpg)(https://www.vinyliciously.com/images/uploads/UFO_-_OBSESSION_(COLOURED_vinyl_LP)_2.jpg)
Obsession (1978) (https://open.spotify.com/album/3Hc90rSIhfNmtuHGVYu0MI?si=7_gckB0GTkq-F1qy45ZmMQ)
Released June 21, 1978
1. Only You Can Rock Me
2. Pack It Up (And Go)
3. Arbory Hill
4. Ain't No Baby
5. Lookin' Out For No. 1
6. Hot n' Ready
7. Cherry
8. You Don't Fool Me
9. Lookin' Out For No. 1 (Reprise)
10. One More For The Rodeo
11. Born To Lose
Phil Mogg-Vocals
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Pete Way- Bass
Andy Parker-Drums
Paul Raymond-Keyboards/ Guitar
Michael Schenker would be coaxed back into the fold for the next album. Again produced by Ron Nevison, Obsession features a raw heavier sound, while maintaining it's conciseness. It would be on this tour, in America, where Strangers In The Night would be recorded. Shortly after those shows, with about a dozen shows left, during a brief break, Schenker left again. This time for good. Again, Paul Chapman would come in and finish the tour.
I managed to find this gem online somewhere. It features a prototype for the album cover, and the actual band pic with slicked back hair before the balls were added to the faces.
(https://scontent.fbed1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/38631871_10156083895804177_8035318739148734464_n.png?_nc_cat=102&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_ohc=L4LGcGrOjvgAX9fh57k&_nc_ht=scontent.fbed1-2.fna&oh=d893547cd48833fa8137616d19afa18b&oe=5F722B3F)
Obsession is also the first album to feature the new, and still used today, UFO logo.
The logo was designed by a young designer named Geoff Halpin, who rented space with another designer that worked with Hipgnosis. Storm Thorgerson of Hipgnosis asked Halpin to design a logo for him for the Obsession album.
Here is the original model:
(https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/583863c1e6f2e1216884123c/1543688778499-2E2DGI71OVPYZV2ZG0AS/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kOJ71TK6JOzTXmPoz5QPmBpZw-zPPgdn4jUwVcJE1ZvWQUxwkmyExglNqGp0IvTJZUJFbgE-7XRK3dMEBRBhUpz9UUOdBS9E6RmhoMec7myxBYVc0X3qgxiG-0o1osDHAoN5aLelINSIiZwtmsoVeaw/UFO+1.jpg?format=750w)
He basically cut the letters in half and envisioned some radio interference, which is hand drawn. The logo has been used ever since!
Not sure if you guys are familar with the youtube channel FresnoMediaRestoration, but it is one of the best channels out there. That have tons of classic footage.
Here they basically have the Holy Grail of UFO footage. Unfortunately the instrumental section of Rock Bottom is missing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuOnBwAZbIU&t=0s
A few months later, after Schenker leaves, Paul Chapman comes in and finishes the tour. Here is the show from Passaic, NJ.
This would be the sixth show with Chapman.
https://youtu.be/fqGpp_gKoms
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Will grab this CD out and listen tomorrow.
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I think this may have been my first UFO album, but can’t quite remember if I got Strangers first.
It’s years since I’ve listened to the whole thing so I’ll give this a go at work today. Several titles there give me no memories of the songs.
Cherry and Hot n Ready are on the expanded version of Strangers but I felt dragged Strangers down a bit, though I don’t dislike the songs.
My memory tells me I liked the production but will comment again when I’ve played it back today.
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Listened to it twice this morning - I'd say it's a very consistent album overall although it doesn't rock quite as much as the previous ones. It lacks stand out classic songs but it's a great album with no skippers. I'm thinking it's probably my favourite so far.
Looking Out For Number One is a great ballad. OYCRM is a UFO classic. I like Cherry and Hot n Ready better than on the expanded version of Strangers.
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Listened to it twice this morning - I'd say it's a very consistent album overall although it doesn't rock quite as much as the previous ones. It lacks stand out classic songs but it's a great album with no skippers. I'm thinking it's probably my favourite so far.
Looking Out For Number One is a great ballad. OYCRM is a UFO classic. I like Cherry and Hot n Ready better than on the expanded version of Strangers.
This is me, Lowdz. Well said. This album lacks its Love to Love, or Lights Out, or Mother Mary, or Rock Bottom... but it is super enjoyable to listen to from front to back. The volume and distortion is turned up on the guitars (they heard Stadler's whinging through their time machine) but they kept much of the lush production of the previous. Even the low point of the album, Hot n' Ready, only misses because of the lyrics and vocal hook--the music is actually excellent. This is also my favorite UFO album, to date. We'll see if that changes.
Obsession is when my opinion went from Schenker is a fantastic player to Schenker is a guitar god. I've read all the criticism over the years that call this album too busy--that Schenker was allowed to step all over everyone else too much. I call bullshit. There are two features of this album, that I hope ya'll notice while you listen, that I absolutely love. It has mesmerized me since my first listen all those years ago. 1) Schenker tastefully playing lead in harmony with or accompanying Mogg's vocal melody. 2) Schenker's lead accents at the end of vocal lines. Or in the case of One More for the Rodeo, both. Without the intensity and just plain brilliance of his note/lick/trick selection this album wouldn't be near as good. I think this showed real growth in his playing and a sense of pushing boundaries that I really appreciated at the time. I now realize that he wasn't particularly original with this playing, he was borrowing licks and tricks, but it was the first time I'd heard it, so...
I find Pack it Up (And Go), Ain't No Baby, You Don't Fool Me, One More for the Rodeo, particularly excellent. Cherry, Only You Can Rock Me, Born to Lose, Arbory Hill, Lookin' Out for No. 1. (both), then Hot n' Ready. In that order.
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Cool to see the love for this album, it is my favorite! Like it was said, the production has the Lights Out quality, but less polished, wich allows to feel more the punch/energy of the band. Maybe the “ausence of classics” has to do with the fact that Strangers in the Night had only OYCRM for years. Anyway, when they added 2 mores songs from it, I think OYCRM and Cherry, although very good, to me, they are the two “worst” songs from the album. Obsession is what is is, because of Michael Schenker being in an absolute state of grace. We have here songs, riffs and solos (and more solos, everywhere!) incredibly inspired! Pack It Up (and Go), Ain't No Baby, Hot 'n' Ready, You don't Fool Me and One More for the Rodeo are really killer, while there’s space for flute (?!) and great orchestration in truly beautiful songs like Arbory Hill, Looking Out for nº 1 (and the reprise) and Born to Loose.
Ranking:
OBSESSION (my favorite)/? - 10+/10
FORCE IT/NO HEAVY PETTING/LIGHTS OUT - 9,5
?/?/? - 9,0
PHENOMENON/?/? – 8,5
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By the way, the UFO logo is AMAZING!!! I don't know, maybe my favorite from all the bands that I know.
I always thought about it like, well, UFOs properly, not as radio interference. Anyway, simple and yet very memorable!
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I don't know if I will go song for song - You Don't Fool Me is one of my favorites on the record, along with Cherry; Pack It Up (And Go) can pack it up and go for all I care - but even if this isn't the best UFO record, it's probably Phil Moggs best record. He sings the shit out of each and every song, in my opinion. Michael is great, but we knew that. It's Phil that shines here.
One other observation: musicians are, often, products of their environment. Some - Fish is one, Springsteen another - get strident when angry, and it's not often their best work. Both are better when being more ruminative, and writing from more calm (if not equally unsettling) emotions. Guitar players the same; Page's best work was composed and prepared in the relaxed environment of a Welsh hut the size of my bathroom with no electricity. Gilmour too. McCartney, and even Lennon, did their best work when just letting the imagination go wild. But there are two guitar players that have proven, over their career, to make their best work when flat out pissed off and angry: Ritchie Blackmore, and Michael Schenker. His two best records with the band were when he was least satisfied with the group, and that continued into his solo career.
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The Obsession album cover is kind of weirding me out :lol
Pack it Up and Go is a great song and like Paul mentioned, Lookin out for #1 is an excellent ballad. Really like that one.
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Ritchie Blackmore, and Michael Schenker. His two best records with the band were when he was least satisfied with the group, and that continued into his solo career.
I agree in tems of Schenker. Personally, the first MSG album from 1980, it's also my favorite Schenker solo album. About Blackmore, are your refering to Stormbringer/Richie Blackmore's Rainbow? I like a lot those albums, but I think Blackmore recorded better albums, included as a guitar player.
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As to the negative comments about UFO's album covers...I guess it's just one of those things. You almost had to be there. :lol
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Obsession is their most consistent album to date, even though it doesn’t have any truly ‘standout’ tracks that we had on their previous four albums. Eminently listenable. And I think I actually heard Only You Can Rock Me on the radio. The riff for Pack It Up and Go sounds like it was lifted from Zep’s Immigrant Song. I think I read somewhere that the idea for the song was a message to Zeppelin that they were done as a band and they should do as the song title says. That said, it feels like Obsession failed to expand on the direction hinted at by Lights Out (the song) and moving the band in a direction that could’ve been darker and heavier.
Yet another bizarro album cover. Why? It almost seems as if Schenker’s image was pasted in as an afterthought. Was it an oversight? Was that intentional? Either way, it makes it look like he was some sort of odd man, singled out, but in a good way or a bad way?
The haphazardness of their album covers sort of reflects their musical career. Which leads me to the burning question. As seen by the plenty of folk in this thread who are only recently catching up to the goodness of UFO, this band was missed/passed over by quite a few, myself included. Why is that? Why did this band fly under the radar, failing to achieve the renown of contemporaries like Rush, Scorpions, Judas Priest, Styx, Foreigner (a band someone mentioned previously) etc. They certainly had the chops to stand up to these other bands.
Maybe because they never got radio AirPlay, nor that big hit song to push them over the top. Maybe they were so focused on the party that a true band vision was never developed over time. A lack of business or commercial acumen (as evidenced by the poor album covers)? It was just partying and then simply playing to their strengths and talents, whatever that might be. Perhaps it was the quirk (British) in the songwriting and Mogg’s lyrics.
Anyway, I can’t help but ponder about these things as I sit here listening to all these fine albums. Not being a dick when I say this, but this band underachieved, at least commercially. UFO coulda/shoulda been bigger, but they weren’t.
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As to the negative comments about UFO's album covers...I guess it's just one of those things. You almost had to be there. :lol
This one is just weird. Not sure what it’s trying to say, unlike the previous ones.
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Ritchie Blackmore, and Michael Schenker. His two best records with the band were when he was least satisfied with the group, and that continued into his solo career.
I agree in tems of Schenker. Personally, the first MSG album from 1980, it's also my favorite Schenker solo album. About Blackmore, are your refering to Stormbringer/Richie Blackmore's Rainbow? I like a lot those albums, but I think Blackmore recorded better albums, included as a guitar player.
No, more In Rock (angry at the turn of events with Mark I, and doing the Concerto thing], Burn (angry at Gillan for his nonsense, firing Glover basically because it was Tuesday), Long Live R'n'R (angry at the revolving bass/keyboard door, getting disillusioned with Dio), and ESPECIALLY Battle Rages On (angry at everyone not named "Candace"). The album is just ok - because Gillan does NOT seem to rise to that occasion/emotion, but from a pure guitar standpoint, TBRO is an INCENDIARY record, and some of the playing on that tour is WILD.
Also check out the Live In California CD/DVD when Blackmore was pissed at the festival planners (he sat in his trailer and made the crowd wait almost two hours because he thought the band was promised to go on at dusk, and they wanted him to go on in daylight) and the cameramen (for being in his way on stage; at one point the camera was literally a foot from him; later he turned and cracked his guitar over the camera itself, breaking it). When he's pissed, he's on fire.
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Definitely not saying anything negative about the album covers. I get a kick out of the over the top aspect, just Obsesssion weirds me out for some reason.
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About to leave for work with Obsession CD in hand. I hope this one is more impressive than LO.
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About to leave for work with Obsession CD in hand. I hope this one is more impressive than LO.
I have full respect for anyone that says they are about to play a CD.
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About to leave for work with Obsession CD in hand. I hope this one is more impressive than LO.
I have a feeling you're going to enjoy it very much.
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Obsession is my third favourite UFO studio album, after Phenomenon and No Heavy Petting. It really spotlights Schenker’s talents for me.
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No, more In Rock (angry at the turn of events with Mark I, and doing the Concerto thing], Burn (angry at Gillan for his nonsense, firing Glover basically because it was Tuesday), Long Live R'n'R (angry at the revolving bass/keyboard door, getting disillusioned with Dio), and ESPECIALLY Battle Rages On (angry at everyone not named "Candace"). The album is just ok - because Gillan does NOT seem to rise to that occasion/emotion, but from a pure guitar standpoint, TBRO is an INCENDIARY record, and some of the playing on that tour is WILD.
Also check out the Live In California CD/DVD when Blackmore was pissed at the festival planners (he sat in his trailer and made the crowd wait almost two hours because he thought the band was promised to go on at dusk, and they wanted him to go on in daylight) and the cameramen (for being in his way on stage; at one point the camera was literally a foot from him; later he turned and cracked his guitar over the camera itself, breaking it). When he's pissed, he's on fire.
Cool, Stadler! Now I see what you meant about Blackmore and I agree about almost all of those releases. I have TBRO, but I guess I never really heard it with more atention. Never thought it as a bad album, but I always liked and heard a lot more Perfect Strangers and The House of Blue Light. But when I'll hear it again, I'll keep what you said in mind.
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This album lacks its Love to Love, or Lights Out, or Mother Mary, or Rock Bottom... but it is super enjoyable to listen to from front to back. The volume and distortion is turned up on the guitars (they heard Stadler's whinging through their time machine) but they kept much of the lush production of the previous. Even the low point of the album, Hot n' Ready, only misses because of the lyrics and vocal hook--the music is actually excellent. This is also my favorite UFO album, to date. We'll see if that changes.
Obsession is when my opinion went from Schenker is a fantastic player to Schenker is a guitar god. I've read all the criticism over the years that call this album too busy--that Schenker was allowed to step all over everyone else too much. I call bullshit. There are two features of this album, that I hope ya'll notice while you listen, that I absolutely love. It has mesmerized me since my first listen all those years ago. 1) Schenker tastefully playing lead in harmony with or accompanying Mogg's vocal melody. 2) Schenker's lead accents at the end of vocal lines. Or in the case of One More for the Rodeo, both. Without the intensity and just plain brilliance of his note/lick/trick selection this album wouldn't be near as good. I think this showed real growth in his playing and a sense of pushing boundaries that I really appreciated at the time. I now realize that he wasn't particularly original with this playing, he was borrowing licks and tricks, but it was the first time I'd heard it, so...
I find Pack it Up (And Go), Ain't No Baby, You Don't Fool Me, One More for the Rodeo, particularly excellent. Cherry, Only You Can Rock Me, Born to Lose, Arbory Hill, Lookin' Out for No. 1. (both), then Hot n' Ready. In that order.
I really love Obsession. It is one of my favorite albums to air drum to, especially Pack It Up (And Go) and You Don't Fool Me. Especially the solo section of You Don't Fool Me.
Looking Out For Number One was a song I really loved as a kid. It was one of those songs that spoke to me early on. One More For The Rodeo is one of my all time favorite UFO songs.
If I never heard Cherry again, I'd be fine. For some reason the band still insists on playing it. I kind of feel the same way about OYCRM, but once it gets going, it's great live.
The haphazardness of their album covers sort of reflects their musical career. Which leads me to the burning question. As seen by the plenty of folk in this thread who are only recently catching up to the goodness of UFO, this band was missed/passed over by quite a few, myself included. Why is that? Why did this band fly under the radar, failing to achieve the renown of contemporaries like Rush, Scorpions, Judas Priest, Styx, Foreigner (a band someone mentioned previously) etc. They certainly had the chops to stand up to these other bands.
Maybe because they never got radio AirPlay, nor that big hit song to push them over the top. Maybe they were so focused on the party that a true band vision was never developed over time. A lack of business or commercial acumen (as evidenced by the poor album covers)? It was just partying and then simply playing to their strengths and talents, whatever that might be. Perhaps it was the quirk (British) in the songwriting and Mogg’s lyrics.
Anyway, I can’t help but ponder about these things as I sit here listening to all these fine albums. Not being a dick when I say this, but this band underachieved, at least commercially. UFO coulda/shoulda been bigger, but they weren’t.
Even Pete Way will tell you that they threw away their chances. But really it all comes down to having a hit. UFO was just never on the radio. At least when I was a kid. Every 70's band had at least one major song in rotation, be it Aqualung, Radar Love, The Boys Are Back In Town.
I could never even come up with a reason why Rush became and stayed so popular, but what was important, especially with Scorps and Judas Priest, was that they survived 1979-1983 and rode the wave of the 80's arena rock movement. It simply wasn't a transition many bands were able to do.
If you look at their discography, they released an album every year from 1974 to 1983. And while Strangers was released in January of 1979, they treated it like a new released because they toured for it after its release.
There was Michael's unpredictability, his drinking. Paul Chapman would party hard with the band, as Chapman and Way were using heroin. Mogg was getting burned out, and eventually crashed on the Making Contact tour.
They just worked themselves to death. As we'll see in the Chapman Era, while there is some great music, you could feel the band kind of grinding to a halt, especially after WWI. It was the partying for sure, but it was really a non stop cycle that they were in that eventually caught up with them.
I have no idea why they never had a hit. It's something I always wondered when I was a kid. How are these guys not famous? How does everyone not know who they are?
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About to leave for work with Obsession CD in hand. I hope this one is more impressive than LO.
I have full respect for anyone that says they are about to play a CD.
:metal
Got going and had a text right away about dumb shit at work and sped to work and wasn't listening properly. Can't tell you anything. Will try again tonight.
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Rock Bottom is still played to this day on classic rock radio (as is Doctor Doctor)...so I’m not buying the “never had a hit” argument.
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They had some minor hits in the UK with Chapman I remember. they played Top Of The Pops I think, which was always a coup for a rock band.
I saw them at the local university on the TWTWATI tour so they were never big even here.
They had everything to make - just never did. The British Y&T maybe?
Schenker's shenanigans won't have helped, like Lizzy's revolving door. Will he turn up? Who's in the band?
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Rock Bottom is still played to this day on classic rock radio (as is Doctor Doctor)...so I’m not buying the “never had a hit” argument.
Could it be a regional thing? I've never heard them on the radio (here in Ohio) with the exception of Venus getting some very limited play on one of the local stations when the reunion era began.
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Rock Bottom is still played to this day on classic rock radio (as is Doctor Doctor)...so I’m not buying the “never had a hit” argument.
I'd need to see evidence of this before I'd believe it. What radio station? Do they publish their playlist?
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Listen postponed til tomorrow.
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Rock Bottom is still played to this day on classic rock radio (as is Doctor Doctor)...so I’m not buying the “never had a hit” argument.
Not to argue, but TAC is on to something. I grew up with the late 70's, early 80's hard rock "movement", and other than Kiss, which I got into in '77, '78, and Billy Joel, same time, almost all the bands I got into had a hit album or song in the 1980 to 1982 time frame, as played on the radio (for me, WPLR in New Haven, WICC in Bridgeport, and WRKI - "I-95" - in Danbury).
Priest: You've Got Another Thing Coming
Maiden: The Number Of The Beast
Ozzy: Crazy Train (though for me, it was I Don't Know)
Sabbath: Heaven And Hell
Rainbow: Jealous Lover (and later, Stone Cold)
Rush: Tom Sawyer
AC/DC: Back In Black (the album)
Scorpions: No One Like You
I can't speak for anywhere else, but in the Northeast, where I lived, I NEVER heard a UFO song on the radio. The first UFO song I ever heard was "Doctor, Doctor" on either One Night At Budokan, or Rock Will Never Die by MSG (I can't remember which one I got first; the ONAB was an import double and was REALLY expensive, so memory says I got the single disk RWND first).
I jumped to MSG directly because the first album had Billy Sheehan and was produced by Roger Glover (Deep Purple/Rainbow) and the second one had Cozy Powell, also from Rainbow (I had no idea who Paul Raymond was). Even though I was big into Scorpions, I went back into the Roth years, and never quite made the jump to UFO. I just didn't. They didn't open for anyone I saw on tour (though that was a little later, '82, '83, '84, and UFO was on hiatus at that time).
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The local classic rock station here played "Lights Out" fairly often and I know (now that I listened to the whole album) that they played "Too Hot to Handle" as well.
So far I think I like NHP best and then LO. Love Lost Love has maybe been the standout song for me though.
They kind of remind me of a mix of Kiss, Billy Squier, and Y&T. maybe sorta.
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That’s cool, V! Glad you’re listening along!
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Rock Bottom is still played to this day on classic rock radio (as is Doctor Doctor)...so I’m not buying the “never had a hit” argument.
They "never had a hit" in the sense that they had relatively little sales or chart success and got relatively little contemporary radio play (at least in the U.S.).
Every studio album they released between Phenomenon and Misdemeanor charted in the U.S., but only six of those albums made the top 100, and none did better than #41 (Obsession). Strangers in the Night went to #42.
They never had an album go gold in the U.S. (much less Platinum), and they only had two albums (No Place to Run and Strangers) go silver in the UK (60,000 units). The only single to chart in the U.S. was Too Hot to Handle (#106), and only seven singles charted in the UK (the highest being Young Blood, which reached #36).
So, yeah, "never had a hit is completely accurate." The airplay that a few of their 40+ year old songs get on classic rock radio doesn't change that.
I can't speak for anywhere else, but in the Northeast, where I lived, I NEVER heard a UFO song on the radio.
The two biggest rock radio stations in Southern California in the 70s and 80s were KMET and KLOS. I can't speak for the period from 74-81, but by the time I started listening, UFO was virtually nowhere to be found, except for a couple of hard rock/metal-focused shows that would air late at night or on weekends. KNAC ("Pure Rock") showed up in 86 and, I think, became nationally known and would occasionally play a handful of UFO songs, but they certainly weren't in heavy rotation.
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Rock Bottom is still played to this day on classic rock radio (as is Doctor Doctor)...so I’m not buying the “never had a hit” argument.
Now I haven't listened to the radio actively in at least 15 years, though every now and then while driving, I'll flick over.
But as an avid listener of the radio from 1979/80 through the 90's, I have never heard either one of those songs on the radio.
I do remember WCOZ in Boston played Too Hot once. This would've been very early on. But they played a lot of obscure stuff.
I also remember when the came in the summer of '86, the local station in Providence played This Time a few times to help promote the show.
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Not sure if you guys are familar with the youtube channel FresnoMediaRestoration, but it is one of the best channels out there. That have tons of classic footage.
Here they basically have the Holy Grail of UFO footage. Unfortunately the instrumental section of Rock Bottom is missing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuOnBwAZbIU&t=0s
A few months later, after Schenker leaves, Paul Chapman comes in and finishes the tour. Here is the show from Passaic, NJ.
This would be the sixth show with Chapman.
https://youtu.be/fqGpp_gKoms
Anyone check out any of this footage? Obsession tour!!
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Watching it now :metal
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This is awesome stuff! I’ve listened to live UFO, but this is one of the first times I’ve watched them. Great live band. They all have lots of charisma on stage especially Way and Phil Mogg. Mogg actually has a bit of a similar look and swagger to Bon Scott. Or maybe Bon Scott has a similar look and swagger to Phil Mogg lol. Regardless this show looked like a steal for $7.50 for admission
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Phil Mogg missed that cue on the second verse of Hot N Ready more than once.
Jason, do you see Steve Harris in Pete Way's performance?
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Phil Mogg missed that cue on the second verse of Hot N Ready more than once.
Jason, do you see Steve Harris in Pete Way's performance?
Definitely
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Jason, do you see Steve Harris in Pete Way's performance?
I realize that I'm not the Jason that you were referring to, but I've seen some pictures of Pete on stage over the years that I would almost have thought that they were of Steve at a quick glance. Steve certainly took much of his look and stage persona from Pete.
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I'm really enjoying Obsession. I'll post more thoughts tomorrow when I'm on my PC but this might be my fav album so far.
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:metal
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That footage is awesome, but they look almost... awkward on stage. I don't know; maybe I'm used to bands like Rush, Maiden, and Kiss, where there is almost a "choreography" to it at this point, but they look like they are almost winging it in terms of where to go and when. Pete is almost banging into people as he moves across the stage. I have to watch more to see if that's always the case.
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That footage is awesome, definitely The Holy Grail of classic UFO live footage. Phil sounds a little tipsy on this one, lol. But, i'm guessing he was the same on most nights.
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I'm really enjoying Obsession. I'll post more thoughts tomorrow when I'm on my PC but this might be my fav album so far.
Nice. I thought you'd like it.
I'll hold off on Strangers until you post. I look forward to reading.
That footage is awesome, but they look almost... awkward on stage. I don't know; maybe I'm used to bands like Rush, Maiden, and Kiss, where there is almost a "choreography" to it at this point, but they look like they are almost winging it in terms of where to go and when. Pete is almost banging into people as he moves across the stage. I have to watch more to see if that's always the case.
Well, they all seem to have their space, but yes, Pete is a one man wrecking crew.
That footage is awesome, definitely The Holy Grail of classic UFO live footage.
:metal
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Did the live album Strangers in the Night make UFO stars as compared to their studio albums which were hit or miss with rock fans? Kind of the same situation that Kiss went to the next level with the live album Alive as compared to their first three studio albums which in seemed to also be hit or miss with success?
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It's a question for Podaar maybe.
Seems a lot of live albums, like Alive, Strangers, Frampton Comes Alive, the live versions brought to life the songs that those early studio recordings lacked. I think that's why live albums in the 70's were way more impactful than they are today.
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Interesting
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Rock Me: This one sounds familiar, like I've heard it years ago or something. Anyway, I like this one. I like the contrast ofthe sections. I love how it goes from the rock style to that lovely chorus. That chorus is catchy as fuck too. The Shenker solo is beautiful, so tasteful. Great opener.
Pack It Up: Gives me a Zeppelin/Hendrix vibe this one, but has a harder edge. Shenker rips it up here. The chorus works well. short and catchy but works a treat. Shenkers fills throughout fills things out nicely.
Hill: I don't understand this one and why it's here.
Ain't No baby: That melody is so beautiful, and I love the note interplay between the guitar and bass, that's quite creative. I didn't expect the Judas Priest British Steel era type verse either but it's great. It's a slow burn but everything here is nice. That section afterwards reprising the intro is just so good. Really good song this. That climax it to chorus where it kind of blends the intro and rocking verses is genius.
Number One: I would normally hate songs like this, but I love it. That cheesy 70's pop chorus is lovely. The minor feel of the verses to the major key chorus is excellent. One thing about this album is the songwriting is top notch. Shenker cries in the solo and gives me a Beatles feel with the chord progression.
Hot 'n' Ready: This one gives me the Foreigner vibe again but this one is much better. Nothing special but great rocker. Shenker is all over this one again.
Cherry: Interesting feel this one. Really doesn't get going until the southern style chorus. I like it though. The thing about this album is there is so many styles going on through the songwriting. Every song offers something.
Don't Fool Me: That chorus is killer and Shenkers note choices make it even better. The solo here is blistering. Love it.
Number 1 Repise: Why? But you can hear it, it's quirky and cool.
Rodeo: Probably my fav song and the hardest rocker. Great atmosphere on this one and Phil's vocals shine for me here. Shenker is all over this album and all his fills are fills of legends. This one flat out rocks. The tempo and groove is undeniable. Some interseting stuff from Shenker in the solo too.
Born to Lose: This could be my second fav. Quiet intro and that chorus is again something I would never normally like but it's lovely. The highlight here is the solo. Shenker absolutely slays here. The intro quiet section reminds me actually of Jim Matheos in Parells/Inside Out Fates Warning. Then it kicks in. Fuck me, this is some great soloing. It's very Tony Iommi this solo in his licks and phrasing but the constant key changes bring Tony Macalpine to mind. Best leads of the album and possibly one of Shenkers all time best??
Love this album and even though it doesn't have a big Love to Love or whatever, everything here is great songwriting and the variety througout make it so enjoyable. Really great album.
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Not to go off topic, but inbetween the UFO albums I've been listening to my MSG 5 CD collection. Built to Destroy......lol...WTF? :lol
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Rock Me: This one sounds familiar, like I've heard it years ago or something. Anyway, I like this one. I like the contrast ofthe sections. I love how it goes from the rock style to that lovely chorus. That chorus is catchy as fuck too. The Shenker solo is beautiful, so tasteful. Great opener.
Pack It Up: Gives me a Zeppelin/Hendrix vibe this one, but has a harder edge. Shenker rips it up here. The chorus works well. short and catchy but works a treat. Shenkers fills throughout fills things out nicely.
Hill: I don't understand this one and why it's here.
Ain't No baby: That melody is so beautiful, and I love the note interplay between the guitar and bass, that's quite creative. I didn't expect the Judas Priest British Steel era type verse either but it's great. It's a slow burn but everything here is nice. That section afterwards reprising the intro is just so good. Really good song this. That climax it to chorus where it kind of blends the intro and rocking verses is genius.
Number One: I would normally hate songs like this, but I love it. That cheesy 70's pop chorus is lovely. The minor feel of the verses to the major key chorus is excellent. One thing about this album is the songwriting is top notch. Shenker cries in the solo and gives me a Beatles feel with the chord progression.
Hot 'n' Ready: This one gives me the Foreigner vibe again but this one is much better. Nothing special but great rocker. Shenker is all over this one again.
Cherry: Interesting feel this one. Really doesn't get going until the southern style chorus. I like it though. The thing about this album is there is so many styles going on through the songwriting. Every song offers something.
Don't Fool Me: That chorus is killer and Shenkers note choices make it even better. The solo here is blistering. Love it.
Number 1 Repise: Why? But you can hear it, it's quirky and cool.
Rodeo: Probably my fav song and the hardest rocker. Great atmosphere on this one and Phil's vocals shine for me here. Shenker is all over this album and all his fills are fills of legends. This one flat out rocks. The tempo and groove is undeniable. Some interseting stuff from Shenker in the solo too.
Born to Lose: This could be my second fav. Quiet intro and that chorus is again something I would never normally like but it's lovely. The highlight here is the solo. Shenker absolutely slays here. The intro quiet section reminds me actually of Jim Matheos in Parells/Inside Out Fates Warning. Then it kicks in. Fuck me, this is some great soloing. It's very Tony Iommi this solo in his licks and phrasing but the constant key changes bring Tony Macalpine to mind. Best leads of the album and possibly one of Shenkers all time best??
Love this album and even though it doesn't have a big Love to Love or whatever, everything here is great songwriting and the variety througout make it so enjoyable. Really great album.
:heart :heart :heart
Other than the reminders of other peoples music (which I never do) this could have been written by me!
Kade, don't you just love the interplay of vocal and lead guitar during the chorus of One More for the Rodeo? It's like Shenker is accompanying the vocal and then extending it. When I was listening the other day (for the 1000 time in my life) I thought that would grab you.
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Not to go off topic, but inbetween the UFO albums I've been listening to my MSG 5 CD collection. Built to Destroy......lol...WTF? :lol
Yeah, ended up doing to that vinyl what Michael is doing to the Merc on the cover.
That's when MS lost me for decades. I just couldn't be bothered.
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I think Built To Destroy has aged pretty well. We’ll get there in a couple of weeks.
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Looking forward to that. I’ve been listening to a lot of schenker I’d never heard before in the last week or so. Most of it has been pretty great.
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Hill: I don't understand this one and why it's here.
You'll be hearing the acoustic guitar part again later in the discography. The "reboot" is much better than the original.
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Damn, I got 7 pages to catch up with. Work was an absolute bear coming back from vacation.
I have listened up to Obsession, though mostly while multitasking in some manner. Lots of great music, but it’s hard to put my finger on specific tracks as to which were most memorable (because it wasn’t a dedicated listen. Will try to do more of that this week - and catch up on the last 7 pages!!
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Did the live album Strangers in the Night make UFO stars as compared to their studio albums which were hit or miss with rock fans? Kind of the same situation that Kiss went to the next level with the live album Alive as compared to their first three studio albums which in seemed to also be hit or miss with success?
Well, it's kind of relative, isn't it? Alive! both spawned a hit single (the live RnRAN) and pushed Kiss to the level of headlining arenas, which in turn led them to Bob Ezrin (and "Destroyer"). SitN might have been the breakthrough, but with Schenker leaving, and their subsequent hiatus, even if it was a 'hit', they didn't become "stars" off of it in the same way.
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Not to go off topic, but inbetween the UFO albums I've been listening to my MSG 5 CD collection. Built to Destroy......lol...WTF? :lol
I know, right? How did he bounce back with an album THAT GOOD? :) :) :)
(Just busting; I think you mean something else, but I love Built To Destroy; one of my favorites.)
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Hill: I don't understand this one and why it's here.
You'll be hearing the acoustic guitar part again later in the discography. The "reboot" is much better than the original.
Yup! And you don’t even have to be a musician to hear it. ;D
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Not to go off topic, but inbetween the UFO albums I've been listening to my MSG 5 CD collection. Built to Destroy......lol...WTF? :lol
I know, right? How did he bounce back with an album THAT GOOD? :) :) :)
(Just busting; I think you mean something else, but I love Built To Destroy; one of my favorites.)
I'll give it another go when we get to it lol. Interesting album.
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Gregg, yeah, the back and forth between Shenker and Mogg in Rodeo is outstanding. Such a brilliant track.
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Hill: I don't understand this one and why it's here.
You'll be hearing the acoustic guitar part again later in the discography. The "reboot" is much better than the original.
Yup! And you don’t even have to be a musician to hear it. ;D
Okay, I'll wait to hear the full thing. I'm sure people at the time though though WTF at this though.
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Not to go off topic, but inbetween the UFO albums I've been listening to my MSG 5 CD collection. Built to Destroy......lol...WTF? :lol
I know, right? How did he bounce back with an album THAT GOOD? :) :) :)
(Just busting; I think you mean something else, but I love Built To Destroy; one of my favorites.)
I'll give it another go when we get to it lol. Interesting album.
Yeah, a couple weeks away.
Kade, don't you just love the interplay of vocal and lead guitar during the chorus of One More for the Rodeo? It's like Shenker is accompanying the vocal and then extending it. When I was listening the other day (for the 1000 time in my life) I thought that would grab you.
Gregg, yeah, the back and forth between Shenker and Mogg in Rodeo is outstanding. Such a brilliant track.
One More For The Rodeo might be a Top 10 UFO track for me. I have always loved it and it is total badass. What you guys are talking about is amazing. Especially in the second verse. Amazing.
Michael says that Obsession was a fun album to make. After listening to One More For The Rodeo, you can understand why.
Also, apparently it is also a Paul Raymond song, even though he is uncredited.
Hill: I don't understand this one and why it's here.
During this time, and on the Obsession tour, there was a lot of appeasement going on for Michael. They talk about letting him fly back and forth to LA on off days. At this time, Michael was learning the flute. This can't be any more than placating him.
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Strangers In The Night
(https://img.discogs.com/_cvtMJXRV8O2hmmYXYY9hEBrJHs=/fit-in/300x300/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(40)/discogs-images/R-13550148-1556346173-7558.png.jpg)(https://st33.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/ufo-back-sleeve.jpg?w=584)
(https://townsquare.media/site/295/files/2014/01/UFO-Header.jpg?w=1200&h=0&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89)
Released January 2nd, 1979
Reissued 1999
Original LP
Side 1
Natural Thing
Out in the Street
Only You Can Rock Me
Doctor Doctor
Side 2
Mother Mary
This Kid's
Love to Love
Side 3
Lights Out
Rock Bottom
Side 4
Too Hot to Handle
I'm a Loser
Let It Roll
Shoot Shoot
Reissue Tracklist
1. Hot n' Ready
2. Cherry
3. Let It Roll
4. Love To Love
5. Natural Thing
6. Out In The Street
7 Only You Can Rock Me
8. Mother Mary
9. This Kids
10. Doctor Doctor
11. I'm A Loser
12. Lights Out
13. Rock Bottom
14. Too Hot To Handle
15. Shoot Shoot
Phil Mogg-Vocals
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Pete Way- Bass
Andy Parker-Drums
Paul Raymond-Keyboards/ Guitar
OK, here we go..Strangers In The Night!
Simply an amazing live album with great production by Ron Nevison. The album was also mixed by Mike Clink, who would produce Appetite For Destruction and co produce Peace Sells, among many others. A number of shows were recorded, with the album drawing from Chicago and Louisville.
Because of the length of Love To Love and Rock Bottom, it was determined that it would have to be a double album. That also meant that the natural running order of the setlist would have to be abandoned in order to get each album side a relatively equal length. However this also meant that they were a couple songs short. So Mother Mary and This Kids were recorded live at The Record Plant, and were placed on the album with dubbed in crowd noise.
Nevison did an amazing job with this because both tracks really sound as if they were part of the same concerts. They are very close in sound, especially listening to the drums. I mean, for comparison, look at the suck job Tony Visconti did on Live And Dangerous with Southbound.
The band was really well oiled live by this point. Even Andy Parker was using double bass, like in Let It Roll, where on Force It he did not. That kind of performance really helped grow their sound.
I mentioned the mixing. It is really tremendous, as you can clearly hear every instrument. I love that you can hear Paul Raymond. But this album belongs to Michael Schenker. He is ridiculous on this album. The solos in Lights Out, Love To Love, I'm A Loser...holy shit!
And the instrumental section of Rock Bottom is easily the best 5 minutes of music I have ever heard. I never get sick of it.
The album was reissued in 1999. It stays faithful to the regular setlist with Hot N Ready and Cherry added. I have always wondered, if they needed two extra tracks (and those are Nevison's words), why not just use HnR or Cherry? Also, the 2008 Obsession remaster has live versions of Pack It Up (And Go) and Ain't No Baby. Why not use one of those? They must've decided that Mother Mary and This Kids were stronger.
As I mentioned before, the band had a one month break in the tour for the month of November . It was during this time that the mixing and "fixing" for Strangers was being done. It was during this break that Michael Schenker would walk out on the band. The stories range from he not being happy with the live album, to Phil Mogg punching him. The tour would resume on November 30, and Paul Chapman would again rejoin the band. This time, for good.
Chapman is credited in the notes on Strangers.."Thank you to our friend and guitarist Paul Chapman." Some wondered of Chapman was part of the recordings. Alas, he is not. Chrysalis would send the band out to support the album in 1979.
Anyway, there's lots to say about this album. Looking forward to everyone's thoughts.
This is the same album I traded a Zed Zeppelin pin in 1982 for..
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FbX5Nlcp.jpg&hash=1d714fed3fa866978bc0b2a2aa67749a821cb7a9) (https://imgur.com/bX5Nlcp)
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Hill: I don't understand this one and why it's here.
During this time, and on the Obsession tour, there was a lot of appeasement going on for Michael. They talk about letting him fly back and forth to LA on off days. At this time, Michael was learning the flute. This can't be any more than placating him.
I had no idea that was MS on a flute. I had always assumed that it was a small furry animal being tortured to death. Ya know, something adorable so it would add an extra element of discomfort to the experience. :-\
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Definitely heard this one before :metal
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Hill: I don't understand this one and why it's here.
During this time, and on the Obsession tour, there was a lot of appeasement going on for Michael. They talk about letting him fly back and forth to LA on off days. At this time, Michael was learning the flute. This can't be any more than placating him.
I had no idea that was MS on a flute. I had always assumed that it was a small furry animal being tortured to death. Ya know, something adorable so it would add an extra element of discomfort to the experience. :-\
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51xs8D1PNAL._SY355_.jpg)(https://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11248089.0688/flat,1000x1000,075,f.jpg)
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Damn, I got 7 pages to catch up with. Work was an absolute bear coming back from vacation.
I have listened up to Obsession, though mostly while multitasking in some manner. Lots of great music, but it’s hard to put my finger on specific tracks as to which were most memorable (because it wasn’t a dedicated listen. Will try to do more of that this week - and catch up on the last 7 pages!!
Well, you haven't said anything, but it's still two more posts than Brent. :lol
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Put this one in the car this morning already. I have the reissue with the bonus 2 tracks at the start. What's the deal with the tracks being at the start?
The version of LTL is wonderful and Michaels solo at the end is ridiculous. Love the mixing and the sound overall too. Michaels tone is incredible.
Phil sounds baked as fucked when he is talking too. :lol
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Put this one in the car this morning already. I have the reissue with the bonus 2 tracks at the start. What's the deal with the tracks being at the start?
The version of LTL is wonderful and Michaels solo at the end is ridiculous. Love the mixing and the sound overall too. Michaels tone is incredible.
Phil sounds baked as fucked when he is talking too. :lol
To try to better recreate the setlist from the time. If you look at setlist.fm for the shows that they recorded, those 2 tracks are always in the first 3. Track 2 was Pack It Up (And Go) which they threw on as a bonus track on one of the other reissues.
As I have all of the reissues, I can say that the live tracks are all of great quality. Not bootleg sounding or anything at all. High quality recordings.
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That makes total sense and answers my question thanks Prof. Although it's weird that songs placed in the first three of the setlist each night wouldn't be included on the original release.
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I would like they had released originally the double LP with Hot n Ready, Pack it Up and Ain’t No Baby (but no Cherry. Much less in the begginning). It would have more fair with Obsession IMO.
Anyway, it’s a worderfull live album as it is. I would just comment that the double bass drumming on Let it Roll, with phrasing not played continuously, was really something different at the time.
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Yeah, Let it Roll sounds massive here.
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You are right about Phil sounding totally baked when talking lol
UFO is a kick ass live band!
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Well, I hate to recycle a word that’s already been used in this thread (Stads) but I can’t think of another to describe SITN: incendiary. It’s not a slow burn, like you get with live Deep Purple (which I love), instead it’s a spontaneous combustion.
UFO may not have been the most visionary or calculating band. There wasn’t much in the way of choreography. As Stads suggested, they seemed to just ‘wing it’ when it came to live performances (and everything else for that matter, including album covers), but that is also the quality that made them so good. A double-edged sword, if you will.
I can see why one wouldn’t return to the studio versions of these songs after hearing them here. As Tim says, you can hear every instrument, and that’s huge for me. The album just rocks.
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Schenker on This Kid's is glorious.
It's a shame Rodeo and Action aren't on here.
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Again with the insulting comments about album covers!
You kids do realize that a) Chrysalis (the company) hired Hipgnosis to do the album covers, not the band. b) Hipgnosis was a very popular and highly respected art company. And most importantly, c) Your lack of taste doesn't make their album covers bad!
It was the 1970's, the middle of the drug culture, and all things weird. UFO album covers were cool, funny, and odd. They fit the edgy Brit working class persona of the band. Besides, at the very worst, album covers should be ignored. They are nothing to criticize a band over. Save it for the music.
:getoffmylawn:
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The cover of SiTN is still amazing, even to nowadays standarts!
Just an observation, the original songs order of the original double LP flows much better than the actual live show from the tour. Good job, Ron Nevison!
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I'm going to relisten today; this is a very good album, and agreed on Michael being on fire. I didn't get blown away by hearing it, though, like Eddie Trunk (it's definitely his favorite live album of all time, and it may be his favorite album period; he's always pimping this record).
I do know that listening to Side 2 has such a wonderful, 70's live album feel (not dissimilar to Side 4 of Kiss Alive!). It bummed me out for about 6 minutes when I found out that the first two songs were "concoctions", but i got over it. When I cook, I will sometimes put that segment on - Mother Mary, This Kid's, Love To Love - and it's just amazing.
By the way, TAC, we have a "breezeway" that is actually a sort of second living room, and it's the exact same wall color. Nice taste!
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I've never liked the addition of Hot N' Ready and Cherry to this album. I don't think the performances are up to par with the original album, so I don't include them when I listen to the album. In fact, I've reordered them on my NAS back to the original order.
Otherwise, this is my favorite live album ever. So much so, I consider these performances as the definitive versions of these songs (much like many other fans).
This recording of Schenker's live tone is nothing short of a miracle. :lol Like Tim mentions, the clarity of all of the band is awesome as well. The most balanced mix ever.
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I've never liked the addition of Hot N' Ready and Cherry to this album. I don't think the performances are up to par with the original album, so I don't include them when I listen to the album. In fact, I've reordered them on my NAS back to the original order.
Otherwise, this is my favorite live album ever. So much so, I consider these performances as the definitive versions of these songs (much like many other fans).
This recording of Schenker's live tone is nothing short of a miracle. :lol Like Tim mentions, the clarity of all of the band is awesome as well. The most balanced mix ever.
You've saved me having to type all that.
Strangers is the greatest live album ever. I used to love live albums when I started out on my listening journey back in th every early 80s. This was mainly because the tracks sounded more "alive" than on their studio albums - KISS, Lizzy, Judas Priest etc. Nowadays I don't really bother with live albums other than as a concert bluray/dvd.
Strangers was number 11 in my top 50.
As I said when we discussed the album, Let It Roll sound bad vocally on the studio album. It's great on Strangers.
The added tracks take alot away from the album for me - I'd have been happier for them to be tucked away at the end more than at the start or disrupting the flow of an album I loved just the way it was for so long.
Schenker... just awesome. That tone is just so fat.
My only criticism of Strangers I guess would be the track listing. Some great songs were missed that could have been on here but I think it was recorded when they were the support act, so time would have been an issue.
The between song banter is pretty amateur but endearing. The whole changing the mikes things "can I fill in?" ... obviously not because he doesn't! ;D
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I guess that I'm in the minority, but I've grown to really like the added tracks. Hot and Ready is amazing!
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Strangers In The Night
UFO is by no means my favorite band, but Strangers in the Night remains my favorite live album of all time.
I honestly had no idea that Mother Mary and This Kid's weren't actually live tracks.
I think I've written about this before, but when I bought Strangers (vinyl), I still had my original stereo that I had received as a birthday gift in 1981. It was a combo record player, cassette player/recorder AND 8-track player. The speakers were nothing special and connected via RCA inputs. If I remember correctly, I had the speakers positioned on a shelf that my mother had originally installed to display LEGOs that ran around 3 of the 4 walls in my bedroom. Anyway, at some point, something happened with one of the speaker outputs, so instead of getting 50/50, I was getting something like 85/15 (I didn't initially notice this, but when I did, I tried to compensate by panning hard to the weak side and turning up the volume). Strangers had Schenker mostly panned to (I think) the left and had Raymond panned mostly to the right, so I was hearing a VERY Paul Raymond-heavy mix (imagine setting your balance most of the way to one side). You could hear when he would switch from guitar to keys and back, and I thought it was super cool. Once I went out and bought a new stereo and heard the album as it was supposed to sound, I gained a new appreciation for Schenker.
Sides 2 and 3 of this album are absolute perfection, and 1 and 4 aren't far behind.
I used to love live albums when I started out on my listening journey back in th every early 80s. This was mainly because the tracks sounded more "alive" than on their studio albums - KISS, Lizzy, Judas Priest etc. Nowadays I don't really bother with live albums other than as a concert bluray/dvd.
This is me exactly. Live albums used to be special, and they're not anymore since you get one (or sometimes more) per album cycle, so you end up with 93 live versions of Closer to the Heart.
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You are right about Phil sounding totally baked when talking lol
UFO is a kick ass live band!
Mainly on those first 2 bonus tracks. Man he sound gone lol!
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Just got home after working 5:00 am to 6:00 PM. Loved reading the comments throughout the day. Will jump in after dinner.
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In the picture I posted, on the table, you can see a UFO CD next to my Moosehead. It is a boot from the Chicago show. Honestly, I don't listen to it that much. But I put it in this this morning for the ride to work. I hit Lights Out and Rock Bottom.
The first thing that jumped out at me was that when Phil says "Lights Out in Chicago", he actually says it twice in the second chorus. On the album, he only says it once. And the Chicago Rock Bottom is definitely not the one on the album. At least not the raw solo.
A couple of quotes from Ron Nevison:
"They had a falling out after I worked with them. It was after I did the Strangers in the Night album. It’s funny, we went to Cleveland, I think. We went to Youngstown. They were big in Chicago. They were popular there. That was the biggest arena that we used. I don’t remember what the name of the arena was. We also did Youngstown. We did Columbus. We did Cleveland. I might be wrong about this… you’d have to check and see where all we recorded. "
Regarding overdubs, Nevison says:
"I must say there were very little overdubs. I’ve heard people say “Oh yeah, there were lots of overdubs on the “Stangers” Live album but No. One of the reasons there wasn’t is because I picked the songs that didn’t need it. There was however some “fixing” here and there but there were not a lot of overdubs. "
I'm having trouble finding the exact quote but Nevison says that very little was used from the Chicago show, but the crown noise is definitely from Chicago.
One of the stories about Michael leaving was him being upset about which show they used for Rock Bottom. His dissatisfaction is confirmed by Nevison:
Schenker had been at loggerheads with producer Ron Nevison over which version of his showcase song Rock Bottom to use on the live album. The guitarist was unhappy with the producer’s choice of take, and insisted that he either change it or let him overdub it. Nevison refused.
“Michael’s entitled to believe that there were better takes of Rock Bottom that might have been used,” Nevison tells Classic Rock, “but a guy like Michael Schenker is only listening for Michael Schenker. As producer I listen to the bigger picture. Michael was never what you’d call a ‘band guy’.”
In the 2008 Remaster booklet there is the following info:
Track 1 (Hot N Ready) Recorded live in Youngstown OH 15/10/78
Track 2 (Cherry) Recorded live in Cleveland OH 16/10/78
Tracks 3 to 15 Recorded live at the Amphitheatre, Chicago and The Garden, Louisville.
In fact, UFO Live in Youngstown '78 is apparently being released in October on Record Store Day.
The Cleveland show is already in the UFO Official Bootleg Box Set. You can also see that in the picture next to my laptop. Like I said before, the Cleveland show has a great version of On With The Action.
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I still had my original stereo that I had received as a birthday gift in 1981. It was a combo record player, cassette player/recorder AND 8-track player.
Hah! I had something just like that. Combo turntable, radio, dual cassette, and 8 track!
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I have to relisten, but this live CD has made me enjoy a few of the songs a lot more.
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I have to relisten, but this live CD has made me enjoy a few of the songs a lot more.
You should give I'm A Loser another chance. The Strangers version is amazing. Paul Raymond's keyboards are exquisite, and Schenker f'n rips it in the end.
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One thing that did jump out at me while listening to the Chicago show was how on point Andy Parker was. That guy was solid AF on these shows.
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I have to relisten, but this live CD has made me enjoy a few of the songs a lot more.
You should give I'm A Loser another chance. The Strangers version is amazing. Paul Raymond's keyboards are exquisite, and Schenker f'n rips it in the end.
That's one of the ones I really liked here. Phil's vox were smooth and the whole version has a great vibe. Slightly harder edge too.
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When I first got this album, that was the song that I took too immediately. I still rate it as one of my favorites.
With this album (and I got Obsession at the same time), I was really taken aback at Phil Mogg's vocals. I felt he had a really unique voice.
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The Chicago '78 boot is not on Youtube, so because I love you guys, I figured out soundcloud. Let me know if there's any issues with the link.
https://soundcloud.com/user-842225265-104214575/sets/dr-jekyll-mr-plug-keep-on-rockin-1978-chicago
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Fuck the version of Rock Me here is amazing. I love this song. Schenkers lead melody he plays along in the chorus is excellent.
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Fuck the version of Rock Me here is amazing. I love this song. Schenkers lead melody he plays along in the chorus is excellent.
I'm probably repeating myself, but I think more song writers should use this technique. I fucking love it.
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Fuck the version of Rock Me here is amazing. I love this song. Schenkers lead melody he plays along in the chorus is excellent.
I'm probably repeating myself, but I think more song writers should use this technique. I fucking love it.
So simple, but it's brilliant. How he doesn't fully follow Phil's phrasing and slightly has his own phrasing is wonderful.
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Fuck the version of Rock Me here is amazing. I love this song. Schenkers lead melody he plays along in the chorus is excellent.
I'm probably repeating myself, but I think more song writers should use this technique. I fucking love it.
So simple, but it's brilliant. How he doesn't fully follow Phil's phrasing and slightly has his own phrasing is wonderful.
Exactly! That's what I meant earlier in this thread, when talking about Obsession, when I called it harmonizing and extending the vocal melody. That's not a particularly accurate description since I'm just a music fan and not a music scholar, but it's nice to talk with someone who knows what I mean.
I love that...JP's done it a few times with JLB, but not enough for my liking. I guess if it wasn't rarely used, I'd get sick of it though.
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Fuck the version of Rock Me here is amazing. I love this song. Schenkers lead melody he plays along in the chorus is excellent.
I'm probably repeating myself, but I think more song writers should use this technique. I fucking love it.
So simple, but it's brilliant. How he doesn't fully follow Phil's phrasing and slightly has his own phrasing is wonderful.
Exactly! That's what I meant earlier in this thread, when talking about Obsession, when I called it harmonizing and extending the vocal melody. That's not a particularly accurate description since I'm just a music fan and not a music scholar, but it's nice to talk with someone who knows what I mean.
I love that...JP's done it a few times with JLB, but not enough for my liking. I guess if it wasn't rarely used, I'd get sick of it though.
It's tight but in a laid back way without being that tight. Very natural and organic.
I was also surprised how slow Rock Bottom was too, but I warmed to it. Love Shenker in the middle. The first quiet half is wicked.
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Ahhh, SiTN, my favorite Live album and possibly album ever. Like TAC and others have mentioned, the Mix and overall sound of the album is great. Michael just smokes on it, so many great solos, hard to mention a few. Whole band sounds good.
Don't know why they needed to record Mother Mary and This Kids in the studio, they both sound great. But, always found it odd the Only you Can Rock Me was only song from Obsession before the reissue, thought it would make sense to use Hot n Ready, Cherry , Pack it up and go.
After listening to other concerts from same tour, you can tell some of SiTN was recorded from other shows besides Chicago and Louisville.
The second half of Rock Bottom starting with the Guitar/Key unison from Cleveland was definitely used. Michael messes up right before the unison, rarely heard him do that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLOdJO45cLk
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I was also surprised how slow Rock Bottom was too, but I warmed to it. Love Schenker in the middle. The first quiet half is wicked.
Yeah, it's pretty incredible. That solo is really such a great band moment. The interplay between Schenker and Raymond is really cool. Obviously Pete is holding it down, but Andy Parker basically conducts the entire thing from the drum kit. He drives it, pulls it back, etc.. Total control. Listening to the Chicago boot, he's the one that stood out to me. So strong.
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Update
As noted before, the band took a one month break before the final dozen or so shows to end the Obsession tour. It was during this time that the band were working on Strangers, and Michael Schenker would quit the band. He was just 23 years old. 23. Think about that for a minute...
And with that, The Classic Schenker Era is over. I've said this before, but Michael Schenker is my all time favorite guitarist (followed by Gary Moore...). There are many that feel No Schenker No UFO. But there are also many that actually prefer the Chapman Era. People my age (52 next week) and a couple years older basically came of musical age with in the Chapman Era. Many of those songs would provide many special memories.
Paul Chapman would finish the Obsession tour, and as Strangers was released in January of 1979, the band was right back out on the road to promote it. The setlists were pretty similar, though they would be opening shows with Electric Phase.
Here is a boot called Parker's Birthday-Live In Texas.
It's not on Youtube in whole so I am posting another soundcloud link.
It was recorded on March 21, 1979 in Midland, Texas.
https://soundcloud.com/user-842225265-104214575/sets/live-in-texas
In looking ahead to the Chapman Era, I would like to offer a bit of a preview..
UFO would release four albums with Paul Chapman. During this time, the band would really begin grinding down. They would continue the tour-album-tour cycle that they had been on for the next 4 years. It's really a pace that given their habits, just could not continue.
Studio wise, Paul Chapman is really good. He's very melodic, and I absolutely love his playing. I think everyone will find him enjoyable. But he is no Michael Schenker, but that's OK.
Live though, this is where we'll really hear the difference. With Schenker, the band was really tight. In the Chapman Era, the live performances were a lot looser. Live, Chapman will probably come across as sloppy, especially in his solos. But in a way, I really love the Chapman live stuff. It is total bad ass kick ass rock. To me, I prefer Too Hot, Doctor Doctor, and Shoot Shoot with Chapman. There's just such a harder and dirtier edge that under Schenker these songs lacked. Even Only You Can Rock Me. Obviously he can't do what Schenker does in the solo section, but that song was in need of some attitude.
I think some of you may be underwhelmed by No Place To Run, but that leads up to the masterpiece of The Wild The Willing And The Innocent. But after that, you can feel the band slipping (sorry Stadler). Still there's some cool albums and an amazing batch of songs coming.
I will launch No Place To Run tomorrow.
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Well, that solo in Lettin' Go sure is something.
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TAC, out of curiosity, will you comment about The Michael Schenker Group albums simultaneously? Maybe it would be interesting because it seems to me that maybe UFO lost some popularity at the time because of the comparasion with the albums Schenker was releasing (personally I think the first MSG much better than No Place). Like the Bruce solo's albums played a part in the relative Maiden decadence at the time IMO. Just a thought...
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TAC, out of curiosity, will you comment about The Michael Schenker Group albums simultaneously? Maybe it would be interesting because it seems to me that maybe UFO lost some popularity at the time because of the comparasion with the albums Schenker was releasing (personally I think the first MSG much better than No Place). Like the Bruce solo's albums played a part in the relative Maiden decadence at the time IMO. Just a thought...
Yes, this will kind of become a double Discography Thread. Already planned out.
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In 1979, while on tour, Pete Way actually appeared on the Hollywood Squares.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4X7BKorZk9g
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Looking forward to the next era. Will locate the albums to get into the car. Loving Strangers though, this is a wicked live album.
The version of Love to Love I think I like better than the studio version. Brilliant performance. That melody of Shenker in the middle of that song is incredible. His playing on it here is so emotional. A simple melody but he puts so much emotion into those notes. Almost like he's crying through his guitar. Natural Thing opens up a lot on this too, again a lot better in this live setting. I hear hte Pearl Jam influence so much more here too. Love how they seugue it into Out In the Street.
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Update Pt.2
After Michael Schenker left UFO, he would return to Scorpions after Uli Roth left the band. He would help write and record Lovedrive, their most successful album to date and the one that really opened the US up for them.
Apparently, Matthias Jabs had just joined the band, but they put him on ice as Michael had just left UFO. After a short tour, Michael was not happy playing "another guy's solos". Michael left the Scorps and formed his own band. Apparently there's a flight to Boston in there somewhere to meet Aerosmith, but he was a little freaked out at how fucked up Steven Tyler was.
We definitely know that Michael played on Lovedrive, Coast To Coast, and Another Piece Of Meat. He claims to have written and performed far more than he was given credit for. I mean, just listen to Holiday. Total Michael Schenker.
He is also playing part of the solo to Loving You Sunday Morning.
Lovedrive becomes a wedge between the Schenker brothers as many years later, while putting together an anniversary package, Michael is asked to contribute, but finds out he is not credited properly on Lovedrive. Apparently he expected to have his photo on the album jacket as a sixth member of the band. Not sure why he didn't know it didn't happen originally.
Original cover:
(https://img.discogs.com/m5AP8nyiZiAt6R1uxcudUYa6W4o=/fit-in/600x593/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-459081-1591282816-8066.jpeg.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61cCNBwwapL.jpg)
https://open.spotify.com/album/7aIgGWlHdcPXOfONtXVliK?si=CIbPts-QREy1xAUO9lLZ5Q
Michael would go on to play a handful of dates. One of the rare bootlegs is posted here. It's queued up to We'll Burn The Sky, and features a stunning solo from Michael.
https://youtu.be/OcecDuE4_XI?t=526
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Looking forward to the next era. Will locate the albums to get into the car. Loving Strangers though, this is a wicked live album.
The version of Love to Love I think I like better than the studio version. Brilliant performance. That melody of Shenker in the middle of that song is incredible. His playing on it here is so emotional. A simple melody but he puts so much emotion into those notes. Almost like he's crying through his guitar. Natural Thing opens up a lot on this too, again a lot better in this live setting. I hear hte Pearl Jam influence so much more here too. Love how they seugue it into Out In the Street.
There's a phenomenal live version of Love To Love performed by a fleeting lineup of the band. A few weeks away....
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Looking forward to the next era. Will locate the albums to get into the car. Loving Strangers though, this is a wicked live album.
The version of Love to Love I think I like better than the studio version. Brilliant performance. That melody of Shenker in the middle of that song is incredible. His playing on it here is so emotional. A simple melody but he puts so much emotion into those notes. Almost like he's crying through his guitar. Natural Thing opens up a lot on this too, again a lot better in this live setting. I hear hte Pearl Jam influence so much more here too. Love how they seugue it into Out In the Street.
There's a phenomenal live version of Love To Love performed by a fleeting lineup of the band. A few weeks away....
Look forward to it.
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That cover. :lol :facepalm:
Scorpions are another one I know nothing about. I have a couple of their late albums I think but never listened to any one their early stuff.
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My favorite era from Scorpions is with Uli Jon Roth and Fly to the Rainbow is still my favorite album of them (Jurgen Rosenthal also destroying on drums on this one!). I think their sound was more unique at that time. But, with that said, I like a lot the modern era Scorpions and it’s iteresting to notice that began with Lovedrive and their sound didn’t change too much since then. This album is really cool and the songs with Schenker... I mean, Michael this time :biggrin:, are (not surprisingly) the best here. Another Piece of Meat :metal :hefdaddy
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Well, that solo in Lettin' Go sure is something.
I know I am a tad bit ahead, but I really liked Gone In The Night. Great vibe in that song. Some interesting mixing of the guitar as well.
EDIT: Actually, I'm really enjoying this album so far. It's strong.
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Well, I could not find a physical copy of Strangers for the life of me so I had to buy digital. Tonight, I stumble onto this upcoming release.
https://www.recordshopx.com/artist/ufo/strangers_in_the_night/#702023
All 6 shows, 96 tracks. Right now, Amazon US is only showing the digital version. I will try hard to grab a copy of this set.
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Well, I could not find a physical copy of Strangers for the life of me so I had to buy digital. Tonight, I stumble onto this upcoming release.
https://www.recordshopx.com/artist/ufo/strangers_in_the_night/#702023
All 6 shows, 96 tracks. Right now, Amazon US is only showing the digital version. I will try hard to grab a copy of this set.
Why the hell would they split the album over 2cd's?
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I saw that, unless it is a typo or something. The expanded clocks in at 77 minutes and that is the original they are showing.
Still not a lot out there about it. All the Amazon sites seem to only show the digital right now. Release is supposedly only a month or so out so this should be interesting.
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Strangers in the Night is also my favourite live album. Just amazing. Back in the day when I was trying to introduce friends to UFO, SITN is the album I would lend to them.
I wasn't happy with the two added tracks at the beginning of the CD reissue. It threw off the whole listening experience for me.
Scorpions are also an all-time favourite band for me. Much praise for Lovedrive. Too bad the Schenker brothers still seem to have a rift between them. They used to be so close.
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Scorpions are another one I know nothing about. I have a couple of their late albums I think but never listened to any one their early stuff.
Uli Roth may very well fascinate you as a guitarist. The only down side to his era is that he sang lead on some of the songs instead of letting Klaus take them. Uli's singing voice isn't something that I've ever heard anyone say something positive about. However, his guitar playing is absolutely stellar!
The best way I could describe his playing is Hendrix plays neo-classical. I also hear some similarities between his playing and Michael's playing. I'm sure that they had quite a bit of influence on each other.
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I’ve seen Uli live a few times in recent years and he’s incredible. Try Sky Overture to see what he’s all about. Luckily he didn’t sing much when I saw him 😀
His voice put me off his initial solo albums and I never really bothered with his Corpions stuff until he was on a Scorp’s Live dvd in the early 2000s. Great player and you can see where Yngwie got plenty of his sound.
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Scorpions are another one I know nothing about. I have a couple of their late albums I think but never listened to any one their early stuff.
Uli Roth may very well fascinate you as a guitarist. The only down side to his era is that he sang lead on some of the songs instead of letting Klaus take them. Uli's singing voice isn't something that I've ever heard anyone say something positive about. However, his guitar playing is absolutely stellar!
The best way I could describe his playing is Hendrix plays neo-classical. I also hear some similarities between his playing and Michael's playing. I'm sure that they had quite a bit of influence on each other.
I'll try and get around to some Scorpions albums too mate.
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Now you're in my wheelhouse, at least in terms of "real time". I got into Scorpions and MSG early on. I didn't see MSG until just recently (the Schenker-Fest), but Scorpions were one of my first concerts (I saw the Love At First Sting show with Bon Jovi as an opening act!).
I'm a huge Klaus Meine fan, and love the early guitar-work (Roth and Schenker). I'm not the hugest Matthias Jabs fan, frankly. Scorpions were a band that I lost touch with though, over the years. I thought there was an inauthenticity, a silliness, about them (same with Judas Priest) that Maiden (for example) didn't have. I always got the whiff that it was a business first, it was calculated. This might all be in my head, but I always felt that that was why Michael didn't stay. (People rag on Sharon all the time; I think Scorpions and Priest were just as bad in that regard.)
I'm also a huge fan of MSG, and LOVE the Barden albums. I listened to MSG (the second solo album) as much as any album I own.
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We'll get to MSG but I have never really liked Gary Barden's voice. Heliked the early MSG albums in spite of him, rather than because of.
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(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FTFUtK39.jpg&hash=b01cebbb315b16b452f63552cdd692ae3d7fdf0c) (https://imgur.com/TFUtK39)
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Gary Barden and Chris Glen. ;D
I have opinions on Barden too. But yes, we’ll get there for sure.
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In 1979, while on tour, Pete Way actually appeared on the Hollywood Squares.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4X7BKorZk9g
Awesome! Circle gets the square!
After Michael Schenker left UFO, he would return to Scorpions after Uli Roth left the band. He would help write and record Lovedrive, their most successful album to date and the one that really opened the US up for them.
Apparently, Matthias Jabs had just joined the band, but they put him on ice as Michael had just left UFO. After a short tour, Michael was not happy playing "another guy's solos". Michael left the Scorps and formed his own band. Apparently there's a flight to Boston in there somewhere to meet Aerosmith, but he was a little freaked out at how fucked up Steven Tyler was.
We definitely know that Michael played on Lovedrive, Coast To Coast, and Another Piece Of Meat. He claims to have written and performed far more than he was given credit for. I mean, just listen to Holiday. Total Michael Schenker.
He is also playing part of the solo to Loving You Sunday Morning.
. . .
Michael would go on to play a handful of dates. One of the rare bootlegs is posted here. It's queued up to We'll Burn The Sky, and features a stunning solo from Michael.
He got writing credits on Coast to Coast and Holiday. Did they actually say in the credits which songs he played on? Anyway, Scorps apparently played a handful of UFO songs in their set while Michael was playing with them (Lipstick Traces is at 42:15 and Doctor Doctor is at the 50:50 mark of the video you linked). Hearing Klaus sing those songs is just odd.
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Right, he had credits on Coast To Coast. I think I mischaracterized that. I didn’t think he had them for Holiday.
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My old lp for Lovedrive has no writing credits for him. Only a thanks for solos on a couple of songs.
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Right, he had credits on Coast To Coast. I think I mischaracterized that. I didn’t think he had them for Holiday.
I'll try to find them, but there are some fascinating stories about Michael and Rudolf regarding Coast To Coast. I've even heard one story where Michael claims to have written Coast To Coast in it's entirety, and "gave" it, and his signature Flying V, to Rudolf, and being cheesed off that Rudolf rode it to platinum success (the next five Scorpions records all went platinum in the States) without giving credit - not just writing credit - where it was due.
EDIT: This is close to what I'm referring (https://www.guitarworld.com/features/michael-schenker-rudolf-doesnt-have-much-talent-as-a-guitarist-i-needed-to-pave-the-path-for-him-im-saying-that-with-an-open-heart).
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My old lp for Lovedrive has no writing credits for him. Only a thanks for solos on a couple of songs.
I had the cassette. I was pretty sure he was credited with Coast To Coast. That is clearly a Michael track.
At any rate, Michael obviously wasn't happy the way things ultimately went down.
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Now you're in my wheelhouse, at least in terms of "real time". I got into Scorpions and MSG early on. I didn't see MSG until just recently (the Schenker-Fest), but Scorpions were one of my first concerts (I saw the Love At First Sting show with Bon Jovi as an opening act!).
I listened to MSG (the second solo album) as much as any album I own.
Saw that Scorps tour as well.
And that album is my most listened to album ever.
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I’ve seen Scorpions a couple of times and they were great live. I like a Few albums but never really considered myself a fan. Strange, because I consider myself a Motley Crue fan and I only actually like two albums and a few songs.
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because I consider myself a Motley Crue fan
That is strange. ;D
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I forgot to post this last night...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxfEQjvhnu4
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I forgot to post this last night...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxfEQjvhnu4
"Nevison sent a coded message."
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No Place To Run
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/24/UFONoPlaceToRun.jpg)(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZaly9_BVsQ/XmWXaQbEvZI/AAAAAAAACwg/rEf1ivL-er8VMnVoy-t9Yz2beNEi__3PACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/UFO%2B-%2BNo%2BPlace%2Bto%2BRun%2B%25281980%2529%2Bfront%2Bback%2Balbum%2Bcover.jpg)
No Place To Run (1980) (https://open.spotify.com/album/3lNRYIuK5VoKg2UGqQHbeV?si=_Jc07WuyT2-xKKIIljVaWw)
Released January 8, 1980
1. Alpha Centauri
2. Lettin' Go
3. Mystery Train
4. This Fire Burns Tonight
5. Gone In The Night
6. Young Blood
7. No Place To Run
8. Take It Or Leave It
9. Money Money
10. Anyday
Phil Mogg-Vocals
Paul Chapman-Guitar
Pete Way- Bass
Andy Parker-Drums
Paul Raymond-Keyboards/Guitar
Always chasing a hit, Chrysalis would hire Beatles producer George Martin. Personally, I feel the album is kind of a mixed bag. I think most of the songs are pretty good, but the production, while crisp, kind of neuters the band's energy a bit. These songs would really come across great live. I personally feel that going from Nevison to Martin was a huge step backwards.
Chapman, while not as technically beautiful as Schenker, is actually quite melodic in his own right. The albums last track, Anyday, contains one of Chapman's best solos of his tenure. Chapman also plays the bass intro to the track.
The first single was Youngblood. Not one of my favorites for sure. The band did appear on Top Of The Pops to promote it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKF-lHIgJII
What kind of setup is this? Where the drummer is out front and the singer in the back? :lol
Paul Chapman would also bring This Fire Burns Tonight, basically written from his Lonestar days. Lone Star had a third album demoed that wouldn't see its release for many years later.
On this link, there are samples from Riding High, that third Lonestar album. Click on Travelling Man.
https://payplay.fm/r29bbd-lone-star-riding-high
There is also a song called Skytrain.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95YCQpLCASk
Apparently the impetus for No Place To Run (the song).
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Well, I could not find a physical copy of Strangers for the life of me so I had to buy digital. Tonight, I stumble onto this upcoming release.
https://www.recordshopx.com/artist/ufo/strangers_in_the_night/#702023
All 6 shows, 96 tracks. Right now, Amazon US is only showing the digital version. I will try hard to grab a copy of this set.
Holy Shit. That is a MUST HAVE!
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Right, he had credits on Coast To Coast. I think I mischaracterized that. I didn’t think he had them for Holiday.
I'll try to find them, but there are some fascinating stories about Michael and Rudolf regarding Coast To Coast. I've even heard one story where Michael claims to have written Coast To Coast in it's entirety, and "gave" it, and his signature Flying V, to Rudolf, and being cheesed off that Rudolf rode it to platinum success (the next five Scorpions records all went platinum in the States) without giving credit - not just writing credit - where it was due.
EDIT: This is close to what I'm referring (https://www.guitarworld.com/features/michael-schenker-rudolf-doesnt-have-much-talent-as-a-guitarist-i-needed-to-pave-the-path-for-him-im-saying-that-with-an-open-heart).
Wow...starting from the headline quote, that article makes him sound like a total dick. Also, who the hell confuses Michael and Rudolf?! Also also, Rudolf has ALWAYS said (without referring to Michael) that he's far more interested in writing great songs than playing fancy solos
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It’s not a bad album, in fact, it starts incredibly strong with Alpha Centauri/Letting Go and Mystery Train. I also love No Place to Run and Take It or Leave It, which is an excellent ballad... but the album lacks a bit of energy and enthusiasm in the other songs. Maybe, as TAC said, it has a bit to do with the George Martin’s production, a bit too clean for UFO. Fortunately (but, in fact, unfortunately, because I think UFO needed a stronger album to keep its fan base after Schenker leaving AND releasing a much better album), to me, it’s the “worst” UFO album of the Chapman’s era.
Ranking:
OBSESSION (my favorite)/? - 10+/10
FORCE IT/NO HEAVY PETTING/LIGHTS OUT - 9,5
?/?/? - 9,0
PHENOMENON/? – 8,5
NO PLACE TO RUN/?/? – 8,0
? – 7,5
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About Paul Chapman, I totally agree with TAC. He was no Schenker, but really good in studio with a lot of personality in his playing. Live I thought he was very interesting, not very precise, but with a cool vibe/attitude.
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That cover. :lol :facepalm:
Scorpions are another one I know nothing about. I have a couple of their late albums I think but never listened to any one their early stuff.
Oh, there's better, and there's worse (covers that is). Much better (In Trance) and much worse (Virgin Killer). I'm pretty sure four straight album covers of theirs - In Trance through Lovedrive - were censored/altered for the U.S. market at least.
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Right, he had credits on Coast To Coast. I think I mischaracterized that. I didn’t think he had them for Holiday.
I'll try to find them, but there are some fascinating stories about Michael and Rudolf regarding Coast To Coast. I've even heard one story where Michael claims to have written Coast To Coast in it's entirety, and "gave" it, and his signature Flying V, to Rudolf, and being cheesed off that Rudolf rode it to platinum success (the next five Scorpions records all went platinum in the States) without giving credit - not just writing credit - where it was due.
EDIT: This is close to what I'm referring (https://www.guitarworld.com/features/michael-schenker-rudolf-doesnt-have-much-talent-as-a-guitarist-i-needed-to-pave-the-path-for-him-im-saying-that-with-an-open-heart).
Wow...starting from the headline quote, that article makes him sound like a total dick. Also, who the hell confuses Michael and Rudolf?! Also also, Rudolf has ALWAYS said (without referring to Michael) that he's far more interested in writing great songs than playing fancy solos
There's contentiousness between them. Michael is a strange cat. He thinks he's responsible for breaking the Scorps into the US. The many interviews on youtube where he addresses these things are hilarious.
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Right, he had credits on Coast To Coast. I think I mischaracterized that. I didn’t think he had them for Holiday.
I'll try to find them, but there are some fascinating stories about Michael and Rudolf regarding Coast To Coast. I've even heard one story where Michael claims to have written Coast To Coast in it's entirety, and "gave" it, and his signature Flying V, to Rudolf, and being cheesed off that Rudolf rode it to platinum success (the next five Scorpions records all went platinum in the States) without giving credit - not just writing credit - where it was due.
EDIT: This is close to what I'm referring (https://www.guitarworld.com/features/michael-schenker-rudolf-doesnt-have-much-talent-as-a-guitarist-i-needed-to-pave-the-path-for-him-im-saying-that-with-an-open-heart).
Wow...starting from the headline quote, that article makes him sound like a total dick. Also, who the hell confuses Michael and Rudolf?! Also also, Rudolf has ALWAYS said (without referring to Michael) that he's far more interested in writing great songs than playing fancy solos
That's what you say when you are a shit lead player. :biggrin:
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Not sure when I will be able to dive into this album. Will try tomorrow, just have to get my hands on it. Interested in hearing the new guitar player.
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Not sure when I will be able to dive into this album. Will try tomorrow, just have to get my hands on it. Interested in hearing the new guitar player.
Kade, I posted the Spotify link, but here's the Youtube link if that helps.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rq2iJZXHz8&list=OLAK5uy_lnPBG3x6sHeKoz-lvIugo52DRr1mZFRc0
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Listening now, absolutely nothing wrong with this album at all. I’ve found something to like with every UFO song I’ve heard so far and the songs on this album are no different. I have Lettin Go and Young Blood on a best of that I have so I am very familiar with both. Lettin Go is a great song and so is Young Blood, but it comes across a bit of a mainstream attempt. I really dig the opening instrumental; short but has a cool vibe to it. Overall, definitely not the album with the most energy but still good stuff!
Stand out tracks to me are the title track and This Fire Burns Tonight!
And that’s great timing for the super duper deluxe bonus Strangers album coming out
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Right, he had credits on Coast To Coast. I think I mischaracterized that. I didn’t think he had them for Holiday.
I'll try to find them, but there are some fascinating stories about Michael and Rudolf regarding Coast To Coast. I've even heard one story where Michael claims to have written Coast To Coast in it's entirety, and "gave" it, and his signature Flying V, to Rudolf, and being cheesed off that Rudolf rode it to platinum success (the next five Scorpions records all went platinum in the States) without giving credit - not just writing credit - where it was due.
EDIT: This is close to what I'm referring (https://www.guitarworld.com/features/michael-schenker-rudolf-doesnt-have-much-talent-as-a-guitarist-i-needed-to-pave-the-path-for-him-im-saying-that-with-an-open-heart).
Wow...starting from the headline quote, that article makes him sound like a total dick. Also, who the hell confuses Michael and Rudolf?! Also also, Rudolf has ALWAYS said (without referring to Michael) that he's far more interested in writing great songs than playing fancy solos
There's contentiousness between them. Michael is a strange cat. He thinks he's responsible for breaking the Scorps into the US. The many interviews on youtube where he addresses these things are hilarious.
It was a bit much when Michael was ripping into Rudolph from the stage on the Schenker Fest tour. He just sounded bitter.
I only heard No Place To Run about 15 years ago, and now have it in the CD box set. I haven’t listened to it that much, to be honest, so I can’t give it a fair assessment off the top of my head. Just kind of average, I guess.
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Yeah Zoom, like I said, Michael is a weird dude. Stubborn as hell.
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So my takes on No Place To Run...
I remember hearing Motley Crue's Ten Seconds To Love and immediately thinking of Lettin' Go. The riff in the chorus of Ten Seconds reminds me a lot of the riff in the verse of Lettin' Go. Same with Mystery Train. That song kicks ass live. There's live versions to lettin' Go, Mystery Train, and No Place on the 2009 Remaster that I linked.
Gone In The Night is amazing. Paul Chapman's smoky guitar is exquisite. Love Paul Raymond on this. He is such a tasteful player.
I never really liked Youngblood all that much, but it's grown on me over the years. I think Money Money is weak though.
But to me, the money track is Anyday. Phil is awesome on it, and Chapman's solo at the end on this is freaking amazing. It really needed to be extended. Kind of how Stadler feels about Ozzy's Tonight is exactly how I feel about Anyday.
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Here's a great show from the No Place tour:
https://open.spotify.com/album/07EiBSY6Q0zVqZIKFFFlkV?si=gswdOQLpQMai1nNQ7m6h8w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VNRuzafMpU&t=3s
There's just a live energy on tracks like Only You Can Rock Me and Too Hot To Handle with Chapman on guitar.
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I listed to No Place To Run last night and , like I said earlier, Gone In The Night was the standout track for me. I found absolutely nothing to dislike about this album. A nice, rocking record.
I also kind of listened ahead and I have to say that these 2 albums really stood out to me. More so than any so far. Not sure it means anything yet as I need to spend more time with them all, but No Place and the next one really hit home.
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The next one is a masterpiece IMO.
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Still repeating SITN in the car. Fucking amazing, raw, organic, wonderful live album.
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Hah, I could let Strangers marinate for a whole month but I want to get this thing done by Christmas. :lol
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I listened to No Place to Run the other day. It's probably the, maybe, 8th time I've listened to it in my life. The other 7 times were around the time I bought it when it came out. There's nothing wrong with it (except Youngblood) but, yeah, I'll probably never listed to it again.
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Hah, I could let Strangers marinate for a whole month but I want to get this thing done by Christmas. :lol
You could end the entire thread at Strangers and have it be a success. For several decades, that's where it ended for me. :lol
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Hah, I could let Strangers marinate for a whole month but I want to get this thing done by Christmas. :lol
You could end the entire thread at Strangers and have it be a success. For several decades, that's where it ended for me. :lol
Lol, ouch.
Alright, I'll move on.
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Hah, I could let Strangers marinate for a whole month but I want to get this thing done by Christmas. :lol
You could end the entire thread at Strangers and have it be a success. For several decades, that's where it ended for me. :lol
You'd miss their "best" record, then ("best" being "my favorite"). For me, song-wise, "Mechanix" is where it's at. The BONUS track - is a top five UFO song for me.
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Still repeating SITN in the car. Fucking amazing, raw, organic, wonderful live album.
I’m getting the vibe you’ve already preordered that 8 CD deluxe edition 😆
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Still repeating SITN in the car. Fucking amazing, raw, organic, wonderful live album.
I’m getting the vibe you’ve already preordered that 8 CD deluxe edition 😆
I’m waiting until it appears on Amazon but I’m definitely getting it.
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Still repeating SITN in the car. Fucking amazing, raw, organic, wonderful live album.
I’m getting the vibe you’ve already preordered that 8 CD deluxe edition 😆
I’m waiting until it appears on Amazon but I’m definitely getting it.
I would actually be more shocked if you didn’t buy it than I would be if they decided to hold the olympics on Mars.
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The songs on NPTR are solid enough, but the production doesn’t do them any justice. It just falls flat, especially when juxtaposed with Obsession or LO. No oomph. I understand George Martin was forced on them by Chrysalis, which is a pity.
BTW I relistened to I’m a Loser and just noticed that the opening has a distinct Zep Ramble On vibe.
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Still repeating SITN in the car. Fucking amazing, raw, organic, wonderful live album.
I’m getting the vibe you’ve already preordered that 8 CD deluxe edition 😆
I’m waiting until it appears on Amazon but I’m definitely getting it.
I would actually be more shocked if you didn’t buy it than I would be if they decided to hold the olympics on Mars.
Well after all, it is the place where wheat is still wheat, and the waters in the rivers is still water.
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The songs on NPTR are solid enough, but the production doesn’t do them any justice. It just falls flat, especially when juxtaposed with Obsession or LO. No oomph. I understand George Martin was forced on them by Chrysalis, which is a pity.
Oh for sure. The difference in the drum sound is ridiculous. I was thinking the same exact thing this morning.
BTW I relistened to I’m a Loser and just noticed that the opening has a distinct Zep Ramble On vibe.
I can hear what you’re saying.
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It’s what happens when a non hard rock producer produces a hard rock band. See also Queensryche with The Warning.
I played NPTR a few days ago and it’s a great listen. It was one of the first albums I had by them. I always loved Mystery Train. Didn’t know it was an Elvis song at the time. chapman shreds on it.
I don’t think there’s a bad song on it but there’s a lack of life to it.
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I’d be curious if you guys checked out the live versions of the NPTR songs.
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Hah, I could let Strangers marinate for a whole month but I want to get this thing done by Christmas. :lol
You could end the entire thread at Strangers and have it be a success. For several decades, that's where it ended for me. :lol
You'd miss their "best" record, then ("best" being "my favorite"). For me, song-wise, "Mechanix" is where it's at. The BONUS track - is a top five UFO song for me.
Played Me Janice yesterday . Most of it is awesome.
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I’d be curious if you guys checked out the live versions of the NPTR songs.
Sure. Don’t forget I have the Official Bootleg Box Set. Come to think of it, I think I owned this before even you did!
Also, my NPTR remastered CD closes out with live versions of Lettin Go, Mystery Train and NPTR. Thankfully
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Hah, I could let Strangers marinate for a whole month but I want to get this thing done by Christmas. :lol
You could end the entire thread at Strangers and have it be a success. For several decades, that's where it ended for me. :lol
You'd miss their "best" record, then ("best" being "my favorite"). For me, song-wise, "Mechanix" is where it's at. The BONUS track - is a top five UFO song for me.
I wouldn't say I've been missing it, Bob! I've heard Mechanix...
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Gregg, is NPTR the 1979 disappointment you were talking about earlier?
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Gregg, is NPTR the 1979 disappointment you were talking about earlier?
No. I was kinda apathetic about NPTR, really (which I picked up in 1980, not 1979). It's not bad, but my tastes had moved on to heavier music by then. IMO, blue collar hard rock like NPTR was done so much better by Blackfoot, MSG, and Def Leppard that I just didn't waste my time with albums I didn't really feel. There just wasn't any danger, or edge to it.
The disappointment of 1979 was going to a UFO concert not knowing that Schenker had left. I made sure that I was stage left at a general admission venue so I could watch Michael all night... >:( I don't like to think about it.
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Not sure when I will be able to dive into this album. Will try tomorrow, just have to get my hands on it. Interested in hearing the new guitar player.
Kade, I posted the Spotify link, but here's the Youtube link if that helps.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rq2iJZXHz8&list=OLAK5uy_lnPBG3x6sHeKoz-lvIugo52DRr1mZFRc0
Thanks mate. I purchase cheap mp3s on a site called MP3va.com.
I've listened to the first few as I pull up for work. Not sure what to think yet. Paul Chapman is a good guitar player.
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Gregg, is NPTR the 1979 disappointment you were talking about earlier?
No. I was kinda apathetic about NPTR, really (which I picked up in 1980, not 1979). It's not bad, but my tastes had moved on to heavier music by then. IMO, blue collar hard rock like NPTR was done so much better by Blackfoot, MSG, and Def Leppard that I just didn't waste my time with albums I didn't really feel. There just wasn't any danger, or edge to it.
The disappointment of 1979 was going to a UFO concert not knowing that Schenker had left. I made sure that I was stage left at a general admission venue so I could watch Michael all night... >:( I don't like to think about it.
Lots to chew on here Gregg. Where and when did you see UFO in 1979? Was that the co-headline tour with AC/DC?
Last week, when you mentioned your disappointment in 1979, my first thought was, did you show up to a show expecting Schenker?:lol
They didn't announce that on Facebook? ;D
I am definitely interested in your thoughts on the first Schenker album.
BTW, I LOVE Blackfoot, and High N Dry is one of the reasons that 1981 is my all time favorite year of music. Of course Schenker and UFO were really the ones to make it so.. But we'll get to that on Monday.
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I’d be curious if you guys checked out the live versions of the NPTR songs.
Sure. Don’t forget I have the Official Bootleg Box Set. Come to think of it, I think I owned this before even you did!
Also, my NPTR remastered CD closes out with live versions of Lettin Go, Mystery Train and NPTR. Thankfully
Hah, yes, I think you were the one to tip me off to it. It's a glorious collection. A must have, really.
I've listened to the first few as I pull up for work. Not sure what to think yet. Paul Chapman is a good guitar player.
I'm glad he's making a good first impression. If you get a chance to watch the live links, he can be pretty sloppy in a Jannick sort of way, but he's cool as hell on stage.
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OK, I'm just going to put this one out now. Starting in 1980, both UFO and MSG would each release an album a year. I'll let you guys listen and and discuss both over the weekend, and then we'll move on to 1981 on Monday..
The Michael Schenker Group
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1b/Michaelschenkergroupalbum.jpg)(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hipgnosiscovers.com%2Fimages%2F496_msg_lp_us_rear.jpg&hash=418de054955c8a48e399766677808d2556790a17)
https://open.spotify.com/album/2l1Bqqee08MbNjeGkInlWE?si=YZu8H7ZJQKKDqWFhzTQPSA
Released August 1980
1. Armed And Ready
2. Cry For The Nations
3. Victim Of Illusion
4. Bijou Pleasurette
5. Feels Like A Good Thing
6. Into The Arena
7. Looking Out From Nowhere
8. Tales Of Mystery
9. Lost Horizons
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Gary Barden-Vocals
Mo Foster-Bass
Simon Phillips-Drums
Don Airey-Keyboards
Michael Schenker's first album appears a few months after No Place To Run. His debut album features many classics still played in his set. It also starts a fruitful partnership with Gary Barden, who Schenker just happened to hear a demo of Barden's band as he was walking by an office at Chrysalis. Schenker knew he wanted him. He wanted an unknown without ego, the opposite of Phil Mogg.
Michael talks about Geddy Lee and Neal Peart saying they wanted to do the album, but it didn't work out. He also claims to have rehearsed with Tom Hamilton and Joey Kramer in Boston, working up four or five tracks. Tyler returned to better health so they went back to Aerosmith. He did demoes with Billy Sheehan and Denny Carmassi, as these are included in the Spotify link of the 2009 Remaster. Ultimately, the album would be recorded by Mo Foster, Simon Phillips, and Don Airey.
This album was actually produced by Roger Glover. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any information on how they became paired.
The official video for Armed And Ready:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epSrddf65N0
Here is an amazing show from Hamburg in 1981, before the second album was recorded, but with the second album's lineup. Chris Glen, Paul Raymond, and Cozy Fucking Powell. Cozy is tremendous on this.
Featuring songs from the fist MSG album and UFO, this is a great show. Awesome version of Rock Bottom!
I actually have the DVD and CD.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jPL6XGBRc8&t=1s
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Indeed, amazing show! :metal
And amazing album, my favorite from MSG. I give it a 10/10, almost as good as Obsession. There’s a style here that wouldn’t be replicate on any of the future MSG albums. I think it’s a bit harder and heavier than MSG (81) and Assault Attack, also also a bit less commercial than both.
Michael Schenker is still super-inspired here. Armed and Ready, Into the Arena and Lost Horizons are incredible, but the others songs are almost there IMO. And, as a bonus, Simon Philips also destroys here, with really intricate and energetic drumming and a lot of cool hi-hat work. Honestly, the drum parts of this album, from what I remember from all the MSG drummers, were only really well played live by Shane Gaalaas on The Michael Schenker Story Live (besides Simon on the anniversary Japan shows, of course).
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In January of ‘81, the debut MSG album was the first hard rock metal album I ever bought, apart from a few Kiss albums in the 70s, but everyone listened to Kiss in those days. The MSG album was being played in a record store while I was browsing around. I only heard the first two songs and that was enough to make me purchase it on the spot. Still my favourite MSG album.
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Fantastic album and a great way to give the middle finger to the band you just left. Packed with great songs and that unmistakable guitar.
The only issue for me is the singer. He just about gets away with it on album but live he was awful. A huge down trade from Mogg.
One of the best debut albums of all time. It was a couple of years after release before I heard this but I was blown away.
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That MSG album was pretty damn good. I found a couple of the later albums stronger but, Armed and Ready, Arena and Horizons are excellent songs.
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So I'm very late to the party (story of my life) and hope I can stick around for a while, commitments permitting.
Obsession was the first UFO album I bought after hearing Cherry and Only You Can... on Radio Luxembourg (I think) after its release. I loved this new (to me) hard rock sound with a wizard guitarist to rival Jimmy Page or Steve Howe as my heroes at the time. None of my friends knew about UFO until SITN came out, which elevated UFO in to my top 10 fave bands, with (still) definitive versions of songs from LO and earlier; I slowly discovered Phenomenon to LO over the next year or two.
As SITN was raved about with my friends, we were quite floored with reports that Schenker had left. I doubted they would be able to get anyone as identifiable. Also, could their trajectory be sustained; Obsession was top 30 in UK, SITN was top 10.
NPTR was eagerly awaited, so when one of my friends bought it we sat round hoping for the best. Unfortunately the hard edge was gone and on initial hearing, so was the quality of the songwriting. We all slammed Chapman for not being Schenker, and George Martin for being too tame. Please bear in mind we were 17/18 year olds at the time. I didn't listen to NPTR again until...
Reading Festival, UFO headlined Saturday night (I think) and they were awesome. Opening with Letting Go and playing several tunes from this album, the NPTR songs were given their balls back and UFO proved that live, they could still show NWOBHM bands how to rock. Raymond had just left but Carter was a trooper and I revised my opinion about Chapman; the man could play. This album has aged well and there are some good songs on here. Letting Go, Mystery Train, This Fire..., No Place... it's just a shame about the lightweight production.
Around the same time as Reading that year, Michael Schenker Group was released to rave reviews. This was a bit of a surprise to me as a return to Scorpions hadn't worked and there had been rumours of supposed mental health issues etc. Not having heard anything from the LP, I bought it on the strength of Schenkers standing (IMO) and the reviews I read. So happy I did, as great new MS songs and guitar work almost had me feeling there were now almost "two UFOs". In fact I didn't see the album for a few weeks as my friends borrowed it in turn. The album has the harder edge missing from NPTR (I bet Roger Glover was far cheaper than Martin). Gary Bardens is not bad but no match for Mogg, so Into the Arena is one of my favourites here along with Lost Horizons, Victim of Illusion, in fact there isn't a bad song here.
So from the latter half of 1980, things were looking good for both bands in my opinion.
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@ silentmac6
Sounds like we're about the same age. I had similar experience, and what you wrote could have been me, except that I didn't get to see NPTR songs live. So my disappointment stuck.
Micheal Shenker Group, on the other hand, I did love. It made me feel like I had some semblance of UFO back...but, as you say, Barden is no Mogg. However, I think the rest of his original group is fantastic.
It's been a few years since I listened to it, I'll do so today and give my thoughts.
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This one is certainly a step down from the run of classic albums we've just heard.
I don't mind the first couple and puts the album on a promising start. Fire Burns was pretty ordinary but Gone in the Night was pretty nice and had a good atmosphere.
Young Blood is shithouse. What the hell were they thinking here? That's where I'm up to and will check the rest tomorrow.
The production did seem a bit under par. Chapman is a good guitarist. Slightly more of a shred and faster element to his playing. No issues from what I've heard so far of his chops.
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I think somewhere around here (might have been in a roulette, though) I mistakenly said that Billy Sheehan was on the first album, and he wasn't. He did the demos for the album. My bad!
Anyway, I love this album. Lost Horizons is one of my favorite MSG songs. I'm usually very peculiar about my singers, and I wouldn't argue that Mogg is a "better" singer, but I just love Barden's vibe. It's very meat and potatoes, and I think works well with Michael's playing. The one downside to Barden (I think) is that some of the load fell on Michael to make it accessible, and that didn't always result in transcendent work.
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Had a listen to MSG self titled today. It just reaffirms my conviction (at the time of release) that Schenker was truly the soul of UFO. Cry for the Nations, Victim of Illusion, Bijou Pleasurette, Into the Arena, and Tales of Mystery are all much more UFOish than anything on NPTR. They are all nice continuations of the writing and performances on Obsession and showcase Schenker's growth and adventurousness as a songsmith. Speaking of which, Lost Horizons (a very Rainbow-like song) has a epic feel like nothing else Michael had written before. Probably the highlight of the album for me.
The other three songs are more standard rockers that are easier to compare with NPTR. The heavier production makes them funner to listen to though.
Does anyone else get the feeling that the cover of TMSG is a call back to the cover of Obsession?
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Finishing off NPTR. Yeah, not a great deal to like about this one to be honest. Fans at the time must have been bitterly disappointed.
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I really dig the MSG debut album. The only thing is that the lyrics are rather insipid when compared to those written by Phil Mogg.
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To me, the debut MSG is 5x better than what I heard on NPTR. I’m sure there must have been a bit of a fan base split at the time and I could easily see more fans gravitating more towards MSG.
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I gave the first MSG album a solid dedicated listen last night, but I was too tired to post anything. It's not an album that I listen to a lot. Generally, I have a few problems with it.
First, I was familiar with One Night At Budokan. When I finally heard the studio versions on the first album, I thought they were neutered by the production.
Nevison did a ton better job with Barden's vocals, and I also don't like the pitter patter drum sound of the album, and the style of Phillips. Now Simon Phillips played some sick shit on the album, but there's something about the drums that I just don't feel right about. I don't know how to explain it. They are just not heavy enough, and that is probably more the fault of Glover, but I'm not sure the style really fits the music. To my ears anyway.
Lost Horizons is obviously great, and I really like Cry For The Nations and Feels Like A Good Thing. But I've honestly never cared for Victim Of Illusion, and the lyrics to Armed And Ready are pukey.
OK, that said, Michael slays all over this album. His solos are amazing, even in the mediocre tracks. I also really like Tales Of Mystery and Into The Arena is fantastic.
To me, the debut MSG is 5x better than what I heard on NPTR. I’m sure there must have been a bit of a fan base split at the time and I could easily see more fans gravitating more towards MSG.
I'm not sure where I go with this. NPTR is one of the weaker UFO albums, IMO. Anyday stands out and would be the only one to crack a Top 25 or so.
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So I'm very late to the party (story of my life) and hope I can stick around for a while, commitments permitting.
Obsession was the first UFO album I bought after hearing Cherry and Only You Can... on Radio Luxembourg (I think) after its release. I loved this new (to me) hard rock sound with a wizard guitarist to rival Jimmy Page or Steve Howe as my heroes at the time. None of my friends knew about UFO until SITN came out, which elevated UFO in to my top 10 fave bands, with (still) definitive versions of songs from LO and earlier; I slowly discovered Phenomenon to LO over the next year or two.
As SITN was raved about with my friends, we were quite floored with reports that Schenker had left. I doubted they would be able to get anyone as identifiable. Also, could their trajectory be sustained; Obsession was top 30 in UK, SITN was top 10.
NPTR was eagerly awaited, so when one of my friends bought it we sat round hoping for the best. Unfortunately the hard edge was gone and on initial hearing, so was the quality of the songwriting. We all slammed Chapman for not being Schenker, and George Martin for being too tame. Please bear in mind we were 17/18 year olds at the time. I didn't listen to NPTR again until...
Reading Festival, UFO headlined Saturday night (I think) and they were awesome. Opening with Letting Go and playing several tunes from this album, the NPTR songs were given their balls back and UFO proved that live, they could still show NWOBHM bands how to rock. Raymond had just left but Carter was a trooper and I revised my opinion about Chapman; the man could play. This album has aged well and there are some good songs on here. Letting Go, Mystery Train, This Fire..., No Place... it's just a shame about the lightweight production.
Around the same time as Reading that year, Michael Schenker Group was released to rave reviews. This was a bit of a surprise to me as a return to Scorpions hadn't worked and there had been rumours of supposed mental health issues etc. Not having heard anything from the LP, I bought it on the strength of Schenkers standing (IMO) and the reviews I read. So happy I did, as great new MS songs and guitar work almost had me feeling there were now almost "two UFOs". In fact I didn't see the album for a few weeks as my friends borrowed it in turn. The album has the harder edge missing from NPTR (I bet Roger Glover was far cheaper than Martin). Gary Bardens is not bad but no match for Mogg, so Into the Arena is one of my favourites here along with Lost Horizons, Victim of Illusion, in fact there isn't a bad song here.
So from the latter half of 1980, things were looking good for both bands in my opinion.
Great post Mac. I really enjoyed reading that.
Oh, and this thread is your new commitment. Don't be a stranger.
Found these pics from the Reading show..
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c7/f3/ff/c7f3ff2724fdfcd33825f5ed3e92a7c8.jpg)
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ukrockfestivals.com%2FReading-80-UFO-ains.jpg&hash=a4a9c2dd6064e5c6d6ccea19965153b5a71a2074)
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ukrockfestivals.com%2Freading-80-ufo-chapman-paul.jpg&hash=cb8a2fb3d95e16be3072a2dd2621bcba7b76568a)
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ukrockfestivals.com%2Freading-80-r-button-UFO.jpg&hash=ab64d4d80941e2b668adc63b3fd2106feca2ce35)
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Had a listen to MSG self titled today. It just reaffirms my conviction (at the time of release) that Schenker was truly the soul of UFO. Cry for the Nations, Victim of Illusion, Bijou Pleasurette, Into the Arena, and Tales of Mystery are all much more UFOish than anything on NPTR.
That's really interesting and I appreciate your real time POV.
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That line up is :metal :metal :metal
But does that say Ossie Osbournes Blizzard of Oz?
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But does that say Ossie Osbournes Blizzard of Oz?
Pretty sure in the very beginning Blizzard Of Oz was to be the band name. I think it was decided to be released under Ozzy's name. The album was released a month after this show.
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You'd miss their "best" record, then ("best" being "my favorite"). For me, song-wise, "Mechanix" is where it's at. The BONUS track - is a top five UFO song for me.
Since you are so bullish on Mechanix, I am expecting you to do a song by song styled post. Get cracking. It's due next Thursday.
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I’m interested to check out this Mechanix album!
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I’m interested to check out this Mechanix album!
I'm interested to check out Stadler's report.
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@ Podaar...
Where and when did you see UFO in 1979? Was that the co-headline tour with AC/DC?
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This Mechanix has to be better than NPTR.
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This Mechanix has to be better than NPTR.
It is to Stadler! :lol
Kade, hopefully you post some thoughts over the weekend on the first MSG album.
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But does that say Ossie Osbournes Blizzard of Oz?
Pretty sure in the very beginning Blizzard Of Oz was to be the band name. I think it was decided to be released under Ozzy's name. The album was released a month after this show.
Pretty sure I heard that some in the band were never informed of the switch in the name until they saw the record in the store...and they were kinda pissed about it.
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This Mechanix has to be better than NPTR.
Not for me
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This Mechanix has to be better than NPTR.
Not for me
I find them quite similar in terms of the amount of songs I really like, songs that are OK, and songs I think are below average. I do actually like more songs on Mechanix though.
I think I'll spin Mechanix tonight!
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@ Podaar...
Where and when did you see UFO in 1979? Was that the co-headline tour with AC/DC?
Oh yeah, I guess I forgot to respond to this.
As much as I admire your concert-geek-god status, I've never been that way. Concerts are just something I went to occasionally to hear live music and scam hot looking girls. I don't remember exactly...it may have actually been in '78. All I remember (drugs, you understand) is that it was in the greater Phoenix area (Mesa maybe) and that it was late in the school year--June-ish. They played warm up for some other band, that I wasn't interested in, at the Memorial Colosseum the previous night and were headlining at a local beer garden. Now this beer garden was huge. In front of the stage it had a semi-circular dance floor surrounded by bench seating amphitheater. The place would hold 1500 - 2000 people. Back in those days, the legal drinking age in Arizona was 18 and I had a fake I.D. that said I was 20 (I was actually 17 at the time) so I was able to buy the tickets and get into the venue.
Like I said, I got there at opening and rushed into stake a claim on a spot right in front of where I expected Michael to be. Me and my buddy took turns holding the spot while the other went to get beers. When the lights finally came down and the band came on the stage, Pete Way was playing right in front of me and some brown-haired dude was on the other end of the stage playing a fucking beat-up ugly Mockingbird guitar. What the actual mother-fuck was going on?! Where in the fuck was Michael?
Again, I don't like to relive it much. It still pisses me off >:(
They played a set that was similar to Stanger In The Night and my buddy ended up passing a blunt up to Pete. I ended up getting so waisted on beer that it's kind of a blur now (plus, it was a very long time ago). I remember I got in trouble with my parents because I didn't come home that night. You see, I was so hammered that my girl-friend had to drive and she just took me to her house.
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This Mechanix has to be better than NPTR.
It is to Stadler! :lol
Kade, hopefully you post some thoughts over the weekend on the first MSG album.
Alright. Sorry mate, I've meant to chime in more but had a rotten week at work so been a bit buys.
As mentioned I purchased a 5cd set of MSG a few back based on your recommendations. I liked them, but I don't think I was really ready as I was into much harder stuff as you know. This is the perfect segway to get back into them and try them again.
I'm not the biggest fan of Gary Barden's voice. He's an adequate vocalist, but for me, there' just nothing really special about his job. He's your 'meat and potatoes' hard rock singer. Gets the job done and fine to listen to, but there's no trimmings or fancy extras. It doesn't stop me enjoying this here though;
Armed and Ready: Love the simplicity of the riff and this song is a highlight. Great opener. Gary actually sounds nice and strong here. The chorus builds some great tension and the resolve into the main riff again is cool. The solo is boss. Michael's note choices with the chord changes is just splendid. Those couple of licks at 2:29 are brilliant.
Nations: Pretty moody rocker this and I don't mind this as the second song. Has a nice atmosphere. The chorus didn't strike me on first listen, but after a couple more, I understand it more. Shenker ripping over that march like beat is really strong. This song reminds me a little of UDO or Accepts moodier stuff.
Illusion: Such a simple, generic riff here but it works surprisngly well. Sounds like this riff has been used a thousand times, but who gives a shit? Not too hot on Barden on this one but it's okay. I like the swagger of the chorus here, nice groove that rolls along and you can just feel a really ripping solo coming on, and it doesn't disappoint. The key changes work so damn well here. One thing I've notice with Shenker is his accent on the right notes to the chords and when there's key changes, he excels and lifts depening on where the key is going. That's evident here. Love the bluesy contrast in his solo at the end.
Bijou: Nice interlude with some fancy neo-classical stuff going on here. I hear Jason Becker around the one minute mark for sure here.
Good Things: Pretty filler this one, but there's nothing wrong with it. Can't say much about it however. It's fine and Michaels' blues licks are nice.
Arena: Wow! So much Iron Maiden in that riff, hot damn lol! This is a wonderful instrumental. Again, the key changes work so well and Shenker rips it off. Love the brooding heaviness of it. I get a strong Megadeth vibe too from this track. Shenker really does some interesting stuff and pushes himself I feel with his playing. Killer drumming too. That UFO style melodies from the 3:00 minute mark are most welcome. Great track. Wonderful guitar playing.
Nowhere: Not bad, solid rocker. The vocal melodies remind me of UFO actually. A nice solo in this one actually.
Mystery: Nothing wrong with this at all. Nice breakup from the rock and perfectly placed before Horizons. Such a beautiful solo too and love the tone over the acoustic stuff. that lick at 2:22 is genius. Reminds me of Dimebag this one.
Horizons: A bit of an epic this one. Such a dark chorus this one and the melody after the chorus is very metal. Barden actually reminds me of Mats Levin on this track, don't mind him here. I wish that solo in the middle went longer, so much tension and some of the bends Shenker pulls off are so good. The ending however more than makes up for it. Michael loves that Dorian mode with that C# in the chord progression. So good and the interplay between he and Denny on the drums is just crazy. What and ending, could go for another five minutes if you ask me.
I really like this one the more I listen. I still think I like a couple more that follow more. Seems MSG has a major jump on what UFO were doing at the time so far for me.
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Cool stories Podaar.
I just gave No Place To Run another listen. The standout track for me is Mystery Train. This song and Anyday wouldn't be out of place on Obsession. Lettin Go somehow reminds me of Oh My from Phenomenon, and Gone in the Night has a No Heavy Petting Vibe.
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Hey Gregg, that's a fantastic story and exactly what I was hoping for. I'm sorry it was so traumatic for you.
But I totally appreciate the story.
Yes, I am a concert geek. But I'm a history geek too, so I'm always fascinated by the history of music, and specifically 70's tours in rock music. I like to see what tours came to Boston in say..1973. I can spend a whole night doing that.
And I'll have my own concert geek story coming later.
Anyday wouldn't be out of place on Obsession.
If only... Still it's a great track and one of my favorite UFO tunes.
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This has just been an interesting and excellent thread already.
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This has just been an interesting and excellent thread already.
:metal :metal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XA5HErVE9oI
:lol
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Listening to Misdemeanor tonight, and I can absolutely say I'll take it over at least two of the Chapman albums.
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@ Wolfking..
Snapped backstage at Donnington 1980.
(https://i.redd.it/3lf776yf9bg01.jpg)
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But does that say Ossie Osbournes Blizzard of Oz?
Pretty sure in the very beginning Blizzard Of Oz was to be the band name. I think it was decided to be released under Ozzy's name. The album was released a month after this show.
Unfortunately Ozzy and Blizzard pulled out of Reading just a few days before the gig; can't remember why. Slade were drafted in at virtually zero notice to several grumbles, but guess what... they slayed the crowd (see what I did there). 20000 grebs singing Merry Christmas Everybody acapella in summer was quite surreal for a band, whose stock was so low that Dave Hill had become a wedding chauffeur. Needless to say Slade's Reading EP relaunched their career.
Thanks for the photos TAC. I was further round to the right of the stage in the bottom photo. Before UFO came on stage, there were some parachutists dropping into the arena, rumoured to be the band but I doubt it.
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@ Wolfking..
Snapped backstage at Donnington 1980.
(https://i.redd.it/3lf776yf9bg01.jpg)
I wonder who is the one learning here, looks like Shenker really listening. Brilliant photo that.
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@ Wolfking..
Snapped backstage at Donnington 1980.
(https://i.redd.it/3lf776yf9bg01.jpg)
I wonder who is the one learning here, looks like Shenker really listening. Brilliant photo that.
Schenker is listening hard because he doesn't really understand English yet. I'm not sure what Elliott is doing, but he looks nervous.
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So, the misses quite likes a lot of hard rock and melodic rock. When we are out I usually have a random usb mix of different melodic rock and some other hard rock stuff. I'm allowed to play my stuff as long as we compromise. Anyway, I added a few UFO songs for some different tunes as I try and rotate (Winger is always a staple however haha).
Anyway, On With the Action came up and halfway through the chorus she bursts out in laughter and says, 'why the fuck is he singing it like that, what the fuck?' :lol
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@ Wolfking..
Snapped backstage at Donnington 1980.
(https://i.redd.it/3lf776yf9bg01.jpg)
I wonder who is the one learning here, looks like Shenker really listening. Brilliant photo that.
Schenker is listening hard because he doesn't really understand English yet. I'm not sure what Elliott is doing, but he looks nervous.
:lol
Yeah right? He's probably just nodding his head. What is amazing about Michael Schenker is how young he was when he was in UFO. He's 25 in this picture.
So, the misses quite likes a lot of hard rock and melodic rock. When we are out I usually have a random usb mix of different melodic rock and some school stuff or whatever.
Just asking, but what exactly is school stuff?
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That was the stupid auto correct on my phone. I can't remember what I meant to write now, I think hard rock or something. I dunno.
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That was the stupid auto correct on my phone. I can't remember what I meant to write now, I think hard rock or something. I dunno.
:lol
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The Wild The Willing And The Innocent
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71kcxwKQ7ML._SL1300_.jpg)(https://images.eil.com/large_image/UFO_THE%2BWILD%2BTHE%2BWILLING%2BAND%2BTHE%2BINNOCENT%2B-%2BSEALED-273815b.jpg)
The Wild The Willing And The Innocent (1981) (https://open.spotify.com/album/1idYXIlJPigVtPI7Bu1rtx?si=cSAvD1yQRwOYMQhnAKkTqA)
Released January 6, 1981
1. Chains Chains
2. Long Gone
3. The Wild The Willing And The Innocent
4. It's Killing Me
5. Makin' Moves
6. Lonely Heart
7. Couldn't Get It Right
8. Profession Of Violence
Phil Mogg-Vocals
Paul Chapman-Guitar
Pete Way- Bass
Andy Parker-Drums
Neil Carter-Keyboards/Sax
John Sloman (uncredited)-Keyboards
The No Place To Run tour would end in May 1980. Shortly after Paul Raymond was let go. Still some mystery as to if he was fired or he quit. Paul Raymond says he didn't see a future in with band and wanted to join Cozy Powell in Michael Schenker's band. Pete Way mentions that he was fired, by either Phil or their manager. Paul Raymond also says that the biggest misconception about him was that he was the quiet one. That is backed up by Pate Way as he says that Paul could be quite outspoken.
At any rate, the band would get right to work on their next album. It was put together that summer with Paul Chapman's ex Lone Star band mate John Sloman playing keyboards.
Neil Carter would join the band shortly before the Reading '80 show. The band would put the finishing touches on The Wild The Willing And The Innocent with Neil adding Sax on Lonely Hearts, and also some backing vocals. The band would tour Europe in the fall of 1980 featuring the new material. Shortly after the album was released UFO would tour the states in 1981.
Lonely Heart perforn=med on the BBC..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDikDqS0pEc
Paul Chapman's Lone Star work would show its head again, this time the track being Fool's Gold, which was reworked as Makin' Moves..
https://youtu.be/LQQC53M0EfI?t=2
Here is a great show from the Fall of 1980.
Here is the full Rockpalast show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-10GeqecPk&list=PLzD5eb0xSuIVr93z17RhSbc15iCZZCFGg&index=3&t=1s
Somewhere after Mystery Train it goes out of synch.
Here is an abridged version with better quality. I have it queued up at Rock Bottom.
https://youtu.be/G8M2J2rHp_g?t=1558
On a personal note, this is a Top 3 UFO album for me. I freaking love this album. This album has a consistency across the board. Great tunes.
Long Gone is an all time UFO track.
And Profession Of Violence is simply breathtaking, especially Paul's solo at the end. Chilling.
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For me, Long Gone, the title track, It’s Killing Me, and Profession of Violence are the best songs on TWTWATI. I think I enjoyed this album back in the 80s more than I do now, but it’s still a nice listen.
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On a personal note, this is a Top 3 UFO album for me. I freaking love this album. This album has a consistency across the board. Great tunes.
Long Gone is an all time UFO track.
And Profession Of Violence is simply breathtaking, especially Paul's solo at the end. Chilling.
Absolutely
I got this on release, again on the strength of reviews, and hearing Lonely Heart on the radio.
Self produced, this album has a welcome harder edge than NPTR and is the best of the Chapman era IMO. This is underlined by him writing or co-writing six of the eight tracks, and laying a terrfic solo for Profession Of Violence (together with an impassioned Mogg here), amongst others. I'm not sure why Chapman was less involved with the writing on subsequent albums. Anyway any lingering doubts about his ability from NPTR were completely erased, and yet this feels like a true group effort.
The title track has great percussion (inaudible on the first CD issue, but corrected on the remaster), as does Couldn't Get It Right,and Pete Way is always himself on every song. There is not one dud here, but hightlights for me are Long Gone, title track, Making Moves and the afore mentioned POV. Over the 40 years since release I have often come back to this album, alongside LO, Obsession, SITN and another later album.
Hope others here enjoy this one as much as I continue to do.
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Alright, happy to move on. Will get this one loaded up.
I know Profession of Violence from those studio performances on the Showtime DVD. Love what Vinnie does there so will be interesting to hear the original.
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On a personal note, this is a Top 3 UFO album for me. I freaking love this album. This album has a consistency across the board. Great tunes.
Long Gone is an all time UFO track.
And Profession Of Violence is simply breathtaking, especially Paul's solo at the end. Chilling.
Absolutely
I got this on release, again on the strength of reviews, and hearing Lonely Heart on the radio.
Self produced, this album has a welcome harder edge than NPTR and is the best of the Chapman era IMO. This is underlined by him writing or co-writing six of the eight tracks, and laying a terrfic solo for Profession Of Violence (together with an impassioned Mogg here), amongst others. I'm not sure why Chapman was less involved with the writing on subsequent albums. Anyway any lingering doubts about his ability from NPTR were completely erased, and yet this feels like a true group effort.
The title track has great percussion (inaudible on the first CD issue, but corrected on the remaster), as does Couldn't Get It Right,and Pete Way is always himself on every song. There is not one dud here, but hightlights for me are Long Gone, title track, Making Moves and the afore mentioned POV. Over the 40 years since release I have often come back to this album, alongside LO, Obsession, SITN and another later album.
Hope others here enjoy this one as much as I continue to do.
This was definitely the peak of the Chapman Era. For me, everything about this album is perfect. As I said, Top 3 for me.
Chapman mentions that for Mechanix, he was going through a divorce and he had moved to Florida during this time, and he was distracted to write enough songs. For Making Contact, it seems that drug use was a big issue.
Neil Carter was brimming with ideas, and Phil just picked what he felt he could work with. But Phil was in awful shape as well, so his judgement certainly wasn't his best.
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I know Profession of Violence from those studio performances on the Showtime DVD. Love what Vinnie does there so will be interesting to hear the original.
Just watched that. I haven't pulled it out since I got Showtime when it came out.
Vinnie does an amazing job on the solo. Really builds off of the original, but the original is so much simpler and beautifully melodic.
This is one of those songs where it's really hard to hear without the original solo. At least for me, because I have it so imprinted on me. But I do love what Vinnie did with it. It's a great Vinnie moment.
And getting ahead a bit here, but while I don't love You Are Here, I thought adding Vinnie was great and I was really hopeful for what would come. I guess I was a bit too hopeful.
It's funny where they first show Pete, and he's just standing there bored out of his wits. I mean, they could've shown something like him strapping on his bass or something.
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The Strangers Deluxe Edition is up for Preorder on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Strangers-Night-Deluxe-UFO/dp/B08JB1MVTL/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QKIXYRIFE1HD&dchild=1&keywords=strangers+in+the+night+deluxe+edition&qid=1600611343&s=music&sprefix=Strangers+%2Caps%2C163&sr=1-1
Release date is November 20.
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$46 for physical and $55 for digital? Gee, wonder which one I'll take. Pre-ordered.
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The Strangers Deluxe Edition is up for Preorder on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Strangers-Night-Deluxe-UFO/dp/B08JB1MVTL/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QKIXYRIFE1HD&dchild=1&keywords=strangers+in+the+night+deluxe+edition&qid=1600611343&s=music&sprefix=Strangers+%2Caps%2C163&sr=1-1
Release date is November 20.
I just don't understand the album being split to 2cd's.
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Because then it would only be 7 CDs. This is an 8 CD release. ;D
No idea, actually. It certainly fits on one CD.
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I think I have an idea, if it is in fact 8 discs.
This is the explanation of the release:
The packaging is a 2-part rigid slipcase, 8 mini-LP style sleeves
Strangers was a double-LP upon release. I just looked at an original on Discogs and then compared to the tracklist on the link I had posted. Disc 1 is LP1 and Disc 2 is LP2. The tracks line up. They might be going for a mini double-LP gatefold thing to mimic the original. That's the best I can come up with.
But then it mentions 8 sleeves. I don't know. Guess we'll know in 2 months.
EDIT: .....or, we'll find out in the post right below this one.
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(https://www.superdeluxeedition.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/spread600.png)
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nice looking set :metal
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About The Wild...
Excellent album, with great songs all around and very interesting/different orchestrations, even some really cool saxophone. Long Gone , The Wild..., Lonely Heart and Profession of Violence are incredible, and the other songs are really great. For a few years, it was my favorite from Chapman era... but, listening more the four albums, nowadays, I think that the band just tried a bit too hard to create a more elaborated record, maybe yet with the intention to "prove” that UFO could still be great without Schenker. And in this process, the band still didn't managed to fully embrace the more relaxed and rocking side that Chapman added to UFO (which they did in a splendid way in the next album IMO).
Ranking:
OBSESSION (my favorite)/?- 10+/10
FORCE IT/NO HEAVY PETTING/LIGHTS OUT/ THE WILD THE WILLING AND THE INNOCENT - 9,5
?/?- 9,0
PHENOMENON/? – 8,5
NO PLACE TO RUN/?/? – 8,0
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TWTWATI is a really good album. An 80s pop sensibility comes thru, but it retains that 70s hard rock edge. If only NPTR had the same production, the two albums would be neck and neck in my rankings.
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TWTWATI is a really good album. An 80s pop sensibility comes thru, but it retains that 70s hard rock edge. If only NPTR had the same production, the two albums would be neck and neck in my rankings.
I just think the weaker tunes on NPTR drag it down, but perhaps Money Money and Youngblood would've been served with a beefier production
For a few years, it was my favorite from Chapman era... but, listening more the four albums, nowadays, I think that the band just tried a bit too hard to create a more elaborate record, maybe yet with the intention to "prove” that UFO could still be great without Schenker. And in this process, the band still didn't managed to fully embrace the more relaxed and rocking side that Chapman added to UFO (which they did in a splendid way in the next album IMO).
Interesting. I don't find WWI an attempt to be "elaborate". It's a shame the band was grinding down because I would've loved to have seen the band build on this album. They just never et there again IMO.
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I said it, but it is just my perception and probably farther from the truth. I bet UFO never thought too much about what kind of album they should do. Anyway, I really missed that that encarnation of the band didn't released more albums. I love WWI and even more Mechanix.
By the way, TAC, really cool your comments about how good Anyday is, it really gave me another appreciation of the song.
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I said it, but it is just my perception and probably farther from the truth. I bet UFO never thought too much about what kind of album they should do. Anyway, I really missed that that encarnation of the band didn't released more albums. I love WWI and even more Mechanix.
By the way, TAC, really cool your comments about how good Anyday is, it really gave me another appreciation of the song.
I really liked Mechanix when I was younger. As a whole, I don't feel it's aged all that well. However, It might have 3 of my Top 5 Chapman Era tracks on it.
And Anyday is amazing. Phil is great on it. And that and Profession Of Violence are to me, Paul Chapman's best songs with the band. He f'n rips on it.
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TWATIT is a great album.
Lonely Heart was the first single I ever bought, along with I Surrender by Rainbow on the same day. LH has a place in my heart because of that.
I love every track here.
Saw them at the local university on this tour - I didn't have a ticket but me and a mate watched from outside, peeking between curtains, and the sound was clear enough. So, first band I "saw" live, but not the first one I paid for - that was Gary Moore.
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This album is loads better than the last one. Had 2 listens but it's one of those albums that needs quite a few to sink in. I agree with Tim that it's really consistent from start to finish. I can't comment on too much from memory but everything here was enjoyable. There was some cool shit from Chapman too.
Profession of Violence has to be one of their best tracks. That's outstanding.
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That's great Kade. Make sure you find some time to revisit it. It really is one of their best albums.
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That's great Kade. Make sure you find some time to revisit it. It really is one of their best albums.
I'll spin it in the car the next couple of days. I like the production more than the last one and a bit harder too in places, which I like.
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Carrying on from my comments on the MSG album on the last page, Horizons is just brilliant, what a fucking great epic tune.
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The live Budokan version too is awesome.
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Yeah, it sure is. The live version on One Night At Budokan is amazing. Launching that and the second MSG album later today.
The live Budokan version too is awesome.
:lol
Was just typing that!
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Yeah, it sure is. The live version on One Night At Budokan is amazing. Launching that and the second MSG album later today.
The live Budokan version too is awesome.
:lol
Was just typing that!
Budokan was so fucking expensive when it came out. Worth it though. :metal
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TWTWATI is a really good album. An 80s pop sensibility comes thru, but it retains that 70s hard rock edge. If only NPTR had the same production, the two albums would be neck and neck in my rankings.
I just think the weaker tunes on NPTR drag it down, but perhaps Money Money and Youngblood would've been served with a beefier production
For a few years, it was my favorite from Chapman era... but, listening more the four albums, nowadays, I think that the band just tried a bit too hard to create a more elaborate record, maybe yet with the intention to "prove” that UFO could still be great without Schenker. And in this process, the band still didn't managed to fully embrace the more relaxed and rocking side that Chapman added to UFO (which they did in a splendid way in the next album IMO).
Interesting. I don't find WWI an attempt to be "elaborate". It's a shame the band was grinding down because I would've loved to have seen the band build on this album. They just never et there again IMO.
The only thing I felt to be more ‘elaborate’ was the really cool intros and intros / fade-ins and fade outs they injected into the album. Really adds a lot of flavor. Oddly, you would’ve thunk that George Martin of Sgt Pepper fame would’ve been the one to come up with all those cool segues, but I guess he was asleep at the wheel for NPTR.
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MSG
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41GXnKCK3rL.jpg)(https://tshirtslayer.com/files-tshirt/styles/shirtviewbottom/public/user-7304/b657f4f14ab239c6332c84c06d3a861b.jpg)
https://open.spotify.com/album/2Dwi3B8Es5Sp3ne8ShnJvr?si=yJNxiNaLQg2xWgHmZRC_BA
Released September 1981
1. Are You Ready To Rock
2. Attack Of The Mad Axeman
3. On And On
4. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
5. But I Want More
6. Never Trust A Stranger
7. Looking For Love
8. Secondary Motion
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Gary Barden-Vocals
Chris Glen-Bass
Cozy Powell-Drums
Paul Raymond-Keyboards/Guitar
Michael's touring band, which now includes Cozy Powell, Paul Raymond, and Chris Glen record Michael's second album MSG. It is produced by Ron Nevison. The band sounds so much fuller on this album than they do on the first album. And I just love every song here, although Are You Ready To Rock is merely OK.
Also, Nevison did a great job with Gary Barden on this album. He sounds so much stronger on this album. I can't say he's that good in general, but honestly, but he is quite fitting here. His voice certainly has character to it, which is something that MSG lacked much later on, as we'll discuss.
I mentioned in the OP about how I had heard On And On, and it basically changed everything for me. Not sure what else to say about this one. This is literally one of my 2 or 3 favorite albums.
One Night At Budokan
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/af/One_Night_at_Budokan.jpg)(https://images.45worlds.com/f/cd/michael-schenker-group-bgocd312-cd.jpg)
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/b51w6RLwvD8/hqdefault.jpg)
https://open.spotify.com/album/6UWw7v0J3eo5A6yBb8VQWw?si=zlG4hEP2Tt2VcXZgZKMRWw
Released February 1982
Armed And Ready
Cry For The Nations
Attack Of The Mad Axeman
But I Want More
Victim Of Illusion
Into The Arena
On And On
Never Trust A Stranger
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
Courvosier Concerto
Lost Horizons
Doctor Doctor
Ready To Rock
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Gary Barden-Vocals
Chris Glen-Bass
Cozy Powell-Drums
Paul Raymond-Keyboards/Guitar
I must say, that as a huge music fan in those early years, I freaking loved this live album. The gatefold had such awesome shots, and the songs are amazing. I actually got this before I had MSG's first album. Everything about those songs are so much better and heavier here. This show was recorded just before MSG was released.
The deluxe version that is linked includes Tales Of Mystery and Cozy's solo.
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Looking for Love was a standout track for me right away. I think I liked the second MSG album better than the first
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Looking for Love was a standout track for me right away. I think I liked the second MSG album better than the first
Agree. Incredible track.
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Looking For Love smokes. Sounds a little like Let It Roll in the beginning, no?
Barden’s vocals on this album are way better than he actually is.
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Tim, you have Never Trust A Stranger listed as the last track instead of Secondary Motion.
Yeah, I totally hear the Let it Roll influence on LFL.
On and On is such a cool radio friendly track. Killer hooks.
But I Want More is a good one to. Lots of depth to that track too, great songwriting.
Axeman is a strange track, but the second half rips.
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Fixed!
On And On hooked me big time. So simple but so great.
One of the coolest thing about seeing him last year was watching him play the solo at Let Sleeping Dogs Lie.
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Dogs is a slow burn, but a great atmosphere.
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The outro is ridiculous.
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Indeed.
Secondary Motion is a nice 80's more melodic rock track too. I really like that one.
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This album might literally be my most listened album in my life.
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I like this one a lot more than the first album.
I will say also, Michaels guitar work on LFL is incredible.
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This album might literally be my most listened album in my life.
Interesting
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Oh yeah, on both counts. The vocals are so much better, as is the drumming. I always felt Simon Phillips, while excellent, was quite out of place. Cozy Powell just drives the songs harder, especially on Budokan.
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Lol @ Bardens vocals on that Budokan version of Stranger too.
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Another great album. How many have their been so far?
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Great guitar work, as expected. And yes, the vocals are ok.
Budokan is one of those great live albums that elevate the songs from their studio versions. Stupidly expensive at the time but worth it.
Mad Mikey really does have a style of his own. I don’t really consider him a bluesy player, though there’s some in their, and I don’t really think of him as a neo- classical player either, though again, there’s some in there.
So lyrical, like Neil Schon in a way, not in style but in the grasp of melody.
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@ Wolfking..
Snapped backstage at Donnington 1980.
(https://i.redd.it/3lf776yf9bg01.jpg)
I wonder who is the one learning here, looks like Shenker really listening. Brilliant photo that.
Schenker is listening hard because he doesn't really understand English yet. I'm not sure what Elliott is doing, but he looks nervous.
"I'm Glenn Fucking Tipton, and I'm right here (slashes right hand). Those t----s from Def Leppard couldn't cup my b----s (cups left hand)."
(Michael is taller than I imagined him to be, unless it's the angle of the photo.)
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:lol what's the word starting with t?
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i have a lot of catching up to do, but I was in the car today and I listened to "TWTWATI" and.... not impressed. Didn't move me. I still like Professions of Violence, but I just think Mechanix is better in every way. I listened to that today as well, and it was as good as ever. More on that later...
I LOVE the second MSG album. I'm almost right there with TAC. It's my favorite MSG album (Built To Destroy is second), it's the one I listened to most, and it's a seminal album from my early learning and listening.
But I Want More is my favorite track. The only one I can do without is "Attack Of The Mad Axemen" and even that's pretty good. I have to relisten to Budokan; it's been so long. I got the album late, relatively speaking, and same with the CD.
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:lol what's the word starting with t?
I blipped out the body parts. First one is female, second one is male. :)
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Another killer album, with only very good to excellent songs! The run from MSG (1980) to Built to Destroy is very very impressive. The first one is still my favorite, maybe because it was the first that I’ve heard, maybe it has kind of a different style – a bit less “commercial”, maybe because of Simon Phillips :biggrin:. Anyway, I really love all these 4 albums and maybe I would put the next one, Assault Attack, a tiny bit above this one.
About One Night at Budokan, I never really heard it with proper attention (It's outrageous I know...). But, from what I’ve heard, it was ideed a band with a tremendous chemistry live. I really like Barden vocals and it suprised me to be something controversial here. I also think it has a lot of character and it's a great quality for a singer. The only one on MSG that came closer in that aspect was Graham Bonnet. Michael Schenker/MSG always had enjoyable vocalists, but the Barden and Bonnet were the most memorable for sure.
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Hmm..Graham Bonnet. We'll be discussing him in a couple of days. I gave Assault Attack a nice solid listen last night and....
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This album is one of my all time favorites. Whenever I'm feeling like I don't have enough Schenker in my life this is my automatic "go-to" to get my fill. The only song that I've never connected with is Stranger. I don't think that it's a bad song, but it always feels like it breaks the flow, so there are times that I skip it.
But I Want More is probably my favorite song on the album, but everything else is stellar and I wouldn't throw any of the other songs away.
It always confuses me when people talk about the great guitar albums of the era, but this never gets mentioned.
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I understand about Never Trust A Stranger. That was their attempt to write a hit, according to its writer, Paul Raymond.
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@ Podaar...Gregg, how long did you stay up on MSG. I'm interested in your thoughts on this album.
Did you give The Wild The Willing And The Innocent a shot? Did you see them again during this era?
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Bear with me here, I've got almost 3 weeks of catching up to post about. I'm caught up to the MSG album now, so by this weekend, my goal is to be fully caught up, and stay current (no promises though!). Going all the way back to No Heavy Petting...
I am 'not getting it'. Is it because I didn't hear them in my youth, my later 'rock' era, or....because I'm just too old to appreciate them and find them 'simple'?
Please don't castigate, just trying to be honest.
Me too ... kinda. And in the hopes of not creating massive blocks of quotes, I'm just gonna refer to specific comments from now on.
Tim ... "It's always a kind of crapshoot with these things, right? I mean, people have spent their whole lives listening to bands like Bad Company, Cheap Trick, Blue Oyster Cult. For me, that band is UFO."
Gord - “Our youth and teen years are indelible when it comes to forging our musical lives and DNA.“
Absolutely... and UFO was completely off my radar. I may have heard some of the "hits", but it wasn't until about 5-6 years ago that (because of DTF) I got Strangers. Up until this thread, that had been the extent of my exposure to UFO. Discovering classic era bands nowadays is absolutely a crapshoot - some leave a big impact, some fall flat. For the first few albums, UFO was somewhere closer to the 'falling flat' end of the spectrum for me.
Tim - "TAC “Have you Seen Me Lately Jane....WTF??”. This comment coming from a guy whose soul is filled with UFO. Now imagine a guy like me, hearing almost all of UFO for the first time ever in 2020. I wouldn’t say I’m “WTF” over what I’m hearing (up to No Heavy Petting), but there isn’t much that’s putting a spring in my step.
Tonight Tonight, French Kisses, and Reasons Love were the standouts for me.
On With the Action .. man, I'm just not 'getting' the love for this. At. All. It’s definitely a plodder (I think it was Gregg that said that, and I’d never use that word as a term of endearment.
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On to Lights Out ... Quite a bit better. Standouts are Just Another Suicide, Lights Out (though, I'll take the Strangers version 7 days a week and twice on Sundays), and Love to Love (ditto). The rest ... not bad, but I'm not wow'd. This did :omg: me however:
The only one I don't really care for is Light Out. A little too um... how do I say this...gay? (not that there's anything wrong with that) ;D
Wait, Tim making a pop culture reference!?!? This thread is either going to be God-tier, or the sign of the apocalypse.
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Obsession
Excellent opener. I dug Pack it Up (likely because of the Zeppelin vibe), but even listening to the “remaster” the production certainly makes it sound dated. Lookin Out For #1... excellent power ballad. Love the strings. Musically, the Kiss vibe in Hot N Ready is strong (though, Ace wishes he could solo this good). And the live/bonus version on the Spotify album is magnificent. They definitely are a different (ie, better) band live. I really REALLY liked the coming-and-going style of Cherry. You Don’t Fool Me .... not bad, but not great either.
I wholly agree with Gord said .... “Obsession is their most consistent album to date, even though it doesn’t have any truly ‘standout’ tracks that we had on their previous four albums. Eminently listenable”
Kade's comment encapsulates what I'm hearing/feeling... "I'm really enjoying Obsession. I'll post more thoughts tomorrow when I'm on my PC but this might be my fav album so far."
On the popularity / getting over topic, “partying” is a lame ass excuse. It’s not like Kiss, Halen, or Aerosmith we’re the bastions of civility. Also, I never ever once heard UFO on the radio (since ‘85) here in Canada’s largest market. Ever.
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Strangers In The Night
Epic live album ... My gut says it's top 5 from the 70s for me (though, if I really had to think about it, there might be 5 ahead of it... probably not though). They sound so damn good. Like, miles better than the studio versions. Every single track.
Kade ... "Phil sounds baked as fucked when he is talking too. :lol"
He sounds like current day Ozzy! :lol
Gord summed it up perfectly - “I can see why one wouldn’t return to the studio versions of these songs after hearing them here. As Tim says, you can hear every instrument, and that’s huge for me. The album just rocks.”
@ Kade - “I have to relisten, but this live CD has made me enjoy a few of the songs a lot more.” Abso-fucking-lutely!!!
For me, Lights Out combo with Rock Bottom is the standout. By a fair margin. But overall, 10/10 album.
No Place To Run
Right from the start, you can hear how much ‘cleaner’ the production is. I hear what Gord is saying about a missing “oomph” (especially in the drums), but I’m not put off by it. Really like the rhythm guitar riff in Lettin Go. Acoustic intro of Mystery Train totally reminds me of Uncle Tom’s Cabin... maybe a lil Barracuda too. Gone in the Night... it’s just ‘there’. Really dig the outro, brief as it was. Youngblood... meh. Money Money was sweet. Dat bass line!! Any day .... glorious. Just wonderful.
This one is right up there, close to Obsession as likely my 2nd fave so far (SITN not included)
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That's awesome, Chad. Glad to finally have you aboard!
Have You Seen Me Lately Jane is awful. :lol I had it removed during a recent Songectomy.
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That's awesome, Chad. Glad to finally have you aboard!
I'll probably be gone again for a few days until I'm fully caught up. By the weekend I'll be back.
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Awesome! There's a lot of good stuff coming up!!
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@ Podaar...Gregg, how long did you stay up on MSG. I'm interested in your thoughts on this album.
Did you give The Wild The Willing And The Innocent a shot? Did you see them again during this era?
If you'd slow the fuck down, we could climax at the same time, rabbit boy. :) I just don't have the opportunity to spend as much time on DTF and listen to these albums a few times before you move on. So like Chad, you'll get my responses when you get them, buddy.
I have both vinyl albums, I've had them since release. Neither one have I replaced digitally though and I no longer have a turntable, so... I'd like to get reacquainted with them before I post my thoughts/memories. I've never heard the live album and I'd like to.
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If you'd slow the fuck down, we could climax at the same time, rabbit boy. :) I just don't have the opportunity to spend as much time on DTF and listen to these albums a few times before you move on. So like Chad, you'll get my responses when you get them, buddy.
Exactly... I mean, I only got 1 cursory listen, and one more 'dedicated' listen to each album so far. Trying to keep pace, while listening to other things (new releases, old favorites, Iron Maiden for Kade's list) has been a bit of a chore.
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@ Podaar...Gregg, how long did you stay up on MSG. I'm interested in your thoughts on this album.
Did you give The Wild The Willing And The Innocent a shot? Did you see them again during this era?
If you'd slow the fuck down, we could climax at the same time, rabbit boy. :) I just don't have the opportunity to spend as much time on DTF and listen to these albums a few times before you move on. So like Chad, you'll get my responses when you get them, buddy.
I have both vinyl albums, I've had them since release. Neither one have I replaced digitally though and I no longer have a turntable, so... I'd like to get reacquainted with them before I post my thoughts/memories. I've never heard the live album and I'd like to.
OK.. I'll take a breather! :lol
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Just don't post three albums one on top of each other. :lol
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Premature Trackulation...
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Premature TACulation...
Fix'd
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:lol
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So onto late '81 and I heard a great rock tune on daytime Radio 1 (always a big event). Are You Ready to Rock alerted me MSG was back, so I went and got this album on release. I wasn't disappointed and thought it even better than the first one... it sounded more like a group effort than Schenker, Bardens and a couple of (very good) session musicians, so several of these tracks made it onto my mix tapes.
And yet MSG didn't last the course like TWTWATI. Until last week I hadn't listened to this album for a good few years. I just span it again and although I still really love On and On, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie and But I Want More, some of the other tracks sound a bit more derivative... they're still good but maybe I was missing more of the slightly unexpected twists that Schenker brought to UFO. He's in top form of course, but maybe Chrysalis were looking for a more commercial direction. This brings me to Never Trust A Stranger. Paul Raymond had written some great songs previously, with wonderful MS collaboration/interpretation. NTAS doesn't continue this and yet it wasn't a single.
I should point out that I now have the double album CD containing the '80 and '81 albums together, purchased sometime last decade and I believe the sound quality may not be what it should. If there are remasters of these since, I will try source them. However meantime I will check out Live At Budokan, another album I bought on release, and which I raved about for a long time. Like SITN, I believed this to contain superior versions to the studio ones. On with the action...
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I thought the pace was fine and I have bugger all time for music at the moment.
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It's cool thank you. I did sneak WWI in over the weekend.
My biggest issue in thinking about doing this is what kind of pace do I set. I'm sensitive that I might go too fast, and I worry about going too slow. There's a lot of ground to cover. We still have well over 25 years of albums to get through. :lol
It was important to me to also present Michael Schenker as well. I will be stacking some albums together during parts of this thread.
For example, My plan is to present the three McCauley Schenker Group albums in one post.
Heck, just for 1983, we have THREE albums to discuss.
I'll post Mechanix once Podaar has a chance to catch up. I definitely don't want to move on without him. :)
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Making Contact came on in the car today so that was convenient.
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I think over-all, you're doing a great job. Personally, I'm not really on over the weekends, but I can do a ton of listening so it evens out.
The great thing about this forum is that we're not shy. If you go too fast, Podaar will tell you to slow the fuck down. If you go too slow, you'll get fifteen popcorn emojis. :) :) :)
I don't mind the break because this is my wheelhouse; I spent so much time with MSG, Assault Attack and Built To Destroy it's not funny. But I also recently got into UFO and I like this period (though it is a bit up and down; TWTWATI doesn't do much for me, but Mechanix is killer).
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It's cool thank you. I did sneak WWI in over the weekend.
My biggest issue in thinking about doing this is what kind of pace do I set. I'm sensitive that I might go too fast, and I worry about going too slow. There's a lot of ground to cover. We still have well over 25 years of albums to get through. :lol
It was important to me to also present Michael Schenker as well. I will be stacking some albums together during parts of this thread.
For example, My plan is to present the three McCauley Schenker Group albums in one post.
Heck, just for 1983, we have THREE albums to discuss.
I'll post Mechanix once Podaar has a chance to catch up. I definitely don't want to move on without him. :)
You're doing good mate. No matter what speed you go, it's going to be impossible to find a sweet spot that suits everyone.
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It's all good. I really appreciate everyone's responses in the thread. I'm so happy with the participation.
I've spent the day preparing the next week and a half's posts.
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I found this earlier; kind of sad to read. Guy developed quite the life for himself and was apparently well-loved in his community. The "Lou's Blues" that is mentioned a couple times is my "local bar" when I travel to Melbourne (my company has a large office in Melbourne; pre-COVID, I was there once a month or so). I had always meant to stop in at his music store - in "downtown" Melbourne - but never got around to doing it (it was hard to get there during business hours).
Down side that has to be mentioned: both Paul Chapman and Pete Way are/were involved in some form or fashion with Bon Scott's passing (https://www.loudersound.com/features/what-really-happened-on-the-night-bon-scott-died).
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Premature TACulation...
Fix'd
:lol
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I just started Mechanix because that seemed to be one that was really loved by some people. First song in, "The Writer", I stopped what I was doing and was very impressed. Opening song, catchy as heck.
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"Somethin Else" threw me for a loop the way it started off, lets see how this one goes.
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I just started Mechanix because that seemed to be one that was really loved by some people. First song in, "The Writer", I stopped what I was doing and was very impressed. Opening song, catchy as heck.
"Somethin Else" threw me for a loop the way it started off, lets see how this one goes.
I love these live listening style comments.
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Let me know what you think of Somethin Else, I really don't know what to make of that one lol
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I found this earlier; kind of sad to read. Guy developed quite the life for himself and was apparently well-loved in his community. The "Lou's Blues" that is mentioned a couple times is my "local bar" when I travel to Melbourne (my company has a large office in Melbourne; pre-COVID, I was there once a month or so). I had always meant to stop in at his music store - in "downtown" Melbourne - but never got around to doing it (it was hard to get there during business hours).
Down side that has to be mentioned: both Paul Chapman and Pete Way are/were involved in some form or fashion with Bon Scott's passing (https://www.loudersound.com/features/what-really-happened-on-the-night-bon-scott-died).
I had actually tried to work this into the thread, but I think I ended up forgetting. Brent turned us on to this article a few years ago.
Yes, it seems Paul Chapman was with Bon early in the evening of the night he died.
Pete also talks about it in his book. He basically accuses Bon of taking heroin. The guy he was with was a heroin dealer, as Paul Chapman (and Pete Way) were on heroin during this time period.
This is the last known picture of Bon alive, taken 12 days before he died, backstage during UFO's 4 night run at Hammersmith.
(https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58e8ccfff5e231a18a2fd4b6/1497353745112-JJJ2BTS7P3Q1U45I91IC/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kNtFjUuFLCUm6tUKpklqZ01Zw-zPPgdn4jUwVcJE1ZvWQUxwkmyExglNqGp0IvTJZamWLI2zvYWH8K3-s_4yszcp2ryTI0HqTOaaUohrI8PI7jB2WdPPAlWWonwhNaq06YNWn2LiUVre8PJicGMSBR0KMshLAGzx4R3EDFOm1kBS/PeteWay_BonScott015.jpg)
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Back into my Life is a great ballad. Gotta say, UFO definitely knew how to make ballads and did them very well.
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Let me know what you think of Somethin Else, I really don't know what to make of that one lol
You know what I think?
I think...
it's...
somethin' else! :neverusethis:
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:P
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Back into my Life is a great ballad. Gotta say, UFO definitely knew how to make ballads and did them very well.
Back Into My Life is one of my favorite UFO tunes. Such great atmosphere, especially when it gets to the "night turns to day"..
You can literally feel the change.
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I'm very much digging "You'll Get Love". Another song that if given the right push and attention, could've easily been a semi big radio hit.
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And "Doing it All For You" is excellent and has a stand out guitar solo so far from this album.
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I'm assuming "We Belong to the Night" and "Let it Rain" are the two singles from this album. I've heard both lots. Night is a kick ass tune and Rain is a another clear attempt at a mainstream type song.
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Terri, Feel It, and Dreaming are all very good songs. I would say Dreaming is the standout song out of the three and a great album closer. Very good album overall.
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The live version of Terri, which I'll link when I post Mechanix, is so much heavier.
Dreaming might be a Top 10 UFO track for me. I love that song, and it's one of those songs that really spoke to me when I was 14 or 15.
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The live version of Terri, which I'll link when I post Mechanix, is so much heavier.
Dreaming might be a Top 10 UFO track for me. I love that song, and it's one of those songs that really spoke to me when I was 14 or 15.
I would like to hear the live version of Terri......live versions win me over often when the studio version doesnt do much for me.
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The live version of Terri, which I'll link when I post Mechanix, is so much heavier.
Dreaming might be a Top 10 UFO track for me. I love that song, and it's one of those songs that really spoke to me when I was 14 or 15.
I would like to hear the live version of Terri......live versions win me over often when the studio version doesnt do much for me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLh6v1owHVo
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I guess i need to come here every day if I want to keep up with this thread. :lol
Back to the MSG albums.
I never really cared for the production on MSG 2, but that doesn't stop it from being a killer album. I haven’t listened to it in a number of years, so I'll do that when I have the chance.
I didn’t buy Budokan until I got it on CD many years after it was released. The version I have has a couple of tracks that weren't on the original release. Off the top of the head I can't remember what they are, except for an overlong drum solo that I could do without.
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The original MSG album did have a poor sound. The songs were better put together and sounded fuller, especially compared to the first album, but sonically, it had kind of a flat or slightly muffled sound.
The 2009 Remaster clears that up big time.
Yes, they added Cozy Powell's solo and Tales Of Mystery on the Remastered Budokan.
I guess i need to come here every day if I want to keep up with this thread. :lol
It is, after all, a Listening Party, so come in when you can and leave when you must. It's an open door for everyone!
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The original MSG album did have a poor sound. The songs were better put together and sounded fuller, especially compared to the first album, but sonically, it had kind of a flat or slightly muffled sound.
The 2009 Remaster clears that up big time.
Yes, they added Cozy Powell's solo and Tales Of Mystery on the Remastered Budokan.
I guess i need to come here every day if I want to keep up with this thread. :lol
It is, after all, a Listening Party, so come in when you can and leave when you must. It's an open door for everyone!
Tim is an extremely respectful host. Tim might be strict, but respects everyones UFO/MSG listening.
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I guess i need to come here every day if I want to keep up with this thread. :lol
That's a bit unfair. There isn't a new album being listened to every single day.
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I guess i need to come here every day if I want to keep up with this thread. :lol
That's a bit unfair. There isn't a new album being listened to every single day.
As long as Zoomer is rocking, all good
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Listened to TWTWTI a couple more times and this is a really nice album. Long Gone, It's Killing Me and Makin' Moves are really mature, really nice songs. Paul's solo in Moves is excellent.
I'm not sure what Shenker die hards thought about Chapman, but sounds like Shenker was very indulgent in making old UFO very lead guitar heavy. It's true, the Shenker magic is missing the last two albums but that's hardly Chapman's fault. It just seems the songwriting style shifted. Violence obviously does reek of classic UFO though. That's a great solo. Paul's little section at 3:25 is simply a wonderful lick. Would be interesting to hear Shenker on this.
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Listened to TWTWTI a couple more times and this is a really nice album. Long Gone, It's Killing Me and Makin' Moves are really mature, really nice songs. Paul's solo in Moves is excellent.
I'm not sure what Shenker die hards thought about Chapman, but sounds like Shenker was very indulgent in making old UFO very lead guitar heavy. It's true, the Shenker magic is missing the last two albums but that's hardly Chapman's fault. It just seems the songwriting style shifted. Violence obviously does reek of classic UFO though. That's a great solo. Paul's little section at 3:25 is simply a wonderful lick. Would be interesting to hear Schenker on this.
That's awesome. I was concerned because I know you were really impressed with Schenker. I'm glad you are able to appreciate the Chapman Era so far. WWI is a top UFO album for me. It's really consistent, and the band is still going strong.
And Schenker on profession Of Violence? That would slay! But it's Paul Chapman's finest moment.
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Listened to TWTWTI a couple more times and this is a really nice album. Long Gone, It's Killing Me and Makin' Moves are really mature, really nice songs. Paul's solo in Moves is excellent.
I'm not sure what Shenker die hards thought about Chapman, but sounds like Shenker was very indulgent in making old UFO very lead guitar heavy. It's true, the Shenker magic is missing the last two albums but that's hardly Chapman's fault. It just seems the songwriting style shifted. Violence obviously does reek of classic UFO though. That's a great solo. Paul's little section at 3:25 is simply a wonderful lick. Would be interesting to hear Shenker on this.
I came here to write the bolded part. :tup :tup
Oh, on the subject of pace of updates. You do what you want, buddy. I was teasing you about the pace because you specifically called me out in reply 589. It's not your fault that I don't have the time to listen or the inclination to comment more often. You're doing a fantastic job with this. Follow your instincts.
I promise you, I'm very interested in following along when I can. Past Mechanix, I'm pretty clueless about UFO (other than Walk on Water, of course).
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Listened to TWTWTI a couple more times and this is a really nice album. Long Gone, It's Killing Me and Makin' Moves are really mature, really nice songs. Paul's solo in Moves is excellent.
I'm not sure what Shenker die hards thought about Chapman, but sounds like Shenker was very indulgent in making old UFO very lead guitar heavy. It's true, the Shenker magic is missing the last two albums but that's hardly Chapman's fault. It just seems the songwriting style shifted. Violence obviously does reek of classic UFO though. That's a great solo. Paul's little section at 3:25 is simply a wonderful lick. Would be interesting to hear Schenker on this.
That's awesome. I was concerned because I know you were really impressed with Schenker. I'm glad you are able to appreciate the Chapman Era so far. WWI is a top UFO album for me. It's really consistent, and the band is still going strong.
And Schenker on profession Of Violence? That would slay! But it's Paul Chapman's finest moment.
I can see why. It's an album of great sounding songs and the band just doing what they feel at the time. It's kind of it's own thing without trying to be anything in the past if that makes sense. I get the consistency. It sounds like one of those albums that doesn't have a lot of top groundbreaking songs but a collection of songs that all work really well together in an album context and flow perfectly well together.
I'm actually impressed they didn't try and replace Shenker and have Paul overstate everything. There's no show off moments for him or the band trying to throw leads in just for the sake of it to try and show they don't need Shenker or something. Shows the maturity of the musicians. But yeah, that POV solo is just brilliant.
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Listened to TWTWTI a couple more times and this is a really nice album. Long Gone, It's Killing Me and Makin' Moves are really mature, really nice songs. Paul's solo in Moves is excellent.
I'm not sure what Shenker die hards thought about Chapman, but sounds like Shenker was very indulgent in making old UFO very lead guitar heavy. It's true, the Shenker magic is missing the last two albums but that's hardly Chapman's fault. It just seems the songwriting style shifted. Violence obviously does reek of classic UFO though. That's a great solo. Paul's little section at 3:25 is simply a wonderful lick. Would be interesting to hear Shenker on this.
I came here to write the bolded part. :tup :tup
Oh, on the subject of pace of updates. You do what you want, buddy. I was teasing you about the pace because you specifically called me out in reply 589. It's not your fault that I don't have the time to listen or the inclination to comment more often. You're doing a fantastic job with this. Follow your instincts.
I promise you, I'm very interested in following along when I can. Past Mechanix, I'm pretty clueless about UFO (other than Walk on Water, of course).
Oh I hope you didn't take it as calling you out. I meant it that I wanted to hear your perspective. I really didn't want to move on without hearing from you. That's all. :)
Definitely don't disappear after Mechanix. There's tons of great stuff coming. Walk On Water, of course, but Schenker would return for three albums.
All of the album links are in the OP, so I absolutely encourage listening ahead when possible.
OK, and with that....
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Mechanix
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d5/Mecanix_cover.jpg)(https://vinyl-records.nl/U/Ufo/Mechanix/ufo%20mechanix%201137.jpg)
Mechanix (1982) (https://open.spotify.com/album/1QAhJlwbkZsTHCEV0LAQuw?si=GIbrsSvKTpuFRK_sOVlhjA)
Released February 1982
1. The Writer
2. Somethin' Else
3. Back Into My Life
4. You'll Get Love
5. Doing It All For You
6. We Belong To The Night
7. Let It Rain
8. Terri
9. Feel It
10. Dreaming
Phil Mogg-Vocals
Paul Chapman-Guitar
Pete Way- Bass
Andy Parker-Drums
Neil Carter-Keyboards/Guitar/Sax
Mechanix was produced by Gary Lyons, who had worked with both Queen and Foreigner. Whereas the band needed a break to recharge, Chrysalis expected another album. The band was short on material, but wrote it in the studio. While it was Pete's idea to cover Somethin' Else, he calls it "dreadful" featuring "Neil Carter on his bloody saxophone". Pete is especially critical of the direction of this album, though I find it ironic that Back Into My Life, one of the mellower tunes on the album is his.
UFO was given a great slot, opening for Ozzy on his Diary Of A Madman tour. UFO was, in fact, on tour with Ozzy when Randy Rhoads was killed. I remember the Ozzy/UFO show coming to Providence in early April, but I was still over a year away from seeing my first concert.
Let It Rain promo video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5dpYTqyzrw)
Back Into My Life promo video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLUt2Jgp4ng)
Let It Rain Live at the BBC (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FS4RBMEnn_Q)
We Belong To The Night Live at the BBC (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyEzCGrBV3k)
Hammersmith 1-28-82
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFHRxv3iZu0&list=PLM0QWHFvEjTY5mm0JhnTCA2SpB-oaRVF2
There are two shows from this tour on the Live Sightings Box Set, St. Louis and Cleveland
https://open.spotify.com/album/17Z961Iv7zLhBJd0S4JEq7?si=Fz3fvNjOSK2Ix-Skz5jabQ
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The lead single Let It Rain, included a non album track as a b side. The track is Heel Of A Stranger.
So this post is for Stadler, because for some odd reason ;D he rates this song quite high.
I found this 12" single in a used record shop on Newbury Street in Boston in 1987.
(https://i.imgur.com/C8ABXJO.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VZK7bAd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/jNlZAHu.jpg)
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Listened to MSG a couple of times this morning. My impressions at the time of release, was that musically and performance wise, this is a great album. The lyrics, vocals, and production was off putting enough to make it mediocre. I see no reason to change that opinion now. I'll have to give the win to WWI.
Admittedly, some of my problem with this album was that my tastes had strayed into heavier and more varied music.
BTW, I think the rough monitor mix of Never Trust A Stranger on the deluxe version of the album is way better than what we eventually got.
Hot take: I've never understood the near universal admiration for Cozy Powell. :yawn:
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Damn that is a Hot Take! :lol
Gregg, 1981 is my all time favorite year of music. Another album I played the hell out of was Def Leppard's High n Dry. I still feel like it's a masterpiece. That's a great album, and at the time, I listened to it constantly.
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I've been posting some live links for the last three albums.
Obviously, Love To Love was not made for Paul Chapman, but I feel the live versions of some of the other tracks like Too Hot, Shoot Shoot, and the Obsession material really become a whole new animal with Chapman. There's a rocking rowdiness about them.
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It goes to show how far off my radar One Night At Budokan had fallen when I last night incorrectly referred to it as Live At... spinning it tonight I thought how the f*** counld it have been so long?! When I bought (on UK release), it immediately became one of my favourites. Reaching the top 5, it outperformed SITN (7) and contains better versions of both studio albums' tracks at the time, including Never Trust A Stranger. Two things struck me then: 1. How upfront Cozy Powell's drums are 2. There are far more girls in the audience than I noticed on other live albums, or indeed gigs that I had been to in that era :laugh:
Whilst these two points may still hold true, listening to ONAB tonight, it was also good to hear how MS and Paul Raymond complemented each other. Likewise with Chris Glen, particularly on Lost Horizons. Also, Gary Bardens seemed to occasionally scream and shout but not to the point of being offputting. I don't think I will be leaving it so long before playing again although I know it won't replace SITN or Blackfoot's Highwaysong Live as my live GOAT... it's not too far away though.
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So...... Mechanix. Now, I got into UFO with the two Chrysalis compilations (each with five albums, one with Schenker and one with Chapman and Atomik Tommy M). They are a complilation, so each disk has an album - or part of an album - and something else (live tracks, b-sides). For some reason, on the second set, Mechanix and the b-side are their own CD.
So I put on the CD and heard that opening riff to "The Writer" and it was all downhill from there. I love that riff, and I love that song. Second or third favorite on the record. I'll say this now, but I'll repeat it later too: this is Phil Mogg's best LYRICAL album if you ask me. Every song is a story, every song has a meaning, and every song is just wierd enough to be Phil without getting into "what the FUCK is he talking about?" territory. REALLY strong lyrically if you ask me. Second, the difference for me between Schenker and Chapman is that Chapman does a way better job of setting up his solos; the solo breaks either have a different rhythm, or there's something interesting going in or coming out of the solo. They seem more a part of the song than some of Schenker's. I still think Michael is the better player, but I also don't think the gap is that great (the comp has a live version of Love To Love with Chapman that just SLAYS).
The Writer: nuff said.
Somethin' Else: Eddie Cochran, and the second Eddie Cochran song they covered (C'mon Everybody, off the very first record, was the first). I like it. It's a bit out of place on the record, but it's not as bad as it could have been. Full disclosure: with a few expections - Baker Street for one, Billy Joel another - I dislike saxophone in rock. I don't get it, I don't think it's "cool" or "party" and usually ignore it. But there's a sound or a treatment on the sax on this record and I kind of dig it (like on the ending of "The Writer". It's on about three or four songs.
Back Into My Life: "It's another night, out on the avenue"; Phil is like the Bruce Springsteen of British hard rock. Haha. I love his stories and the way his lyrics are so... lyrical. They suck you in and as I've said, there's enough there that there's a payoff for the story. I like this song a lot, though with a heavy rocker, a 50's cover, and this ballad, the album is off to an uncertain start; which way is it going to go?
You'll Get Love: We have our answer; heavy, hard rock. Like most of the rest of the songs on this album, they start off unassuming, rock, but have a twist. I LOVE LOVE LOVE that riff in the chorus; so heavy, and so appropriate to the sort of creepy and sinister angle to the lyrics. This is a good example of what I mean by the solos; it starts off with the verse background, but he keeps soloing while the band kicks into the chorus and it's the perfect cap to the solo. The notes themselves are not up to Schenker's par, but the whole bit is almost necessary to the song.
Doing It All For You: More Mogg creepiness, but it fits the music almost perfectly. The intro and the verse sounds almost like Priest from Sad Wings of Destiny, but mid-verse the tempo picks up and the song kicks into high gear, only to slow back down - in a very different way - for the chorus. This is an amazing song, and an amazingly crafted song. This is not a 12-bar blues with a chorus. Again the solo is played over a completely different part, a rhythm we haven't heard before, but before Chapman is done, we cut back into the chorus, and it's almost a perfect segue for Mogg's vocal (and some new keyboards). Then after the chorus, an outro solo over another, different background with keyboards more prominent. This is an epic, in my view, and the strongest song on the main album.
Honestly, at this point I can't believe they were "short of material" and "wrote this in the studio". I know they did (I think Mogg says as much in the liner notes to the compilation it's on) but that is so amazing to me. These are not songs dashed off; there's a lot of thought and design in them and that's a big part of why I like them (reminds me of Randy's Ozzy in that way).
We Belong To The Night: The only song I really don't care for much; I think it's a let down from what came before (thankfully it picks back up). It's not a BAD song, another good story from Phil, but it doesn't have the variety and the unpredictability of the rest of the material. It almost seems like an interlude, or a "programmed", "hey this will go over great live as an encore!" stab at something.
Let It Rain: Thankfully, we're back after a short break. I love everything about this song; the intro, the little brief solo before the verse, and the way Phil sets the whole story with "Two lovers in a desperate game!" No joke, even though this sounds silly, he has the BEST first lines on on this album. EVERY lyric has a first line that grabs me and sucks me into the story. The chorus is a bit lighter than some of the darker stuff here, but it's catchy and it fits Phil's voice almost perfectly. Good melody without really exposing his limitations (range). Another Chapman solo that almost sneaks it's way in, half mid-verse fill and half full-on solo.
Terri: I'd pay hard money to listen to Phil sing this in a small smoky club. Lyrically it's bleak, but Phil's performance here carries the song. Again, another solo break from out in left field that fits back into the song (in the form of the chorus) perfectly. I love Chapman's fills on this song. I daresay he does that as well if not better than Michael. Little hits and runs that elevate the song and reinforce what Phil is singing about (listen to the last chorus; the way Chapman underlines "everyone laughing at me".)
Feel It: I love this song. It almost has that weird feel of "On With The Action" the way he sings the chorus, but it's not as jarring and it words. Great legato playing by Chapman in the part immediately following the chorus where he lays down a sort of foundation for Phil's vocals (the "ooh ooh, it's a love that makes you burn" part). Then the bridge that leads from the legato part immediately into the solo. Another solo that starts off with the verse rhythm and takes you somewhere else, leading into that "ooh ooh" part, not the chorus.
Dreaming: A good closer; nothing really to say here that hasn't been said already, just done really really well. This might be Chapman's best "fast" solo on the main record, though. I love the outro, with the backing vocals, so dreamlike and evocative.
Heel Of A Stranger: The b-side, and my favorite song from the whole package. It helps (hurts?) that the lyrics have a certain relevance to me, but I just love the way the music seems to run counter to lyrical message (happy upbeat music with saxophone, depressing lyrics) but still highlighting them and elevating them. The promise of both wonder and pain in "I was 17 and I thought you were one in a million!".... makes it that much more powerful when Phil sings "I saw the signs, but not the danger"; he projects that sort of wistful regret that I know I've felt before. Who hasn't gone through a relationship, and in the burning wreckage of it's end, realized that they should have seen it all coming? That all the signs were there? Add to that a chorus that just sticks in my head like glue (I was literally singing it all morning this morning even before I knew that Tim had posted this album), and another KILLER Chapman solo (his best in the package for me) and this is perhaps my favorite UFO song (or at least top three).
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I've been posting some live links for the last three albums.
Obviously, Love To Love was not made for Paul Chapman, but I feel the live versions of some of the other tracks like Too Hot, Shoot Shoot, and the Obsession material really become a whole new animal with Chapman. There's a rocking rowdiness about them.
On the comp I have, there's a live show from February 4, 1980, and Chapman acquits himself nicely on the Schenker material, including Love To Love. No, it's not the same, but it's way better than it has any right to be.
Is the "Live Sightings" box the same as the Official Bootleg box? Are these worth it (I know I ordered the Strangers set when you posted the link).
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Damn that is a Hot Take! :lol
Gregg, 1981 is my all time favorite year of music. Another album I played the hell out of was Def Leppard's High n Dry. I still feel like it's a masterpiece. That's a great album, and at the time, I listened to it constantly.
Yeah, I was way more into High n' Dry than UFO/MSG at this point.
Also, I must point out that by this time I'd knocked up my girlfriend, got married, and had a baby daughter to look after (she just turned 40 last month!) Needless to say, my focus was elsewhere and my music money was precious. I only bought albums that really resonated with my tastes.
Firing up One Night... right now.
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Is the "Live Sightings" box the same as the Official Bootleg box? Are these worth it (I know I ordered the Strangers set when you posted the link).
The Live Sightings is totally different than the Official Box set.
The Live Sightings shows are:
Chicago 1980
Chicago 1981
St, Louis 1982
Cleveland 1982
and for some strange reason a show from 1972 with Larry Wallis..
On the Official Bootleg Box Set, there are two Chapman shows, but they are both Hammersmith shows. '81 and '82. The '82 Hammersmith show has also been released as Regenerator Live.
To me, Live Sightings is a MUST HAVE. I bought the mp3's years ago. I kind of regret not buying the hard copy, but I listen to those shows all the time.
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Also, I must point out that by this time I'd knocked up my girlfriend, got married, and had a baby daughter to look after (she just turned 40 last month!) Needless to say, my focus was elsewhere and my music money was precious. I only bought albums that really resonated with my tastes.
Wow Gregg. You guys were pretty young, huh?
I'm sure it wasn't easy, but hell, you worked it out, man. :tup
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Listened to TWTWTI a couple more times and this is a really nice album. Long Gone, It's Killing Me and Makin' Moves are really mature, really nice songs. Paul's solo in Moves is excellent.
I'm not sure what Shenker die hards thought about Chapman, but sounds like Shenker was very indulgent in making old UFO very lead guitar heavy. It's true, the Shenker magic is missing the last two albums but that's hardly Chapman's fault. It just seems the songwriting style shifted. Violence obviously does reek of classic UFO though. That's a great solo. Paul's little section at 3:25 is simply a wonderful lick. Would be interesting to hear Schenker on this.
That's awesome. I was concerned because I know you were really impressed with Schenker. I'm glad you are able to appreciate the Chapman Era so far. WWI is a top UFO album for me. It's really consistent, and the band is still going strong.
And Schenker on profession Of Violence? That would slay! But it's Paul Chapman's finest moment.
I was no guitar expert when Chapman joined, but I certainly didn't really think the playing wasn't any good. There was a change in style, certainly, but the lack of Schenker didn't put me off, and when I got into UFO he had already gone.
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The pace is fine for me so far but I am very familiar with th ese albums. As we go on, I will be listening to things I've never heard and some only heard in the last couple of weeks. Looking forward to that.
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I don't think I will be leaving it so long before playing again although I know it won't replace SITN or Blackfoot's Highwaysong Live as my live GOAT... it's not too far away though.
Love me some Blackfoot.
Scanned this in from my Piece Of Mind tour program.
(https://i.imgur.com/orevuIF.jpg)
There may be a Blackfoot feature in the next thread I'm considering.
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There may be a Blackfoot feature in the next thread I'm considering.
Hell yeah!!
Mechanix was the first UFO album I, or any of my friends, didn't buy on release since Obsession. Someone brought Let It Rain to a party one night, and later on I heard The Writer on a pub jukebox, so then I got it and was happy I did so. It had a harder edge again than TWTWATI, but the writing also seemed to be a bit different. However I enjoyed Mechanix in the main apart from a few songs, but it didn't quite seem as solid as the previous platter. I have played it occasionally over the years but nowhere near as much as LO, Obsession, SITN or WWI.
So to tonight and not much has changed in my opinion. There are some terrific songs: Doing It All For You is top drawer UFO with a bit of a twist. The Writer has balls and is quite different for the band. Feel It is classic Pete way writing, Dreaming, We Belong...
Unfortunately Terri and Back Into My Life seem to be where the cracks were maybe starting to show; not up the standards of Try Me or Profession of Violence. Then... Something Else, almost a nod to the Sex Pistols maybe urged by Way, but it's not really welcome.
Overall probably UFOs second best Chapman album, but with hindsight, the future maybe starting to look grim.
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Back in the day I found the production on Mechanix to be a bit harsh, but on my CD remaster it sounds great. Songwise, the songs are solid but there is nothing that stands out to me.
TAC, regarding your comment about the 2009 remaster of the MSG album, I will see if can track down a copy. I never did get the early MSG albums on CD. I still just have my worn out vinyl copies.
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I'm playing One Night At Budokan.... WAYYYYYYYYYYYYY better than I remember (and it wasn't exactly bad then). I have the 2009 remasters (though my MSG and Rock Will Never Die are Japanese remasters from ... probably the same year).
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TAC, regarding your comment about the 2009 remaster of the MSG album, I will see if can track down a copy. I never did get the early MSG albums on CD. I still just have my worn out vinyl copies.
It's on Spotify. Oddly, I'm having trouble finding it on Amazon. Every other one is one there...
I'm playing One Night At Budokan.... WAYYYYYYYYYYYYY better than I remember (and it wasn't exactly bad then).
:metal
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I love Mechanix. It has 4 songs that are incredible openings and closers (on vinyl original A/B sides). There’s a very balanced participation in the compositions of Chapman, Way and Carter, which I personally found an excellent addition. It has more guitar layers in the arrangements and the keyboards tones are very cool. Let it Rain is very commercial, but in a good way, and there’s excellent ballads like Back Into my Life and Terri. Even Something Else, although a bit strange, I like it a lot. Because all of that, it’s my second favorite UFO album.
OBSESSION (my favorite)/MECHANIX- 10+/10
FORCE IT/NO HEAVY PETTING/LIGHTS OUT/ THE WILD THE WILLING AND THE INNOCENT - 9,5
?/? - 9,0
PHENOMENON/? – 8,5
NO PLACE TO RUN/? – 8,0
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So...... Mechanix. Now, I got into UFO with the two Chrysalis compilations (each with five albums, one with Schenker and one with Chapman and Atomik Tommy M). They are a complilation, so each disk has an album - or part of an album - and something else (live tracks, b-sides). For some reason, on the second set, Mechanix and the b-side are their own CD.
So I put on the CD and heard that opening riff to "The Writer" and it was all downhill from there. I love that riff, and I love that song. Second or third favorite on the record. I'll say this now, but I'll repeat it later too: this is Phil Mogg's best LYRICAL album if you ask me. Every song is a story, every song has a meaning, and every song is just wierd enough to be Phil without getting into "what the FUCK is he talking about?" territory. REALLY strong lyrically if you ask me. Second, the difference for me between Schenker and Chapman is that Chapman does a way better job of setting up his solos; the solo breaks either have a different rhythm, or there's something interesting going in or coming out of the solo. They seem more a part of the song than some of Schenker's. I still think Michael is the better player, but I also don't think the gap is that great (the comp has a live version of Love To Love with Chapman that just SLAYS).
The Writer: nuff said.
Somethin' Else: Eddie Cochran, and the second Eddie Cochran song they covered (C'mon Everybody, off the very first record, was the first). I like it. It's a bit out of place on the record, but it's not as bad as it could have been. Full disclosure: with a few expections - Baker Street for one, Billy Joel another - I dislike saxophone in rock. I don't get it, I don't think it's "cool" or "party" and usually ignore it. But there's a sound or a treatment on the sax on this record and I kind of dig it (like on the ending of "The Writer". It's on about three or four songs.
Back Into My Life: "It's another night, out on the avenue"; Phil is like the Bruce Springsteen of British hard rock. Haha. I love his stories and the way his lyrics are so... lyrical. They suck you in and as I've said, there's enough there that there's a payoff for the story. I like this song a lot, though with a heavy rocker, a 50's cover, and this ballad, the album is off to an uncertain start; which way is it going to go?
You'll Get Love: We have our answer; heavy, hard rock. Like most of the rest of the songs on this album, they start off unassuming, rock, but have a twist. I LOVE LOVE LOVE that riff in the chorus; so heavy, and so appropriate to the sort of creepy and sinister angle to the lyrics. This is a good example of what I mean by the solos; it starts off with the verse background, but he keeps soloing while the band kicks into the chorus and it's the perfect cap to the solo. The notes themselves are not up to Schenker's par, but the whole bit is almost necessary to the song.
Doing It All For You: More Mogg creepiness, but it fits the music almost perfectly. The intro and the verse sounds almost like Priest from Sad Wings of Destiny, but mid-verse the tempo picks up and the song kicks into high gear, only to slow back down - in a very different way - for the chorus. This is an amazing song, and an amazingly crafted song. This is not a 12-bar blues with a chorus. Again the solo is played over a completely different part, a rhythm we haven't heard before, but before Chapman is done, we cut back into the chorus, and it's almost a perfect segue for Mogg's vocal (and some new keyboards). Then after the chorus, an outro solo over another, different background with keyboards more prominent. This is an epic, in my view, and the strongest song on the main album.
Honestly, at this point I can't believe they were "short of material" and "wrote this in the studio". I know they did (I think Mogg says as much in the liner notes to the compilation it's on) but that is so amazing to me. These are not songs dashed off; there's a lot of thought and design in them and that's a big part of why I like them (reminds me of Randy's Ozzy in that way).
We Belong To The Night: The only song I really don't care for much; I think it's a let down from what came before (thankfully it picks back up). It's not a BAD song, another good story from Phil, but it doesn't have the variety and the unpredictability of the rest of the material. It almost seems like an interlude, or a "programmed", "hey this will go over great live as an encore!" stab at something.
Let It Rain: Thankfully, we're back after a short break. I love everything about this song; the intro, the little brief solo before the verse, and the way Phil sets the whole story with "Two lovers in a desperate game!" No joke, even though this sounds silly, he has the BEST first lines on on this album. EVERY lyric has a first line that grabs me and sucks me into the story. The chorus is a bit lighter than some of the darker stuff here, but it's catchy and it fits Phil's voice almost perfectly. Good melody without really exposing his limitations (range). Another Chapman solo that almost sneaks it's way in, half mid-verse fill and half full-on solo.
Terri: I'd pay hard money to listen to Phil sing this in a small smoky club. Lyrically it's bleak, but Phil's performance here carries the song. Again, another solo break from out in left field that fits back into the song (in the form of the chorus) perfectly. I love Chapman's fills on this song. I daresay he does that as well if not better than Michael. Little hits and runs that elevate the song and reinforce what Phil is singing about (listen to the last chorus; the way Chapman underlines "everyone laughing at me".)
Feel It: I love this song. It almost has that weird feel of "On With The Action" the way he sings the chorus, but it's not as jarring and it words. Great legato playing by Chapman in the part immediately following the chorus where he lays down a sort of foundation for Phil's vocals (the "ooh ooh, it's a love that makes you burn" part). Then the bridge that leads from the legato part immediately into the solo. Another solo that starts off with the verse rhythm and takes you somewhere else, leading into that "ooh ooh" part, not the chorus.
Dreaming: A good closer; nothing really to say here that hasn't been said already, just done really really well. This might be Chapman's best "fast" solo on the main record, though. I love the outro, with the backing vocals, so dreamlike and evocative.
Heel Of A Stranger: The b-side, and my favorite song from the whole package. It helps (hurts?) that the lyrics have a certain relevance to me, but I just love the way the music seems to run counter to lyrical message (happy upbeat music with saxophone, depressing lyrics) but still highlighting them and elevating them. The promise of both wonder and pain in "I was 17 and I thought you were one in a million!".... makes it that much more powerful when Phil sings "I saw the signs, but not the danger"; he projects that sort of wistful regret that I know I've felt before. Who hasn't gone through a relationship, and in the burning wreckage of it's end, realized that they should have seen it all coming? That all the signs were there? Add to that a chorus that just sticks in my head like glue (I was literally singing it all morning this morning even before I knew that Tim had posted this album), and another KILLER Chapman solo (his best in the package for me) and this is perhaps my favorite UFO song (or at least top three).
Great post! And thank you for explaining Heel Of A Stad...er..Stranger. ;D
Phil really had a way of penning lyrics that could be intensely personal. I always found that to be one his strengths. A lot of his lyrics and stories are almost mini movies. You can see the visual in your head.
And musically, UFO are right in tune to the words, even though the lyrics are written at the last possible moment. Back Into My Life is an example of this. The "It's another night down on the avenue"..you can see the visual clearly. And in the middle, where it goes "Night turns to day", and the music perfectly conveys the feeling.
Doing It All For You is like that. Musically the verses have a sort of anxiousness to them, and the chorus music has a warmth conveying the lyrics. And the instrumental break incredibly tells the story of the controlled build up to the heist, and then the "all hell's breaking loose" feeling of the solo. I have always loved the line "Tonight we're gonna be goin' out in style.".
One of the best examples is Dreaming Of Summer. But we'll get there soon enough...
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I intensely dislike Something Else. Definitely a skipper. The rest of Mechanix is quality though.
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Definitely a skipper.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTc5MTVmOGItZTA0My00NzIzLTk5NzYtOTNjMjk2ZGU4Yjk2XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMzI4NjI4NTI@._V1_.jpg)
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Great post! And thank you for explaining Heel Of A Stad...er..Stranger. ;D
Phil really had a way of penning lyrics that could be intensely personal. I always found that to be one his strengths. A lot of his lyrics and stories are almost mini movies. You can see the visual in your head.
And musically, UFO are right in tune to the words, even though the lyrics are written at the last possible moment. Back Into My Life is an example of this. The "It's another night down on the avenue"..you can see the visual clearly. And in the middle, where it goes "Night turns to day", and the music perfectly conveys the feeling.
Doing It All For You is like that. Musically the verses have a sort of anxiousness to them, and the chorus music has a warmth conveying the lyrics. And the instrumental break incredibly tells the story of the controlled build up to the heist, and then the "all hell's breaking loose" feeling of the solo. I have always loved the line "Tonight we're gonna be goin' out in style.".
One of the best examples is Dreaming Of Summer. But we'll get there soon enough...
Yes! Exactly! Great reference (and another great tune).
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Firing up One Night... right now.
That was quite enjoyable and other than the 11 minutes of Cozy throwing his drum kit down the basement stairs I'm thinking I might have to buy this as a superior recording of the first two MSG albums. Michael is just god tier!
Wow Gregg. You guys were pretty young, huh?
That's an understatement and a half. I was 19 when she was born!
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That was quite enjoyable and other than the 11 minutes of Cozy throwing his drum kit down the basement stairs I'm thinking I might have to buy this as a superior recording of the first two MSG albums. Michael is just god tier!
:metal :metal
Wow Gregg. You guys were pretty young, huh?
That's an understatement and a half. I was 19 when she was born!
Well, you done good, man.
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TAC, regarding your comment about the 2009 remaster of the MSG album, I will see if can track down a copy. I never did get the early MSG albums on CD. I still just have my worn out vinyl copies.
It's on Spotify. Oddly, I'm having trouble finding it on Amazon. Every other one is one there...
I don’t see it on Amazon Canada either, except for a 2018 version for $137 :sad:
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Phil is like the Bruce Springsteen of British hard rock.
I'm sure this was meant as a compliment, but to me this is exactly the same as saying Garth Brooks is the Paul Stanley of Country Music.
Okay, I took one for the team and listened to Mechanix. Next.
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Okay, I took one for the team and listened to Mechanix. Next.
:lol
You may be taking one for the team with the next album too.
And with Misdemeanor, you'll need an open mind. Half of the album is excellent. But then again, half of Mechanix is excellent too.
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But then again, half of Mechanix is excellent too.
For me, that's the problem. There was something to admire in most of the songs on Mechanix, but then there was just as much in the very same songs that was gag inducing. I can accept albums that have good songs and bad songs, but albums where only one song can make it all the way through without sucking (Terri).
God, I'm starting to sound like TAC now. :lol
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Both Pete Way and Neil Carter mention that Phil had a fascination with Bruce Springsteen.
But then again, half of Mechanix is excellent too.
For me, that's the problem. There was something to admire in most of the songs on Mechanix, but then there was just as much in the very same songs that was gag inducing. I can accept albums that have good songs and bad songs, but albums where only one song can make it all the way through without sucking (Terri).
Doing It All For You and Dreaming are both awesome!!!!
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God, I'm starting to sound like TAC now.
Not that there's anything wrong with that... :lol
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Doing It All For You and Dreaming are both awesome!!!!
I'll concede on Dreaming, but not on Doing It All For You. I've never been so glad of a Flomax commercial on Spotify in my life.
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Sounds like a great ad campaign!
(https://i.imgflip.com/4g1h97.jpg)
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I’ll be honest, starting with Mechanix, the UFO output just seems like one big blur for me. Sorta like Tull did starting with Under Wraps. That live video of We Belong to the Night that I caught on YouTube rocked my Sox off though.
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Wow, lot's of discussions with this one. I'll give this a spin today. Interesting all the comments on Chapman's leads too. Look forward to It.
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I’ll be honest, starting with Mechanix, the UFO output just seems like one big blur for me. Sorta like Tull did starting with Under Wraps. That live video of We Belong to the Night that I caught on YouTube rocked my Sox off though.
In fairness, UFO would be a blur for the next 10+ years. You're not the only one.
I think the live material from the Mechanix tour is mostly pretty solid. But the band was basically cooked, even though they squeaked out Making Contact.
But give everything up through the Schenker Reunion a chance. Misdemeanor has some great tunes, as does High Stakes. In fact, High Stakes has a Top 10 UFO track for me.
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Wow, lot's of discussions with this one. I'll give this a spin today. Interesting all the comments on Chapman's leads too. Look forward to It.
Looking forward to it!
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Love Misdemeanor, at least most of it. Never heard High Stakes...
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Never heard High Stakes...
I actually think you'd like it. Has Laurence Archer on guitar and Clive Edwards on drums.
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Looking forward to it.
I’ve just found out Saxon made some great albums after I stopped listening to them so even more joys to come 😀
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I’ve just found out Saxon made some great albums after I stopped listening to them so even more joys to come 😀
Saxon Listening Party!!
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I’ve just found out Saxon made some great albums after I stopped listening to them so even more joys to come 😀
Saxon Listening Party!!
I'm in.
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:lol
I am planning my next thread...and that ain't it. ;D
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Listening to a few songs early on from Mechanix this morning. Don't remember much but early thoughts;
The Writer: great riff. I notice right away the production is a lot better than the last two. Great song and I really enjoyed the horns at the end.
Something Else: I just never understood bands doing covers and having them on the actual album. Let alone the second song. Nothing wrong with this actually.
Back Into My Life: Didn't like where the album was heading with this track. It's fine but not my style. Probably needs another listen or two.
You'll Get Love: Nice moody rocker. This is a bit more like it. Great atmosphere.
Doing it All For You: Another really nice song. Great solo section. Great mood.
We Belong To the Night: I liked this one. Simple great rocker.
I'll add more thoughts with more listens when the songs get a bit familiar. Some of the songs I hear the Pear Jam vibe again. Really strong vibe that I can't shake.
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:lol
I am planning my next thread...and that ain't it. ;D
Winger first. Fair enough too.
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(https://media.makeameme.org/created/umm-how-about-5b4078.jpg)
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Back Into My Life: Didn't like where the album was heading with this track. It's fine but not my style. Probably needs another listen or two.
Doing it All For You: Another really nice song. Great solo section. Great mood.
These are two of my favorite Chapman Era songs. Back Into My life has a great ambiance. If you listen to the lyrics along with the music behind it, it really paints a vivid visual. "Night turns to day"...that's a great part.
Some of the songs I hear the Pear Jam vibe again. Really strong vibe that I can't shake.
Kade, at some point in this thread, I would really like you to cite some Pearl Jam tracks. Not to put you on the spot, but this genuinely interests me. Pearl Jam is a band I respect the hell out of, but I just can't listen to them for extended periods of time. I'm really not familiar with their catalog. I bought their first album, but never followed up with them.
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Something Else: I just never understood bands doing covers and having them on the actual album. Let alone the second song. Nothing wrong with this actually.
Just my 2 cents about it. I think is very cool to include that on an actual album if it's a version, an rearrangement from the original song, not just a cover. In this case and Mystery Train, UFO made versions of the original songs (and Mystery Train is a super cool, much superior version if compared to the original IMO).
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When I was younger, I never minded Somethin' Else. I actually liked it. A Lot. There are songs in their catalog that have aged better though.
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Assault Attack
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/5c/Msgassault.jpg/220px-Msgassault.jpg)(https://live.staticflickr.com/8645/16018841578_d8746a88ba_b.jpg)
https://open.spotify.com/album/4isa2M1fikyJKUf8hyhiGD?si=y3FsenJJSiOZtO9GrQFzsw
Released October 1982
Produced by Martin Birch
1. Assault Attack
2. Rock You To The Ground
3. Dancer
4. Samurai
5. Desert Song
6. Broken Promises
7. Searching For A Reason
8. Ulcer
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Graham Bonnet-Vocals
Chris Glen-Bass
Ted McKenna-Drums
Tommy Eyre-Keyboards
After the MSG tour, Gary Barden and Paul Raymond were basically fired by the band's manager Peter Mensch. Barden, because they wanted a name singer to help break America, and Raymond, because his salary could apparently help fund the name singer.
At the time, Cozy Powell remained in the band. Cozy would eventually join Whitesnake.
MSG re-emerged with former Rainbow singer Graham Bonnet, and new drummer Ted McKenna, who also played in The Sensational Alex Harvey Band with bassist Chris Glen.
This amazing sounding album would be produced by Martin Birch.
The Bonnet/Schenker partnership would be short lived. During a warm up gig in Sheffield right before the Reading Fest '82, Bonnet got so drunk pre show, that once he hit the stage, he ended up splitting his pants, and apparently his privates fell right out of his pants.
He was fired the next day, and Gary Barden was brought in on short notice to do the Reading show.
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Back Into My Life: Didn't like where the album was heading with this track. It's fine but not my style. Probably needs another listen or two.
Doing it All For You: Another really nice song. Great solo section. Great mood.
These are two of my favorite Chapman Era songs. Back Into My life has a great ambiance. If you listen to the lyrics along with the music behind it, it really paints a vivid visual. "Night turns to day"...that's a great part.
Some of the songs I hear the Pear Jam vibe again. Really strong vibe that I can't shake.
Kade, at some point in this thread, I would really like you to cite some Pearl Jam tracks. Not to put you on the spot, but this genuinely interests me. Pearl Jam is a band I respect the hell out of, but I just can't listen to them for extended periods of time. I'm really not familiar with their catalog. I bought their first album, but never followed up with them.
Yeah okay. It's funny, I've been thinking about which specific Pearl Jam tracks remind me of a lot of these songs and I can't put my finger on any. Will listen through some Pearl Jam though and find a few songs.
As I said, I'll listen through Mechanix a few times and post more thorough thoughts.
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I just posted Assault Attack, so I'll let that sit until Friday. Plenty of time to review Mechanix.
Whatever you can do on Pearl Jam would be great. No rush though. You've said it a few times and it has me intrigued.
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I've now fallen behind. I will say that I prefer The Four Horsemen over Mechanix but, oh wait, nevermind.
Starting to listen now.
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Revisiting AA blew me away. The production and sound Birch has given us here is mind blowing. The whole sound is amazing. The songs also are awesome. I'll post individual song thoughts on this too soon.
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I love everything about Assault Attack, right down to the album cover.
I read an interview with Graham Bonnet a couple of years ago and he was asked to describe his vocal style. His reply was,”loud”. :lol. That about sums it up. The whole feel of Assault Attack is loud, but in a very good way.
I was so impressed with Bonnet on the Schenker Fest tour that I purchased one of the Graham Bonnet Band albums, which I thoroughly enjoy. :metal
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I would say that Desert Song is my favorite tune from MSG
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Just finished Mechanix. Like the last 2, I find this pretty solid but it is a step down from those. For some reason I found the chorus to Let It Rain annoying. The track had some cool riffage going on at times and then this chorus that just seemed off to me. Just didn't fit the song. I don't know, just bugged me. Terri wasn't as bad as I expected based on comments but it wasn't great either.
As I have the remaster I also have Heel Of A Stranger. Really nice track and wonder why they left it off. Also have 3 live tracks which sound good as always.
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I would say that Desert Song is my favorite tune from MSG
Cracking tune.
Michael's guitar work on this album is quite brilliant. I was taken aback by some of the soloing here.
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I guess this is where I'll jump in... Mechanix being the UFO album I checked out just a few days ago.
Going way back in time to '93 and the glory days of Headbanger's Ball Europe, I remember seeing the live version of Lights Out from the Roundhouse on there. It didn't make an impression at the time since I was strictly into all things metal (it would take having my mind blown by Van Halen's Me Wise Magic in '96 and buying Best of Volume I to catch the hard rock bug). Fast forward to four years ago and my soon-to-be girlfriend sharing a live version of Space Child on facebook. I somewhat liked it and soon afterwards came across the fact that Love to Love was Steve Harris' favourite song. Well, hearing that one was the ticket. What an incredible tune. I got the collection of the first five Schenker albums and Strangers in the Night. After hearing all that great material I realized that UFO had slowly crept under my skin. That's something of a rare, precious thing with bands nowadays.
Prior to reading this excellent thread I'd only checked out Walk on Water and Covenant of the later albums and the first three MSG ones. Prompted by this I've been finally discovering the Chapman era (and MSG's One Night at Budokan, hell yes). It's been a pleasant surprise and as expected the thought I had of Schenker being irreplaceable was naive. Paul's a perfectly fine guitarist in his own right. Different, yes, but very tasty and a good replacement.
Although I've enjoyed pretty much everything I've heard so far my sweet spot with UFO falls around the time of Force It and No Heavy Petting. I'll get around to the first two albums eventually, but as of now I'm still not ready for that. :)
Judging by my first listen of Mechanix: it's uneven, but still my fave so far of the Chapman albums. I especially liked the Van Halen-esque guitar tones which give it a nice edge compared to No Place to Run and WWI. The album cover is hideous and cheap looking however, so much so that it must've had an unfavourable effect on how I viewed these post-Schenker albums. There's a lot of things that could've been done artistically with idea of "UFO mechanics". :D
A great band and a great man, both worthy of a listening party. Cheers, TAC! :tup
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Mechanix is a very mixed album. Finished my first listen and Let it Rain IMO is awful. That chorus is like a Wiggled song or something.
Terri I thought was quite good. The middle section with the call and answer between Paul and Phil was excellent and the solo was nice. Great ballad.
Feel It gave me that Foreigner vibe again and was just okay.
Dreaming was excellent. Really great rocker. I like the looseness in Paul's solo.
Heel of A Stranger I can see why Bill likes this. Nice catchy chorus. Could have been on the album.
Strange, inconsistent album, but I want to listen to this one again.
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I guess this is where I'll jump in... Mechanix being the UFO album I checked out just a few days ago.
Going way back in time to '93 and the glory days of Headbanger's Ball Europe, I remember seeing the live version of Lights Out from the Roundhouse on there. It didn't make an impression at the time since I was strictly into all things metal (it would take having my mind blown by Van Halen's Me Wise Magic in '96 and buying Best of Volume I to catch the hard rock bug). Fast forward to four years ago and my soon-to-be girlfriend sharing a live version of Space Child on facebook. I somewhat liked it and soon afterwards came across the fact that Love to Love was Steve Harris' favourite song. Well, hearing that one was the ticket. What an incredible tune. I got the collection of the first five Schenker albums and Strangers in the Night. After hearing all that great material I realized that UFO had slowly crept under my skin. That's something of a rare, precious thing with bands nowadays.
Prior to reading this excellent thread I'd only checked out Walk on Water and Covenant of the later albums and the first three MSG ones. Prompted by this I've been finally discovering the Chapman era (and MSG's One Night at Budokan, hell yes). It's been a pleasant surprise and as expected the thought I had of Schenker being irreplaceable was naive. Paul's a perfectly fine guitarist in his own right. Different, yes, but very tasty and a good replacement.
Although I've enjoyed pretty much everything I've heard so far my sweet spot with UFO falls around the time of Force It and No Heavy Petting. I'll get around to the first two albums eventually, but as of now I'm still not ready for that. :)
Judging by my first listen of Mechanix: it's uneven, but still my fave so far of the Chapman albums. I especially liked the Van Halen-esque guitar tones which give it a nice edge compared to No Place to Run and WWI. The album cover is hideous and cheap looking however, so much so that it must've had an unfavourable effect on how I viewed these post-Schenker albums. There's a lot of things that could've been done artistically with idea of "UFO mechanics". :D
A great band and a great man, both worthy of a listening party. Cheers, TAC! :tup
Great post, Ben. Lots to chew on. I hope you stick around from this point on. Lots of great stuff to come!!
Revisiting AA blew me away. The production and sound Birch has given us here is mind blowing. The whole sound is amazing. The songs also are awesome. I'll post individual song thoughts on this too soon.
I will too. Let's just say that Assault Attack didn't blow me away...
I was so impressed with Bonnet on the Schenker Fest tour
He was cool AF on that tour. The only singer that didn't look like he was having a good time was Doogie, which is unfortunate because he's made the best music of his career with Doogie since these early 80's albums.
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Huh, interested in your thoughts on it Tim. Out of the 4 first MSG albums, for me, it's easily the best of the bunch. No contest.
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I just listened to it a couple of days ago.
I have to go into Boston this morning, but when I get home I'll spin it and do a song by song.
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Summer of 82 and Budokan hadn't left my car since I taped (yes I bought the vinyl :P). A few of us were suggesting going to Reading again that year. Then we saw the line up: MSG, Maiden, Gary Moore, Blackfoot, so many good bands. Tickets bought. Shortly afterwards the news came through Graham Bonnet had replaced Gary Bardens... WTF!! Our immature attitude was dismay... Bardens was a rocker, he looked and sounded the part. Bonnet was a poser, HE HAD SHORT HAIR and yelled on Down To Earth. To be fairer, he had a great voice but it didn't seem right. Come Sunday night before headline time, yours truly flaked out after three days of solid drinking, soaked up by the occasional corn on the cob. I missed MSG. When I eventually came round back in the tent my friends were telling me how I missed a great show with Bardens ("Surprise, Surprise"), so I was sick again.
Assault Attack was rumoured to be delayed to allow Bardens to record his vocals in place of Bonnet's, but this was eventually deemed too costly. So it was a friend's turn to get this album. First impressions were not favourable, as Bonnet was yelling on every song and he wasn't a true rocker anyway, right? The single, Dancer, was too boppy, although a couple of other tracks were begrudgingly not bad, except Desert Song... that was the one, and I have still played over the years. The remainder of the album I forgot until another drunken night at my brothers home a good decade or so later. Hmmm it's not such a bad album, but I wouldn't go get my own copy so forgot it again.
So here we are on TAC's thread and I might have grown up... Bonnet is obviously a great singer when I have heard him on other LPs. Unfortunately my first impression on AA was so so, rather the first two tracks were. More Bonnet yelling with MS seemingly a little in the background. Then Dancer... this song is fun and catchy and far better than I remember, even if it is commercial. Samurai... now were talking, this is proper MSG. Desert Song is still a top class Schenker tune, with a better outro than I appreciated previously. Broken Promises also carries on the quality from the previous two songs, but not quite as good. Searching for a Reason is OK, better than the two openers, whilst Ulcer is not as good as ...Arena, but still a refreshing change to give Bonnet a rest. Girl from Uptown is a nice bonus and I'm sure would have been better placed than either of the first two cuts.
Finally we have a great sounding studio MSG album (Martin Birch), but the teaming of MSG with Graham Bonnet didn't quite click the way the label or management would have hoped IMO. I wonder if it would have been any better had Bardens laid down his vocals instead?
This was written after one listen tonight, so I will try play again (long suffering gf permitting) to see if there is any altered opinion. But who really cares what I think anyway... ;D
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Phil is like the Bruce Springsteen of British hard rock.
I'm sure this was meant as a compliment, but to me this is exactly the same as saying Garth Brooks is the Paul Stanley of Country Music.
Okay, I took one for the team and listened to Mechanix. Next.
See, you forgot who you're talking to. Garth Brooks as Paul Stanley? I'm up for that! (Garth is, by the way, a big Kiss fan).
I meant the Phil thing only in the sense that he seems to write about real people, and without judgment, two things that Springsteen does as well as anyone. There's a... humanity and a depth to Mogg's lyrics that I don't think is expected given the band, the genre, and the "mythology" around them (street fighters, drunks and drug addicts). I love Kiss like a brother, but I can't say there's even ONE lyric in their entire catalogue where I go "huh, that's ME!" (well, there is ONE: "Larger Than Life"). There are easily 10 UFO songs that fall into that category.
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Kade, at some point in this thread, I would really like you to cite some Pearl Jam tracks. Not to put you on the spot, but this genuinely interests me. Pearl Jam is a band I respect the hell out of, but I just can't listen to them for extended periods of time. I'm really not familiar with their catalog. I bought their first album, but never followed up with them.
I'd like in on that too, because I would find that interesting. I know McCready is a HUGE UFO fan (I already said he's been in a UFO cover band for almost 20 years now), and has been known to cop things he likes (the solo for Alive is essentially the solo from "She" by Kiss, which is itself a cop of the Doors song, "Five To One".) But Eddie is so much a voice in that band, and he's a Who guy, so that's where a lot of the obvious influences are.
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mind blown by Van Halen's Me Wise Magic in '96
NICE! Top ten VH song for me. LOVE that tune. "Do you believe.........."
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He was cool AF on that tour. The only singer that didn't look like he was having a good time was Doogie, which is unfortunate because he's made the best music of his career with Doogie since these early 80's albums.
So, I posted the picture before, and someone said "Gary Barden and Chris Glen". I'm assuming that was a jab at me because I'm fat, but for those that DON'T know, that was a pic of Gary Barden and ME. The show was at Irving Plaza, and after the show, there were two busses outside. Michael ran out, hopped in a cab and took off, but most of the rest of the band was very cool. Gary and I had a cigarette (well, he had a cigarette) and chatted for a good 15 minutes. He was SOOOO cool. I even asked him if he wanted a minute or if I could say hello, and he said sure, if you don't mind my smoke. I think he appreciated a fan that wasn't up in his grill with autographs and shit (HE actually suggested the photo, after some other fans came by for autographs, and didn't take any other pictures that I saw) and was very down to earth. Chris Glen (I have a photo of him too) was a gas; he was like a standup comedian on the side walk. Calling for Ted McKenna to come join him in pictures, etc. Ted was a very nice gentleman, shaking hands with anyone that would come by. Graham was... polite, but wanted to be on the bus, it seems. Some people got autographs, no pictures (that I saw), but he wasn't a dick. Doogie... I'm convinced he wasn't feeling well (if memory serves, it was February in NYC; I know Gary and I talked about the shitty northeast weather and what it does to a singing voice). He came out with a hoodie pulled low, didn't interact, didn't sign anything, didn't take any pictures. He wasn't "rude" per se, he said hello, but he marched directly from the door of the venue to the bus and that was that.
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Finished my first listen and Let it Rain IMO is awful. That chorus is like a Wiggled song or something.
I see I am not alone. The chorus just ruins what I think is an otherwise pretty good song. When I was trying to think of how to describe it in my earlier post, the thought was something along the line of why would they put this happy sounding kid-song like chorus in this track? You then site The Wiggles.
Let it rain, let it rain
On my big red car
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About Assault Attack, it’s at a very similar level of MSG (81). Another great, great album, plenty of great songs. Maybe Desert Song is the best here, with its incredible mood. Other than that, I just want to highlight that amazing rhythm guitar at 2:03 and 2:33 of Dancer, one of my all time favorites guitar parts of Schenker. This album also has the bonus of the wonderful Martin Birch’s production, one of the best in his career, no doubt.
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Stads, that was me who posted the Gary Barden and Chris Glen caption. ;D
Just being a wise ass.
The difference between you and Chris Glen is still a hundred pound gap. :lol
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Finished my first listen and Let it Rain IMO is awful. That chorus is like a Wiggled song or something.
I see I am not alone. The chorus just ruins what I think is an otherwise pretty good song. When I was trying to think of how to describe it in my earlier post, the thought was something along the line of why would they put this happy sounding kid-song like chorus in this track? You then site The Wiggles.
Let it rain, let it rain
On my big red car
Has a great guitar solo from Murray!
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I just want to highlight that amazing rhythm guitar at 2:03 and 2:33 of Dancer, one of my all time favorites guitar parts of Schenker.
It’s a great rhythm. Feels a bit similar to what he plays under the Feels Like A Good Thing solo.
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Assault Attack... ugh. So mixed feelings.
I was familiar with Bonnet from Rainbow's "Down To Earth", which is an album I like not love (though it's grown on me over the years). Later I liked him in Alcatrazz, but being a Barden fan, this album was not something I was looking for.
The good: Schenker and his tone. Holy crap does he sound good on this. The harmonics and then the harmony part of the solo on "Rock You To The Ground" are like listening to church bells. I don't mind Dancer at all because the guitars are just beautiful (though the lyrics are atrocious. "Not ideally built for ballet"? Wha?). Samurai; that GUITAR (this is becoming a theme); reminds me a lot of what Steve Morse sounds like now. Broken Promises and Saerching For A Reason are okay but more the same. I actually DIG Ulcer; I like the harmony guitars and the shuffle beat.
The bad: Bonnet. He's a yeller, like Coverdale can be, and worse for me, he's a breather. All I can hear in his vocals is the breaths in between screams. It's certainly "rock!" but after Barden and Mogg (though to be fair, I hadn't heard of Phil Mogg in '82) it's not what I think of when I think of Michael Schenker.
Trivia: Recorded at the Chateau d'Herouville where Elton John recorded so much of his classic works (Goodbye Yellow Brick Road for one), and where Tull recorded the famous "Chateau d'Isaster" tapes. Also, Tommy Eyre plays keyboards; among other things, he played with Gary Moore, Wham! and he plays on Gerry Rafferty's "Baker Street", a favorite of mine.
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Stads, that was me who posted the Gary Barden and Chris Glen caption. ;D
Just being a wise ass.
The difference between you and Chris Glen is still a hundred pound gap. :lol
Thank god...... :) :) :)
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Revisiting AA blew me away. The production and sound Birch has given us here is mind blowing. The whole sound is amazing. The songs also are awesome. I'll post individual song thoughts on this too soon.
Yeah its a great one but I guess it depends if you like Bonnett at all. I love him generally but he is a one trick pony. Everything is belted. He can still do it now too, with a bad back!
We discussed Desert Song a while ago and it's a great track. Several parts to it but cohesive and I'm a sucker for anything middle eastern sounding (thank you Ritchie Blackmore).
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Assault Attack... ugh. So mixed feelings.
I was familiar with Bonnet from Rainbow's "Down To Earth", which is an album I like not love (though it's grown on me over the years). Later I liked him in Alcatrazz, but being a Barden fan, this album was not something I was looking for.
The good: Schenker and his tone. Holy crap does he sound good on this. The harmonics and then the harmony part of the solo on "Rock You To The Ground" are like listening to church bells. I don't mind Dancer at all because the guitars are just beautiful (though the lyrics are atrocious. "Not ideally built for ballet"? Wha?). Samurai; that GUITAR (this is becoming a theme); reminds me a lot of what Steve Morse sounds like now. Broken Promises and Saerching For A Reason are okay but more the same. I actually DIG Ulcer; I like the harmony guitars and the shuffle beat.
The bad: Bonnet. He's a yeller, like Coverdale can be, and worse for me, he's a breather. All I can hear in his vocals is the breaths in between screams. It's certainly "rock!" but after Barden and Mogg (though to be fair, I hadn't heard of Phil Mogg in '82) it's not what I think of when I think of Michael Schenker.
Generally, I am in your camp totally.
Assault Attack- I've always liked this song. I think it's the strongest song on the album. But Bonnet screaming he's gonna kick me in the head right off...WTF??
Rock You To The Ground- Honestly, I hate this song...the song part. But the instrumental part is f'n spectacular. When Stadler says "The harmonics and then the harmony part of the solo on "Rock You To The Ground" are like listening to church bells."
Amen Brother!
Dancer is OK. Pretty mediocre. Nice playing from Michael for sure.
Samurai- Love the beginning to this song.
Desert Song- Excellent tune
Broken Promises-Worst song on the album. Never thought, much of it. And Graham, WTF are you screaming for??
Searching For A Reason- Sounds like it could've come from the first two MSG albums. Especially the beginning. But I swear Bonnet gargles his way through the whole thing. This song simply never lives up to it's opening lines. Until it closes with them.
Ulcer-Mailed in. Completely
Girl From Uptown-This song blows chunks.
Assault Attack has a solid Side 1 and a weak Side 2.
This album sounds amazing though and I wish MSG and Built To Destroy sounded the same. Michael's playing, especially on Side 1 is incredible. But this album feels a little short on material.
And it's not that I don't like Graham Bonnet...it's just I don't "like" him, if you know what I mean. I think frankly, he ruins the albums he's on. I was as disappointed with this as I was when I bought No Parole. His screeching is simply "in the way".
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Summer of 82 and Budokan hadn't left my car since I taped (yes I bought the vinyl :P). A few of us were suggesting going to Reading again that year. Then we saw the line up: MSG, Maiden, Gary Moore, Blackfoot, so many good bands. Tickets bought. Shortly afterwards the news came through Graham Bonnet had replaced Gary Bardens... WTF!! Our immature attitude was dismay... Bardens was a rocker, he looked and sounded the part. Bonnet was a poser, HE HAD SHORT HAIR and yelled on Down To Earth. To be fairer, he had a great voice but it didn't seem right. Come Sunday night before headline time, yours truly flaked out after three days of solid drinking, soaked up by the occasional corn on the cob. I missed MSG. When I eventually came round back in the tent my friends were telling me how I missed a great show with Bardens ("Surprise, Surprise"), so I was sick again.
Assault Attack was rumoured to be delayed to allow Bardens to record his vocals in place of Bonnet's, but this was eventually deemed too costly. So it was a friend's turn to get this album. First impressions were not favourable, as Bonnet was yelling on every song and he wasn't a true rocker anyway, right? The single, Dancer, was too boppy, although a couple of other tracks were begrudgingly not bad, except Desert Song... that was the one, and I have still played over the years. The remainder of the album I forgot until another drunken night at my brothers home a good decade or so later. Hmmm it's not such a bad album, but I wouldn't go get my own copy so forgot it again.
So here we are on TAC's thread and I might have grown up... Bonnet is obviously a great singer when I have heard him on other LPs. Unfortunately my first impression on AA was so so, rather the first two tracks were. More Bonnet yelling with MS seemingly a little in the background. Then Dancer... this song is fun and catchy and far better than I remember, even if it is commercial. Samurai... now were talking, this is proper MSG. Desert Song is still a top class Schenker tune, with a better outro than I appreciated previously. Broken Promises also carries on the quality from the previous two songs, but not quite as good. Searching for a Reason is OK, better than the two openers, whilst Ulcer is not as good as ...Arena, but still a refreshing change to give Bonnet a rest. Girl from Uptown is a nice bonus and I'm sure would have been better placed than either of the first two cuts.
Finally we have a great sounding studio MSG album (Martin Birch), but the teaming of MSG with Graham Bonnet didn't quite click the way the label or management would have hoped IMO. I wonder if it would have been any better had Bardens laid down his vocals instead?
This was written after one listen tonight, so I will try play again (long suffering gf permitting) to see if there is any altered opinion. But who really cares what I think anyway... ;D
Thank you for that Mac! Reading must've been sick. Leaving before MSG?? That blows.
You should've checked Twitter earlier in the day! :lol
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Ah, Assault Attack. Perhaps the biggest squandered opportunity in rock history.
First, a moment of reverence for Martin Birch. The production and engineering on this album has all the elements that gave us such classics as Rising, Heaven & Hell, Fire of Unknown Origin, and nine Iron Maiden Albums. If you listen to this album with good head phones, he’s put Michael’s guitars right inside your ears in the most pleasant way possible. He knew who the star of this recording was and the clarity and care with which he captured the performances is nothing less than perfect.
And Schenker himself is in his finest form. From creativity, to song structure, to note selection, and performance. His leads are tasteful, jaw dropping, and fit the compositions like a glove. This album is a fine document of Schenker at the height of his powers.
Add in the sneaky good combination of Glen and McKenna on bass and drums respectively. Birch found plenty of sonic space for them to lay down tasty grooves that must have had Michael grinning with glee. If you want to have someone pound drums for you, it’s usually a good idea to find a Scotsman.
But then…the entire enterprise is power-nerfed by inane and painfully obvious lyrics. By the over-singing. Ladies and gentlefish, for your cartoon amusement, I give you the clown prince of bellowing, the Destructor of Rainbow, Graham Bonnet! God, this guy makes Barden sound like Bocelli. Birch nearly saved it by centering him in the mix and putting the vocals as far away as he could. Nearly.
I want to love this album. I really do, but other than Ulcer, I hope I never have to listen to it again.
EDIT: I posted this before I read the above. I was prepared to take heat for my thoughts on this album...but, apparently not. :rollin
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Yes, all of that!
And amongst the recent deaths in the UFO family, Ted McKenna was really the first blow. I'm just thankful to have seen him before he passed.
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EDIT: I posted this before I read the above. I was prepared to take heat for my thoughts on this album...but, apparently not. :rollin
Nope. In fact..
God, I'm starting to sound like TAC now.
:lol
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Phil is like the Bruce Springsteen of British hard rock.
I'm sure this was meant as a compliment, but to me this is exactly the same as saying Garth Brooks is the Paul Stanley of Country Music.
Okay, I took one for the team and listened to Mechanix. Next.
See, you forgot who you're talking to. Garth Brooks as Paul Stanley? I'm up for that! (Garth is, by the way, a big Kiss fan).
No duh! Why the hell do you think I put it that way? :rollin :rollin
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Jesus, I think Graham kicks ass on this whole fucking album. A welcome relief from Barden's vanilla vocals.
I never would have picked the negativity. I'll post breakdowns of each song and more thoughts if I ever get to sit down for an hour on my home PC.
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Bonnet has always written weird lyrical topics.
He’s still doing it. His latest album has a song about polar bears 🤘🤘🤘
And I’m with Kade. I’d take Graham overBarden.
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Bonnet has always written weird lyrical topics.
He’s still doing it. His latest album has a song about polar bears 🤘🤘🤘
And I’m with Kade. I’d take Graham overBarden.
That Polar Bear song was great. I will have to check that new album.
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Bonnet has always written weird lyrical topics.
He’s still doing it. His latest album has a song about polar bears 🤘🤘🤘
And I’m with Kade. I’d take Graham overBarden.
That Polar Bear song was great. I will have to check that new album.
Polar Bear :lol
Yeah, that wasn't a bad song, but that album kinda blows,
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Just going to put this here:
"She works at it hard and she keeps herself to herself
But she can take what she gets anyway
She talks of the things and places she wants to go
But she knows that she wants all the things she wants
She's a great dancer
Not ideally built for ballet
She's got her calling card to live this way
The young teenage boys
Would climb on cars just to take a look
They watch her move, schoolboy dreamers fantasy
Everybody knows, she knows, she knows
She's got a good voice
She's keen and got some visual sense
She's keen and has to take a chance
Which she knows in her streetwise way"
Are you friggin' kidding me? Why didn't someone pull him aside and ask GRAHAM to write the lyrics instead of his eight year old kid? I'm pretty sure Michael in his broken Germanic English could do better than that. "She knows that she wants all the things that she wants"? "She's keen and got some visual sense"?
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But, she's a great dancer.
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Lyrics were never something I paid much attention to with any music I've ever listened to. It just doesn't carry much weight for me.
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Are you friggin' kidding me? Why didn't someone pull him aside and ask GRAHAM to write the lyrics instead of his eight year old kid?
As long as he doesn't ask Robin McAuley..
Open up your heart I'm comin' through your world today
Release yourself upon my eagerness In every way
So young and innocent, too naive to understand
I'll take you by the hand And lead you to the promised land
Wind that beats across my face Rain that soaks my skin
Excitement that I feel down below And deep within
Each time I look at you My little girl, I know it's true
I just can't help myself Can't stop myself all over you
I'm just a spirit on a mission from above
Sent here to satisfy the lust we're all thinkin' of
Your conscience holds the sins, beg me for forgiveness
The penance you receive Will fill your heart with happiness
Save Yourself I have come to take your soul
To save yourself Your finest hour has just begun
Save yourself A night with me is all it takes
To save yourself Your finest hour has just begun
I've never known so much power Since it all began
The Lord him self must have touched me With his very hand
Such loveliness lying here before This troubled man
My little angel spread your wings And fly me upside down
I'm just a spirit on a mission from above
Sent here to satisfy the lust we're all thinkin' of
Your conscience holds the sins, beg me for forgiveness
The penance you receive Will fill your heart with happiness
Save Yourself I have come to take your soul
To save yourself Your finest hour has just begun
Save yourself A night with me is all it takes
To save yourself Your finest hour has just begun
I think I'm gonna announce tonight to The Lovely Mrs TAC
"RELEASE YOURSELF UPON MY EAGERNESS!"
Yeah, that oughta work. :lol
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Jesus, I think Graham kicks ass on this whole fucking album. A welcome relief from Barden's vanilla vocals.
So couple things regarding Barden.
First, I've been listening to him for almost 40 years. I'm kind of used to him. Yes, he songs on one of my favorite albums, and yes, I love Budokan.
Second, I love it in spite of him. I think he's fine on MSG, but he's really not all that good. Live he's worse.
Schenker reunites the band from the first album for an album in 2008, and Barden sounds awful. In fact the entire album pretty much blows.
But at least with Barden and Bonnet, there's some character behind the vocals. That is something that would be sorely missed from MSG albums for a long time, that is until Doogie comes along.
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Just going to put this here:
"She works at it hard and she keeps herself to herself
But she can take what she gets anyway
She talks of the things and places she wants to go
But she knows that she wants all the things she wants
She's a great dancer
Not ideally built for ballet
She's got her calling card to live this way
The young teenage boys
Would climb on cars just to take a look
They watch her move, schoolboy dreamers fantasy
Everybody knows, she knows, she knows
She's got a good voice
She's keen and got some visual sense
She's keen and has to take a chance
Which she knows in her streetwise way"
Little known fact. That was the second draft. The first draft was.
She wakes up in the mornin'
Has a bit of a piss
Pours a large cuppa
Pulls leotards over her bum
Gets a lift to the studio
SHE'S A GREAT DANCER
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I'm looking forward to the rest of the MSG albums more than the UFO if I'm being honest Tim.
I loved Doogie with Yngwie so looking forward to those.
Listening to AA in the car again this morning, the production helps the songs a lot. One of the cleanest and greatest albums I've heard. Sonically unreal.
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I'm looking forward to the rest of the MSG albums more than the UFO if I'm being honest Tim.
Both discographies have hits and misses. We still have yet to hear from the second best UFO guitarist, and the second best UFO live album.
Plus remember, these are the CLASSIC MSG albums. Many artists chase their classic periods for the rest of their career. Michael Schenker really isn't much different.
Plus, don't forget, Michael Schenker does three more albums with UFO!!
I loved Doogie with Yngwie so looking forward to those.
The two albums that were straight Doogie before the MSFest albums are the most inspired writing from Michael in a long time. Memorable songs with great hooks all over those two albums.
Listening to AA in the car again this morning, the production helps the songs a lot. One of the cleanest and greatest albums I've heard. Sonically unreal.
So yes this is all true. It sounds amazing, and I think it inflates the album's actual worth, especially compared to the other three of the first four albums, which songwise, I feel are stronger than AA.
I mean, can you imagine Looking For Love with this production?? Holy shit!
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Schenker reunites the band from the first album for an album in 2008, and Barden sounds awful. In fact the entire album pretty much blows.
Ah, yes, I forgot about In the Midst of Beauty. It does indeed blow, and not just because of Barden.
In the Midst of Mediocrity.
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I was sooo disappointed with it. I know Barden isn't the greatest, but I was just looking forward to it.
Going through some of the mid career MSG albums, and if Wolfking considers Barden vanilla, I don't know what he'll call these jamokes.
These guys make Barden sound like damn chocolate.
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Just wanted to mention, to be fair to Graham Bonnet, he certainly does a memorable job. I mean, I mentioned Assault Attack is to me, the strongest track on the album. And I think for that song, Bonnet is totally fitting. Was just listening to the version on the Unforgiven World Tour live album with Kelly Keeling on this song, and holy shit, does he suck.
I have a pretty good boot from 1983 where Barden does Desert Song, and well, at least there's some character behind it.
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Just wanted to mention, to be fair to Graham Bonnet, he certainly does a memorable job. I mean, I mentioned Assault Attack is to me, the strongest track on the album. And I think for that song, Bonnet is totally fitting. Was just listening to the version on the Unforgiven World Tour live album with Kelly Keeling on this song, and holy shit, does he suck.
I have a pretty good boot from 1983 where Barden does Desert Song, and well, at least there's some character behind it.
There's a video of Desert Song on YouTube with Gary's vocal in studio. I'm currently at work and on my phone, so I can't post it, but it should be easy to track down.
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Tim you mentioned that you thought Broken Promises was the worst on the album and you never thought much of it. I haven’t listened to it for awhile but just listened to that song specifically again and I think it’s an ass kicker, excellent solo too
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Tim you mentioned that you thought Broken Promises was the worst on the album and you never thought much of it. I haven’t listened to it for awhile but just listened to that song specifically again and I think it’s an ass kicker, excellent solo too
Agree. Possibly the best solo on the album, maybe except for the outro of Desert Song.
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Thank you for that Mac! Reading must've been sick. Leaving before MSG?? That blows.
You should've checked Twitter earlier in the day! :lol
Yeah, one of life's few regrets. I got ribbed about it for a few years afterwards :laugh:
I give AA another spin. This time without being focussed on work texts, and revised my opinion about the title track and Rock You to the Ground. Better than I initially gave them credit for, but still nothing amazing. Overall its a solid record, but not as good as the first two. Some songs are terrific (Samurai and Desert Song) but still Graham Bonnet ruins many parts of an otherwise excellent sounding record.
On to Making Contact... hmmmm :sad:
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The link for the video for Desert Song with Gary's vocals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5W7SRUtRko
My thoughts on AA:
The title track is very energetic. I'm not usually a fan of Graham Bonnet, but I have no problem with his singing on this song. In fact, this is probably the most tolerable thing that I've ever heard him do. The bass line during the lead section is excellent, and MS is in top form. Rock You to the Ground, Broken Promises and Searching for a Reason are all serviceable songs that don't add a lot, or subtract much from the album as a whole.
Samurai is an excellent song and it would be the best song on the album if not for my favorite MSG track of all time, Desert Song. I could gush on sentence after sentence about how much I love Desert Song, but I don't have enough clean towels in the house to clean up the mess afterwards.
Ulcer is a big meh, and I could care less if I ever heard it again.
This leaves one song to be mentioned. The biggest steaming pile of shit in the entire MSG catalog. Dancer... Not only are the lyrics terrible, as others have already mentioned. But there is absolutely nothing redeemable about this "song". To add insult to injury, I was able to catch the first MS Fest tour a few years ago, and they tried to ruin an almost perfect evening of music by putting this turd in the setlist. Could they have played a much better selection during Graham's section of the show (cough Samurai cough)? Most certainly! Instead, they chose to pelt the audience with this audible garbage. Wonders never cease...
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The link for the video for Desert Song with Gary's vocals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5W7SRUtRko
My thoughts on AA:
The title track is very energetic. I'm not usually a fan of Graham Bonnet, but I have no problem with his singing on this song. In fact, this is probably the most tolerable thing that I've ever heard him do. The bass line during the lead section is excellent, and MS is in top form. Rock You to the Ground, Broken Promises and Searching for a Reason are all serviceable songs that don't add a lot, or subtract much from the album as a whole.
Samurai is an excellent song and it would be the best song on the album if not for my favorite MSG track of all time, Desert Song. I could gush on sentence after sentence about how much I love Desert Song, but I don't have enough clean towels in the house to clean up the mess afterwards.
Ulcer is a big meh, and I could care less if I ever heard it again.
This leaves one song to be mentioned. The biggest steaming pile of shit in the entire MSG catalog. Dancer... Not only are the lyrics terrible, as others have already mentioned. But there is absolutely nothing redeemable about this "song". To add insult to injury, I was able to catch the first MS Fest tour a few years ago, and they tried to ruin an almost perfect evening of music by putting this turd in the setlist. Could they have played a much better selection during Graham's section of the show (cough Samurai cough)? Most certainly! Instead, they chose to pelt the audience with this audible garbage. Wonders never cease...
Barden did a video for Dancer in what looks like the same session.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xag_iuE7LKo
I don't really mind Dancer. It's not great, but it never really bothered me.
Tim you mentioned that you thought Broken Promises was the worst on the album and you never thought much of it. I haven’t listened to it for awhile but just listened to that song specifically again and I think it’s an ass kicker, excellent solo too
Agree. Possibly the best solo on the album, maybe except for the outro of Desert Song.
It's easily the most annoying Bonnet is on the entire album.
Hell yes, the solo is great, especially the second half of it.
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1982 Update
Pete Way would leave UFO after the Mechanix tour.
First, he would produce the debut album from Twisted Sister.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0b/TS_UnderBlade1.jpg)
He would even join them onstage at that summer's Reading Festival, as did Lemmy and Eddie from Motorhead..
https://youtu.be/usvnTbsyeR4?t=273
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ukrockfestivals.com%2Freading-82-jam.jpg&hash=3198ee26904c6f39a224cb917d45c0ee8991ca78)
Speaking of Reading, MSG would headline the third night.
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/80/d6/ea/80d6ead706c05c8d158a8e98f88c62b3.gif)
By this point, Gary Barden had rejoined the band after Graham Bonnet lasted exactly one show with MSG.
Pete would put together Fastway, with Fast Eddie Clark from Motorhead. Originally to include The Clash's Topper Headon, who was too strung out at the time, they turned to Jerry Shirley. With newcomer Dave King, they had the debut album worked up. Chrysalis showed little interest, yet refused to let Pete Way out of his contract to record the album for CBS. While Eddie maintains that his lawyers could've helped Pete out, Pete really just disappeared.
Pete would get an invitation to do Ozzy's fall UK tour.
(https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/o6chwvSQ92kWN4TVKtaAV7.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/5729/23183822803_5a2694f045_b.jpg)
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcRdI55otUx6VxOb2rLSxEcok3J51gmsbytJEA&usqp=CAU)
Pete mentions not really fitting in with Tommy Aldridge and Brad Gillis. Fast Eddie Clarke even mentions that Tommy Aldridge told Ozzy and Sharon that he wouldn't play with Pete.
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Making Contact
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/8d/UFO_-_Making_Contact.jpg)(https://www.phono.cz/data/image/galerie/ufo-making-contact/ufo-making-contact-back.jpg)
Making Contact (1983) (https://open.spotify.com/album/6SkLeQONahUWBcgZG7QJM8?si=7NLI3T1rRCqVy7c5eo-Zuw)
Released February 14, 1983
1. Blinded By A Lie
2. Diesel In The Dust
3. A Fool For Love
4. You And Me
5. When It's Time To Rock
6. The Way The Wild Wind Blows
7. Call My Name
8. All Over You
9. No Getaway
10. Push, It's Love
Phil Mogg-Vocals
Paul Chapman-Guitar/ Bass
Andy Parker-Drums
Neil Carter-Keyboards/Guitar/Bass
For the first time ever, UFO would enter the studio without Pete Way. Bass duties on the album would be shared by Paul Chapman and Neil Carter.
Kind of an odd collection of songs, if you ask me. There are a few pretty good ones, but this was a band clearly on fumes.
The band would once again use another rehashed Lone Star track as When It's Time To Rock.
Check out the beginning to The Bells Of Berlin (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asM8683vfzM&t=1s)
Blinded By A Lie TV spot (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUqjTipdjuo=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUqjTipdjuo)
and yes, that IS Billy Sheehan.
Of course, Billy Sheehan would join the band for the start of their Making Contact European tour. It was already agreed upon that he would leave at a predetermined date to rejoin Talas. Paul Gray, bassist for The Damned would actually join the tour before Billy had to leave. One night in Greece, however, hastened Billy's exit. Phil Mogg was so drunk, the show could not be finished, and Billy Sheehan walked off the tour that night. Paul Gray jumped in and the finished the final dates of the European tour. The band was about to call it a day, when they decided to do the last remaining UK tour as their final shows.
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I’ve definitely never heard this one before. I’ll check it out but if Tim thinks it fairly weak, I don’t have much confidence I’ll enjoy it that much.
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I’ve definitely never heard this one before. I’ll check it out but if Tim thinks it fairly weak, I don’t have much confidence I’ll enjoy it that much.
There's some decent songs, and it does kind of grow on you. I think stack ranking all of the albums, it is in the lower part for sure. There's a bunch of tunes I like on it though.
It starts off with a bang with Blinded By A Lie and Diesel In The Dust. Those are two cool tracks.
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Are the songs decent or just solid?
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They're decently solid.....and solidly decent.
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“Diesel in the Dust” is definitely a bad ass tune :metal
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(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcS59P8sVCJO1FZkwl1zM5ap8iE5P2BLUxa2Gg&usqp=CAU)
Pronounced dead at the wheel of his truck.
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Apparently one of most underrated UFO’s albums IMO. I think it’s just a bit below of Mechanix and WWI, but clearly superior than NPTR. Like I said about Mechanix, I really liked Carter writing skills. OK, maybe this album would be benefited of more Chapman's participation, just because I also like his writing. I think there’s a lot of strong songs here like Blinded by a Lie, Diesel in the Dust, A Fool for Love (that guitar solo with that immense keyboard sound is amazing. I hear here something that Van Halen would explore on 5150), You and Me (again, great guitar solo with a beautiful keyboard part), When it's Time to Rock and The Way the Wild Wind Blows. Say what you want, but I love UFO more commercial hard rock ballads like Call My Name. In fact, the only song I don’t like much here is Push, It’s Love that it's a bit disjointed. They were trying a punk/hard rock?! That was kind of compensated by a very cool B-side, Everybody Knows.
OBSESSION (my favorite)/MECHANIX- 10+/10
FORCE IT/NO HEAVY PETTING/LIGHTS OUT/ THE WILD THE WILLING AND THE INNOCENT - 9,5
MAKING CONTACT/? - 9,0
PHENOMENON/? – 8,5
NO PLACE TO RUN/? – 8,0
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I’ve definitely never heard this one before. I’ll check it out but if Tim thinks it fairly weak, I don’t have much confidence I’ll enjoy it that much.
There's some decent songs, and it does kind of grow on you. I think stack ranking all of the albums, it is in the lower part for sure. There's a bunch of tunes I like on it though.
It starts off with a bang with Blinded By A Lie and Diesel In The Dust. Those are two cool tracks.
I'd agree with that. Played it a few days ago. The production is a bit flat and lifeless which doesn't help. It's not a bad album, but not as good as those that went before. BBAL and DITD are excellent.
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Just finished up with my first ever listen to Making Contact
Overall impression was that this was a good listen. Side one is solid with a significant drop off for side two. Mogg's performances were pretty great throughout. I enjoyed Carter's synth patches even though they are pretty dated to the 80's but that's alright with me.
Diesel in the Dust is my favorite after one listen, followed closely by A Fool for Love and Blinded by a Lie, in that order. I really dug the moody solo for You and Me but overall the song is a tier lower that the first three songs. When It's Time to Rock had nice riffs but kind of a strange chorus. It grew on me the more I listened. Solid solo though.
The other songs (side 2) didn't do much for me but I did think the ending solo of All Over You was pretty nice. I thought the intro to No Getaway was very cool but it didn't really have anything to do with the rest of the song. Push, It's Love had nice energy but is too plodding for my tastes...and why was the bass so f'ing loud? Was Carter or Raymond sticking up a middle finger to Way? :lol
With all due respect to devieira73, I thought Everybody Knows blew chunks...to use a TACism
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I actually always really enjoyed Making Contact and played it to death back in the day. The song title, Diesel in the Dust, describes the sound of the album to my ears, which is kind of diesely :lol. I don't know how else to describe it...maybe dusky.
I will give it a listen again later today.
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With all due respect to devieira73, I thought Everybody Knows blew chunks...to use a TACism
No problem! :tup And with all due respect to Stadler, I think it's better than Heel of a Stranger :biggrin: (I really do!)
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Some decent songs here, but they're let down by a poor mix. All the instruments are crammed in the center. It sounds nearly mono. And then most things are more or less soaked in reverb and lack any bite to boot. It's a crying shame since whenever there's some nice riffage going on, like in When It's Time to Rock for example, it's getting drowned out.
It was quite the contrast switching from Assault Attack to Making Contact in that regard. I'll take Mogg over Bonnet any day, but other than that this was clearly MSG's round. Some cool solos by Chapman here also, but I'm not feeling the usual UFO magic.
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With all due respect to devieira73, I thought Everybody Knows blew chunks...to use a TACism
No problem! :tup And with all due respect to Stadler, I think it's better than Heel of a Stranger :biggrin: (I really do!)
I'll take Everybody Knows over Heel as well.
Just finished up with my first ever listen to Making Contact
Overall impression was that this was a good listen. Side one is solid with a significant drop off for side two. Mogg's performances were pretty great throughout. I enjoyed Carter's synth patches even though they are pretty dated to the 80's but that's alright with me.
Diesel in the Dust is my favorite after one listen, followed closely by A Fool for Love and Blinded by a Lie, in that order. I really dug the moody solo for You and Me but overall the song is a tier lower that the first three songs. When It's Time to Rock had nice riffs but kind of a strange chorus. It grew on me the more I listened. Solid solo though.
The other songs (side 2) didn't do much for me but I did think the ending solo of All Over You was pretty nice. I thought the intro to No Getaway was very cool but it didn't really have anything to do with the rest of the song. Push, It's Love had nice energy but is too plodding for my tastes...and why was the bass so f'ing loud? Was Carter or Raymond sticking up a middle finger to Way? :lol
A Fool For Love, while starting off a bit shaky props itself up, and Carter and Chapman are really good on this in the instrumental part.
I definitely like When It's Time To Rock. The beginning of the instrumental part if a great exercise in air drumming for me, similar to You Don't Fool Me.
I love all of the little drops Chapman does in All Over You after the lines in the verses, especially in the verse after the real nice solo.
Say what you want, but I love UFO more commercial hard rock ballads like Call My Name.
I agree in Call My Name. It's a great track.
The other thing I like about Making Contact is that with Neil Carter, they really developed some nice backing vocal sections.
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Some of the guys know from The Cool Thread that I'll occasionally scan in some of my old programs.
Now obviously I didn't see the Making Contact tour, but I found a program in a record shop in the 80's.
It doubles as a calendar.
(https://i.imgur.com/0THNAI6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/nlf2dTz.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/gyakj9z.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/x3ckxM1.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qC6kyVR.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/zbApxOK.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/hs1UIaF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6RSVEJW.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/9N9rbeI.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/BlIwTXz.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/9Ga4clJ.jpg)
I find it interesting that they did have plans to hit the US, and Asia, but the band ended up calling it a day after the last show at Hammersmith.
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I was sooo disappointed with it. I know Barden isn't the greatest, but I was just looking forward to it.
Going through some of the mid career MSG albums, and if Wolfking considers Barden vanilla, I don't know what he'll call these jamokes.
These guys make Barden sound like damn chocolate.
I could have written this post. 100%.
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I've got to revisit Making Contact. I'll do that this weekend.
Those pics are interesting. I know shaved his head (I thought that was around the time of the Speak Of The Devil show) but I haven't seen too many photos of that. I didn't know Pete ACTUALLY played with Ozzy; I thought it was another dine and dash like Fastway. Man, is Tommy Aldridge skinny. His hair must weigh more than his entire body.
(And that picture of Twisted at Reading looks like it was taken from one of the road cases! :) )
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Those pics are interesting. I know shaved his head (I thought that was around the time of the Speak Of The Devil show) but I haven't seen too many photos of that. I didn't know Pete ACTUALLY played with Ozzy; I thought it was another dine and dash like Fastway.
You are right about the timing. Speak was recorded in Sept of '82 and released in November. Pete did the Fall '82 UK tour with Ozzy.
Ozzy helps Pete out again by taking Waysted on tour in the states in 1984.
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Paging TAC:
Pete Way, UFO’s bass guitarist, was one of rock’s most admired and celebrated performers. The co-writer of some of the band’s greatest songs, including Lights Out, Only You Can Rock Me and Too Hot To Handle, Way’s powerful playing and dynamic stage act captured the imagination of UFO audiences worldwide. Up until his death in August 2020, Way’s energy and style had made him an unforgettable rock star and an inspiration to both his contemporaries and future generations of musicians.
Ross Halfin and Rufus Publications are pleased to announce the publication of Pete Way by Ross Halfin, a 240-page celebration of UFO’s iconic bass player, containing classic and unseen images.
THE PRE-ORDER STARTS FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25TH AT 3PM UK TIME. GET 10% OFF THE PRE-ORDER WITH THE CODE "WAY2020"
https://www.rufuspublications.com/rufusbooks/peteway
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TAC, that tour program is GOLD :hefdaddy
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Paging TAC:
Pete Way, UFO’s bass guitarist, was one of rock’s most admired and celebrated performers. The co-writer of some of the band’s greatest songs, including Lights Out, Only You Can Rock Me and Too Hot To Handle, Way’s powerful playing and dynamic stage act captured the imagination of UFO audiences worldwide. Up until his death in August 2020, Way’s energy and style had made him an unforgettable rock star and an inspiration to both his contemporaries and future generations of musicians.
Ross Halfin and Rufus Publications are pleased to announce the publication of Pete Way by Ross Halfin, a 240-page celebration of UFO’s iconic bass player, containing classic and unseen images.
THE PRE-ORDER STARTS FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25TH AT 3PM UK TIME. GET 10% OFF THE PRE-ORDER WITH THE CODE "WAY2020"
https://www.rufuspublications.com/rufusbooks/peteway
WOW, that looks amazing.
Unfortunately, I don't think I'm going to spend $93 on it.
Speaking of Ross Halfin books, I had meant to mention this book at the start of the thread, but for some reason I couldn't find an image of it.
When I was 14 or so, I actually had THIS book. It was released in late 1982.
(https://www.bing.com/th?id=OP.C7k%2b0RPZ4OE7Fg474C474&w=256&h=256&o=5&pid=21.1)
It was a fantastic photo collection of Ross Halfin. As a youngster, obviously one is susceptible to a band's image. Well, UFO might've had more shots in this book than any other band, most bands combined actually. I thought UFO looked cool as hell.
In fact, this picture was on the back cover..
(https://img.discogs.com/SFf_wDhGalwaZOVNb79P5osyHY4=/288x429/smart/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/A-452684-1511726632-5967.jpeg.jpg)
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TAC, that tour program is GOLD :hefdaddy
Cool! I'm glad you liked it. Found it in a record store back in the day, and I had to buy it.
I've posted a lot of my old programs in the Hard Rock Thread. I have a few Iron Maiden and Dio programs from the 80's, among others..
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Having a listen to Making Contact now. Will post some thoughts soon.
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So, I would say this is easily the best of the Chapman era UFO albums so far. This one is really really good. I love the full 80's AOR/melodic rock vibe and love everything Neil does here to make this sound like it does. I have no issues with the production at all. This sounds really
Blinded By A Lie: Love it. Could be the best Chapman song besides POV. love the whole hard melodic rock vibe going on here. Phil's vocals are sultry and warm and sound great. Love that galloping solo section and Paul rips it up here, great solo. I also get a bit of an 80's Rush vibe here and there too.
Diesel In the Dust: The rock keeps going and this has a nice stomp to it. The chorus is excellent and very melodic. Nice variation between the verse and chorus too. Nice simple, well written solo section too and Paul builds it really well.
A Fool For Love: This has that happy UFO type thing going on and I wasn't too sure about that. That heavier chorus refrain type section though is very good. Classic UFO sounding there. Phil sounds excellent too. That chorus balances the song and I love the pure 80's solo section with the keyboards underneath. Lovely. paul's licks at 2:44 is bliss.
You and Me: Love the mood of this one. Neil adds such a great atmosphere on all the tracks too. Such a wonderful musician. That epic solo from Paul too, damn, what a section. I wish he kept that going. That bend at 2:21 is so tasty. How he bends the note and in comes in before the start of the bar is fucking epic.
When it's Time to Rock: I enjoyed the faster pace here. I love the Judas Priest type intro too. Interesting chorus but I actually don't mind it. From 4:25 to the end, holy shit, this tips. Paul I thought was decent on the last few albums but he steps it up on this record. This solo is fucking awesome.
The Way the Wind Blows: Another rocker which is most welcome. Cool simple driving riffing. Again the middle solo section is blistering. Great expression from Paul in his solo. He takes it back for the most part which works really well. Those verses are classic UFO, again Phil sounds great.
Call My Name: This is okay. Again, we hear the happier sounding chorus here, but it's not bad. This has a strong AOR melodic rock vibe too. We hear some many bands rehash this exact structure in style in the Frontiers factory. It's solid.
All Over You: Yeah, this is nice. Great intro and Paul again, plays nice and understated. Love that bass in the verses too. This one is nice as we have the same feel in the verses and chorus. We've heard a lot of variation so far between section so getting something a bit more straight and narrow while still producing great sounds, atmospheres and strong vocals is really cool. A little change up in the solo section which is great. Great song.
No Getaway: More classic UFO sounding here. Simple and rightly placed in the album. Again, strong solo section that takes things up a notch.
Push, It's Love: Interesting. Not the biggest fan, but apprecaite the band doing something different again. Again, Paul shows some chops and takes the song to another level.
Everybody Knows: Probably should have been in place of Push, It's Love. I like the simplicity of the chorus, it's catchy. Again, the solo section has a wonderful groove and Paul, classy as he has been all along here. Love how there is an outro solo too.
Overall, I really like this, and could be top 3. So much better than teh other 3 Chapman era albums for me. Really really like this and will go back to it for sure.
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Wow Kade, that's really awesome to read. I'm so glad you liked this.
I know how impressed you were with Michael Schenker, but I'm really happy you gave these four albums a chance. They are truly loaded with great tunes.
We have TWO more 1983 albums to discuss which I'll post in the morning...
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With Assault Attack, I enjoyed this when I first got my copy of the 5cd MSG collection thingy. I didn't go on with it but going back to it now, I love it.
AA: Epic opener and I love Bonnet here. The rolling groove of the verses is so cool. This song was actually a real grower. I wasn't that keen at first but grew into a top track. Interesting that there's no solo too, just that little harmonic minor type melody.
RYTTG: Oh yeah, now this is groovy. I love the structure of this and the whole blues vibe which I'm not normally a big fan of is killer here. I love Graham's delivery for this song, it's perfect. The whole way the verse has that hook and goes into the chorus is really cool songwriting. The two and a half minute outro instrumental section is amazing. Great expression from Shenker and really sinks he teeth into the music with his soloing, great expression. Love how everything is nice and tame and then at 4:44 he climbs to the end, great stuff.
Dancer: Yeah, this isn't a highlight, but I must admit this became a fun song. It's cheesy, poppy but I don't mind listening to it. That riff at 2:02 is bloody awesome too. his solo is a nice contrast to the vibe of the song too.
Samurai: Great atmosphere from the get go and love that gallop. Nothing to dislike about this song and I really enjoy Graham's vocal melodies in the verses. Nice build again in the solo section and a great pulsing rhythm. Really cool song, great feel, nice chorus too.
Desert Song: Classic. I really hear the Love to Love similarities Tim was talking about here. Love the riff, the vibe, the more metal approach and just everything about it. Everything about the music portrays the lyrics and mood of the song well too. I like the quiet section and how it builds back into the main riff later in the song, that's nice. That solo outro though, holy shit. All class and Michael's phrasing and note selection is elite tier. You can hear him dig in to the fretboard. That bend at 5:17 portrays the song theme perfectly. And then at 5:38, that Dorian run is so damn good.
Broken Promises: I love the swagger of this one. The whole thing probably doesn't need to be as long as it is, but I really enjoy the pace and groove of this one. The solo is the best on the album. How it kicks off and Grahams high note at 2:43 is so damn good. Everything about this solo is perfect. That lick at 3:07, holy shit. Guitar playing at its best right here. And then at 3:30 that harmonic minor change, fuck yeah!
SFAR: Damn, I love the catchiness of that guitar lick, so sweet and light. That's the theme throughout and it keeps me hooked. I like Graham's harsher tone on this, it works well with the lighter mood IMO. How it goes back into that melody at 2:02 is so good.
Ulcer: A bit of Satch, a lot of Steve Vai, a bit of Van Halen, even later TMac I hear in here. No, it's not Arena but it's something different and a great closer. Simply some of Michael's faster playing is on display here in the solo. Great tension with the key changes in the solo is epic.
Such a good album.
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Wow Kade, that's really awesome to read. I'm so glad you liked this.
I know how impressed you were with Michael Schenker, but I'm really happy you gave these four albums a chance. They are truly loaded with great tunes.
We have TWO more 1983 albums to discuss which I'll post in the morning...
The other three were not bad but I felt something missing. This one has something the older UFO albums had IMO.
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Your Assault Attack review was great to read, Kade. I appreciate it.
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Behind the scenes of The UFO Discography And Listening Party Thread
Here's a look at my PM inbox...
(https://i.imgur.com/Vd7BB2k.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/xO5UmZt.jpg)
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Just finished my listen of Making Contact. I was sort of expecting to not like it based on previous comments but I found the album pretty enjoyable. The only thing that bugged me a bit was some of the very 80's synth. I did not dislike any of the songs.
For me, the first 2 Chapman albums are neck and neck at the top, for this era. The next two are neck and neck below them. They are a step down for me, but still enjoyable.
The next album I am not looking forward to. I did sample some of it when I got the box set and I remember cringing. What I remember was very 80's, and not in a good way. My version also has multiple mixes of most songs. The original and what they called the US Mix.
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The next album I am not looking forward to. I did sample some of it when I got the box set and I remember cringing. What I remember was very 80's, and not in a good way. My version also has multiple mixes of most songs. The original and what they called the US Mix.
Well, it's coming Monday or Tuesday.
If you can get past the sound of it, there's four excellent songs on it and three or four pretty good ones. It will require an open mind, but if you concentrate on the actual songs, it's really not that bad.
The US mix blows.
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Your Assault Attack review was great to read, Kade. I appreciate it.
At least you can appreciate the review more than the album. ;D
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You've put a lot of work into this Tim, starting mid June. Unreal.
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So it was my turn to get Making Contact, with quite a bit of trepidation. Pete Way was a big part of UFO's soul. How would Carter and Chapman fill his shoes? As a quick aside, I think they both did an admirable job, and quite differently in parts; no worries about their capabilities then. So how did MC fare in comparison overall? I really tried to like this album at the time, and yes it was nice enough but fell off my radar after about a year. There were other bands around who seemed to have more energy. Up to this party, I remembered threads of only three songs; Diesel..., When It's Time... and ...Wind Blows. So to now.
Blinded... is a good opener and still has enough of the UFO sound, but am I hearing Phil Mogg a bit flat, or even tired? Chapman is capable enough. It's still UFO, but sounds a little different with 80s AOR keyboards.
Diesel... yes I still like. A good driving riff makes this one more memorable. One of the better tracks.
A Fool In Love... ok solid enough, but those keyboards in the break...?
You and Me... Chapman's fretless bass make a nice surprise here together with an atmospheric solo. Mogg is also highlighted. But I don't like this song at all.
When It's Time to Rock... Much better, but like the last song, I don't really feel it's UFO. Again a nice mid break, and swirly ending.
The Way the Wind Blows... The final Chapman song on this album and it feels like it. Great solo and another good driving song.
Call My Name... This could be any 80s AOR band again and I wouldn't care if I don't hear it ever again.
All Over You... Better and sounds more like UFO, especially Chapman's first solo, YES!!
No Getaway... Also a bit more like it, and wouldn't have sounded out of place on any of the last three albums.
Push It's Love... Paul Chapman out to prove a point on bass :laugh: and it works. The song is OK but again doesn't quite hit the spot.
I'm glad this listening party brought MC back into my focus to listen through older ears, but it still would never refind its way into my psyche. There are no real standout tracks and certainly no classics. Yes, UFO sounded tired here and almost lost their identity. I'm glad they called it quits... at least for a while. Meanwhile over at MSG... uh oh!!
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Nice honest writeup mac.
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As a side note TAC, those files just show how much UFO means to you. I'm sure we all here appreciate the hard work you put into this and certainly enjoying revisiting music I probably would not have heard again. Yes, late 70s to early 80s UFO was in my top 5, above AC/DC or Sabbath.
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The link for the video for Desert Song with Gary's vocals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5W7SRUtRko
My thoughts on AA:
The title track is very energetic. I'm not usually a fan of Graham Bonnet, but I have no problem with his singing on this song. In fact, this is probably the most tolerable thing that I've ever heard him do. The bass line during the lead section is excellent, and MS is in top form. Rock You to the Ground, Broken Promises and Searching for a Reason are all serviceable songs that don't add a lot, or subtract much from the album as a whole.
Samurai is an excellent song and it would be the best song on the album if not for my favorite MSG track of all time, Desert Song. I could gush on sentence after sentence about how much I love Desert Song, but I don't have enough clean towels in the house to clean up the mess afterwards.
Ulcer is a big meh, and I could care less if I ever heard it again.
This leaves one song to be mentioned. The biggest steaming pile of shit in the entire MSG catalog. Dancer... Not only are the lyrics terrible, as others have already mentioned. But there is absolutely nothing redeemable about this "song". To add insult to injury, I was able to catch the first MS Fest tour a few years ago, and they tried to ruin an almost perfect evening of music by putting this turd in the setlist. Could they have played a much better selection during Graham's section of the show (cough Samurai cough)? Most certainly! Instead, they chose to pelt the audience with this audible garbage. Wonders never cease...
Barden did a video for Dancer in what looks like the same session.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xag_iuE7LKo
I don't really mind Dancer. It's not great, but it never really bothered me.
I can't say for sure, but it sounds like they left some of Graham's vocals in the mix during the harmony sections. I'd try listening again to make sure, but I've got a date/appointment with my ex-wife so that she can punch me in the balls repeatedly with a 10 pound mallet with one hand while swiping my credit card through a random drug dealer's mobile card reader with the other hand. Or, as I like to call it, my little weekend getaway.
It's either that, or listen to the song again, and in this case I'm choosing the less painful of the two experiences.
All kidding aside, thanks for the link, Tim. I probably never would have heard that version of the song had you not pointed it out.
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The link for the video for Desert Song with Gary's vocals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5W7SRUtRko
My thoughts on AA:
The title track is very energetic. I'm not usually a fan of Graham Bonnet, but I have no problem with his singing on this song. In fact, this is probably the most tolerable thing that I've ever heard him do. The bass line during the lead section is excellent, and MS is in top form. Rock You to the Ground, Broken Promises and Searching for a Reason are all serviceable songs that don't add a lot, or subtract much from the album as a whole.
Samurai is an excellent song and it would be the best song on the album if not for my favorite MSG track of all time, Desert Song. I could gush on sentence after sentence about how much I love Desert Song, but I don't have enough clean towels in the house to clean up the mess afterwards.
Ulcer is a big meh, and I could care less if I ever heard it again.
This leaves one song to be mentioned. The biggest steaming pile of shit in the entire MSG catalog. Dancer... Not only are the lyrics terrible, as others have already mentioned. But there is absolutely nothing redeemable about this "song". To add insult to injury, I was able to catch the first MS Fest tour a few years ago, and they tried to ruin an almost perfect evening of music by putting this turd in the setlist. Could they have played a much better selection during Graham's section of the show (cough Samurai cough)? Most certainly! Instead, they chose to pelt the audience with this audible garbage. Wonders never cease...
Barden did a video for Dancer in what looks like the same session.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xag_iuE7LKo
I don't really mind Dancer. It's not great, but it never really bothered me.
I can't say for sure, but it sounds like they left some of Graham's vocals in the mix during the harmony sections. I'd try listening again to make sure, but I've got a date/appointment with my ex-wife so that she can punch me in the balls repeatedly with a 10 pound mallet with one hand while swiping my credit card through a random drug dealer's mobile card reader with the other hand. Or, as I like to call it, my little weekend getaway.
It's either that, or listen to the song again, and in this case I'm choosing the less painful of the two experiences.
All kidding aside, thanks for the link, Tim. I probably never would have heard that version of the song had you not pointed it out.
:lol :lol
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You've put a lot of work into this Tim, starting mid June. Unreal.
I had mentioned that I had kind of started outlining a Discography Thread a couple of years ago while recovering from an operation.
But when Paul Chapman passed away in June, let's just say that inspired me to knock this out. I was really shocked when Paul Chapman passed away. It kind of hit me. Like Damn!
We are not done hearing from Paul Chapman in this thread.
As a side note TAC, those files just show how much UFO means to you. I'm sure we all here appreciate the hard work you put into this and certainly enjoying revisiting music I probably would not have heard again. Yes, late 70s to early 80s UFO was in my top 5, above AC/DC or Sabbath.
It's my pleasure, believe me.
So it was my turn to get Making Contact, with quite a bit of trepidation. Pete Way was a big part of UFO's soul. How would Carter and Chapman fill his shoes? As a quick aside, I think they both did an admirable job, and quite differently in parts; no worries about their capabilities then. So how did MC fare in comparison overall? I really tried to like this album at the time, and yes it was nice enough but fell off my radar after about a year. There were other bands around who seemed to have more energy. Up to this party, I remembered threads of only three songs; Diesel..., When It's Time... and ...Wind Blows. So to now.
Blinded... is a good opener and still has enough of the UFO sound, but am I hearing Phil Mogg a bit flat, or even tired? Chapman is capable enough. It's still UFO, but sounds a little different with 80s AOR keyboards.
Diesel... yes I still like. A good driving riff makes this one more memorable. One of the better tracks.
A Fool In Love... ok solid enough, but those keyboards in the break...?
You and Me... Chapman's fretless bass make a nice surprise here together with an atmospheric solo. Mogg is also highlighted. But I don't like this song at all.
When It's Time to Rock... Much better, but like the last song, I don't really feel it's UFO. Again a nice mid break, and swirly ending.
The Way the Wind Blows... The final Chapman song on this album and it feels like it. Great solo and another good driving song.
Call My Name... This could be any 80s AOR band again and I wouldn't care if I don't hear it ever again.
All Over You... Better and sounds more like UFO, especially Chapman's first solo, YES!!
No Getaway... Also a bit more like it, and wouldn't have sounded out of place on any of the last three albums.
Push It's Love... Paul Chapman out to prove a point on bass :laugh: and it works. The song is OK but again doesn't quite hit the spot.
I'm glad this listening party brought MC back into my focus to listen through older ears, but it still would never refind its way into my psyche. There are no real standout tracks and certainly no classics. Yes, UFO sounded tired here and almost lost their identity. I'm glad they called it quits... at least for a while. Meanwhile over at MSG... uh oh!!
Love the song by song reviews in this thread. Thanks Mac!
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So 1983 would give us TWO more albums in the UFO tree.
Both Michael Schenker, and Pete Way's new band Waysted, would release albums. Here they are:
Built To Destroy
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/ac/Built_to_Destroy.jpg)(https://vinyl-records.nl/M/MI/Michael-Schenker/Built/michael-schenker-group-04.jpg)
https://open.spotify.com/album/2FYVfbIeCpzz5ljm2Y74Y4?si=dxxOSBGbTbmF6u7IMxGLGA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63qL2HCzai4&list=PL8a8cutYP7fqVDKGXz4Jz5SvN63aj-7zg
Released September 1983
1. I'm Gonna Make You Mine
2. Time Waits (For No One)
3. Systems Failing
4. Rock Will Never Die
5. Red Sky
6. Rock My Nights Away
7. Captain Nemo
8. The Dogs Of War
9. Still Love That Little Devil
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Gary Barden-Vocals
Chris Glen-Bass
Ted McKenna-Drums
Andy Nye-Keyboards
Derek St Holmes sings on Still Love That Little Devil
MSG returned with Built To Destroy, which features Gary Barden on vocals. I remember being very happy that Barden had rejoined the band. While I did like a number of songs straight away, I remember being very disappointed with this. Way too many weak tunes, and the production was just awful.
The 2009 Remaster sounds a million miles better, and makes this a totally enjoyable listen. And for me, this album has really aged well.
There are still some weak tracks IMO, like Time Waits, and Still Love.. but there's some great tunes on this album. And Michael's playing top notch.
There are some great tunes on this album. The Dogs Of War, Red Sky, Rock My Nights Away, Rock Will Never Die, and the amazing Captain Nemo.
Vices
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/50/Waysted_Vices.jpg)(https://www.rarerecords.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/WAYSTED-Vices-1.jpg)
https://open.spotify.com/album/5mIsUTfmeA0HAVA6rEnNiZ?si=Yoe9Z8mRTtWBjVcxxR8pzw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbwZvdokxLk
Released October 1983
Love Loaded
Women In Chains
Sleazy
Night Of The Wolf
Toy With The Passion
Right From The Start
Hot Love
All Belongs To You
Somebody To Love
Fin-Vocals
Pete Way-Bass
Paul Raymond-Keyboards/Guitar
Ronnie Kayfield-Guitar
Frank Noone-Drums
Pete Way put Waysted together very quickly after the Ozzy tour. He mentions that he called Paul Raymond first. Raymond, after getting booted from MSG, was in the process of putting a band together with Terry Reid. Once Pete called, he went against his instincts and joined Pete. Leaving Reid in the lurch was a move he would always speak with regret about. Original Def Leppard drummer Frank Noone was a neighbor of Pete's, and he added American guitarist Ronnie Kayfield and Scottish vocalist Ian "Fin" Muir.
Pete wanted a grittier than UFO band, and likened Fin's voice to a young Bob Seger. Personally, I think he sounded a little like Brian Johnson but deeper.
Waysted got some prime opening slots, opening for Dio in the fall of '83, and being 3rd on the Ozzy/Motley tour of the States in early 1984. I actually remember this show, but again, my father was none to keen on Ozzy. Pete mentions a second run of dates that Chrysalis scrapped. I saw Dio in the summer of 1984, and it would've been awesome to see Waysted too.
After the tour, Chrysalis basically told Pete that he would have to sack the entire band, except for Fin. Then they didn't even pick their option for a second album.
I really like Vices. I usually skip the first two tracks, Love Loaded and Women In Chains. But starting with Sleazy, this album delivers. Not a huge fan of Hot Love, but the musical break is pretty raucous.
Night Of the Wolf is easily the best track. :metal
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Now we’re getting to the point where I’ll have to do some homework.
BTD is an excellent album. There’s lots to love on here. It has one of my favourite instrumentals ever in Captain Nemo. I first heard it on the Rock Will Never Die live album and loved it.
Barden is back and he’s ok as usual on album.
I’ve never really bothered with Waysted other than theSave Your Prayers album, which I only listened to because it has Danny Vaughn singing. It’s a very good album. I did hear some Waysted with Finn but didn’t like his voice so never bothered with the. In the spirit of the thread I will give them a go.
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Hmm. Just listened to Vices. First track was ok, second was shite. It definitely picked up after that and was pretty good. Didn’t like the cover at the end. The guitarist was no Paul Chapman let alone a Schenker, but got the job done.
I didn’t mind Finn’s voice to be honest.
Yeah, it was ok.
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After the at the time disappointment of Assault Attack, I didn’t buy Built to Destroy. One of my friends bought it instead a few months after release, which I then heard at a party. To me it was unrecognizable as MSG, wondering what had happened to Gary Barden, and also thinking that my friend’s music centre was a budget item bought from a supermarket, that had affected its sound. I heard nothing that stood out and didn’t hear the album again, until now.
Rock My Rights Away… Ughh, what a terrible keyboard sound, almost ruining the song. MS part saves the song but it’s not for me.
I’m Gonna Make You Mine… Barden trying to sound like Bonnet? Chris Glen (a great player) almost sounds like a synth bass. Unfortunately the tempo also sounds too generic.
The Dogs of War… A great intro from MS makes me think this will be better, but there’s that tempo again. Unfortunately another forgettable tune.
Systems Failing… Same tempo with Barden seemingly in trouble on the high notes. MS brings some nice melody to this in his solos. So the tune is OK.
Captain Nemo… Finally!! True MSG. MS intro reminds me of JP and there’s something that’s got my ears attention, I’m relieved to say. The whirly keyboards are not quite as plastic as earlier and the tempo slows but not in a bad way as MS is still tasty enough. So glad it’s an instrumental
Still Love That Little Devil… I like this. Similar tempo to the previous few songs, but MS gives some nice touches before verses. This song is fun with its crazy lyrics (which usually I don’t bother about) and it’s catchy.
Red Sky… This is also better, with an almost classical MS solo in the thankfully slower mid section, before the tempo picks up again. The outro solo is a highlight of the album for me.
Time Waits for No One… There’s that cheesy keyboard again, but thankfully we have pleasant choruses this time. The outro solo again is wonderful. This half of the album seems much better.
Walk the Stage (or Rock Will Never Die)… A slower song, with a slightly bluesy feel, and along with Captain Nemo, easily the best on this album. Finally, the band feel like they’re rocking on this one and enjoying it.
Prior to listening to this, I had noticed mention of bad production. So I found the remixes on YouTube, as I don’t have a Spotify account and probably never will, as it’s surely banned in China. Still felt as if the album had been recorded in a closet, and seemingly in a rush, as many of the songs I’m sure, could have benefitted from a rethink about the tempos IMO. Barden isn’t really the same singer he was on the first two albums, and I wonder if MS was running out of tunes for this one. Of the four studio MSGs from this “classic period”, Graham Bonnet’s voice apart, and apart from Captain Nemo and Walk the Stage, this is not a classic.
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I agree that Built to Destroy was a disappointment, and the production was a big part of that. Guess I need to check out the remaster of this album too.s
I bought the Waysted album when it came out and don’t recall being too excited by it. I haven’t listened to that one in probably over 30 years.
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Hmm. Just listened to Vices. First track was ok, second was shite. It definitely picked up after that and was pretty good. Didn’t like the cover at the end. The guitarist was no Paul Chapman let alone a Schenker, but got the job done.
I didn’t mind Finn’s voice to be honest.
Yeah, it was ok.
Vices is definitely not a great album. It's actually fairly uneven. I love Night Of The Wolf, along with Sleazy and Right From The Start.
Unfortunately both Sleazy and RFTS have a section in each of them that was trimmed on the original release, but have found their way into the reissues. Both take away from the songs as they were perfect before.
I thought Fin had a cool voice.
I agree that Built to Destroy was a disappointment, and the production was a big part of that. Guess I need to check out the remaster of this album too.s
I bought the Waysted album when it came out and don’t recall being too excited by it. I haven’t listened to that one in probably over 30 years.
Same here with BTD. The Remasters really help this. But the original release really was kind of terrible.
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Did the songs from the first four MSG albums get much in the way of mainstream radio play? I know later in the decade with “Anytime” there was lots of radio attention but the first four MSG albums just give off a bit of an underground vibe. But at the same time I could still see some songs appealing to the masses.
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I don't remember anything, really. I did hear On And On, but that's it.
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That’s the one song I was thinking could get some radio attention
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Underwhelmed by Making Contact and the perceived disappointment of Built to Destroy, my music discoveries had started to focus elsewhere in 83. (A hint for the future here… Grand Prix had become a favourite of mine). A friend bought Vices later in the year and raved about it. So of course I listened a few times, and immediately realized why Pete Way had left UFO… he wanted to make music with more balls. While Vices certainly rocked, I was less impressed as I felt it was a bit rough, and wasn’t convinced by the singer at all. So the album was forgotten after my friend moved back up to Scotland in 84.
Love Loaded… That Way feeling is back. Fin Muir initially sounds like he has the attitude of Mogg, but screams more. Ron Kayfield seems to be more of a shredder (I’m not a musician BTW) with perhaps less melody than I would have liked.
Women in Chains… Is this Peter Gabriel? I like the atmosphere here and it’s certainly different from anything I ever heard Way involved with before. Some Fripp type guitar completes the angst.
Sleazy… More like what might be expected from Way, but it’s a welcome Paul Raymond song. The guitar seems a bit trebly but is ok; remember this isn’t UFO.
Night of the Wolf… The moody guitar intro is reminiscent of Schenker, but the tempo picks up to a decent rocker in the style of way’s former band. Still not sure about Fin’s screaming though. Kayfield delivers a decent solo to go with the blistering end. A very good song.
Toy with the Passion… Again I feel like Mogg could have sung this rocker. Yes it’s a good one
Right from the Start… This reminds me of Back into My Life, but with a different harder edge in the chorus.
Hot Love … Reminds me of Faces era Rod Stewart (or Hot Legs). It’s OK
All Belongs to You… Another Raymond song. This one rocks unlike some of his previous tunes and wouldn’t be a bad closer, maybe he missed rocking too.
Somebody to Love… The Jefferson Airplane classic in the style of Waysted. It sounds like a bit of fun for the band, but I would prefer to listen to Grace Slick.
I’m happy to have revisited this and it’s better than I remembered. It still sounds like it was recorded on a very cheap budget by a garage band. Kayfield doesn’t have the class of Schenker or Chapman, but it’s obvious Way was enjoying himself again. Looking forward to the Chapman/Parker albums.
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That's awesome Mac! It's not perfect, but I've always liked it. And I love Fin's voice here. This was the best produced his voice would be.
(A hint for the future here… Grand Prix).
....and Grand Slam...
I’m happy to have revisited this and it’s better than I remembered. It still sounds like it was recorded on a very cheap budget by a garage band. Kayfield doesn’t have the class of Schenker or Chapman, but it’s obvious Way was enjoying himself again. Looking forward to the Chapman/Parker albums.
Oh hell yes!! :metal
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Excellent review by silentmac6, very close to my first impression about Vices. I'm a big fan of Save Your Prayers, but I never really paid attention to the previous Waysted albums. After a few listenings now, I think it's a good fun rock album and a relevant one, if you are interested in the UFO related projects.
About Built to Destroy, I think is still a very good album, but I like better the style of the previous two. But I must admit, although very commercial, I love songs like I’m Gonna Make You Mine. Captain Nemo is one of Schenker’s best instrumentals and I always loved Rock Will Never Die.
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Built to Destroy sounds like a band in transition. I've always got the feeling like they were trying desperately to achieve commercial success, but there are still elements of the heavier edge of the earlier MSG albums. Michael's best foray into power pop would come on the next MSG album with a completely revamped band, but the attempts at it on this album aren't terrible. They're just not very good, either.
The original mix of this album did not help the situation. The guitars are often buried which is a terrible idea for a band that's built around a guitar hero. There are some very bright spots, however.
I'm Gonna Make You Mine, Time Waits and Systems Failing are merely ok songs that hint at having some good elements on them, but never quite deliver on their promise. I've never really known what to think about Rock Will Never Die. I feel like I should like the song, but it never really grabs my attention for long.
Red Sky is a top ten MSG track for me. It puts me in mind of Lost Horizons from the first album. Both songs are in the same key, and the main riffs for each song both live in the same "box" on the guitar neck/fretboard. Rock My Nights Away is an odd riff that switches between major and minor of the same key, and I've always liked the feel of the song. Captain Nemo is a very cool instrumental that I always enjoy listening to.
The Dogs of Way and Still Love That Little Devil are serviceable rockers, but I don't think either song does anything very special.
Overall, this is the weakest of the MSG albums up to this point, but it's not horrible.
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When I listened to BTD a couple of weeks ago, I thought it was pretty shit. I'll have to listen again however.
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Having a really difficult time trying to pinpoint Pearl Jam songs that remind me of UFO. There's just things going on in a lot of the old stuff that reminds me of Pearl Jam. THe best I could do are these songs;
State of Love and Trust
Porch
Save You
Last Exit
Corduroy
Hail Hail
World Wide Suicide
God's Dice
Last two are later stuff which isn't great but has slightly that Natural Thing faster type feel. Very very rough, but I just hear Pearl Jam in UFO.
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Having a listen to the Waysted;
Love Loaded: I quite liked this. Cheesy but without being too cheesy, if that makes sense. I thought the chorus was decent for the style. The solo was cool. Almost Tipton like, especially in that first tapping section at the start of the solo. Reminds me of his solo in Out in the Cold.
Women in Chains: :lol
Sleazy: Nah, not a fan of this one. Obviously trying to do a Van Halen here. The chorus is so awkward with just singing the word 'sleazy' twice. Weird.
Night of the Wolf: Pretty sure I remember this song from a Ben and Brent podcast. :metal yeah, this is a great tune. That's a nice tasty solo too.
Toy With the Passion: Again, not really my style of rock, but the chorus was decent enough here to be enjoyable.
Right From the Start: Nah pass. Pretty uninspired this one.
Hot Love: Uh, no. Starting to all sound pretty samey too.
All Belongs to You: A little better, but again nothing great.
Somebody to Cover: It's hard to take a cover of this seriously after knowing WASP's cover.
Yeah, pretty bland album really. Wolf is great and the opener was alright but pretty bland.
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Excellent review by silentmac6, very close to my first impression about Vices. I'm a big fan of Save Your Prayers, but I never really paid attention to the previous Waysted albums. After a few listenings now, I think it's a good fun rock album and a relevant one, if you are interested in the UFO related projects.
Not sure if everyone will like them, but the next Waysted EP and album are two of my all time favorite releases.
Michael's best foray into power pop would come on the next MSG album with a completely revamped band,
IMO, people should regret everything they say about Built To Destroy after hearing the next album. One of the most disappointing albums I have ever bought.
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Having a really difficult time trying to pinpoint Pearl Jam songs that remind me of UFO. There's just things going on in a lot of the old stuff that reminds me of Pearl Jam. THe best I could do are these songs;
State of Love and Trust
Porch
Save You
Last Exit
Corduroy
Hail Hail
World Wide Suicide
God's Dice
Last two are later stuff which isn't great but has slightly that Natural Thing faster type feel. Very very rough, but I just hear Pearl Jam in UFO.
I'll check these out, thank you. I didn't realize you were a big Pearl Jam guy.
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Having a really difficult time trying to pinpoint Pearl Jam songs that remind me of UFO. There's just things going on in a lot of the old stuff that reminds me of Pearl Jam. THe best I could do are these songs;
State of Love and Trust
Porch
Save You
Last Exit
Corduroy
Hail Hail
World Wide Suicide
God's Dice
Last two are later stuff which isn't great but has slightly that Natural Thing faster type feel. Very very rough, but I just hear Pearl Jam in UFO.
I'll check these out, thank you. I didn't realize you were a big Pearl Jam guy.
I guess my age helped. They were massive when I was getting into music so it was a natural connection. The first five albums I pretty much idolized. All five are close to perfect.
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I had Ten when it came out, but I never really followed up with them. Still, as a band, I respect the hell out of them. A lot like UFO, in that, they're a base rock band, UFO a bit harder edged, but they are both offer a lot of variety within that framework. Tesla was a lot like that too, and obviously, they were big UFO fans.
What I also found while listening to those songs (I made a playlist) is that when Eddie is in a certain range, he actually sounds like Phil Mogg. There was a spot in..Corduroy vocally that reminded me of Phil in Crystal Light
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1983 Update
With the abrupt end of the Making Contact tour, UFO was basically finished.
During this time, Paul Chapman, Neil Carter, and Andy Parker were working on song demos in the hopes of possibly continuing in some other form.
As they broke up, Paul took a couple songs, one of which would become So Long on Waysted's Save Your Prayers album, and Neil would take a couple of songs, including this one...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAchxN8QG2U
Yes, the Murder In The Skies riff was first played by...Paul Chapman!
And speaking of Gary Moore, Neil Carter says that after UFO's final show, he was approached by two bands with offers to join. One was Whitesnake, which he thought better of, but the other was to join Gary Moore on his 1983 summer tour of the States, as Don Airey was unavailable.
I saw my first concert when I was 14 on June 25th, 1983 at the old Cape Cod Coliseum.
It was Def Leppard, Krokus, and Gary Moore.
Which means the very first live band I ever saw was Gary Moore, Neil Murray, Ian f'n Paice, and UFO's Neil Carter.
Neil Carter would become a mainstay in Gary's band throughout the 80's.
I would see Gary Moore again on August 29, 1987 at The Living Room in Providence.
I took this picture of Neil at the show:
(https://i.imgur.com/pFFwnsg.jpg)
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Never realised Murder in the Skies wasn’t a Gary riff. Great song and one of the first I learned to play by ear.
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I had Ten when it came out, but I never really followed up with them. Still, as a band, I respect the hell out of them. A lot like UFO, in that, they're a base rock band, UFO a bit harder edged, but they are both offer a lot of variety within that framework. Tesla was a lot like that too, and obviously, they were big UFO fans.
What I also found while listening to those songs (I made a playlist) is that when Eddie is in a certain range, he actually sounds like Phil Mogg. There was a spot in..Corduroy vocally that reminded me of Phil in Crystal Light
YES!!!!!
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As they broke up, Paul took a couple songs, one of which would become So Long on Waysted's Save Your Prayers album, and Neil would take a couple of songs, including this one...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAchxN8QG2U
Yes, the Murder In The Skies riff was first played by...Paul Chapman!
Huh!!!
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Spinning Making Contact again in the car. I really really like this album.
I will say, I may be enjoying it more than any other UFO album so far. :blush
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I'm shocked, honestly. You just never know when something's gonna hit the spot.
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Spinning Making Contact again in the car. I really really like this album.
I will say, I may be enjoying it more than any other UFO album so far. :blush
I never understood why this album is so underated... anyway:
:metal :metal :metal
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I'm shocked, honestly. You just never know when something's gonna hit the spot.
I'll expand my thoughts on this soon mate. Just at work and have to process timesheets and a few other things. it deserves explanation and it's in my head at the moment some words on why this might be the case.
On another note, that solo spot in You and Me tears my soul apart. Chapman's use of delay with the keyboards and his subtle note selection is fucking incredible. I'd like it to go longer but at the same time, the shortness of it excels it's epicness.
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Spinning Making Contact again in the car. I really really like this album.
I will say, I may be enjoying it more than any other UFO album so far. :blush
I never understood why this album is so underated... anyway:
:metal :metal :metal
I was stunned by the comments regarding the album after hearing it.
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You And Me is a great song. It really highlights what is special about Phil Mogg. There's a certain level of believability in his voice.
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By the way, my uptaded (during this listening party) ranking of UFO albums is:
OBSESSION (my favorite)/MECHANIX- 10+/10
FORCE IT/NO HEAVY PETTING/LIGHTS OUT/ THE WILD THE WILLING AND THE INNOCENT - 9,5
MAKING CONTACT/? - 9,0
PHENOMENON/? – 8,5
NO PLACE TO RUN/? – 8,0
But, not long ago, my ranking would be:
OBSESSION (my favorite)/LIGHTS OUT- 10+/10
THE WILD THE WILLING AND THE INNOCENT/MAKING CONTACT - 9,5
FORCE IT/NO HEAVY PETTING/ MECHANIX/? - 9,0
PHENOMENON/? – 8,5
NO PLACE TO RUN/? – 8,0
So, as we can see by the exchanges, in fact, from 9,0 to 10,0, are the UFO albums that I consider to be at a very close level.
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I'm shocked, honestly. You just never know when something's gonna hit the spot.
I feel I need to expand on my thinking in regards to this. I’ve never been a big old school rock fan. Zeppelin, Kiss, Aerosmith, I just never really liked that style. I always gravitated two ways, heavier, or more 80’s influenced. The only old school bands I really got into were Priest and Sabbath. Even when it came to Priest, I’d gravitate towards Turbo/RID as opposed to say Hell Bent For Leather, just for the style. After discovering the staples, I moved to the more melodic death stuff, Soilwork, In Flames etc. but I also went into the melodic rock scene. I was massive into early Frontiers releases. Place Vendome, From the Inside, Allen/Lande, Bob Catley, Hardline, Eclipse, Sunstorm etc, you know, when everything was good. So my tastes went those two ways. I’ve always been a sucker for a lot of 80’s stuff and the sound.
So, even though a few of those older UFO albums, I guess the style was just never me. When you started this thread Tim I was hesitant in going back and thought it may have been a chore going through these albums. How wrong was I. Again, the Shenker stuff is normally not my style, but I’ve been going back to NHP, Obsession, Force It and enjoying them more and more. These albums are classic and I can hear the classic nature in them. The first couple of Chapman albums I found a big step down. I thought they really lost something when Shenker left. However, the 80’s AOR tinge going on in Making Contact really appeals to me. So it’s the styling of this compared to the Shenker stuff as to why I may enjoy this the most. Liking the Shenker albums as much as I do know is massive. I didn’t think I’d come around to them how I have. I’m so glad they made an album like Making Contact though. I hope that somewhat offers a bit more of an idea why I like this one.
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Yeah, makes total sense.
Let's see if your love of 80's AOR helps you with their next album...
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Yeah, makes total sense.
Let's see if your love of 80's AOR helps you with their next album...
Look forward to it.
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Michael's best foray into power pop would come on the next MSG album with a completely revamped band,
IMO, people should regret everything they say about Built To Destroy after hearing the next album. One of the most disappointing albums I have ever bought.
I might take a much more favorable view of the next album because it was more or less my introduction to MS, and it occupied a significant spot in my listening cycle at a time. Keep in mind that I come from a very rural area in Ohio, and at the time it was much more difficult to have a very broad musical pallet to work with prior to the internet age. I'm also a few years younger than some of you gents in this thread(I'm currently 47), so I would have been playing catch-up on several fronts.
When I first discovered MS I knew about Scorpions and learned a little bit about his relationship to the band, but I had absolutely no idea who UFO were.
Or I could just be making poor excuses for having crappy musical tastes... :lol
I really do like the next album, though.
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Yeah, makes total sense.
Let's see if your love of 80's AOR helps you with their next album...
Can we just skip that one and go to the one after? :biggrin:
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Can't get enough of You and Me. So fucking moody and haunting. Great storytelling too. And I keep listening to that middle section over and over. Almost brings tears to my eyes.
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Can't get enough of You and Me. So fucking moody and haunting. Great storytelling too. And I keep listening to that middle section over and over. Almost brings tears to my eyes.
What? A big tough Aussie nearly brought to tears by a song? Say it isn't so :lol
Is that why you listen to the growlie stuff? Scared to shed a tear? :biggrin:
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Michael's best foray into power pop would come on the next MSG album with a completely revamped band,
IMO, people should regret everything they say about Built To Destroy after hearing the next album. One of the most disappointing albums I have ever bought.
I might take a much more favorable view of the next album because it was more or less my introduction to MS, and it occupied a significant spot in my listening cycle at a time.
Jason, you'll have to have a song by song ready for us to try and convince me. ;D
You have a few days..
Can't get enough of You and Me. So fucking moody and haunting. Great storytelling too. And I keep listening to that middle section over and over. Almost brings tears to my eyes.
Reading that almost brings tears to my eyes! ;D
Yeah, makes total sense.
Let's see if your love of 80's AOR helps you with their next album...
Can we just skip that one and go to the one after? :biggrin:
Skip Misdemeanor and go right to Ain't Misbehavin'? You crazy bruh?
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Sorry Tim. I got my wires crossed and was thinking we were talking McAuley Schenker - It was the reference to 80s AOR that confused me.
I love Misdemeanour. Never heard Ain't Misbehavin'.
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1984
A couple releases in 1984.....
Waysted EP
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/4168FC5-xNL._SY355_.jpg)(https://images.45worlds.com/f/ab/waysted-music-for-nations-ab.jpg)
https://open.spotify.com/album/11MwYoc7q5svH3Vy4rCGQq?si=oVemFeKtSs6bztjmetrrpA
Youtube links:
Won't Get Out Alive (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJX4v0d1Vs0)
The Price You Pay (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwWgl_zSErw)
Rock Steady (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuodxS-q2FU)
Hurt So Good (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkJCssVaQtI)
Cinderella Boys (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3-mtQ14xLg)
Released September 1984
Waysted were offered the opening slot on Iron Maiden's UK Powerslave leg. Pete quickly scrambled a new lineup together which included Andy Parker, and new guitarist Neil Shepard to record an EP to support for the tour. Right after it was recorded, Paul Chapman replaced Shepard.
I personally love this EP and played the thing to death. It kicks total ass if you ask me. The Spotify link has 5 live tracks which I believe are from a Kerrang Weekend show. It's not great quality, nor is it the same as the live release.
This EP makes me want to roll my windows down and BLAST IT!!
Waysted did, however, release You Won't Get Out Alive, recorded in Cardiff on the Iron Maiden tour. So you basically have UFO-Way/Parker/Chapman- with Fin.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41HC5Z155YL.jpg)
Here is a soundcloud link. It's not on Spotify or youtube.
https://soundcloud.com/user-842225265-104214575/sets/you-wont-get-out-alive
And to reiterate....I LOVE THE WAYSTED EP. LOVE IT!! It was great to see Andy Parker show up on it.
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Rock Will Never Die
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/38/Rock_Will_Never_Die.jpg/220px-Rock_Will_Never_Die.jpg)(https://live.staticflickr.com/7580/16020611419_f566a798e6_b.jpg)
Released June 1984
Recorded October 22-23, 1983
Hammersmith
Captain Nemo
Rock My Nights Away
Are You Ready to Rock
Cry for the Nations
Rock You to the Ground
Attack of the Mad Axeman
Into the Arena
Courvoisier Concerto
Rock Will Never Die
Desert Song
I'm Gonna Make You Mine
Red Sky
Looking for Love
Armed and Ready
Doctor Doctor"
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Gary Barden-Vocals
Chris Glen-Bass
Ted McKenna-Drums
Derek St. Homes-Guiter/Vocals
Andy Nye-Keyboards
MSG would close out their Classic period by issuing Rock Will Never Die, recorded in Lindon in October 1983. The band at this point includes full time keyboard player Andy Nye and guitarist vocalist Derek St. Holmes, formerly of Ted Nugent's band.
The track listing is that of the 2009 Remaster, that almost doubles the original track listing.
Here is the VHS version Paul speaks about..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7aeJyPQwww&t=1s
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Sorry Tim. I got my wires crossed and was thinking we were talking McAuley Schenker - It was the reference to 80s AOR that confused me.
I love Misdemeanour. Never heard Ain't Misbehavin'.
Oh OK. That makes sense. I thought you liked Misdemeanor.
And yes, the second McCauley Schenker is much better.
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Yeah, my vinyl of RWND is only half that length and I've never ought the extended version. i will have to put that right. There is a video on youtube from the VHS of that album. Well worth a watch. A very good live album that one.
Never heard the Waysted. Will get onto it.
And the UFO guys have been pretty incestuous over the years. They obviously enjoy playing together but can't seem to keep it together.
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Yeah, my vinyl of RWND is only half that length and I've never ought the extended version. i will have to put that right. There is a video on youtube from the VHS of that album. Well worth a watch. A very good live album that one.
Here it is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7aeJyPQwww&t=1s
I also added it to the above post.
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Barden did a video for Dancer in what looks like the same session.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xag_iuE7LKo
I don't really mind Dancer. It's not great, but it never really bothered me.
I like Barden's version WAY better.
But... how did that girl manage to be both hot AF and creepy AF in the same video? :) :)
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Did the songs from the first four MSG albums get much in the way of mainstream radio play? I know later in the decade with “Anytime” there was lots of radio attention but the first four MSG albums just give off a bit of an underground vibe. But at the same time I could still see some songs appealing to the masses.
I can honestly say, I have never heard an MSG song on the radio, ever. (I grew up in the 80's in the northeast of the United States, not far from TAC, as it happens). I listened to a lot of radio around the mid, late 80's into the 90's, and ... nothing.
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UFO with Yngwie??
(https://i.pinimg.com/736x/72/ff/df/72ffdf0628fbd44805524998f73d3889.jpg)
Imagine Yngwie with UFO? Well, seems Yngwie and Phil Mogg at least had a meeting..
Yngwie:
"..I started creating a big buzz around LA. Everyone was talking about me, 'oh this kids playing like no one else'. A lot of people were blown away So I had a lot of people come check me out....
...And Phil Mogg from UFO was there. And Phil Said 'I'm trying to reform UFO, are you interested?'. And I'm like Yeah, fuck yeah I love UFO,. I thought they were great. And he says come over to my house tomorrow.
I got a call in the morning from Graham Bonnet's manager, and he said to come down and check this out. So I had to choose between Phil Mogg and Graham Bonnet the same day. So I went down to play with Alcatrazz...they liked me a lot and I liked them.
But I went to see Phil Mogg, and he was at the time, really drugged out or something. I don't know the story. But he definitely seemed like someone I couldn't work with."*
Phil:
"(I) went back to the states for a chat with guitarists like Steve Stevens, Steve Vai, and Yngwie Malmsteen. Or rather, Yngwie had a chat with me (laughs). He wouldn't have been such a good bet for collaboration."*
*Quotes taken from Martin Popoff's Shoot Out The Lights.
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I’ve never listened to the McAuley Schenker albums in their entirety, but have been familiar with the singles. From what some of you were saying, the first one sounded weak. But I’m listening to Perfect Timing right now and it’s obviously not amazing, but sounds like good solid AOR hair metal. I definitely like it, and I would think it would be right up Paul’s alley. I always liked Gimme Your Love. No complaints from me listening to Perfect Timing but I can totally see Tim hating this 😂
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Jason, give that Waysted EP a spin.
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I’ve never listened to the McAuley Schenker albums in their entirety, but have been familiar with the singles. From what some of you were saying, the first one sounded weak. But I’m listening to Perfect Timing right now and it’s obviously not amazing, but sounds like good solid AOR hair metal. I definitely like it, and I would think it would be right up Paul’s alley. I always liked Gimme Your Love. No complaints from me listening to Perfect Timing but I can totally see Tim hating this 😂
Gimme Your Love was the best song on the first one. Not much stood out after that but it was ok. A non metal fan friend of mine at the time absolutely loved it - probably says it all.
The follow up was much better. i have only heard the third album once on Youtube so will have to revisit that.
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Jason, give that Waysted EP a spin.
Listening to that too. That Wolf song from the first Waysted was :metal
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I'm enjoying the Waysted ep. Finn's voice is a bit rougher, which I don't like as much as the first album, but the songs are better.
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Yeah, Fin's voice was really well produced on Vices.
But these tunes kick ass!
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Waysted EP completely slipped me by back in the day, which is a shame as hearing it now, it carries on the blueprint set by Vices only a little more refined (for want of a better description). Also with the addition of Tonka and Parker, it’s a bit closer to what UFO seemingly moved away from.
Won’t Get Out Alive… Starting off with a riff reminiscent of Shoot Shoot, and Parker more solid than Frank Noone, this song makes its point as an opener. Fin joins in sounding more like Dan McCafferty this time. Chapman solo brings more familiarity. Short and (not) sweet. Yes.
The Price You Pay… Initially seemingly has Parker reprising his Couldn’t Get It Right licks, but the song soon becomes typical Waysted with a catchy chorus. Midway, the tempo slows and Fin tries his Mogg crooning accompanied by tasteful Chapman, but it picks up again to finish with a blistering Chapman outro.
Rock Steady… Could be another UFO intro. More tuneful than the previous two cuts, I really like this.
Hurt So Good… A slower tune, reminiscent of Morning Dew at the beginning, but a good one, with Fin doing another Dan McCafferty.
Cinderella Boys… Rather bluesy with an initially sinister speaking Fin vocal. This reminds me of ZZ Top in a good way, before picking up the tempo. Chapman reminds us why he’s really no slouch halfway through, before it becomes bluesy again. Another really good song.
This EP may not be quite as raucous as Vices. It’s slightly more polished, but without losing much of the edge from that LP, and with Leo Lyons, perhaps a little more what Pete Way was trying to get back to. However, because of that, it’s slightly down on the fun factor too. Still a good collection of songs though.
Jumping ahead slightly, I found this EP again tagged onto the end of the the next album together with a sixth song... Ball and Chain... It's terrific, but doesn't really fit with the EP original, certainly a different singer. What's the story here Tim?
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That's actually the CD version that I have. That's Fin on Ball And Change.
Pretty sure that's a non album track from TGTBTW sessions. Definitely sounds like Jerry Shirley and Chapman on it.
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I'm enjoying the Waysted ep. Finn's voice is a bit rougher, which I don't like as much as the first album, but the songs are better.
I liked it too. Only 24 minutes but petal to the metal down and dirty rock. Price you Pay and Cinderella Boys are the stand outs
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I'm enjoying the Waysted ep. Finn's voice is a bit rougher, which I don't like as much as the first album, but the songs are better.
I liked it too. Only 24 minutes but petal to the metal down and dirty rock. Price you Pay and Cinderella Boys are the stand outs
I love that EP. Love it. Picture a 15 y/o TAC rocking out on his drums to it everyday! It's just one of those things, like the second MSG album, in that whatever band I'm into at the moment, or whatever mood I'm in, they are always welcomed listens.
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That's actually the CD version that I have. That's Fin on Ball And Change.
Pretty sure that's a non album track from TGTBTW sessions. Definitely sounds like Jerry Shirley and Chapman on it.
OK I am jumping ahead then. Fin definitely sounds different.
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Yeah, if that's the CD you have, it's easy to confuse. The EP has:
Neil Shepard on guitars and Andy Parker on drums.
TGTBTW has Paul Chapman on guitar and Jerry Shirley on drums.
The live album I linked was done right after the EP, and Chapman is on that. So for that one live release, which is the band opening for Iron Maiden, the band is Chapman/Way/Parker on it.
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So I'm catching up while at work, listening to Making Contact, with the Waysted records up next.
I will offer this: I think I'm far more "tolerant" of "radio friendly" than most are. Maybe it's because I'm a melody guy; I love a song I can sing along to and I don't mind keyboards. There is a line though; Built To Destroy didn't cross it (though I prefer the UK mix), but the future releases did (I basically dropped Michael Schenker like a cheating whore girlfriend after RWND, and to this day, the only MSG I have that isn't Barden/Bonnet is the first Schenkerfest record and even then, it's half Barden/Bonnet). But I think Built To Destroy is a really good record, and it's actually one I go back to fairly frequently. I don't remember the live album; I'll be revisiting that one as well. There's also a song called "Don't Take It Out On Me" from a compilation I have that I really like; I can't seem to find it on YouTube.
I'm really digging Making Contact. I don't know that it's Mechanix level, but it's got a character to it that I like. I'm thinking that generally I just like Phil Mogg's voice. The first three songs are vintage Chapman-era UFO. I like the feel of "You And Me". I have such a mixed feeling of When It's Time To Rock; I love the outro, I can do without the chant-y chorus. I've got to wait for my meetings to finish before I comment on the rest!
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Awesome post Bill!
Where are you on Doogie White? Did you like the Rainbow album he did?
I think the two albums he did with Michael are Schenker's best albums since the classic era.
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Awesome post Bill!
Where are you on Doogie White? Did you like the Rainbow album he did?
I think the two albums he did with Michael are Schenker's best albums since the classic era.
Hmmmm. My jury is out on Doogie White. I've read interviews and he seems a real likable guy. The Rainbow album is "eh", though I'm due for a revisit. I like not love his stuff on the Resurrection disk, and he was solid live, but he just seemed SO not interested. I don't want to hate him, but I haven't gotten anything to really, flat out LOVE about him, either.
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Awesome post Bill!
Where are you on Doogie White? Did you like the Rainbow album he did?
I think the two albums he did with Michael are Schenker's best albums since the classic era.
Hmmmm. My jury is out on Doogie White. I've read interviews and he seems a real likable guy. The Rainbow album is "eh", though I'm due for a revisit. I like not love his stuff on the Resurrection disk, and he was solid live, but he just seemed SO not interested. I don't want to hate him, but I haven't gotten anything to really, flat out LOVE about him, either.
I've seen a few of you guys mention Doogie's demeanor during that tour, and it's the same impression that I got at the Cleveland show. I'm not sure if he was simply in a bad place mentally at the time, or if it's just the way that he appears by the way he carries himself.
I do think that he was in a tough spot on that tour. The people (generalization) weren't there to see his part of the show for the most part.
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I really regret not seeing that incarnation of Rainbow in the mid 90's. It was a rough time in my life, and I usually looked at those things like Ritchie and a bunch of dudes as Rainbow as kind of a farce.
I would hate to see Michael lose Doogie over the MS Fest thing. Bridge The Gap and Spirit On A Mission are Michael's best albums since the early 80's.
I loved this pic I took at the MS Fest show at Berklee.
(https://i.imgur.com/MupPOWw.jpg)
It's like the ghost of Doogie with a Death To Barden look on his face. :lol
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Can't get enough of You and Me. So fucking moody and haunting. Great storytelling too. And I keep listening to that middle section over and over. Almost brings tears to my eyes.
What? A big tough Aussie nearly brought to tears by a song? Say it isn't so :lol
Is that why you listen to the growlie stuff? Scared to shed a tear? :biggrin:
Not really haha, but it's emotional as fuck.
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I really regret not seeing that incarnation of Rainbow in the mid 90's. It was a rough time in my life, and I usually looked at those things like Ritchie and a bunch of dudes as Rainbow as kind of a farce.
I would hate to see Michael lose Doogie over the MS Fest thing. Bridge The Gap and Spirit On A Mission are Michael's best albums since the early 80's.
I loved this pic I took at the MS Fest show at Berklee.
(https://i.imgur.com/MupPOWw.jpg)
It's like the ghost of Doogie with a Death To Barden look on his face. :lol
Me too; on any given day, not seeing Rainbow when I could is a huge concert regret. Blackmore is my favorite guitarist, and even though I'm at around 350 concerts now, I've NEVER seen Blackmore electric (I've seen Blackmore's Night three times, and would go again in a heartbeat).
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Will try and have a listen to the Waysted EP.
How does this live MSG album compare to Budokan?
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How does this live MSG album compare to Budokan?
In my opinion, of course..
Definitely not as good. The songs are stronger on Budokan, as it's the production. Plus there's way more keyboards on it. Still, it's a worthy live album.
Me too; on any given day, not seeing Rainbow when I could is a huge concert regret. Blackmore is my favorite guitarist, and even though I'm at around 350 concerts now, I've NEVER seen Blackmore electric (I've seen Blackmore's Night three times, and would go again in a heartbeat).
How in the heck did you not see them in the 80's?
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Misdemeanor
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d4/Misdemeanor_albumcover.jpg)(https://www.rarerecords.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/UFO-Misdemeanor-1.jpg)
Misdemeanor (1985) (https://open.spotify.com/album/0rybV1WoTv7CyAxCilGpSX?si=RmRJWzaSQ-Omlc5sDeh8nQ)
Released November 1985 (UK)
March 1986 (USA)
1. This Time
2. One Heart
3. Night Run
4. The Only Ones
5. Meanstreets
6. Name Of Love
7. Blue
8. Dream The Dream
9. Heavens Gate
10. Wreckless
11. The Chase
Phil Mogg-Vocals
Tommy (Atomik Tommy M) McClendon-Guitar
Paul Gray-Bass
Jim Simpson-Drums
Paul Raymond-Keyboards/Guitar
In 1984, Phil Mogg was looking to start a new band. Paul Gray, left over from the previous tour was with him, as was American guitarist Tommy (Atomic Tommy M) McClendon. On drums was former Diamond Head drummer Robbie France. They did a brief tour and even had a promo pic:
(https://www.muchloved.com/s3/tributes.muchloved.com/1/71/571/7903571/images/0007903687.jpg?t=635653794664970000&preset=fancybox)
Gray, Mogg, Tommy, France
France would be replaced by Magnum drummer Jim Simpson and Paul Raymond would be added to the lineup that would record Misdemeanor.
(https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/dimension=399x10000:format=jpg/path/scb5653f39c1ac2fe/image/i4ec073edbba80e02/version/1548545413/u-f-o-misdemeanor-era-with-paul-raymond.jpg)
Simpson, Tommy, Mogg, Raymond, Gray
Phil's intention was to not call the band UFO. It was actually called Lost Parade. I had a great picture of their tour bus with Lost Parade on the sign on the outside of the front of the bus, but I cannot find it. I remember reading that and it explained the sign on the bus....
Anyway, leave it to Chrysalis to try and cash in on the name.
The album was released in November of '85 in England, but a remixed keyboard (even) heavier laden US version was released about six months later in the States.
Not sure what to make of Tommy's guitar playing. He has such a shrill tone to it. He seems pretty good though. Songwise, this album is the definition of half killer half filler. But there's some great tunes here..
Name Of Love, Heaven's Gate, Wreckless, Meanstreets, all excellent.
I also really like Night Run.
But I skip the first two songs every time I listen to this album. The rest is pretty good. I remember finding this in the import bin in 1985 so I had the first version. I played the hell out of it. I thought the songs basically followed the UFO formula, even with an 80's sound. For obvious reasons, people didn't consider this a real UFO album, but I was fine with it as it was.
This show was recorded in Oxford on the UK tour. It was released on VHS as Misdemeanor live. Phil seems pretty out of it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYSnDDjB3ig&t=1s
I actually saw UFO on this tour.. more on that later.
EDIT:
I should add, however you listen to this album, you must do two things.
1. Turn the bass up
2. Turn the treble down
The production on this album is so shrill.
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I listened to this last week and really enjoyed it. It definitely should be a Phil Mogg solo album, but I thought there were some great songs and great playing by McClendon. Not a fan of his overly bright guitar tone, but there was a lot of that sort of thing going on in the '80's. I hope to listen to it again soon.
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I listened to this last week and really enjoyed it. It definitely should be a Phil Mogg solo album, but I thought there were some great songs and great playing by McClendon. Not a fan of his overly bright guitar tone, but there was a lot of that sort of thing going on in the '80's. I hope to listen to it again soon.
Oh wow! Nice, Gregg!
I've worried about this album in the context of this thread. When this came out, I loved it, and listened to this big time. I think the songs are really solid. I mean, One Heart might be one of the worst UFO tracks, but other than that, this is pretty good.
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Tim, do you rate this higher than MC?
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Tim, do you rate this higher than MC?
I rate them pretty similarly.
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Getting this one loaded up for this mornings commute.
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Turn your treble down! :lol
Start on Meanstreets, and hit the second half first.
The first 30 seconds of Blue sounds as if it comes right off of Power Windows.
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Damn this production isn't great. But it's 80's as it comes so I'll forgive it. But yeah, this treble has been turned to 11.
I made it to Meanstreets so far and that's a cracker of a tune, definitely the best so far. The first few were okay. I can hear this definitely shouldn't have been a UFO album. Does sound like a typical 80's style solo album.
I don't mind this though. Doesn't have the magic of MC but will check the rest later.
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Loving the helmet hair in that 2nd pic. Yikes! :lol
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Damn this production isn't great. But it's 80's as it comes so I'll forgive it. But yeah, this treble has been turned to 11.
I made it to Meanstreets so far and that's a cracker of a tune, definitely the best so far. The first few were okay. I can hear this definitely shouldn't have been a UFO album. Does sound like a typical 80's style solo album.
I don't mind this though. Doesn't have the magic of MC but will check the rest later.
This sounds like a “solid” review to me
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Damn this production isn't great. But it's 80's as it comes so I'll forgive it. But yeah, this treble has been turned to 11.
I made it to Meanstreets so far and that's a cracker of a tune, definitely the best so far. The first few were okay. I can hear this definitely shouldn't have been a UFO album. Does sound like a typical 80's style solo album.
I don't mind this though. Doesn't have the magic of MC but will check the rest later.
This sounds like a “solid” review to me
I think your assumption is solid.
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Loving the helmet hair in that 2nd pic. Yikes! :lol
It's astounding how many bands followed the 80's trend, changing their sound and look during that time.
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Damn this production isn't great. But it's 80's as it comes so I'll forgive it. But yeah, this treble has been turned to 11.
I made it to Meanstreets so far and that's a cracker of a tune, definitely the best so far. The first few were okay. I can hear this definitely shouldn't have been a UFO album. Does sound like a typical 80's style solo album.
I don't mind this though. Doesn't have the magic of MC but will check the rest later.
Side two is MILES better, just so you know. Meanstreets is a great tune. It rocks big time. I also really like Night Run and its use of backing vocals.
To me, the best tunes are Name Of Love (nice solo here) and Wreckless. followed by Heaven's Gate and Meanstreets.
I love the beginning of Dream The Dream. Paul Raymond has some nice subtle keyboards . Has a great Americana feel to it. The track never really climaxes though.
Loving the helmet hair in that 2nd pic. Yikes! :lol
Thought we lost you, Prof.
Yeah, that was the back cover photo. Ridiculous look on Mogg, of all people.
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Hum, Misdemeanor… for sure, the “less UFO” album in band’s discography. AOR is the style that came closer to describe the album, but I don’t know if it fits. I consider it a good album as there’s six songs that I really like: Wreckless and Mean Streets are really great (I absolute love that 1st minute of Wreckless, so beautiful); This Time and Heaven’s Gate are very good, with great intros; and Night Run and Name of Love are solid good. I don’t care much for the rest (but Blue has a cool intro) and the only song that I truly dislike is The Only Ones, kind of a Marillion (Fugazi era) not well done, with that chorus very forced that came out of nowhere during the song.
Again something that really surprised me on TAC’s comment: IMO the american mix is much better, because it doesn’t have that excessive trebble, but also the drums aren't very loud in the mix (and with a terrible/super dated snare sound). In the US mix, the instruments sound much more balanced, the drums don't hurt and it does sound less dated to me. How I wish there was an US mix for Mean Streets and Wreckless!
OBSESSION (my favorite)/MECHANIX- 10+/10
FORCE IT/NO HEAVY PETTING/LIGHTS OUT/ THE WILD THE WILLING AND THE INNOCENT - 9,5
MAKING CONTACT/? - 9,0
PHENOMENON/? – 8,5
NO PLACE TO RUN/? – 8,0
MISDEMEANOR/? - 7,5
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I always felt the US Mix had added keyboards. I don't think I've ever completely listened to it. :lol
A quick needle drop. They really just lowered the guitars and the drums. Fair enough. But to me, there are no guitars where they used to be, and are seemingly replaced by raised keyboards. I prefer the UK mix, even if I have to play with my audio knobs.
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Maybe also your perception has to do with Tommy's guitar sound that, like you said, it has such a shrill tone to it. It seems to me that, if you have a mix/mastering with more trebble, this kind of sound would be more highlighted, giving the impression that he's higher in the mix or that it has more guitars and less keyboards. Just wondering... anyway, I think we agreed with almost all the best songs on it. :tup
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Maybe also your perception has to do with Tommy's guitar sound that, like you said, it has such a shrill tone to it. It seems to me that, if you have a mix/mastering with more trebble, this kind of sound would be more highlighted, giving the impression that he's higher in the mix or that it has more guitars and less keyboards. Just wondering... anyway, I think we agreed with almost all the best songs on it. :tup
Yes! :tup
Remember, I bought the UK version at least 6 months before the US version was released. So to me, that's how I "hear" it. to me, the US Remix completely wussified the album.
Turning down the treble isn't castrating the guitars, which is what the US Remix does.
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Loving the helmet hair in that 2nd pic. Yikes! :lol
Thought we lost you, Prof.
Yeah, that was the back cover photo. Ridiculous look on Mogg, of all people.
Freakin' work has been impinging on my posting ability lately. Been busy. It's like they don't know that I have other more important things to do. I plan to listen to this a bit later this evening.
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I hear ya! I go back tomorrow after having 10 days off.
Glad you're hanging in there. Still have a ways to go! :lol
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I hear ya! I go back tomorrow after having 10 days off.
Glad you're hanging in there. Still have a ways to go! :lol
10 days off! Lucky bugger.
Yeah, I will say the dudes lead tone on this is sharp as a razor blade.
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Is this worth picking up;
https://www.utopia.com.au/ufo-complete-studio-albums-1974-1986-the-phenomenon-force-it-no-heavy-petting-lights-out-obsession-no-place-to-run-the-wild-the-willing-and-the-innocent-mechanix-making-contact-misdemeanor-lp-replicas-all-with-bonus-tracks-10cd-cd-new.html
I already own Phenomenon, LO and Obsession without bonus tracks though. I could probably get it cheaper but this place is in Sydney. Worth it to have them all on cd and bonus tracks?
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Is this worth picking up;
https://www.utopia.com.au/ufo-complete-studio-albums-1974-1986-the-phenomenon-force-it-no-heavy-petting-lights-out-obsession-no-place-to-run-the-wild-the-willing-and-the-innocent-mechanix-making-contact-misdemeanor-lp-replicas-all-with-bonus-tracks-10cd-cd-new.html
I already own Phenomenon, LO and Obsession without bonus tracks though. I could probably get it cheaper but this place is in Sydney. Worth it to have them all on cd and bonus tracks?
This is the set I picked up shortly after Pete died for about $38 US. They all sound excellent and the bonus tracks are all pretty good. A b-side here and there and live tracks. Only Misdemeanor doesn't have any live tracks, just the bonus track The Change and then the US remixes of most of the album (which TAC said is even heavier on the synth, so you might like it).
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Well, let me get my bearings while the blood stops gushing from my ears from Tommy's lead tone. Good god, is that shrill!
Oddly, a thought that continued to go through my head is 'Is this what Marillion would sound like with a Hard Rock edge?'. Some of those synth tones sounded like they belonged on a Marillion record. I love Marillion, but I am not that fond of 80's style synth in hard rock/metal.
This Time blows. One Heart is decent and listenable. Night Run is pretty good. The Only Ones is twice as long as it needs to be and just is not that good. Dream The Dream kind of sucks. The rest of the tracks are listenable. I think I would enjoy this album a lot more without the needless synth, but I also understand they were trying to 'fit in' and stay hip with the popular crowd.
I plan on introducing a buddy of mine to UFO and I will absolutely not play this album for him. He will hate it. I can tolerate it, but this will be one I barely listen to. This is their first miss for me. Not bad, considering.
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Is this worth picking up;
https://www.utopia.com.au/ufo-complete-studio-albums-1974-1986-the-phenomenon-force-it-no-heavy-petting-lights-out-obsession-no-place-to-run-the-wild-the-willing-and-the-innocent-mechanix-making-contact-misdemeanor-lp-replicas-all-with-bonus-tracks-10cd-cd-new.html
I already own Phenomenon, LO and Obsession without bonus tracks though. I could probably get it cheaper but this place is in Sydney. Worth it to have them all on cd and bonus tracks?
This is the set I picked up shortly after Pete died for about $38 US. They all sound excellent and the bonus tracks are all pretty good. A b-side here and there and live tracks. Only Misdemeanor doesn't have any live tracks, just the bonus track The Change and then the US remixes of most of the album (which TAC said is even heavier on the synth, so you might like it).
Damn that's a good price. I could hunt around and get it overseas but would kind of want it ASAP as I'm on the UFO kick now! I'll have a look if there are any other options. I can get this within a couple of days of ordering but obviously I'm paying for it.
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Looks like I'll just pay to get it locally.
Amazon can get it to me by January. :lol
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I didn't hear Misdemeanor until I bought the box set a few years ago. I can't get past that mid-80s synth sound, but there are some songs I like. Name of Love, Blue and Heavens Gate are decent.
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Damn this production isn't great. But it's 80's as it comes so I'll forgive it. But yeah, this treble has been turned to 11.
I made it to Meanstreets so far and that's a cracker of a tune, definitely the best so far. The first few were okay. I can hear this definitely shouldn't have been a UFO album. Does sound like a typical 80's style solo album.
I don't mind this though. Doesn't have the magic of MC but will check the rest later.
Side two is MILES better, just so you know. Meanstreets is a great tune. It rocks big time. I also really like Night Run and its use of backing vocals.
To me, the best tunes are Name Of Love (nice solo here) and Wreckless. followed by Heaven's Gate and Meanstreets.
I love the beginning of Dream The Dream. Paul Raymond has some nice subtle keyboards . Has a great Americana feel to it. The track never really climaxes though.
Loving the helmet hair in that 2nd pic. Yikes! :lol
Thought we lost you, Prof.
Yeah, that was the back cover photo. Ridiculous look on Mogg, of all people.
No love for Night Run? I love that tune.
Yes the treble is to the max and the production/mix definitely drags it down a bit and leaves it a bit one dimensional, but these songs are great. Tommy M widdles away nicely.
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So the second half is WAY better than the first half. Really nice AOR but this isn't UFO. This is more like FM or something.
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By 85, our crowd had dispersed a bit. Therefore LP buying became more selective, and I didn’t immediately buy Misdemeanor. Then watching The Tube (UK live music series), UFO were introduced. Of course I knew they had regrouped, but I read somewhere it was to be more of a Phil Mogg project with different players, until Chrysalis wanted to release it as UFO. Sounds familiar, yes? Mogg and co mixing it up live and doing a very good job, definitely disturbed the alt/plastic music gang. They played This Time and Night Run IIRC, and caught my ear enough for me to buy the album; it became a favourite for a while. This is not however, the beloved UFO of old, nor is it the tired band of Making Contact days. I prefer to think of it as a reboot, a sort of parallel to classic Yes vs. 90125.
This Time… A great opener and immediately sets the blueprint for the LP. Yes, Tommy M’s guitar is way too trebly, but I got used to it then, and same now. Perhaps a bit too widdly for UFO, but imagine if Malmsteen had joined. Keyboards very up front but it’s good have Raymond back, even if this isn’t quite his sound. Paul Gray does a great job as co-writer on this album and Mogg has stamped his unique identity everywhere.
One Heart… Heavier than NR. The drums are also typical 80s, but the song is good enough.
Night Run… 80s swirly keyboards but I love this song. It was one of the highlights for me 30+ years ago, and still is, maybe thanks to the harmony vocals in the chorus.
The Only Ones… Vintage Mogg vocals, with a slower tempo. Even Gray’s bass is a bit trebly, but fitting. Someone mentioned Power Windows era Rush? A memorable chorus. I like this tune.
Meanstreets… The heaviest so far, and first to truly feature Tommy M’s guitar; a nod back to days gone by, with a bit of EVH influence. Great tune.
Name of Love… More guitar again (Lifeson sounding first solo) but a little less ballsy (if the production allows on this album). Another good tune.
Blue… Another good song.
Dream the Dream… Slower tempo, with some good bass. Not a favourite though and could have been any AOR band from this era, especially with the now annoying snare.
Heavens Gate… Heavier intro gives way to This Time style keyboards, but it’s still better than the last song. Another widdly guitar solo is starting to leave me a little tired.
Wreckless… Bluesy intro gives way to a standard mid tempo rocker. However this song is average. Tommy tries to impersonate Yngwie for a while; shame he’s not more tuneful.
I was little surprised at the Rush stylings this time, as I never noticed them when I got the album. Many times the only link to what we know as UFO is Mogg’s voice. I still like this album and perhaps because of the production, feels like a breath of fresh air. Certainly this time, they’re playing with conviction. However this is not really UFO. It’s a product of its time, like MC, although that album sounded a bit more like UFO. Now it’s back on my radar though, I’m likely to play again. But it’s no classic.
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Tim wasn't kidding about the Power Windows vibe on Blue. That's straight Middletown Dreams.
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I always felt the US Mix had added keyboards. I don't think I've ever completely listened to it. :lol
A quick needle drop. They really just lowered the guitars and the drums. Fair enough. But to me, there are no guitars where they used to be, and are seemingly replaced by raised keyboards. I prefer the UK mix, even if I have to play with my audio knobs.
Man, if you think about it too much, it's easy to get a complex about what the British think of Americans. :) UFO, MSG, Whitesnake, Nektar and Rainbow ALL had "US Mixes" and "UK Mixes", and while I still have to compare the UFO ones, I prefer the UK mixes every time. I don't MIND keyboards - Rush - but it just seems that they get used so... gratuitously on these remixes.
Also, in the Chrysalis compilation I have, Mogg is asked about Raymond leaving (when he went to MSG) and his answer was something to the effect of "that's ok, we'll save a ton of money on eyeliner!" (that sounds dickish, but in the inteview, most of his answers are quippy one-liners so it didn't stick out as much).
Also, I read an interview with Gary Barden last night (https://www.tierheilpraktiker-bremen.de/takeit/garybarden.htm) that confirmed that they kept Bonnet's background vocals on the redone "Dancer" and "Desert Song" cuts.
Finally, I recall seeing a slight debate on-line about the cover for Misdemeanor; I guess some thought that was a man in drag (hair on the arms or some shit) and Atomik Tommy even weighed in that he always thought it was a girl. Not that this is of any importance, but I thought it sort of funny that the guy taking over for Schenker and Chapman gets to answer questions about the album cover model. :)
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It just needs the guitars turning up and the keys down and it would sound like UFO to me.
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So.... catching up. I listened to the Waysted EP and...
I'm loathe to badmouth anything that someone is really keen on, since taste is taste. I liked this not loved it. I think part of it was "Spotify"; I could very easily see myself in my car with the windows down cranking this on cassette, as I very much did with MSG back in the day (relevant, as you'll see).
My big problem with this, 36 years later, is the vocals. I know, I'm a Barden fan, so I can't complain about singers, but in hindsight, I listen to Fin and I'm like "that's Brian Johnson! That's Phil Lewis! That's Cowboy Mach Bell! That's the dude from The Bullet Boys!" It's just so generic. But the songs are great, and especially Cinderella Boys. After the slow part I wanted SO BAD for the singer to have a little "smooth" to his voice, like Mogg; Mogg would have sang the absolute FUCK out of Cinderella Boys. Then Ball And Chain comes on - excellent - and he DOES sing in a smoother voice, exactly what I was looking for.
I get it, they aren't singing for me, it's just my preference, but so be it.
I'm starting Misdemeanor now and we'll see; you can have balls and heart with keyboards, but this seems to be missing that a little. Phil needs a little grit to sing over! :) Here he sounds like John Waite! Was "This Time" on the St. Elmo's Fire Soundtrack? :)
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Night Run… 80s swirly keyboards but I love this song. It was one of the highlights for me 30+ years ago, and still is, maybe thanks to the harmony vocals in the chorus.
I remember being on a double date in high school and blasting this song. In the chorus, I was singing the Mogg part and everyone one else in the car was doing the background vocals. It's a great song, with excellent lyrics.
So.... catching up. I listened to the Waysted EP and...
I'm loathe to badmouth anything that someone is really keen on, since taste is taste. I liked this not loved it. I think part of it was "Spotify"; I could very easily see myself in my car with the windows down cranking this on cassette, as I very much did with MSG back in the day (relevant, as you'll see).
My big problem with this, 36 years later, is the vocals. I know, I'm a Barden fan, so I can't complain about singers, but in hindsight, I listen to Fin and I'm like "that's Brian Johnson! That's Phil Lewis! That's Cowboy Mach Bell! That's the dude from The Bullet Boys!" It's just so generic. But the songs are great, and especially Cinderella Boys. After the slow part I wanted SO BAD for the singer to have a little "smooth" to his voice, like Mogg; Mogg would have sang the absolute FUCK out of Cinderella Boys. Then Ball And Chain comes on - excellent - and he DOES sing in a smoother voice, exactly what I was looking for.
Fin does have a Brian Johnson feel. But Phil Lewis? Bulletboys? Ouch. That hurts..
I don't find it generic at all. It fits the music perfectly.
Anyway, just for that, here's a whole album's worth... ;D
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The Good The Bad The Waysted
(https://img.discogs.com/17BDOmzlG1C1XrvWz9oUVIeRoTw=/fit-in/288x288/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-2320195-1308081423.jpeg.jpg)(https://www.justfortherecord.co.nz/assets/Images/Albums/DSCF7180.JPG)
https://open.spotify.com/album/6LK2Q2GcwPkH25gPmST2Nx?si=wCgOo2PYSA6VQ_4ssYm5aQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_WbmCrjIE4
Released 1985
Hang 'Em High
Hi Ho My Baby
Heaven Tonight
Manuel
Dead On Your Legs
Rolling Out The Dice
Land That's Lost The Love
Crazy 'Bout The Stuff
Around And Around
Pete Way-Bass
Paul Chapman-Guiter
Fin-Vocals
Jerry Shirley-Drums
Jimmy DiLella-Keyboards
I'd be hardpressed to find an album that I listened to more than I did this one in the mid 80's. Despite a sharp production, it was great to have Paul Chapman and Pete Way working together. This album is loaded with great tunes that totally kick ass.
Heaven Tonight and Manuel are the two best tracks.
I used a quote from this album for my high school yearbook picture (Class of '86 BTW)
From Land That's Lost The Love:
"Try everything twice just in case there was something that you missed.
Don't say I know know it all, but I tell you, hey, I've been through the list"
Jerry Shirley is fantastic on this as the drums are really powerful on this album.
I realize nobody will like this album as much as I do, but I hope you all give it a listen.
Seems the youtube link has the EP at the end.
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The thing is, with Misdemeanor and the Waysted albums, was that when I got into UFO, they were done. Then suddenly their members start releasing albums. I was all in on this stuff. But the thing is, I liked it all. If I had never heard the Waysted albums before, sure going back in time, I'm not sure how I would respond. But being a fan when these albums were released, these were huge things for me.
Heck, I even had the Tarzen (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12pnW32_L88&t=1s) album that Danny Peyronel released, also released in 1985.
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The Waysted is on the list for tomorrow, or later tonight if my Mrs decides to rot her brain with Love Island again 😀
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WTF is Love Island? :lol
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WTF is Love Island? :lol
Don’t tell me you don’t watch it. Televised narcissistis manipulating each other. Pretty sure it’s an American invention.
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WTF is Love Island? :lol
Don’t tell me you don’t watch it. Televised narcissistis manipulating each other. Pretty sure it’s an American invention.
I don't watch TV. I have no idea. Seems I'm not missing anything..
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WTF is Love Island? :lol
Don’t tell me you don’t watch it. Televised narcissistis manipulating each other. Pretty sure it’s an American invention.
I don't watch TV. I have no idea. Seems I'm not missing anything..
Indeed you are not.
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Night Run… 80s swirly keyboards but I love this song. It was one of the highlights for me 30+ years ago, and still is, maybe thanks to the harmony vocals in the chorus.
I remember being on a double date in high school and blasting this song. In the chorus, I was singing the Mogg part and everyone one else in the car was doing the background vocals. It's a great song, with excellent lyrics.
Yes it is; Phil kills that song. And your friend Billy IS one of a kind. :) :)
No knock on Tommy, but I'd love to hear Paul play that one.
Fin does have a Brian Johnson feel. But Phil Lewis? Bulletboys? Ouch. That hurts..
I don't find it generic at all. It fits the music perfectly.
Anyway, just for that, here's a whole album's worth... ;D
Yeah, the Phil Lewis was a cheap shot. Sorry. :) :)
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The thing is, with Misdemeanor and the Waysted albums, was that when I got into UFO, they were done. Then suddenly their members start releasing albums. I was all in on this stuff. But the thing is, I liked it all. If I had never heard the Waysted albums before, sure going back in time, I'm not sure how I would respond. But being a fan when these albums were released, these were huge things for me.
I was trying to capture that when commenting on the EP above. I TOTALLY get that feeling. I have plenty of albums that are exactly like that: the Kiss solo albums, for one, Built To Destroy for another, the first Twisted Sister album...
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WTF is Love Island? :lol
Don’t tell me you don’t watch it. Televised narcissistis manipulating each other. Pretty sure it’s an American invention.
Boobies, though, if the ads are to be believed.
Supposedly, my boss's wife, who I've never met, has a friend, who I've also never met and whose name I do not know, that is/was on that show. Supposedly, at least in her case, there's not a stitch of acting going on. That's her, in all her glory as a person.
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Supposedly, my boss's wife, who I've never met, has a friend, who I've also never met and whose name I do not know, that is/was on that show. Supposedly, at least in her case, there's not a stitch of acting going on. That's her, in all her glory as a person.
You sure about that? :lol
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Also, in the Chrysalis compilation I have, Mogg is asked about Raymond leaving (when he went to MSG) and his answer was something to the effect of "that's ok, we'll save a ton of money on eyeliner!" (that sounds dickish, but in the inteview, most of his answers are quippy one-liners so it didn't stick out as much).
He and Mogg had a tiff, and he found himself out of the band. In Pete Way's book, Pete says he was fired by "Phil or the Manager".
Apparently Paul Raymond could be a bit outspoken, if that can be believed.
Raymond also walked off the Misdemeanor US tour too.
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I was youtubing some UFO last night and there's a great pro shot hour long concert from the Misdemenor tour that I skipped through. Is mostly just the album live but Tommy shreds. It's a good watch.
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I was youtubing some UFO last night and there's a great pro shot hour long concert from the Misdemenor tour that I skipped through. Is mostly just the album live but Tommy shreds. It's a good watch.
I posted that at the bottom of the Misdemeanor post.. ;D
This show was recorded in Oxford on the UK tour. It was released on VHS as Misdemeanor live. Phil seems pretty out of it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYSnDDjB3ig&t=1s
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I did all that searching for nothing. :facepalm:
Phil sings pretty good here though. Brings to life some of the songs more too.
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I was mainly searching for something from the MC tour.
You probably posted it but the other one I came across was I think Dortmund 1980. Got a good look at Paul on some songs here. I liked his style.
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I was mainly searching for something from the MC tour.
You probably posted it but the other one I came across was I think Dortmund 1980. Got a good look at Paul on some songs here. I liked his style.
Yes, I did post it!
I actually have that DVD and CD. It's really nice. It has Neil Carter on it, just before WWI was released.
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I was mainly searching for something from the MC tour.
You probably posted it but the other one I came across was I think Dortmund 1980. Got a good look at Paul on some songs here. I liked his style.
Yes, I did post it!
I actually have that DVD and CD. It's really nice. It has Neil Carter on it, just before WWI was released.
Haha thought it was him. Sorry, I am paying attention, I just like feeling the album out first then going back for extras. I'll make sure I go back to your posts before searching myself.
That Dortmund show is high quality though. I liked Chapmans take on Rock Bottom. Really held his own.
One thing I didn't really like was his change up of that beautiful melody in the middle of Love to Love. He should have kept that the same. I did like his take on the out to solo though. That one long bent note he holds at the end of the solo is awesome.
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I think the difference is when Schenker plays it, you're at a performance, but when Chapman plays those songs, you're at a damn Rock Concert! :metal
The straightforward Schenker tunes like Too Hot, OYCRM, and Shoot Shoot, even Doctor Doctor. Those songs just feel a bit more kick ass live with Chapman.
Check out that last Waysted album. Paul Chapman is rally good on it even though the tone is a bit sharp.
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Alright will do mate. Will have to load it up tomorrow now though.
Don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying Chapman as much as Shenker I think.
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Alright will do mate. Will have to load it up tomorrow now though.
Don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying Chapman as much as Shenker I think.
I'm glad to hear it.
Yeah, if you like Chapman, we have this Waysted album and the next one, plus some cool concert pics I took. ;D
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Nice.
Chapman did have a very cool rock n roll stage presence too. I'm liking him a lot.
I listened to Making Contact again in the car this morning.... :blush I'm in love with it I think.
I'll definitely pick up the 10cd set. This is a wonderful, underrated band truthfully. A hidden gem.
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Nice.
Chapman did have a very cool rock n roll stage presence too. I'm liking him a lot.
I listened to Making Contact again in the car this morning.... :blush I'm in love with it I think.
I'll definitely pick up the 10cd set. This is a wonderful, underrated band truthfully. A hidden gem.
:metal
We're only halfway through the thread! :lol
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I'll skip ahead to the next one too as I have that on cd in that 2cd compilation thing. One Night Only or One of Those Nights or whatever it's called.
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I found this too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUqjTipdjuo
Chapman playing his guitar without a strap, incredible!! :lol
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I found this too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUqjTipdjuo
Chapman playing his guitar without a strap, incredible!! :lol
Pretty sure I linked that too. ;D
Well, it's a lip synch show of the studio version.
You do recognize Billy Sheehan, right.
I'll skip ahead to the next one too as I have that on cd in that 2cd compilation thing. One Night Only or One of Those Nights or whatever it's called.
I had to look this up.
Is this the Live In Texas '79 and the Lights Out In Tokyo '92 release?
The Live In Texas, is awesome. It was released as Parker's Birthday, and it includes the the Chapman/Raymond lineup on the Stroangers In The Night tour in March 1979.
And Hell yes on Lights Out In Tokyo. We'll get to that one next week.
We still have another Waysted album, a couple of Schenker albums, and Ain't Misbehavin' first.
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I found this too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUqjTipdjuo
Chapman playing his guitar without a strap, incredible!! :lol
Pretty sure I linked that too. ;D
Well, it's a lip synch show of the studio version.
You do recognize Billy Sheehan, right.
I'll skip ahead to the next one too as I have that on cd in that 2cd compilation thing. One Night Only or One of Those Nights or whatever it's called.
I had to look this up.
Is this the Live In Texas '79 and the Lights Out In Tokyo '92 release?
The Live In Texas, is awesome. It was released as Parker's Birthday, and it includes the the Chapman/Raymond lineup on the Stroangers In The Night tour in March 1979.
And Hell yes on Lights Out In Tokyo. We'll get to that one next week.
We still have another Waysted album, a couple of Schenker albums, and Ain't Misbehavin' first.
Fuck, of course you did!! :facepalm: Yeah, I saw it was obviously lip synched. :lol And yeah, noticed Billy too, now I remember reading your words with Billy. Sorry mate.
Ah, I didn't realise there was another album before High Stakes. yeah, the compilation I have is this;
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_of_Those_Nights:_The_Anthology
Fucking weird. Don't remember buying it or how much I paid for it. Must have been a clearance album I'd say.
I'll hold off then since there's an album inbetween.
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Wolf is officially an UFO fanatic :metal
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yeah, the compilation I have is this;
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_of_Those_Nights:_The_Anthology
Fucking weird.
That is a fucking weird package. yes it includes High Stakes (along with the bonus track, a remake of Long Gone which is amazing!)
Then the live disc is half of the '79 show and half of the '92 show.
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June 14, 1986
STORYTIME!!!
I was so excited when it was announced that UFO would be playing at The Living Room in Providence on June 14, 1986. It would be a couple of weeks after I graduated high school. I was 17.
There were a number of obstacles.
First, I had to convince my parents, or my father really, to let me go. This was at a club. I had been to many concerts by this point, but none would be at a club, or this late at night.
Second, in Massachusetts, anyone under 18 could not drive after midnight. With it being so late, I can't remember exactly where my father stood on taking us. Before I got my license, my father would take us to Providence, and keep himself busy while me and my friends were in the Civic Center. We would always meet him at the same spot. I am so grateful for the many times he did this for me.
As luck would have it, a girl I worked with, who was a couple of years older than me, her husband was a big UFO fan. He was also 23. I had met him a few times. So I bought his ticket, and the plan was that he would drive my car home. So now I had convince my father to let some dude 6 years older than me, who he didn't know, to drive us home at 1:00 am.
I have NO IDEA how I pulled it off. I know my father respected and knew I had a real love of music. And I was a good kid. I made a promise to myself that day. No beers. No weed. And I held it.
We drove to downtown Providence in the afternoon. It was pretty early. Now there are many hotels in Providence. But right in the center, we decided to hang outside of The Biltmore. It was the nicest hotel in the city. Not sure why. Not sure how. But we did. Now this is going to sound unbelievable, but we couldn't have been out there more than 15-20 minutes, and out the front door walks fucking Phil Mogg! :omg:
He was cool. We chatted and he agreed to take a couple of pictures.
(https://i.imgur.com/Zugnbjx.jpg)
Two of my best friends are on the right, and the short guy with the glasses is the guy that drove us home. He's actually wearing a Mechanix tour shirt, which he would end up giving to me.
(https://i.imgur.com/GaZ6I2p.jpg)
We probably hung around another hour or so. Bass player Paul Gray also came out and he freaking cool as hell.
(https://i.imgur.com/GJju98T.jpg)
A bit later on, the tour bus pulled up, and they all ran onto the bus. I did have a hotel postcard that went onto the bus, and someone handed it to me with all of their signatures, including Paul Raymond. Unfortunately, that has not survived. We followed the bus to the venue. They went in for soundcheck, and we went to grab a bite to eat. We were back so when the doors opened, we were first in line.
We got our spots right at the stage.
Even though it was really a bastardized version of UFO, it was still Phil Mogg, but having Paul Raymond meant a lot to me. Not only was he part of the Classic UFO lineup, but he is also instrumental on MSG.
It was a long day, but the payoff was UFO finally taking the stage. I smuggled my camera and two extra roles of film. Prettty sure they were 36 roles, and for many shows, I might get a handful of good shots per role. For this show, changing film twice during the show, I got so many great shots.
(https://i.imgur.com/igqOdQ8.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8fMsZKY.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Do3HgT9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/IU5T17r.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/TCCkDjo.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/i8NoGyO.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/J8chFRF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/PnD0Fix.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/cxEGdkL.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/XM7Se07.jpg)
Apparently I would have a conversation with someone this night that would pay some UFO related dividends six years down the road....
Not including days with my kids, or days when I was a kid with my parents, June 14, 1986 would be a Top 5 Tim Only Day. The next day, after developing my pics, I simply could not believe the previous day went off as it did.
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The Good The Bad The Waysted is another new album for me on listening. Wiki is where I have been getting information about songwriters and lineups from, whilst I listen from YouTube, so apologies if I posted wrong info previously.
Hang Em High… A standard opener, it could almost be a UFO outtake. This time Fin reminds me of Quireboys’ Spike. Typical Chapman outro
Hi Ho My Baby… Yep it’ll do.
Heaven Tonight… Piano intro along with Fin doing Mogg again. Understandable that this was a single, as it’s a bit more commercial, but not in a bad way. Nice tune
Manuel… This has a more atmospheric intro before the mid tempo main song. Nice change of tempo for the outro with Chapman blazing away.
Dead On Your Legs… A slightly slower tempo reminds me of The Faces again (or even The Stones?)
Rolling Out The Dice… Another good Way driven song. Nice solo
Land That’s Lost The Love… The best song on the album IMO, with a tasteful Chapman midway through.
Crazy Bout The Stuff… Sinister slow tempo start before rocking again. Fin reminds me of Ozzy in the slow parts.
Around And Around… This Chuck Berry cover is better than the Airplane one. Having fun again in the vein of Mystery Train.
A solid album without a bad song. However I feel the EP was slightly better. I don't have a problem with Fin generally, he suits the grittiness of the production. Waysted know what they like to play and there’s not much straying from their chosen path. Good for them.
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The Good The Bad The Waysted is another new album for me on listening. Wiki is where I have been getting information about songwriters and lineups from, whilst I listen from YouTube, so apologies if I posted wrong info previously.
Hang Em High… A standard opener, it could almost be a UFO outtake. This time Fin reminds me of Quireboys’ Spike. Typical Chapman outro
Hi Ho My Baby… Yep it’ll do.
Heaven Tonight… Piano intro along with Fin doing Mogg again. Understandable that this was a single, as it’s a bit more commercial, but not in a bad way. Nice tune
Manuel… This has a more atmospheric intro before the mid tempo main song. Nice change of tempo for the outro with Chapman blazing away.
Dead On Your Legs… A slightly slower tempo reminds me of The Faces again (or even The Stones?)
Rolling Out The Dice… Another good Way driven song. Nice solo
Land That’s Lost The Love… The best song on the album IMO, with a tasteful Chapman midway through.
Crazy Bout The Stuff… Sinister slow tempo start before rocking again. Fin reminds me of Ozzy in the slow parts.
Around And Around… This Chuck Berry cover is better than the Airplane one. Having fun again in the vein of Mystery Train.
A solid album without a bad song. However I feel the EP was slightly better. I don't have a problem with Fin generally, he suits the grittiness of the production. Waysted know what they like to play and there’s not much straying from their chosen path. Good for them.
Quireboy's Spike is Phil's nephew.
Land That's Lost the Love is amazing.
Heaven Tonight is fantastic, and would be given a much more commercial spin on the next album.
Dead On Your Legs (great Faces reference BTW) is the ultimate keg party song.
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Awesome pictures :metal
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... and AWESOME story! :o :metal :metal :metal
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:metal
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Don't forget everyone to take note of Tim's ensemble in those pictures. What a fashion superstar!!
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Don't forget everyone to take note of Tim's ensemble in those pictures. What a fashion superstar!!
:rollin
Come at me! :lol
That's some gorgeous hair!! :lol :lol
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I'm more curious to know why Paul has a Frogger game on his outfit?
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A Frogger game?
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Tim, the least metal pictures I've ever seen of you.
Yet, I can't make fun of you. Skeletons in my closet. Loo
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We wore the same wig in 1986! :lol :lol
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Hey not knocking mate. I told you I was jealous of your hair. ;D
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Even George Costanza would say screw it to Frogger and acknowledge those great pictures and story :metal
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I still don't know the Frogger connection.
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Here’s your pizza pea brains
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His outfit has solid black lines that look like the places that the Frog can stop and then the little black lines are the things floating by that he jumps on. It's just the first thing I thought of when I saw it. Not quite the same, but it is just a weird looking outfit.
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Here’s your pizza pea brains
I think I remember why we stopped coming here.
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:metal
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I don't get it. Another Seinfeld reference?? :lol
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Oh Thanks. That’ll save us.
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Alright, make it large sodas.
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The perfect combination of Mountain Dew and mozzarella....just the right amount of grease on the joystick
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Tim, I so want to make fun of the shorts that you're wearing in those pics, but that story is just too great to smear. Besides, I lived through the 80's and there are quite a few embarrassing photos to prove it. I remember one in particular with a fat little punk wearing a VH 1984 shirt and parachute pants.
I've got a story of my own to share later on in this thread. Unfortunately, no pictures to prove it.
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Paul is enjoying a Miller High Life, the champagne of beers. My new favorite UFO member! :)
And I too am in zero position to make fun of anyone's 80's attire or hair. ;)
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Paul is enjoying a Miller High Life, the champagne of beers. My new favorite UFO member! :)
And I too am in zero position to make fun of anyone's 80's attire or hair. ;)
I have to say, that he was cool as hall.
OK, so I slipped in The Good The Bad The Waysted. I hope you all get a chance to spin it. I'm going to speed things up, as there are two more related albums released before Ain't Misbehavin', which is easily the low point in UFO's discography.
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Save Your Prayers
UK Cover
(https://img.discogs.com/zxByyUWnMRYreEFGEpvQyXXVxN0=/fit-in/454x448/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-2578955-1487512229-8511.jpeg.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51D3mA16QyL.jpg)
US Cover
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51FZVXC7EfL._SY355_.jpg)(https://0dayrox.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/WAYSTED2B-2BSave2BYour2BPrayers2B255BDigitally2BRemastered2B252B32BExtra2BTracks255D2Bback.jpg)
https://open.spotify.com/album/4FkBHesvBW4E3cX89PLX86?si=kdNsZqP8T-iU34Jjvt9hOg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTtaEEF2Eks
Released
Walls Fall Down
Black & Blue
Singing To The Night
Hell Comes Home
Heroes Die Young
Heaven Tonight
How The West Was Won
Wild Night
Out Of Control
So Long
Pete Way-Bass
Paul Chapman-Guiter
Danny Vaughan-Vocals
Johnny Deteodoro-Drums
Pete remade the band once again, as Fin would end up leaving in a dispute. Jimmy DiLella, the keyboard player on TGTBTW, knew a couple of American guys, singer Danny Vaughan and drummer Johnny Deteodoro. Danny has a great voice, very AOR/Hair Metalish. The album, Save Your Prayers would sound a lot more polished and commercial.
Waysted would score an opening slot on Iron Maiden's Somewhere In Time tour. Sounds great, but Pete laments the fact that they should've gone out with a more hair metalish band, say a Def Leppard. What Waysted were selling at the time, simply didn't resonate with American audiences pumped up to see Maiden.
I was originally bummed that Fin was no longer in the band. But I came to really love this album. I mean, musically, it's basically a UFO album..kind of.
Danny's vocals on this album are absolutely fantastic.
I actually bought this on import, so I have the cool cover with Pete sitting there. The US cover is gag worthy if you ask me.
Heaven Tonight Promo video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vywy4Sxa7Ko)
Nice live show..
Waysted Sheffield December 1986 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNVLRTU3N8c)
I actually saw Waysted open for Iron Maiden on this tour. Yeah, other than a large group assembled in front of Pete, and another (where I was) in front of Paul, the crowd really wasn't paying attention.
I did take some pictures (I've posted these before...)
March 30, 1987
Providence Civic Center
(https://i.imgur.com/5VVaXTO.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/s5FbAHX.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rsBMWaP.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/2k2NqH9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8ViSoBL.jpg)
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Cool ass pics as usual mate. I will get onto both of these Waysted albums.
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Going back to TGTBTW, I think it’s better than the first one and the EP (which are cool). No surprise, there's Paul Chapman on it. By the way, anyone thinks that the chorus of Crazy 'bout the stuff reminds VH's DOA?
But my favorite is still Save Your Prayers, no doubt. Although more commercial, it has better songs, production and vocalist. Chapman is smoking in the entire album, maybe it's my favorite of his, as guitar player. I love Out of Control, Heroes Die Young e Heaven Tonight – I like better this version and its guitar solos are between my favorites of Paul Chapman. This song should be one of that timeless classic rock songs, as popular as Don't Stop Believin (or something like that) IMO.
By the way, nice US cover (I never saw it before)!
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Cool ass pics as usual mate. I will get onto both of these Waysted albums.
Thank you!
I did mentioned they opened for Iron Maiden...
(https://i.imgur.com/mhuczmu.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rzUzzAv.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/KcjGIQc.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Ondad39.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/AfJQqDD.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/zHU0q6B.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MOnRBS4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/x1Jdu0L.jpg)
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Going back to TGTBTW, I think it’s better than the first one and the EP (which are cool). No surprise, there's Paul Chapman on it. By the way, anyone thinks that the chorus of Crazy 'bout the stuff reminds VH's DOA?
But my favorite is still Save Your Prayers, no doubt. Although more commercial, it has better songs, production and vocalist. Chapman is smoking in the entire album, maybe it's my favorite of his, as guitar player. I love Out of Control, Heroes Die Young e Heaven Tonight – I like better this version and its guitar solos are between my favorites of Paul Chapman. This song should be one of that timeless classic rock songs, as popular as Don't Stop Believin (or something like that) IMO.
By the way, nice US cover (I never saw it before)!
For Save You Prayers, I was really suspicious of the "Americanization" of Waysted. But I quickly learned to love this album. Obviously still having Paul Chapman in the band was huge to me, so you basically had the music of UFO. And Danny, while I never followed his post Waysted career, is AMAZING on this. It's one of my all time favorite vocal performances.
And TGTBTW is quite simply one of my all time favorite albums.
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I will get onto both of these Waysted albums.
While TGTBTW is cool as hell, I really expect you to like Save Your Prayers. I'm sure you'll recognize both Danny and Johnny from their post Waysted Bands. Danny went on to form Tyketto, and John Deteodoro shortened his name to Johnny Dee and became the drummer for Britny Fox.
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My computer is spying on me apparently...
(https://i.imgur.com/9DI9Ffk.jpg)
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I too saw Waysted open for Maiden in 87, but really don't recall my impression of them.
I never heard any of their albums after Vices, so will try and check them out this week.
Really enjoying your photos, TAC. :coolio
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I too saw Waysted open for Maiden in 87, but really don't recall my impression of them.
It was the only time I ever got to see Pete Way and Paul Chapman live. I cannot tell you how psyched I was.
Oh and BTW, that was one of the best Maiden shows I ever saw. Top 3 Maiden show.
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My computer is spying on me apparently...
(https://i.imgur.com/9DI9Ffk.jpg)
Lol WTF?!
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Loading up these Waysted albums to give them a spin.
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Loading up these Waysted albums to give them a spin.
:metal
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Update
So moving forward, I will be stack posting some of the Schenker Discography. If I feel there needs to be one highlighted on its own, I'll do so.
So tonight, I will stack post the three McAuley Schenker Group albums and UFO's Ain't Misbehavin', and you all have the weekend to digest them.
That will take us up to the Phil Mogg & Pete Way reunion on High Stakes, and ultimately the Schenker Reunion next week.
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McAuley Schenker Group
During the disasterous 1984 US Tour for Built to Destroy, Gary Barden and Michael Schenker were not getting along. It culminated with Barden basically walking off the tour. A few years later, Michael would resurface with Grand Prix singer, Robin McAuley in what would be known as MSG, or the McAuley Schenker Group. Robin will tell you that before Graham Bonnet joined MSG, Michael had asked him to join, even mentioning that Cozy Powell was still in the band at that time. Cozy would leave shortly thereafter to join Whitesnake.
Robin, loyal to Grand Prix, would turn him down. Eventually Michael came calling again, even offering to include McAuley in the name of the band.
For all intents and purposes, this was Michael Schenker's attempt at Hair Metal. The songs have a real poppy flavor, and all three albums are filled with cringy hair metal styled lyrics.
Even though the songs aren't really that strong, as expected, there is some great guitar playing going on. And Robin McAuley has a fantastic voice. To me, there's something really amiss on these albums. I have included links to all three albums. At the bottom of the post, I have also included what I feel are the 5 best tracks from this era.
I will also say that Save Yourself is by far the heaviest of the three albums, and in my opinion has Schenker's best playing in this Era..
1987
Perfect Timing
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/3a/Perfect_Timing_%28McAuley_Schenker_Group_album%29_cover.jpg/220px-Perfect_Timing_%28McAuley_Schenker_Group_album%29_cover.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71uxcK5qfiL._SL1200_.jpg)
Released October 12, 1987
Link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qz8t16SPmtU)
1. Gimme Your Love
2. Here Today Gone Tomorrow
3. Don't Stop Me Now
4. No Time For Losers
5. Follow The Night
6. Get Out
7. Love Is Not A Game
8. Time
9. I Don't Wanna Lose
10. Rock 'Till You're Crazy
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Robin McAuley-Vocals
Mitch Perry-Guitar
Rocky Newton-Bass
Bodo-Schropf-Drums
1989
Save Yourself
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bf/Save_Yourself.jpg)(https://collectionscorpions.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/eb7be-img_4437.jpg)
Released October 10, 1989
Link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ev2H5gTqUt4)
1. Save Yourself
2. Bad Boys
3. Anytime
4. Get Down To Bizness
5. Shadow Of The Night
6. What We Need
7. I Am Your Radio
8. There Has To Be Another Way
9. This Is My Heart
10. Destiny
11. Take Me Back
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Robin McAuley-Vocals
Steve Mann-Guiter/Keyboards
Rocky Newton-Bass
Bodo Schropf-Drums
1992
MSG
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/db/MSG_cover.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51wi1Mm45qL._SY400_.jpg)
Released 1992
Link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZN3Zpk-FtMk&t=2881s)
1. Eve
2. Paradise
3. When I'm Gone
4. This Broken Heart
5. We Believe In Love
6. Crazy
7. Invincible
8. What Happens To Me
9. Lonely Nights
10. This Night Is Gonna Last Forever
11. Never Ending Nightmare
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Robin McAuley-Vocals
Jeff Pilson-Bass
James Kottack-Drums
Jesse Harms-Keyboards
Listen to the links at your own risk.
Here are my Top 5 recommended tracks from these three albums.
Get Out (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FH8LaZPb1bY)
Anytime (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMW0Y1WaggA)
Save Yourself (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6y4MBFDs1u8)
When I'm Gone (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lT-L5kAVLUw)
And this song would actually land in my all time MSG Top 10
Never Ending Nightmare (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=butNg8ETxRc)
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McAuley's hair on that first album cover! WOW! :lol
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Loading up these Waysted albums to give them a spin.
:metal
Few songs into TGTBTW and it's much better than Vices. I like the vocals much more here than Vices. Get a heavy Brian Johnson vibe though. The intro song was cool and Manuel was very good. Heaven Tonight is Summer of 69 though.
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They redo Heaven Tonight on Save Your Prayers, but I like the Fin version much better.
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They redo Heaven Tonight on Save Your Prayers, but I like the Fin version much better.
It was a decent piece of AOR, just reminded me so much of SO69.
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I found an interesting MSG japanese show from 84:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfcnEjiWnu8&t=1436s
I didn't know about this vocalist in MSG...he reminded me Billy Hargrove from Stranger Things! (do your research, TAC! ;D)
https://strangerthings.fandom.com/pt-br/wiki/Billy_Hargrove
These McAuley Schenker albums, I will give a try, but the few times I already tried, I didn't connect with the style. Although I know Never Ending Nightmare from the acoustic album and it's indeed excellent.
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I found an interesting MSG japanese show from 84:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfcnEjiWnu8&t=1436s
I didn't know about this vocalist in MSG...he reminded me Billy Hargrove from Stranger Things! (do your research, TAC! ;D)
https://strangerthings.fandom.com/pt-br/wiki/Billy_Hargrove
These McAuley Schenker albums, I will give a try, but the few times I already tried, I didn't connect with the style. Although I know Never Ending Nightmare from the acoustic album and it's indeed excellent.
He had a guy called Ray Kennedy finish the BTD tour. :P Insignificant. :lol
And hell yes, that is a cheesy look. :lol
These McAuley Schenker albums, I will give a try, but the few times I already tried, I didn't connect with the style. Although I know Never Ending Nightmare from the acoustic album and it's indeed excellent.
The heaviest one is Save Yourself, and for the most part, that has the most classic guitar sound of the three.
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No Time for Losers is very cool, specially the version on The Michael Schenker Story Live.
And Get Out could be on Scorpions Lovedrive :o
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Got around to listening to the first Waysted album. Really enjoyed it, quite a bit. The version I listened to also had most of the album with what they called the 'Maison Rouge Mixes'. Those were awful. They completely removed the balls from the album. No reason for them to exist.
Anyways, I thought Vices was excellent, aside from Women In Chains. That was interesting.
I also got a hold of the 2 Mogg/Way records. Did some early recon and I am excited for those. The little I heard sounded promising. I also locked down UFO's studio work up to Seven Deadly so I am set in that sense. I have no MSG and the little I have checked out didn't really grab me. Mainly, his choice of vocalists didn't seem too hot to me.
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I haven’t listened to Perfect Timing in many years. I recall that it was a rather bland affair. Save Yourself is a much better album and is fairly decent. I have never heard the 1992 MSG album. How does it compare to the previous two?
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The Land That's Lost the Love. That's a damn good song.
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First of those MSG albums was ok but a bit of a letdown. 2-3 good songs but was pretty average overall.
I really love Save Yourselves. A great album of it's time and well produced.
I think may have heard the 3rd one once but don't remember it. Not sure why I didn't get it, having enjoyed the previous one, but will try and give it a go at work today (urgent referrals permitting). It just never appeared on my radar and after SY I pretty much didn't bother with Schenker for many years, so this is going to be interesting going forward. Again, I'm not sure why. I certainly didn't move o nt grunge or anything, and I was cursing the lack of 80s style metal in the 90s. it may have been due to losing patience with his antics.
i've already had a sneak peak at a couple of albums to come and enjoyed one, didn't like the other, and sampled some of his acoustic Thank You stuff, which was good.
Just listened to TGTG&TW and enjoyed it overall. I got a bit bored the longer it went on but it started well.
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The Land That's Lost the Love. That's a damn good song.
Hell F’n Yes!! :metal
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The Land That's Lost the Love. That's a damn good song.
Hell F’n Yes!! :metal
Pretty inconsistent album. Some really good songs but a few duds too. That song though is amazing.
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Listening to the 3rd MSG (how many self titled albums can one man have?) album and enjoying it. it's not as good as SY - a bit too generic - but far better than the first, and I'd take this over the Waysted album.
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Never heard “Get Out” before. Awesome tune, really heavy :metal
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McAuley's hair on that first album cover! WOW! :lol
I'm glad you said that first, because I felt bad for the post I was going to write. Now, I saw Robin on the Schenkerfest (what a dumb name) tour, and he can sing like no one's business. He might be the best SINGER on that tour. But I saw that first album cover, and all I could think was "Poser". It just looks like he's wearing a costume. I always though the big hair was ridiculous; even in Kiss, I thought Mark St. John was a joke, and I saw that album and knew that this wasn't going to be the gritty, English, MSG of the first four albums. I do not own ANY of those albums, and probably will never. The one single - is it "Save Yourself"? - isn't bad, but it isn't good either.
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I’m so glad everyone is checking these out. I’ll dig through the posts after work. Really enjoyed reading them so far.
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Tim, I'll try to get around to posting my thoughts on this era of MSG this weekend or sometime next week. I've been in orientation for a new job the last couple of days, and I'm a little bit out of sorts with everything else.
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Tim, I'll try to get around to posting my thoughts on this era of MSG this weekend or sometime next week. I've been in orientation for a new job the last couple of days, and I'm a little bit out of sorts with everything else.
Priorities, bo. You should have told them you'll start this new job when the interactive UFO discography on the internet is done. :) :)
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Tim, I'll try to get around to posting my thoughts on this era of MSG this weekend or sometime next week. I've been in orientation for a new job the last couple of days, and I'm a little bit out of sorts with everything else.
Priorities, bo. You should have told them you'll start this new job when the interactive UFO discography on the internet is done. :) :)
Oh, how I wish!!! A nice, long vacation right now would be a wonderful thing!
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I really enjoyed Save Your Prayers. Love the smooth melodic rock nature of it and Danny has always been wonderful to listen to. I remember Heroes aldo from a Ben and Brent show! :metal
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I really enjoyed Save Your Prayers. Love the smooth melodic rock nature of it and Danny has always been wonderful to listen to. I remember Heroes aldo from a Ben and Brent show! :metal
That album is one of my favorite vocal ever.
Tim, I'll try to get around to posting my thoughts on this era of MSG this weekend or sometime next week. I've been in orientation for a new job the last couple of days, and I'm a little bit out of sorts with everything else.
Congrats on the new job, Jason. Yeah, definitely circle back to these albums when you have a chance. This thread still has a ways to go..
McAuley's hair on that first album cover! WOW! :lol
I'm glad you said that first, because I felt bad for the post I was going to write. Now, I saw Robin on the Schenkerfest (what a dumb name) tour, and he can sing like no one's business. He might be the best SINGER on that tour. But I saw that first album cover, and all I could think was "Poser". It just looks like he's wearing a costume. I always though the big hair was ridiculous; even in Kiss, I thought Mark St. John was a joke, and I saw that album and knew that this wasn't going to be the gritty, English, MSG of the first four albums. I do not own ANY of those albums, and probably will never. The one single - is it "Save Yourself"? - isn't bad, but it isn't good either.
It's an awful look, but I never considered Robin McAuley a poser. I mean, look at Michael's extensions. Freaking awful.
I haven’t listened to Perfect Timing in many years. I recall that it was a rather bland affair. Save Yourself is a much better album and is fairly decent. I have never heard the 1992 MSG album. How does it compare to the previous two?
The third one is a lot softer in terms of music. There's a few really good songs on it though. I haven't yet relistened to it for this thread, and it's been ages since I did.
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I also got a hold of the 2 Mogg/Way records. Did some early recon and I am excited for those. The little I heard sounded promising. I also locked down UFO's studio work up to Seven Deadly so I am set in that sense. I have no MSG and the little I have checked out didn't really grab me. Mainly, his choice of vocalists didn't seem too hot to me.
I like the Mogg Way albums a lot.
And yes, Schenker has had some loaded with talent/ lacking in character vocalists for a number of years. Fortunately he found Doogie.
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Ain't Misbehavin'
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71pLkaCDCZL._SX425_.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51XVYSZxOdL._SX450_.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGYmr5Dw4aY&list=PLM0QWHFvEjTZvwwDRy_ex2HnGbcChb_uF
Released February 2, 1988
1. Between A Rock And A Hard Place
2. Another Saturday Night
3. At War With The World
4. Hunger In The Night
5. Easy Money
6. Rock Boyz, Rock
7. Lonely Cities (Of The Heart)
Phil Mogg-Vocals
Tommy (Atomik Tommy M) McClendon-Guitar
Paul Gray-Bass
Jim Simpson-Drums
Without money to record a full album, Ain't Misbehavin' was released as an EP. It's actually pretty terrible, but Between A Rock And A Hard Place and At War With The World are pretty decent.
I put the censored cover in the thread. The original cover is in the youtube link and it is most definitely NSFW.
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I going to take a guess and say that the look and sound of McAuley Schenker was a Hail Mary by Michael to get some mainstream success. Barden is a great singer but Robin clearly has a voice for radio. I like everything I’ve heard from the McAuley Schenker albums.
If Tim is classifying a UFO album as terrible, that’s not a good sign lol. Now I’m more curious to check it out
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I like everything I’ve heard from the McAuley Schenker albums.
That's awesome Jason, and it makes me feel like it was worth it to include Michael Schenker's albums in this thread.
Robin McAuley has an awesome voice. Overall, I just wanted something heavier from Michael. Save Yourself is really strong musically. But the third album, while pretty lightweight is still filled with quality tunes and is very well done.
Again, Never Ending Nightmare is fantastic. Hopefully everyone at least samples that one.
I forgot to mention that I did see the McAuley Schenker Group open for Rush on December 3rd, 1987 at the Worcester Centrum. We were in the balcony on the other side of the arena from Michael, but I don't think I ever took my eyes off of him.
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Ain’t Misbehaving...I really like Between a Rock and a Hard Place a lot and At War with the World/Hunger in the Night/Easy Money, although nothing really special, is a good run of songs. The production is very raw, with a live feel to it, but at least you can hear very well the instruments and vocals (by the way, some backing vocals I think are a bit annoying). The best here is not better than the best in Misdemeanor, but I think it’s an enjoyable EP. Maybe it’s just because that I had invested more time listening to this album than the Mcauley Schenker albums, I like it more (but...I'm suspecting that Save Yourself can be a really good album for what I’ve heard so far. I’ll hear it with more attention, no doubt).
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Ain’t Misbehaving...I really like Between a Rock and a Hard Place a lot and At War with the World/Hunger in the Night/Easy Money, although nothing really special, is a good run of songs. The production is very raw, with a live feel to it, but at least you can hear very well the instruments and vocals (by the way, some backing vocals I think are a bit annoying). The best here is not better than the best in Misdemeanor, but I think it’s an enjoyable EP. Maybe it’s just because that I had invested more time listening to this album than the Mcauley Schenker albums, I like it more (but...I'm suspecting that Save Yourself can be a really good album for what I’ve heard so far. I’ll hear it with more attention, no doubt).
Well if you don't have time, I've taken the liberty to post the links to the 5 best tracks of the three albums. ;D
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Yes, TAC, I've heard them. You made a great selection, thanks!
About McAuley, I strongly recommend the Black Swan album (with Reb Beach, Jeff Pilson and Matt Starr), Shake the World. I think it's a great album and he's singing incredibly well!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNGOVHOHbGw&list=PL1k4D8QfUBtX47JNDj-X-ukBjzfFVCEK9&index=3
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Yes, I have the Black Swan album. Robin sounds AMAZING on it. The album itself is pretty solid.
Long Road To Nowhere :metal
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Probably won't be able to check these MSG albums and AM until Monday, but I will make sure I check them all fully.
The only thing I've heard from McAuley is that Black Swan album is excellent and I was really impressed with his voice.
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I’d never heard Ain’t Misbehavin prior to a few days ago. I enjoyed it. A natural follow up to Misdemeanor. Better produced I think- I certainly didn’t notice anything off with it the other day.
Atomik Tommy was great.
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Atomik Tommy. Too funny! :lol
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So I've decided that Making Contact and Obsession are my top 2 UFO albums so far. I really would have no idea what makes number 3.
Listened to Obsession again this morning. This album is brilliant, just brilliant.
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So I've decided that Making Contact and Obsession are my top 2 UFO albums so far. I really would have no idea what makes number 3.
Listened to Obsession again this morning. This album is brilliant, just brilliant.
:metal :metal
Probably won't be able to check these MSG albums and AM until Monday, but I will make sure I check them all fully.
The only thing I've heard from McAuley is that Black Swan album is excellent and I was really impressed with his voice.
Cool. Look forward to hearing your thoughts. You might like these MSG albums.
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I'm about a week behind, but trying to catch (and keep) up.
Michael Schenker Group
Man the production is thin. Vocally, this is tantamount to the drop in quality in going from Bruce to Blaze - I’m just not finding much to love in Barden. A&D was a decent opener. The solo in Cry for the Nations just absolutely rips, and saves the song. Opening riff in Victim of Illusion is nice. Bijou was really nice ... gave me a Triumph/Emmett vibe, as they did quite a few of these kinds of interlude songs. Feels Like A Good <Aerosmith> Thing about sums it up. I dug it. Arena was excellent! Tales of Mystery was doubly excellent!! Lost Horizons was a plodder, saved by the outro.
Re Barden, Kade wrote it best .... “I'm not the biggest fan of Gary Barden's voice. He's an adequate vocalist, but for me, there' just nothing really special about his job. He's your 'meat and potatoes' hard rock singer. Gets the job done and fine to listen to, but there's no trimmings or fancy extras. “
Willing/Willing ... There wasn't a lot of discussion here - I was finished the posts before I hit Its Killing Me. Really good tune, but the first three tracks were superior, Chains being a pretty good opener, but the next two were crackers. Makin Moves was nice, that intro to Lonely Heart was gorgeous. Rest of the song couldn’t match the beauty of the opening, but it was still pretty good.
MSG ... first listen I was multitasking, and didn’t really take much of it in. 2nd try, it’s pretty enjoyable. Standouts are On and On, But I Want More (damn, dat riff and guitar work :hefdaddy). Holy fuck ... Looking For Love :OMG!! Outro of Sleeping Dogs was sweet (which I typed before you posting it as well!). I completely agree with your statement on Barden. He’s much easier on the ears here than the debut. Overall though, for me it’s mostly just standard B-List 70s/80s hard rock... I could spin Bad Company, Aerosmith, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, Y&T, Zebra, and the like, and come away equally satisfied.
Mechanix
I liked the sax lines in The Writer, and there was something very enjoyable about the minimalistic and uneventful nature of the lead riff. Something Else cover was cute enough - sticks out like a sore thumb, but it was nice. “the Bruce Springsteen of British hard rock.” Is an apt way to describe Back Into My Life. You’ll Get Love was ok, but I much more enjoyed Doing it All For You. What an open to the backside of the album! :metal. I’ll tell ya, I think this is Parker’s finest moment so far on the skins. I was really looking forward to Heel of a Stranger based on Stadler's writeup, but was slightly underwhelmed. Not a bad tune, but I guess I had big expectations.
Assault Attack
I wasn't terribly enamoured with Bonnet on the opening track. Musically, Rock You To the Ground was a plodder, but my ears enjoyed Bonnet quite a bit more - as is often the case, the outro was fantastic, and saved the track from mediocrity. With Dancer, Bonnet is reminding me of another 80s era vocalist... whom I can't quite put my finger on - it's the raspiness in his voice (Edit... I think I figured it out - Dan McCafferty / Nazareth). Schenker is spectacular on this most excellent tune. The solo in Samurai was crackin, but the rest of the song fell flat for me. The first 20 seconds of Desert Song, I can tell this is going to be glorious - I wouldn't have even needed JJ's or Wolfking's endorsement. The rest of the album is good, I'm just not wow'd. I think I'm with everyone's comments about Bonnet being a "yeller". There's no charm in his voice or delivery. It's like he's channeling Sam Kinison (obviously before Kinison was a 'thing'). Ulcer was groovy... I like these up-beat / up-tempo, jazzy-rockin tunes from that era - Pump It Up, Easy Livin, One Fine Morning, Peace Frog ... stuff like that always scratches me where I itch. Also, I revisited the title track (now that my ears got accustomed to Bonnet), and it was much nicer than it was just 45 minutes ago. Bonnet is a bit of a trainwreck, despite the melodies being pretty good. His delivery... notsomuch.
Had to quote this one, cuz I got a legit LOL out of it "this guy makes Barden sound like Bocelli."
And then I read Gregg's post about the Dancer lyrics, and lost my shit! I got tears streaming down my cheeks. "Pours a large cuppa" I had my coffee up to my mouth, and had to refrain from taking a sip, otherwise :spitcoffee:
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Ain’t Misbehavin definitely wasn’t terrible like Tim said, but also wasn’t great. Decent rock songs but nothing at all I really want to check out again. This now just sounds like a band that desperately needs Michael back.
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Ain’t Misbehavin definitely wasn’t terrible like Tim said, but also wasn’t great. Decent rock songs but nothing at all I really want to check out again. This now just sounds like a band that desperately needs Michael back.
It's considered the rock bottom ;D of their discography.
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Music Tomato World!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN02xgkz050
WTF?? :lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHxlBpCudSE
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Yeah, I'm not really disliking Ain't Misbehavin' either. This is more how I wish Misdemeanor sounded. Guitar tone is much better and very little synth to ruin things. Another Saturday Night and Rock Boyz were a bit generic. Otherwise, I enjoyed the other tracks.
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And then I read Gregg's post about the Dancer lyrics, and lost my shit! I got tears streaming down my cheeks. "Pours a large cuppa" I had my coffee up to my mouth, and had to refrain from taking a sip, otherwise :spitcoffee:
(https://media1.giphy.com/media/67uD5vaqxsiAYrL13f/200.gif)
You get me Chad, you really do. :)
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Gave up trying to find any kind of affordable physical copies of the Waysted stuff and bought everything digitally from Amazon this morning. I had enough confidence to drop the cash. Right now, I have only heard Vices in its entirety.
Picked up:
Vices
Waysted
The Good The Bad The Waysted
Back From The Dead (Deluxe)
The Harsh Reality
Not sure how I feel about buying Save Your Prayers yet. Not feeling what I have heard so far. Found an interview with Danny where he discussed the turmoil that album caused. When they all got their copies they were pissed that only Pete was on the cover. Then Danny finds out he is left off the writing credits as he says he wrote the lyrics. Chapman backs him up on this but Pete doesn't and says it's mostly Pete who wrote them and Danny got paid so stop complaining. Oh the drama. Anyway, need to check some stuff out more on this one.
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Tim gets 15 cents commission per UFO/MSG/Waysted purchase as a result of this thread :metal
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Tim gets 15 cents commission per UFO/MSG/Waysted purchase as a result of this thread :metal
:lol :lol
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I'm about a week behind, but trying to catch (and keep) up.
Michael Schenker Group
Man the production is thin. Vocally, this is tantamount to the drop in quality in going from Bruce to Blaze - I’m just not finding much to love in Barden. A&D was a decent opener. The solo in Cry for the Nations just absolutely rips, and saves the song. Opening riff in Victim of Illusion is nice. Bijou was really nice ... gave me a Triumph/Emmett vibe, as they did quite a few of these kinds of interlude songs. Feels Like A Good <Aerosmith> Thing about sums it up. I dug it. Arena was excellent! Tales of Mystery was doubly excellent!! Lost Horizons was a plodder, saved by the outro.
Re Barden, Kade wrote it best .... “I'm not the biggest fan of Gary Barden's voice. He's an adequate vocalist, but for me, there' just nothing really special about his job. He's your 'meat and potatoes' hard rock singer. Gets the job done and fine to listen to, but there's no trimmings or fancy extras. “
Willing/Willing ... There wasn't a lot of discussion here - I was finished the posts before I hit Its Killing Me. Really good tune, but the first three tracks were superior, Chains being a pretty good opener, but the next two were crackers. Makin Moves was nice, that intro to Lonely Heart was gorgeous. Rest of the song couldn’t match the beauty of the opening, but it was still pretty good.
MSG ... first listen I was multitasking, and didn’t really take much of it in. 2nd try, it’s pretty enjoyable. Standouts are On and On, But I Want More (damn, dat riff and guitar work :hefdaddy). Holy fuck ... Looking For Love :OMG!! Outro of Sleeping Dogs was sweet (which I typed before you posting it as well!). I completely agree with your statement on Barden. He’s much easier on the ears here than the debut. Overall though, for me it’s mostly just standard B-List 70s/80s hard rock... I could spin Bad Company, Aerosmith, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, Y&T, Zebra, and the like, and come away equally satisfied.
Mechanix
I liked the sax lines in The Writer, and there was something very enjoyable about the minimalistic and uneventful nature of the lead riff. Something Else cover was cute enough - sticks out like a sore thumb, but it was nice. “the Bruce Springsteen of British hard rock.” Is an apt way to describe Back Into My Life. You’ll Get Love was ok, but I much more enjoyed Doing it All For You. What an open to the backside of the album! :metal. I’ll tell ya, I think this is Parker’s finest moment so far on the skins. I was really looking forward to Heel of a Stranger based on Stadler's writeup, but was slightly underwhelmed. Not a bad tune, but I guess I had big expectations.
Assault Attack
I wasn't terribly enamoured with Bonnet on the opening track. Musically, Rock You To the Ground was a plodder, but my ears enjoyed Bonnet quite a bit more - as is often the case, the outro was fantastic, and saved the track from mediocrity. With Dancer, Bonnet is reminding me of another 80s era vocalist... whom I can't quite put my finger on - it's the raspiness in his voice (Edit... I think I figured it out - Dan McCafferty / Nazareth). Schenker is spectacular on this most excellent tune. The solo in Samurai was crackin, but the rest of the song fell flat for me. The first 20 seconds of Desert Song, I can tell this is going to be glorious - I wouldn't have even needed JJ's or Wolfking's endorsement. The rest of the album is good, I'm just not wow'd. I think I'm with everyone's comments about Bonnet being a "yeller". There's no charm in his voice or delivery. It's like he's channeling Sam Kinison (obviously before Kinison was a 'thing'). Ulcer was groovy... I like these up-beat / up-tempo, jazzy-rockin tunes from that era - Pump It Up, Easy Livin, One Fine Morning, Peace Frog ... stuff like that always scratches me where I itch. Also, I revisited the title track (now that my ears got accustomed to Bonnet), and it was much nicer than it was just 45 minutes ago. Bonnet is a bit of a trainwreck, despite the melodies being pretty good. His delivery... notsomuch.
That's great you had a chance to check these out.
Barden and Bonnet are so different, and both are good new/bad news kind of singers. More bad news.
I can't say I think Barden is all that great, and if I were like many of you guys, going back in time, I'd probably find him kind of laughable. But he does have character, something sorely missing from Schenker's later vocalists. But I was pretty young when I heard MSG, so it's really always been with me.
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Gave up trying to find any kind of affordable physical copies of the Waysted stuff and bought everything digitally from Amazon this morning. I had enough confidence to drop the cash. Right now, I have only heard Vices in its entirety.
Picked up:
Vices
Waysted
The Good The Bad The Waysted
Back From The Dead (Deluxe)
The Harsh Reality
Not sure how I feel about buying Save Your Prayers yet. Not feeling what I have heard so far. Found an interview with Danny where he discussed the turmoil that album caused. When they all got their copies they were pissed that only Pete was on the cover. Then Danny finds out he is left off the writing credits as he says he wrote the lyrics. Chapman backs him up on this but Pete doesn't and says it's mostly Pete who wrote them and Danny got paid so stop complaining. Oh the drama. Anyway, need to check some stuff out more on this one.
That's a great haul Prof!
And that's interesting about that interview with Danny. I had never heard that before. That cover with Pete sitting there is awesome, I must say.
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Here's the interview I was talking about. Lots of info in it. Even a Winger reference!
http://www.hearnoevilrecordings.com/catalogue-3/waysted/
Also just finished listening to the Waysted record with the really long name. Another winner with some crackin' tunes.
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Save Your Prayers sounds closer to the hair/glam metal prevalent in the day (big backing vocals, drums), but also bears the Way/Chapman stamp of early 80s of their former band. I miss Fin but Danny Vaughn is a nice surprise, sounding at times like Steve Augieri, and giving a fresh take to Waysted. However I feel the songs aren’t quite as strong as previously, perhaps underlined by the smoother production. The remake of Heaven Tonight doesn’t quite hit the mark for me these days, but quite possibly would have done in its time. Certainly SYP is better than the run of the mill commerciality over at MSG with even bigger production etc.
Having said that, I was moving away from the AOR and glam that was surrounding us in the late 80s, thanks to Metallica, Maiden and a resurgent Yes (ABWH). So although I had heard Anytime and another single from then MSG, nothing grabbed me. In fact I found it hard to believe MS had sold out like this, as I felt he was more individual.
The three McCauley albums mostly passed me by without any event, although the second album was a bit better. Certainly Save Yourself is a very good song with an attention grabbing classical intro and solo, and RM doing a very passable RJ Dio impression (he never sounded like this with Grand Prix). On the other hand, I Am Your Radio is truly cringe inducing. I revisited the recommended five songs but still only SY did anything for me.
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Gave up trying to find any kind of affordable physical copies of the Waysted stuff and bought everything digitally from Amazon this morning. I had enough confidence to drop the cash. Right now, I have only heard Vices in its entirety.
Picked up:
Vices
Waysted
The Good The Bad The Waysted
Back From The Dead (Deluxe)
The Harsh Reality
Not sure how I feel about buying Save Your Prayers yet. Not feeling what I have heard so far. Found an interview with Danny where he discussed the turmoil that album caused. When they all got their copies they were pissed that only Pete was on the cover. Then Danny finds out he is left off the writing credits as he says he wrote the lyrics. Chapman backs him up on this but Pete doesn't and says it's mostly Pete who wrote them and Danny got paid so stop complaining. Oh the drama. Anyway, need to check some stuff out more on this one.
That's a great haul Prof!
And that's interesting about that interview with Danny. I had never heard that before. That cover with Pete sitting there is awesome, I must say.
He looks Waysted :lol
No surprise where the band name came from.
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So this Ain't Misbehavin' is a pretty damn good FM albums.......er....I mean UFO album.
This is probably better than Misdemenor, but I didn't give that one too many listens. This one the production is WAY better and makes this much more enjoyable.
Rock and A Hard Place: So much FM sound in this. This is a great tune, nice mood, great swagger and a fitting chorus which lifts from the verse which makes it more impactful. Nice key change there too. Tommy's solo rips here. The production really makes me notice him here as opposed to Misdemenor. Tasty shred.
Saturday Night: Great, laid back 80's tune. Love the cheesy keyboard sounds here. I find the chorus really really good and catchy straight away. Cheesy backups too, but they are nice. Tommy rips a bit hard for the song, but I respect that. I don't mind guitarists being self indulgent but still adding some emotion and flavour. That chorus is great again. Found myself singing 'Saturday Night,' by the end.
War With the World: This one is a bit of a step down for me, but it's short and groovy enough so I don't mind. Not much to say, the chorus is adequte but not mindblowing or as catchy as the first two.
Hunger in the Night: Oh yeah, now we're talking. I get a Survivor mood right at the start and the atmosphere and tempo is great. Phil sounds fucking awesome. That chorus, fuck that's a great chorus. I like how Phil is kind of ad libbing and being quite reserved in his vocals here and lets the backups take a bit more control. I like that. He sounds amazing in the verses, this style really suits him. Ripping solo too. Great song.
Easy Money: Nothing flash going on here. Again, your generic type 80's tune here. The chorus is so 80's it's not funny. I wonder if they were trying to get commercial success with this or the last album? That mid section however sounds like classic UFO to tell you the truth.
Rock Boyz: The name made me expect the worse as that's a terrible title. I actually really enjoyed this one. The chorus is good, it pumps. Tommy gets shit done too. that change at 1:59 is sweet. Shame he didn't really go on to do anything else, dude can play.
Lonely Cities: This is smooth, really nice and smooth. I like the grooviness here and the atmosphere is great. The bass work is sweet here too. The chorus is pretty subtle and not really over the top but is pretty nice. I like how it leads into Tommy's solo too, nice transition.
Pretty good batch of tunes here. Again, it's not UFO, but a nice 80's sounding album.
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Now it’s official: I like Ain’t misbehaving more than any McAuley Schenker release :tup
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Just remembered UFOs appearance on a short lived TV programme in the 80s called ECT. Metal bands playing live in a studio, usually 3-4 bands a show, 2-3 songs each. UFO were on and did Nightrun and Heaven's Gate iirc.
https://youtu.be/73GqRt7dBi0
https://youtu.be/rqB8Aktk5XQ
Seems my memory is playing tricks on me. UFO are not listed as being on the programme _ I saw this somewhere back in the day.
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Gimme Your Love: Right away this sounds like what the album cover looks like. I like the chorus here. Nice sound with the keyboards. I'm open to more of this style. Solid song to start with.
Here Today: Oh yeah, more 80's goodness, this is a great song. that chorus is really excellent. McAuley has such a great fucking voice. It's really interesting hearing Shenker in this style. Certainly not as dominant or even spectacular yet, but you can hear his legendary style in the solo. Reminds me of Hardline or something this song. Actually, Jonny has a bit of McAuley in his voice now that I mention it.
Don't Stop Me: Weird verses here is the first thing I notice. This album seems to having a consistent style and sound going into the third track. A bit of an awkward chorus too, really hard to figure out what's going on here, definitely something a little different. Not even a solo really. Strange tune.
No Time For Losers: Here we kind of finally here that classic Shenker sound in the guitar riffing. I like the harmonics in there too. Not a bad tune this one, I like the pumping chorus. Great motto in the lyrics too haha. Oh yeah, that solo, now we're fucking talking!! There's Shenker! That classical style line at 1:59? WTF? Brilliant!!
Follow the Night: This is a nice song. Again, McAuley sounds wonderful. Imagine is he sang on the early MSG albums? Wow. I love the chorus here, and especially how it resolves back to the moody verse. Some great chord structures in here too. That key change into the chorus is just lush!
Get Out: Oh yeah, Rock Bottom vibes here! Great tempo shift this one. The chorus is snappy and catchy and cool. That riff is dirty and how it keeps repeating is all class. Interesting and subtle solo section. It's amazing how much the songs are the focus here over Shenker.
Love is Not A Game: LOVE the verses and the feel here, wow! Pure 80's but pure 80's bliss. Love the melodies in the verses, absolutely brilliant! Snare sounds great and the bass sounds strong too. The verse rhythm is the perfect backing for Shenker too. Wonderful solo, just so good. Love the subtle ad lib from Shenker in the end too, so tasty. Could be my fav track so far.
Time: Powerful sounding ballad from the intro. Great moody tune this, very emotional too. I love the Gamma Ray style pre chorus too, nice songwriting. Epic chorus too. Reminds me a little of Sonata Arctica for some reason, I think the keyboard sounds, but even the vocal melodies. Tasy Shenker in the solo too. Such a creative lead player.
I Don't Wanna Lose: Reminds me a bit of Dio in the intro. When it gets going that reminds me of old school UFO. Get that Hardline vibe again when it gets going. The chorus would need a few listens. Although, could be the best solo section on the album.
Rock Til You're Crazy: Great tune this. The chorus is very good and love Shenker's notes underneath. Again, reminds me of some older UFO. That solo in the middle should have gone longer though, that ripped.
This is a pretty decent album. Obviously Shenker trying to go mainstream and it's a solid effort. Would listen again. Will try and get to the other McAuley albums through the week.
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Now it’s official: I like Ain’t misbehaving more than any McAuley Schenker release :tup
:metal
Here's the interview I was talking about. Lots of info in it. Even a Winger reference!
http://www.hearnoevilrecordings.com/catalogue-3/waysted/
Wow, that's fantastic!
Ironic that Fin was working on something with Laurence Archer...
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Save Your Prayers sounds closer to the hair/glam metal prevalent in the day (big backing vocals, drums), but also bears the Way/Chapman stamp of early 80s of their former band. I miss Fin but Danny Vaughn is a nice surprise, sounding at times like Steve Augieri, and giving a fresh take to Waysted. However I feel the songs aren’t quite as strong as previously, perhaps underlined by the smoother production. The remake of Heaven Tonight doesn’t quite hit the mark for me these days, but quite possibly would have done in its time. Certainly SYP is better than the run of the mill commerciality over at MSG with even bigger production etc.
Having said that, I was moving away from the AOR and glam that was surrounding us in the late 80s, thanks to Metallica, Maiden and a resurgent Yes (ABWH). So although I had heard Anytime and another single from then MSG, nothing grabbed me. In fact I found it hard to believe MS had sold out like this, as I felt he was more individual.
The three McCauley albums mostly passed me by without any event, although the second album was a bit better. Certainly Save Yourself is a very good song with an attention grabbing classical intro and solo, and RM doing a very passable RJ Dio impression (he never sounded like this with Grand Prix). On the other hand, I Am Your Radio is truly cringe inducing. I revisited the recommended five songs but still only SY did anything for me.
I was skeptical of SYP too, but Danny won me over with his vocal performance. Plus it was still Pete and Paul. Not every song is great, but this is a real hidden gem of the mid to late 80's.
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@ Wolfking..
Kade, you were very nice in your reviews. Thank you so much for doing those. I actually want to listen to those albums after reading them . I may do so tonight. :)
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@ Wolfking..
Kade, you were very nice in your reviews. Thank you so much for doing those. I actually want to listen to those albums after reading them . I may do so tonight. :)
They are just random thoughts as I'm listening mate. I guess I'm finding a lot to enjoy because I have no preconceived opinions or thoughts with all of these albums. It's just all good music. Not sure how much of the MSG and Waysted I'll come back to but UFO are a fucking winner. Listened to Obsession again over the weekend.
One thing I like about old UFO. That's the ultimate consistency in quality yet each song doesn't sound like another. Each song is it's own piece of art and nothing really repeats. Each album is enjoyable to listen to because of the separate journey each song takes you on. Some tracks could be swapped around between albums and it wouldn't matter. That's a good thing IMO and shows the variety in their music without sacrificing quality.
Edit: I mean the McAuley stuff with MSG. The old MSG albums will get spins and have been but we'll see how this McAuley stuff goes. Interested in the next ones.
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Ain’t Misbehavin is another UFO album I didn’t buy previously, as I heard around the time of its release that it wasn’t endorsed by the band. Apparently it wasn’t up to standard. So this is my first time hearing it.
I would say there are no truly bad tracks on it, and three or four that that are pretty good… Easy Money, Rock Boyz Rock, Between a Rock and a Hard Place, At War with the World.
I would rather listen to this (and Waysted) than the three McCauley MSGs. Having said that, this band was never meant to be UFO. Occasionally the songs feel of demo quality, and I wonder if there are some Misdemeanor outtakes in here. Some felt like they needed more time to work on.
The AOR backing vocals are slightly in evidence but the raw production stops this from being over the top. Tommy’s guitar is not so trebly this time, but he lacks the finesse and tone of MS or PC; it’s more about flash with him, less the melody. So not as bad as I feared, and I know there’s better to come.
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Listening to Ain't Misbehavin' now.
Four songs in and I'm digging it! Definitely not very UFOish, but pretty good 80's rock and I think Phil sounds great. His voice and style works with the more AOR style music, IMO. I'd rather listen to this than anything with Steve Perry in it from the same era.
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Music Tomato World!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN02xgkz050
WTF?? :lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHxlBpCudSE
I don't know if it's a sign that MS is THAT GOOD, or the circumstances were THAT BAD, but I could listen to Michael noodle like that all day long.
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Listening to Ain't Misbehavin' now.
Four songs in and I'm digging it! Definitely not very UFOish, but pretty good 80's rock and I think Phil sounds great. His voice and style works with the more AOR style music, IMO. I'd rather listen to this than anything with Steve Perry in it from the same era.
Those are beautiful words, brother.
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Did they actually try and release Ain’t Misbehavin with that album cover that’s on YouTube? There is no way most stores would carry it with that cover.
And Tim you might have to give this one another chance. Seems like nobody agrees with you that it’s terrible lol. It’s solid 80s AOR music, I’m liking it.
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Hah! Yes, I’m going to listen to it tonight and read Kade’s synopsis as I go.
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Hah! Yes, I’m going to listen to it tonight and read Kade’s synopsis as I go.
Jeez, I would have put a bit more effort in if I knew you were going to do this.
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1992
Nightmare: The Accoustic MSG Unplugged Live
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/15/MSG_nightmare_acoustic.jpg/220px-MSG_nightmare_acoustic.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71DYIikMOOL._SL1243_.jpg)
Released February 1992 Released October 1992
1. Anytime 1. Anytime
2. We Believe In Love 2. We Believe In Love
3. What Happens To Me 3. What Happens To Me
4. Bad Boys 4. Bad Boys
5. When I'm Gone 5. Gimme Your Love
6. Never Ending Nightmare 6.Natural Thing
7. When I'm Gone
8. Perrier-formerly Couvoisier-Concerto
9. Never Ending Nightmare
10. Doctor Doctor
11. Lights Out
Michael Schenker and Robin McAuley recorded an acoustic EP for Japan.
Unfortunately, I couldn't find the full album on youtube but I do think there are individual tracks if you search.
But basically check this out:
They ended up deciding to tour acoustically in early 1992. Unplugged live was recorded at the Celebrity Theater in Anaheim on March 25, 1992. They were assisted on guitar by Spencer Sercombe of Shark island.
Here is the video..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-tmqctR064
I actually saw this show at Axis, a very small club in Boston across the street from the Green Monster at Fenway, on March 11, 1992.
Here are some pics.
(https://i.imgur.com/McsEDqF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/OFO2Dhf.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/nWtgbAB.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7OhRzsX.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6WGTUHb.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/05ZfOSr.jpg)
So, a funny thing happened to me at this show. At some point this guy taps me on the shoulder and is all, "What's up, hey you were at the UFO show at the Living Room right?" Yeah I was.
Seems for some reason, this guy (probably about my age or a little older) remembered talking to me at the UFO show SIX YEARS AGO. I was 17 then, and 23 now. How the fuck did he remember me??
Anyway, he asks me if I had the new UFO album. I was like what UFO album? He said that Pete Way and Phil Mogg got back together and released an album.
(Apparently UFO had just released High Stakes And Dangerous Men in Japan)
He offered to hook me up with a copy. Turns out, he lived in the town where the store I was working was (I'm actually back working there now, almost 30 years later..) Sure enough, a couple days later he brings me a cassette copy of High Stakes. I literally had no idea this album was even made. Internet? What internet? But this odd chance encounter basically delivered me basically a real time grab of High Stakes. Amazing!
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Top bloke by the sounds Tim.
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I used to have a Schenker compilation called Into the Arena which including songs from all of Michaels various bands. There was a few acoustic tunes on there and it’s clear that Michael and Robin have good music chemistry, especially in an acoustic setting.
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High Stakes And Dangerous Men
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b0/High_Stakes_%26_Dangerous_Men.jpg/220px-High_Stakes_%26_Dangerous_Men.jpg)(https://www.musik-sammler.de/cover/1151500/1151282_1_1446140013_300.jpg)
High Stakes And Dangerous Men (1988) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjQXc00KwR8&list=PLM0QWHFvEjTa8iknKz2KQBKx0rWGJQjca)
Released February 1992
1. Borderline
2. Primed For Time
3. She's The One
4. Ain't Life Sweet
5. Don't Want To Lose You
6. Burnin' Fire
7. Running Up The Highway
8. Back Door Man
9. One Of Those Nights
10. Revolution
11. Love Deadly Love
12. Let The Good Times Roll
Phil Mogg-Vocals
Laurence Archer-Guitar
Pete Way-Bass
Clive Edwards-Drums
Don Airey-Keyboards
After a chance meeting in a pub, Pete Way and Phil Mogg talked about a lot of things over some drinks. Eventually it led to possibly reuniting and forming a band.
That band would include former Stampede and Grand Slam guitarist Laurence Archer, and former Wild Horses (along with Neil Carter) drummer Clive Edwards.
High Stakes is a high quality album. I remember being given a copy of it, and I was so happy that there was new UFO material. But not just any UFO material. This actually included Pete Way.
The lead track, Borderline, is one of my all time favorite UFO tracks. This is a truly solid album with some nice playing from Archer. Unfortunately, the guitar is quite soft in the mix. But listening carefully, Archer is ripping it up big time.
(https://www.geocities.ws/cosmoguy.geo/UFO92.jpg)
Archer, Mogg, Way, Edwards
(https://musicpr.ru/images/musicpr_ru/artistimage/11152-ufo.jpg)
Edwards, Way, Mogg, Archer
Lights Out-Live In Tokyo
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcQ7A91RivJz0UbaQCBviDTuKbU13mHi76cZtAxk3eMRW3gvxOpi&usqp=CAU)(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8-8KRfN3DCY/TV5gMbxa-oI/AAAAAAAACUs/yBpx9DYAMpc/s1600/img974.jpg)
Lights Out In Tokyo (1992) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CahRGsqZEkk&list=PLM0QWHFvEjTb59Byig0oWAylMoRHXpYk3)
Released 1992
1. Running Up The Highway
2. Borderline
3. Too Hot To Handle
4. She's The One
5. Cherry
6. Back Door Man
7. One Of Those Nights
8. Love To Love
9. Only You Can Rock Me
10. Lights Out
11. Doctor Doctor
12. Rock Bottom
13. Shoot Shoot
14. C'Mon Everybody
Phil Mogg-Vocals
Laurence Archer-Guitar
Pete Way-Bass
Clive Edwards-Drums
Jem Davis-Keyboards
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/78/6a/74/786a747447e9501d5f18cf703a05c32d.jpg)
Edwards, Archer, Way, Mogg, Davis
This lineup would release a live album from the Japanese tour. This album absolutely smokes. Clive Edwards' drumming is solid AF, and Laurence Archer tears it up. The version of Love To Love, while sped up a bit, is AMAZING! And Lights Out and Rock Bottom? Archer actually stays pretty faithful to the Strangers' version of Rock Bottom. But it's fantastic, as is what might be my favorite version of Shoot Shoot.
With the endless supply of live material, after Strangers In The Night, this is my second favorite live release from UFO.
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That's a very cool story. I've been to Axis; how did it sound? Was it a cool show? He looks more animated and engaged than he did the only time I've seen him (Schenkerfest).
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That's a very cool story. I've been to Axis; how did it sound? Was it a cool show? He looks more animated and engaged than he did the only time I've seen him (Schenkerfest).
It was an awesome show. I was so close to Michael, I was amazed. I remember thinking how great of would've been if it was an electric show, but looking back, it was really unique. Say what you want about the McAuley Era, that guy has an amazing voice.
And even though I didn't know who they were yet, I would also see Dream Theater at Axis TWICE later the same year.
Stadler, I don't know how much you remember about Axis, but upstairs it felt like the Miloko Milk Bar from Clockwork Orange. I think the night I saw Mr. Bungle there, there was literally like a craft fair going on upstairs. people selling all kinds of weird shit like homemade jewelry and knitted shalls and blankets. WTF??
I mentioned I am working in the same store as I was then. We were having a Grand Reopening the next day, so I worked till like 6PM or so. Then I went in town to the show, and after the show, I went back to the store. After a break to chill out, I punched in and started to prep for the day. I ended up leaving shortly after the store opened. I was so tired, a little more than halfway home I literally pulled into a rest area and took a nap.
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I used to have a Schenker compilation called Into the Arena which including songs from all of Michaels various bands. There was a few acoustic tunes on there and it’s clear that Michael and Robin have good music chemistry, especially in an acoustic setting.
I actually just realised I have this one;
https://www.discogs.com/Michael-Schenker-Forever-And-More-The-Best-Of/release/7347994
No idea the origins behind the versions of the songs but will dig it out at some stage too.
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Alright, I actually have this UFO album on CD. Will find it tonight and spin tomorrow.
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So this Ain't Misbehavin' is a pretty damn good FM albums.......er....I mean UFO album.
This is probably better than Misdemenor, but I didn't give that one too many listens. This one the production is WAY better and makes this much more enjoyable.
Rock and A Hard Place: So much FM sound in this. This is a great tune, nice mood, great swagger and a fitting chorus which lifts from the verse which makes it more impactful. Nice key change there too. Tommy's solo rips here. The production really makes me notice him here as opposed to Misdemenor. Tasty shred.
Saturday Night: Great, laid back 80's tune. Love the cheesy keyboard sounds here. I find the chorus really really good and catchy straight away. Cheesy backups too, but they are nice. Tommy rips a bit hard for the song, but I respect that. I don't mind guitarists being self indulgent but still adding some emotion and flavour. That chorus is great again. Found myself singing 'Saturday Night,' by the end.
War With the World: This one is a bit of a step down for me, but it's short and groovy enough so I don't mind. Not much to say, the chorus is adequte but not mindblowing or as catchy as the first two.
Hunger in the Night: Oh yeah, now we're talking. I get a Survivor mood right at the start and the atmosphere and tempo is great. Phil sounds fucking awesome. That chorus, fuck that's a great chorus. I like how Phil is kind of ad libbing and being quite reserved in his vocals here and lets the backups take a bit more control. I like that. He sounds amazing in the verses, this style really suits him. Ripping solo too. Great song.
Easy Money: Nothing flash going on here. Again, your generic type 80's tune here. The chorus is so 80's it's not funny. I wonder if they were trying to get commercial success with this or the last album? That mid section however sounds like classic UFO to tell you the truth.
Rock Boyz: The name made me expect the worse as that's a terrible title. I actually really enjoyed this one. The chorus is good, it pumps. Tommy gets shit done too. that change at 1:59 is sweet. Shame he didn't really go on to do anything else, dude can play.
Lonely Cities: This is smooth, really nice and smooth. I like the grooviness here and the atmosphere is great. The bass work is sweet here too. The chorus is pretty subtle and not really over the top but is pretty nice. I like how it leads into Tommy's solo too, nice transition.
Pretty good batch of tunes here. Again, it's not UFO, but a nice 80's sounding album.
OK..
You really gave me a new appreciation of Hunger In The Night. You made some solid points on it.
Hey at 2:47 right before the solo, I get a total Grace Under Pressure vibe. Maybe Distant Early Warning..
Yes, at 1:59, in the Rock Boyz solo, that is a great spot.
And you give a great description of Lonely Cities.
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So this Ain't Misbehavin' is a pretty damn good FM albums.......er....I mean UFO album.
This is probably better than Misdemenor, but I didn't give that one too many listens. This one the production is WAY better and makes this much more enjoyable.
Rock and A Hard Place: So much FM sound in this. This is a great tune, nice mood, great swagger and a fitting chorus which lifts from the verse which makes it more impactful. Nice key change there too. Tommy's solo rips here. The production really makes me notice him here as opposed to Misdemenor. Tasty shred.
Saturday Night: Great, laid back 80's tune. Love the cheesy keyboard sounds here. I find the chorus really really good and catchy straight away. Cheesy backups too, but they are nice. Tommy rips a bit hard for the song, but I respect that. I don't mind guitarists being self indulgent but still adding some emotion and flavour. That chorus is great again. Found myself singing 'Saturday Night,' by the end.
War With the World: This one is a bit of a step down for me, but it's short and groovy enough so I don't mind. Not much to say, the chorus is adequte but not mindblowing or as catchy as the first two.
Hunger in the Night: Oh yeah, now we're talking. I get a Survivor mood right at the start and the atmosphere and tempo is great. Phil sounds fucking awesome. That chorus, fuck that's a great chorus. I like how Phil is kind of ad libbing and being quite reserved in his vocals here and lets the backups take a bit more control. I like that. He sounds amazing in the verses, this style really suits him. Ripping solo too. Great song.
Easy Money: Nothing flash going on here. Again, your generic type 80's tune here. The chorus is so 80's it's not funny. I wonder if they were trying to get commercial success with this or the last album? That mid section however sounds like classic UFO to tell you the truth.
Rock Boyz: The name made me expect the worse as that's a terrible title. I actually really enjoyed this one. The chorus is good, it pumps. Tommy gets shit done too. that change at 1:59 is sweet. Shame he didn't really go on to do anything else, dude can play.
Lonely Cities: This is smooth, really nice and smooth. I like the grooviness here and the atmosphere is great. The bass work is sweet here too. The chorus is pretty subtle and not really over the top but is pretty nice. I like how it leads into Tommy's solo too, nice transition.
Pretty good batch of tunes here. Again, it's not UFO, but a nice 80's sounding album.
OK..
You really gave me a new appreciation of Hunger In The Night. You made some solid points on it.
Hey at 2:47 right before the solo, I get a total Grace Under Pressure vibe. Maybe Distant Early Warning..
Yes, at 1:59, in the Rock Boyz solo, that is a great spot.
And you give a great description of Lonely Cities.
Glad you dig my random thoughts mate. I'll try and be more thorough again if you enjoy them so much.
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I appreciate your insights.
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About High Stakes and Dangerous Man:
Very, very good album! Although in a different way than Schenker/Chapman era, this UFO back to hard rock, no doubt. Boderline is an amazing opener and Love Deadly Love has a totally classic Schenker UFO style and it is really good! I also like very much She’s the One, Ain’t Life Sweet, Don’t Want to Loose You, Running Up the Highway, Back Door Man and One of Those Nights. I also liked a lot the new members, Clive Edwards, that is like a more energetic Andy Parker, and Lawrence Archer, that has a little more metal edge in his playing, but very hard rocking in his compositions. I have that “One of Those Nights – The Collection” version and it hasn’t the credits for the songs. Anyone knows if Back Door Man is a version of the Willie Dixon’s song? (Edited: in the booklet, the live version of it is credited to Mogg/Way/Archer)
Ranking:
OBSESSION (my favorite)/MECHANIX- 10+/10
FORCE IT/NO HEAVY PETTING/LIGHTS OUT/ THE WILD THE WILLING AND THE INNOCENT - 9,5
MAKING CONTACT/? - 9,0
PHENOMENON/HIGH STAKES & DANGEROUS MEN – 8,5
NO PLACE TO RUN/? – 8,0
MISDEMEANOR/? – 7,5
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About Lights Out Live in Tokyo:
Great recording and the band seems really having a good time and performed very well, with Pete Way much more revigorated here compared with the 80's. The High Stakes songs are great, there’s cool versions of the classics and Love to Love is totally killer (I really liked it a bit faster). My only minor complaint is that, despite Archer great work, I missed a rhythm guitar player live. And since Archer choose to make his own solos in a lot of spots, without the rhythm guitar, sometimes was hard to recognize the songs in those moments, like in Cherry or Too Hot to Handle. And some changes in the arrangements like, again, in Too Hot, in that very rocker part (“shala-la-la…”), playing it in that quieter way, personally I didn’t like it very much. And, c’mon (everybody), why no Love Deadly Love in the setlist?!
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It comes close to cringeworthy, but Phil rescues it just in time. I didn't have a problem with the changeup in Too Hot, and I especially liked it in Shoot Shoot, which fucking rocks here.
Oh, and I'm totally with you on Love Deadly Love. That's a great tune.
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Cool TAC! High Stakes is really good, I hear it from time to time. Very cool to see you regard Boderline so high, what a song!
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Borderline makes my UFO Top 20! Maybe higher.
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I appreciate your insights.
Great, I'll keep at it. It actually helps me digest the songs and even keep focus on the listening experience. Luckily most of everything so far has held my interest regardless but writing thoughts always helps if something doesn't quite catch you and you start to drift.
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I'm a little late to the show with my CSB story, but earlier in the thread when someone posted a photo of MS standing with Glen Tipton it gave me a flashback. I decided to wait until Tim got to the Mcauley albums, but then I got distracted ect...
The 3rd concert that I ever attended was MSG headlining tour for Save Yourself. They would have an unknown (at the time) band called Black Crows opening for them. About a year after this show Black Crows would hit it pretty big, but at the time I just remember thinking there were a bunch of guys on stage trying to be a modern Rolling Stones.
Anyways, the concert was in a venue called The Newport in Columbus, Ohio. It's near the Ohio State campus, and is a fairly popular place if you're a rocker in Ohio. The soundboard is probably around 100' from the stage, and right behind the pit in the middle of the venue. This is also the place that I would see the UFO reunion tour 6 or 7 years later.
As we enter the venue there is MS standing at the board arguing with someone, and trying to get additional people added to the VIP/Backstage list. I'm assuming that it's someone that manages the venue. I walked a few feet by them, and made sure to slow down so that I could eves-drop in on the conversation.
If memory servers me right, it was in late winter/early spring of 1989, so I would have been 15 (16 later that year). I grew up to be 6'3", and was probably pretty close to full height at that point. I remember MS being a fairly small person when I walked by him. I've seen him on stage a few times since then, but it's harder to gauge someone's stature when you're looking up at them like that.
My point being that the photo that someone posted earlier in the thread of MS talking to Glenn was either taken at an odd angle, or GT is a very small man.
I realize that this story has zero relevance, but much like King's spelling I couldn't help but share it with everyone :biggrin:
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Funny, cause Tipton always looked like a tall man to me.
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Awesome story, Jaon.
I saw The Black Crowes on their first tour as well, but they headlined a club in providence. I was right up front but didn't bring my camera. I remember how skinny the singer was.
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According to the internet, Tipton is 5' 11" and Schenker is an even 6'
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OK, another UFO album I haven't heard. Guess that's what the NHS will be paying me for today! (whilst I'm working, of course ;))
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According to the internet, Tipton is 5' 11" and Schenker is an even 6'
Huh. Do they are both not really that tall.
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Revisiting LO tonight. Try Me is fucking amazing. That solo has opened up and made me realise the genius of MS. Can almost bring a grown man to tears.
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That post can bring a grown man to tears. ;D
Seriously, that's some good shit.
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Such a fucking amazing solo. Everything about it is pure perfection. And his tone is sparkling.
I just watched the studio version with Vinnie again. I love Vinnie a lot but I'm sorry, he doesn't even come close to matching Shenkers original. That's saying something.
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Revisiting LO tonight. Try Me is fucking amazing. That solo has opened up and made me realise the genius of MS. Can almost bring a grown man to tears.
I'm Podaar, and I approved this message.
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Such a fucking amazing solo. Everything about it is pure perfection. And his tone is sparkling.
I just watched the studio version with Vinnie again. I love Vinnie a lot but I'm sorry, he doesn't even come close to matching Shenkers original. That's saying something.
I’m going to take a wild guess and say there will be some amazon deliveries for Wolf in the next couple of weeks 😂
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Funny, cause Tipton always looked like a tall man to me.
I always considered him the tallest member of Priest; even in photos where he wasn't strictly tallest, he would tend to have his head bent forward (something that tall people sometimes do). RUDY Schenker seems to be a tall guy; only Francis Bucholz was regularly taller in Scorps pictures (doesn't help that Klaus Meine could look Ronnie James Dio straight in the eye). I have one picture where Rudy and Michael are within an inch or so of each other.
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Such a fucking amazing solo. Everything about it is pure perfection. And his tone is sparkling.
I just watched the studio version with Vinnie again. I love Vinnie a lot but I'm sorry, he doesn't even come close to matching Shenkers original. That's saying something.
I’m going to take a wild guess and say there will be some amazon deliveries for Wolf in the next couple of weeks 😂
I want my 15%!
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First impression of High Stakes was that it was ok. A bluesier sound than is usual for UFO. Guitar playing was fine. I'm convinced that most albums would sound good with Phil Mogg singing on them. I've always underrated him as a singer I think, as if I'm thinking of my favourite singers he wouldn't jump to mind - but I love his voice and the world is a better place when Phil is singing.
Not one of my favourite albums so far though - with the proviso that I've only played it once.
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First impression of High Stakes was that it was ok. A bluesier sound than is usual for UFO. Guitar playing was fine. I'm convinced that most albums would sound good with Phil Mogg singing on them. I've always underrated him as a singer I think, as if I'm thinking of my favourite singers he wouldn't jump to mind - but I love his voice and the world is a better place when Phil is singing.
Not one of my favourite albums so far though - with the proviso that I've only played it once.
I like this; he's like the Mike Eruzione of hard rock. Not the best player on the team, but clearly makes everyone around him better. In a good way, not like Anthony Keidis, because he's so bad.
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That take is Red Hot! ;D
#seewhatididthere
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That take is Red Hot! ;D
#seewhatididthere
:tup ;D
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Such a fucking amazing solo. Everything about it is pure perfection. And his tone is sparkling.
I just watched the studio version with Vinnie again. I love Vinnie a lot but I'm sorry, he doesn't even come close to matching Shenkers original. That's saying something.
I’m going to take a wild guess and say there will be some amazon deliveries for Wolf in the next couple of weeks 😂
I want my 15%!
Send me your bank details.
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Revisiting LO tonight. Try Me is fucking amazing. That solo has opened up and made me realise the genius of MS. Can almost bring a grown man to tears.
I'm Podaar, and I approved this message.
Welcome to the meeting Podaar.
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The UFO Discography And Listening Party Thread would like to pay its respects to:
Eddie Van Halen
(https://davedevine.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/eddie_vanhalen.jpg?w=640)
Pete Way,"A few years later, I bumped into Eddie Van Halen in Seattle and spent a day off with him doing the usual things. Eddie told me that when Michael left, he'd wanted to audition for UFO but didn't feel confident enough to call us. That would've been interesting to say the least, Eddie Van Halen in UFO, but it was not meant to be"*
*Pete Way "A Fast Ride Out OF Here"
On a personal note, I saw Van Halen 7 times between 1984 and 1995. Always amazing shows!
August 22, 1986
Providence Civic Center
(https://i.imgur.com/zllSyIv.jpg)
While I have taken some really nice shots, even though it's a bit distant, this has always been one of my favorite concert pics...
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:metal
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:metal
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Michael Schenker and Eddie Van Halen were born 16 days apart.
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I love that shot, Tim.
He also wanted to be in Kiss, too. I see UFO before I see Kiss.
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I love that shot, Tim.
I've always loved it, honestly.
Bill, I'm sure you, like me, had the VH drawn on your paper bag wrapped schoolbooks, right next to an AC/DC.
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I love that shot, Tim.
I've always loved it, honestly.
Bill, I'm sure you, like me, had the VH drawn on your paper bag wrapped schoolbooks, right next to an AC/DC.
Holy crap! 100%! The wings were so cool.
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Van Halen in UFO in the 80's would have been quite special.
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Well, we wouldn't have had the Van Halen albums. This way I get Paul Chapman, and Van Halen!
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Lawrence Archer. Dude can play.
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Hell fucking yes!!! Phenomenal.
He is criminally buried on High Stakes, but really shines on the live album.
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About 4 songs in. I did think he is a little buried in the mix but not too bad. Interesting sounding album so far. I like the shred aspect of his playing. Will post song thoughts later. The production however is very good and his rhythm tone is nice and thick and full.
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Turning Japanese (https://youtu.be/EA7_itcDq4k?t=124) :metal
Kade, if this dude can do it, so can you!
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In the early 80s there were two bands we would blast out the car windows, whilst singing along. UFO, British hard rock... VH, American hard rock.
Will get to High Stakes ASAP, but I should say Borderline is one of the best album openers ever.
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Borderline was cool. I thought the second song was just as good too.
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Turning Japanese (https://youtu.be/EA7_itcDq4k?t=124) :metal
Kade, if this dude can do it, so can you!
Pretty decent.
I'll find some time to try and learn it.
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Not sure what t o think of the second half of High Stakes. First album so far that feels a little samey. Need another listen or two.
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Listened to High Stakes yesterday, and again enjoyed it. Completely different from the mood of the previous two albums. For me they really had a U.S. West Coast/LA flavor...probably because of the style of McClendon's playing. This record's flavor is more U.S. Mid West. Sorta John Cougarish--it more rolls than it rocks. Archer brings a back-water-blues soaked sensibility to his playing and then contrasts it with blistering leads. Mogg sounded like he was having fun, and for the first time I get what Stads is on about with the Springsteen comparison. The more his lyrics gravitate to mature, or even recognizable, themes the more clear the comparison becomes.
Like I said. I enjoyed the listen. I'll never come back to it. This isn't the kind of music I'm going for when I think UFO. I want British hard rock (bordering on metal) with an occasional poignant tear inducing ballad/guitar solo (Try Me, I'm looking at you).
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Agree Gregg. I noticed straight away that American radio rock early 90's style too. A bit of Bryan Adams style came to mind too, but heavier. John Cougar is a good comparison.
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Nice one, Kade. Yeah, I can see the Brian Adams bit too, but like you said, heavier.
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I guess the thing that surprises me is that these are all British or UK musicians. Often they sound very American in their song writing and playing styles. Archer sounds like he'd fit right in with Molly Hatchet.
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Listened to High Stakes yesterday, and again enjoyed it. Completely different from the mood of the previous two albums. For me they really had a U.S. West Coast/LA flavor...probably because of the style of McClendon's playing. This record's flavor is more U.S. Mid West. Sorta John Cougarish--it more rolls than it rocks. Archer brings a back-water-blues soaked sensibility to his playing and then contrasts it with blistering leads. Mogg sounded like he was having fun, and for the first time I get what Stads is on about with the Springsteen comparison. The more his lyrics gravitate to mature, or even recognizable, themes the more clear the comparison becomes.
John Cougar? Huh, that's interesting. But as I think of it, I can feel what you're saying. Especially in a songs like Let The Good Times Roll, Burning Fire, and Running Up The Highway.
Mogg was channeling Springsteen since No Place to Run and through most of the Chapman Era. High Stakes has always struck me as having a more mature style. I don't know if that makes sense.
Me, I like the album, but I feel Archer is way too hidden. It could've been a bit more impactful ifhe was featured a bit more in the mix.
But like I said, he crushes it on the live album.
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Lawrence fits the style of the album really really well. There was a couple of real melodic rock songs in there too that I liked and the solos were great.
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I guess the thing that surprises me is that these are all British or UK musicians. Often they sound very American in their song writing and playing styles. Archer sounds like he'd fit right in with Molly Hatchet.
Ironically it was Paul Chapman that formed a band with some of the guys from Molly Hatchet.
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Listened to High Stakes yesterday, and again enjoyed it. Completely different from the mood of the previous two albums. For me they really had a U.S. West Coast/LA flavor...probably because of the style of McClendon's playing. This record's flavor is more U.S. Mid West. Sorta John Cougarish--it more rolls than it rocks. Archer brings a back-water-blues soaked sensibility to his playing and then contrasts it with blistering leads. Mogg sounded like he was having fun, and for the first time I get what Stads is on about with the Springsteen comparison. The more his lyrics gravitate to mature, or even recognizable, themes the more clear the comparison becomes.
John Cougar? Huh, that's interesting. But as I think of it, I can feel what you're saying. Especially in a songs like Let The Good Times Roll, Burning Fire, and Running Up The Highway.
Mogg was channeling Springsteen since No Place to Run and through most of the Chapman Era. High Stakes has always struck me as having a more mature style. I don't know if that makes sense.
Me, I like the album, but I feel Archer is way too hidden. It could've been a bit more impactful ifhe was featured a bit more in the mix.
But like I said, he crushes it on the live album.
Springsteen came to mind just now too mate with this album. I also hear a lot of Keep the Faith/These Days era Bon Jovi. That sort of style.
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Listened to High Stakes yesterday, and again enjoyed it. Completely different from the mood of the previous two albums. For me they really had a U.S. West Coast/LA flavor...probably because of the style of McClendon's playing. This record's flavor is more U.S. Mid West. Sorta John Cougarish--it more rolls than it rocks. Archer brings a back-water-blues soaked sensibility to his playing and then contrasts it with blistering leads. Mogg sounded like he was having fun, and for the first time I get what Stads is on about with the Springsteen comparison. The more his lyrics gravitate to mature, or even recognizable, themes the more clear the comparison becomes.
John Cougar? Huh, that's interesting. But as I think of it, I can feel what you're saying. Especially in a songs like Let The Good Times Roll, Burning Fire, and Running Up The Highway.
Mogg was channeling Springsteen since No Place to Run and through most of the Chapman Era. High Stakes has always struck me as having a more mature style. I don't know if that makes sense.
Me, I like the album, but I feel Archer is way too hidden. It could've been a bit more impactful ifhe was featured a bit more in the mix.
But like I said, he crushes it on the live album.
Springsteen came to mind just now too mate with this album. I also hear a lot of Keep the Faith/These Days era Bon Jovi. That sort of style.
There you go, the Bon Jovi/Ritchie Sambora combo is what this album reminded me of...although, I think Archer rips way more than Sambora. Similar feel to the song writing though.
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Turning Japanese (https://youtu.be/EA7_itcDq4k?t=124) :metal
Kade, if this dude can do it, so can you!
Pretty decent.
I'll find some time to try and learn it.
I can play the rhythm parts but never attempted the lead - I just can't cop other people's solos.
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Listened to High Stakes yesterday, and again enjoyed it. Completely different from the mood of the previous two albums. For me they really had a U.S. West Coast/LA flavor...probably because of the style of McClendon's playing. This record's flavor is more U.S. Mid West. Sorta John Cougarish--it more rolls than it rocks. Archer brings a back-water-blues soaked sensibility to his playing and then contrasts it with blistering leads. Mogg sounded like he was having fun, and for the first time I get what Stads is on about with the Springsteen comparison. The more his lyrics gravitate to mature, or even recognizable, themes the more clear the comparison becomes.
John Cougar? Huh, that's interesting. But as I think of it, I can feel what you're saying. Especially in a songs like Let The Good Times Roll, Burning Fire, and Running Up The Highway.
Mogg was channeling Springsteen since No Place to Run and through most of the Chapman Era. High Stakes has always struck me as having a more mature style. I don't know if that makes sense.
Me, I like the album, but I feel Archer is way too hidden. It could've been a bit more impactful ifhe was featured a bit more in the mix.
But like I said, he crushes it on the live album.
Springsteen came to mind just now too mate with this album. I also hear a lot of Keep the Faith/These Days era Bon Jovi. That sort of style.
There you go, the Bon Jovi/Ritchie Sambora combo is what this album reminded me of...although, I think Archer rips way more than Sambora. Similar feel to the song writing though.
I always though Sambora was a very very ordinary guitarist. Overrated hack, actually.
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I haven't heard Keep The Faith since it came out. I don't know what to make of that comparison. I'm gonna be pissed if I listen to Bon Jovi this morning. :lol
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Turning Japanese (https://youtu.be/EA7_itcDq4k?t=124) :metal
Kade, if this dude can do it, so can you!
Pretty decent.
I'll find some time to try and learn it.
I can play the rhythm parts but never attempted the lead - I just can't cop other people's solos.
Gotta start with something way more simplistic than Rock Bottom mate.
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I haven't heard Keep The Faith since it came out. I don't know what to make of that comparison. I'm gonna be pissed if I listen to Bon Jovi this morning. :lol
Not a Bon Jovi fan but only know the hits from all his albums. It's just that style it reminds me of.
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I haven't heard Keep The Faith since it came out. I don't know what to make of that comparison. I'm gonna be pissed if I listen to Bon Jovi this morning. :lol
Dry County is a great song and the solo is cool, but yeah, Sambora was an average guitarist.
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I hopefully should have my UFO 10 CD collection by Friday! :metal
Even paid extra for express shipping to get it quicker! (Also got the new Redemption live CD/DVD, the latest Crypt Sermon which I'm loving and a few new caps (Maiden, Priest and Sabbath)). :metal :metal :metal
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I haven't heard Keep The Faith since it came out. I don't know what to make of that comparison. I'm gonna be pissed if I listen to Bon Jovi this morning. :lol
Dry County is a great song and the solo is cool, but yeah, Sambora was an average guitarist.
From what I've heard, that's easily his best moment.
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Turning Japanese (https://youtu.be/EA7_itcDq4k?t=124) :metal
Kade, if this dude can do it, so can you!
Pretty decent.
I'll find some time to try and learn it.
I can play the rhythm parts but never attempted the lead - I just can't cop other people's solos.
Gotta start with something way more simplistic than Rock Bottom mate.
Yeah - I can play Living After Midnight with solo :biggrin:
Always been more of an improviser.
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Turning Japanese (https://youtu.be/EA7_itcDq4k?t=124) :metal
Kade, if this dude can do it, so can you!
Pretty decent.
I'll find some time to try and learn it.
I can play the rhythm parts but never attempted the lead - I just can't cop other people's solos.
Gotta start with something way more simplistic than Rock Bottom mate.
Yeah - I can play Living After Midnight with solo :biggrin:
Always been more of an improviser.
Learning solos note for note has always been a fault if mine. Learn the memorable licks but impro in between for the most part.
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Turning Japanese (https://youtu.be/EA7_itcDq4k?t=124) :metal
Kade, if this dude can do it, so can you!
Pretty decent.
I'll find some time to try and learn it.
I can play the rhythm parts but never attempted the lead - I just can't cop other people's solos.
Gotta start with something way more simplistic than Rock Bottom mate.
Yeah - I can play Living After Midnight with solo :biggrin:
Always been more of an improviser.
Learning solos note for note has always been a fault if mine. Learn the memorable licks but impro in between for the most part.
Too many bad habits now too. Even Brent's dojo would struggle with me :biggrin:
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:lol
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I don't know. Not feeling High Stakes right now. It just seems......there to me. Nothing seems to be standing out. Archer's playing is nice, but nothing is really pulling me in. I just came out of listening to the first 2 Waysted albums and this just seems like a let down. I won't say it's bad. It's just there. I haven't heard anything that makes me want to come back. This might be a grower album or something I need to revisit down the line in a different headspace.
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I don't know. Not feeling High Stakes right now. It just seems......there to me. Nothing seems to be standing out. Archer's playing is nice, but nothing is really pulling me in. I just came out of listening to the first 2 Waysted albums and this just seems like a let down. I won't say it's bad. It's just there. I haven't heard anything that makes me want to come back. This might be a grower album or something I need to revisit down the line in a different headspace.
I kind of know what you mean, I think when I was saying it sounds a bit samey could have something to do with that.
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1993
Thank You
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71Ddg1Kh%2BLL._AC_UL600_SR597,600_.jpg)(https://images.45worlds.com/f/cd/michael-schenker-thank-you-2-cd.jpg)
Released 1993
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvo193AQCGA
1. Positive Forward
2. Courage And Confidence
3. Faith & Trust
4. Peace
5. Endless Possibilities
6. Humbleness
7. Harmony
8. Love And Kindness
9. Joy
10. Acceptance On Forgiveness
11. Patience & Tolerance
12. Truth
13 Open & Willing
14. Escape From The Box
In 1993, Michael would release the first of four acoustic albums, all under the Thank You title (TY, TY2, TY3, TY4).
Personally, I think this is fantastic, even though it's hard for me to get through it all in one chunk. But I can drop the needle on any of the tracks and love the shit out of them.
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Oh, acoustic albums...... I may finally have hit a roadblock.
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Hah! It's worth checking out. We're on the cusp of Michael rejoining UFO, so I thought I'd drop this quickly.
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Hah! It's worth checking out. We're on the cusp of Michael rejoining UFO, so I thought I'd drop this quickly.
Haha, I'll sample some at least mate.
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Try Joy.
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Kill joy
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Walk On Water
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a4/UFO_walk_on_water_jap.jpg)(https://img.discogs.com/k-n5XhVgEOyTaWxiN_sCU1ZxM-w=/fit-in/300x300/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(40)/discogs-images/R-3105862-1316023017.jpeg.jpg)
Released April 14, 1995
1. A Self Made Man
2. Venus
3. Pushed To The Limit
4. Stopped By A Bullet (Of Love)
5. Darker Days
6. Running On Empty
7. Knock, Knock
8. Dreaming Of Summer
9. Doctor Doctor '95
10. Lights Out '95
Phil Mogg-Vocals
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Pete Way-Bass
Andy Parker-Drums
Raul Raymond-Keyboards
The return of Michael Schenker!!!!
In actuality, Phil and Pete had been negotiating with Michael even before High Stakes came out. As usual, it came down to money.
Michael, not being happy with what Phil had done with the UFO brand would sign a deal with Phil in that unless they were involved together, the UFO name could not be used. They shared the name 50-50.
The band, which now also included Andy Parker and Paul Raymond, did a string of warm up dates in Germany in December 1993.
They then commenced, with producer Ron Nevison, to record Walk On Water.
Originally released in Japan in 1995, it actually didn't see a US release for a couple of years. I have included the Japanese cover (on the left) and the US cover (on the right) above.
The band did tour the US in 1995, with Simon Wright on drums, as Andy would return home to help run his family's business.
However towards the end of the tour, Michael, who thought he had a day off, caused the cancellation of a show in California. The tour fizzled as subsequent shows were cancelled.
I mentioned the US tour.
Chicago:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SM6soR6xSO0
San Bernadino:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD6EeMpnzsI&t=1s
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I love this album, and Dreaming Of Summer is one of the best UFO songs in the catalogue. I'm going to give it another listen tomorrow while I'm working, but it's a strong offering, in my opinion.
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Dreaming Of Summer is one of the best UFO songs in the catalogue.
I AGREE 100%!!!!
Such an understated and gorgeous solo.
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Michael Schenker on Eddie Van Halen:
https://twitter.com/MW_Schenker/status/1313902807662178304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1313902807662178304%7Ctwgr%5Eshare_3&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blabbermouth.net%2Fnews%2Fmichael-schenker-eddie-van-halen-was-a-complete-fantastic-all-around-amazing-guitarist%2F
"You were the BEST of our generation.
I am so sorry you have gone.
My condolences to your loved ones.
I miss you, but like my partner said to me: "You have gone to a better place."
Rest In Peace, my friend!"
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I’m falling behind in this thread. :P
I’ve never heard Ain’t Misbehaving or High Stakes and don't see them on Spotify. I listened to Borderland on YouTube and quite enjoyed it. Will listen to more when I get the chance.
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I’m falling behind in this thread. :P
I’ve never heard Ain’t Misbehaving or High Stakes and don't see them on Spotify. I listened to Borderland on YouTube and quite enjoyed it. Will listen to more when I get the chance.
Both albums' youtube links are in the OP. But you picked a fine place to fall behind. Hopefully you can catch up with them.
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Can't wait to have a listen to this one.
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I got to see this tour at The Newport Music Hall (same place as my earlier MS story) in (I think) September '95. The album was on sale at the t-shirt booth, so I was able to get my hands on it before a lot of folks. The track order was different than the USA release with Stopped by a Bullet being moved to the 7th slot. Also, Doctor Doctor was the only "additional" track. I didn't hear the updated version of Lights Out until years later.
Dreaming of Summer is top tier UFO of any era, and I hear some similarities to Love to Love.
This album also features my favorite guitar tone/sound that I've ever heard.
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It’s too bad this album didn’t get a proper release and would have been ignored for the most part. But that just seems to be the story of UFO. I knew Self Made Man from before and its :metal
This album sounds like the band is rejuvenated and yes, Dreaming of Summer is a beautiful tune
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Oh, acoustic albums...... I may finally have hit a roadblock.
I'd never heard them until last week and they are excellent. We all need something a little mellower now and again. They are worth a listen Kade.
I played Walk On Water last week and loved it. Toughened up the riffing for a UFO album. And Michael is back. This could become one of my favourite UFO and favourite Schenker albums after a few more spins.
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Oh, acoustic albums...... I may finally have hit a roadblock.
I'd never heard them until last week and they are excellent. We all need something a little mellower now and again. They are worth a listen Kade.
I played Walk On Water last week and loved it. Toughened up the riffing for a UFO album. And Michael is back. This could become one of my favourite UFO and favourite Schenker albums after a few more spins.
I just sampled Joy......yeah, it's cool but not my thing really.
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I've fallen behind a bit since I haven't even heard the McAuley Schenker albums yet, but I did check out Ain't Misbehavin' today. Once again, the verdict is that it's not bad, just generic by UFO standards. I'm not sure there was a keeper there, but there's been a lot of jams in the 80's discography I look forward to revisiting on my second go-around (Night Run is a recent example).
High Stakes will have to wait just a little while longer for I couldn't wait to hear Walk On Water again. Now this is much more like it! The band sounds great and the material is strong and delightfully heavy. Schenker's clearly the MVP here; his tone is godly and he is off the chain, firing off licks for days.
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About Walk on Water:
One of my favorites (almost interchangeable, from grade 9.0 to 10.0) UFO albums, with the songs at a very high and homogenous level. But I would highlight all the A-side (a bit more, A Self-Made Man, wonderful) and the AMAZING A Dreaming of Summer. The one thing that I really wish more about this song is a extended guitar solo at the end, at least one more minute. Why fade-out so soon?
My minor complaint about the album is that I think Pete Way is just there and Andy Parker does sound like he was retired the last 10 years. That sucks out a bit of the great energy of the compositions.
Ranking:
OBSESSION (my favorite)/MECHANIX- 10+/10
FORCE IT/NO HEAVY PETTING/LIGHTS OUT/ THE WILD THE WILLING AND THE INNOCENT – 9.5
MAKING CONTACT/WALK ON WATER – 9.0
PHENOMENON/HIGH STAKES & DANGEROUS MEN – 8.5
NO PLACE TO RUN/? – 8.0
MISDEMEANOR/? – 7.5
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Okay, this is more like it. I just queued this up and am only halfway through the first track, A Self Made Man, and it's a ripper. This is nice.
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Okay, this is more like it. I just queued this up and am only halfway through the first track, A Self Made Man, and it's a ripper. This is nice.
Main riff reminds me of Slayers War Ensemble and then there's a Metallica style riff in the middle haha.
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Okay, this is more like it. I just queued this up and am only halfway through the first track, A Self Made Man, and it's a ripper. This is nice.
Main riff reminds me of Slayers War Ensemble and then there's a Metallica style riff in the middle haha.
I had Anthrax cross my mind for some reason, just for a brief moment for a specific riff. Clearly, we were hovering around the same ballpark. That song is all over the place from a style perspective, and I like that.
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Finished Walk On Water. Yep, this is a keeper. HUGE improvement over the last record. Guessing this Schenker guy might have something to do with it. So far, I think A Self Made Man is my favorite after one listen.
As Dreaming For Summer starts I was thinking, "Oh nice, a faster/heavier Love To Love". Wonder what the reason was for the self-plagiarism there.
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I seriously loled at the first minute of Dreaming for Summer.
I wanted more songs like the opener though. I'll listen to this a couple more times. Shenkers tone all over this is incredible.
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Okay, this is more like it. I just queued this up and am only halfway through the first track, A Self Made Man, and it's a ripper. This is nice.
Main riff reminds me of Slayers War Ensemble and then there's a Metallica style riff in the middle haha.
Huh. Now that you mention it, I can totally see that.
Finished Walk On Water. Yep, this is a keeper. HUGE improvement over the last record. Guessing this Schenker guy might have something to do with it. So far, I think A Self Made Man is my favorite after one listen.
As Dreaming For Summer starts I was thinking, "Oh nice, a faster/heavier Love To Love". Wonder what the reason was for the self-plagiarism there.
Self Made Man really stood out when I first got it. It starts out so forcefully.
I have never, ever, thought of Love To Love when listening to Dreaming Of Summer.
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Shenkers tone all over this is incredible.
I like how he does so many different...not sure if techniques is the right word, but he does so many different things in most of the songs. Has very layered parts. It's one of the things that I've always thought was cool about him. He sort of composes, as opposed to writing and playing. His parts are composed. Layered with acoustic, electric chords, lead notes. Please forgive the novice terminology.
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I couldn't wait to hear Walk On Water again. Now this is much more like it! The band sounds great and the material is strong and delightfully heavy. Schenker's clearly the MVP here; his tone is godly and he is off the chain, firing off licks for days.
Hell yes, Ben. :metal
My minor complaint about the album is that I think Pete Way is just there and Andy Parker does sound like he was retired the last 10 years. That sucks out a bit of the great energy of the compositions.
Regarding Andy, wouldn't you chalk that up to production, maybe? I mean I hear what you're saying, especially compared to what Aynsley Dunbar does on Covenant. I don't have a problem with Andy on this record honestly.
the AMAZING A Dreaming of Summer. The one thing that I really wish more about this song is a extended guitar solo at the end, at least one more minute. Why fade-out so soon?
Hah! I would've been fine with that fo sho!
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So I freaking love Walk On Water. It was way better than I was expecting. Hearing the shows from the '93 reunion shows didn't do much for me, other than hearing a quasi Strangers setlist.
These songs really sounded fresh to me. And Schenker is amazing on this album. UFO really brought out the best in him, as both Walk On Water and Covenant are miles better guitarwise and songwise than the Schenker solo stuff from this time period.
On a personal note, 1995 was a rough year for me. My marriage was ending, and I spent the second half of that summer looking for an apartment. Walk On Water was my ride to work music almost exclusively. I really lost myself in Phil Mogg's lyrical world and Michael's compositions were comforting and refreshing.
I have always skipped Knock Knock, but the other tracks are all fantastic.
I think on a lot of days, I might even like Covenant more, but Walk On Water is indeed soul music to me. As much as I love everything UFO, this story simply cannot be told without Michael Schenker as his music is really God-ly.
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Shenkers tone all over this is incredible.
I like how he does so many different...not sure if techniques is the right word, but he does so many different things in most of the songs. Has very layered parts. It's one of the things that I've always thought was cool about him. He sort of composes, as opposed to writing and playing. His parts are composed. Layered with acoustic, electric chords, lead notes. Please forgive the novice terminology.
There were a few things that stood out in regards to Shenker on this one. I'll do some running comments as I listen again tomorrow morning.
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On a personal note, 1995 was a rough year for me. My marriage was ending, and I spent the second half of that summer looking for an apartment. Walk On Water was my ride to work music almost exclusively. I really lost myself in Phil Mogg's lyrical world and Michael's compositions were comforting and refreshing.
Oh wow, that's rough mate.
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On a personal note, 1995 was a rough year for me. My marriage was ending, and I spent the second half of that summer looking for an apartment. Walk On Water was my ride to work music almost exclusively. I really lost myself in Phil Mogg's lyrical world and Michael's compositions were comforting and refreshing.
Oh wow, that's rough mate.
I met my current wife AKA The Lovely Mrs TAC on January 20, 1996. I remember the date because I saw Ozzy that night. :lol
But if you would've told me 6 months earlier that that would even be possible, I'd have never believed you.
But between Walk On Water and Awake, they kept me going.
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Listening now, and I love the keyboard track in Dreaming Of Summer.
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On a personal note, 1995 was a rough year for me. My marriage was ending, and I spent the second half of that summer looking for an apartment. Walk On Water was my ride to work music almost exclusively. I really lost myself in Phil Mogg's lyrical world and Michael's compositions were comforting and refreshing.
Oh wow, that's rough mate.
I met my current wife AKA The Lovely Mrs TAC on January 20, 1996. I remember the date because I saw Ozzy that night. :lol
But if you would've told me 6 months earlier that that would even be possible, I'd have never believed you.
But between Walk On Water and Awake, they kept me going.
A definite upgrade mate. :tup
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Hell fucking yes!! :lol
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Walk on Water is a vey good album. The best album since Obsession for me. I haven’t listened to it in a while, but am looking forward to giving it a listen tomorrow.
TAC, I had no idea that Schenker later did two more albums with UFO until you mentioned it earlier in the thread. :o
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On a personal note, 1995 was a rough year for me. My marriage was ending, and I spent the second half of that summer looking for an apartment. Walk On Water was my ride to work music almost exclusively. I really lost myself in Phil Mogg's lyrical world and Michael's compositions were comforting and refreshing.
Oh wow, that's rough mate.
I met my current wife AKA The Lovely Mrs TAC on January 20, 1996. I remember the date because I saw Ozzy that night. :lol
But if you would've told me 6 months earlier that that would even be possible, I'd have never believed you.
But between Walk On Water and Awake, they kept me going.
These are the things that cement certain bands and albums in our souls.
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TAC, happy to know that things in his personal life ended up changing for the better, after a difficult period ... (just curious, had you ever told your wife why you remember the first day you met? Women LOVE that kind of association... :lol)
As for Andy's drums, I really think that, on Walk on Water, he's playing more straight than usual. He used to fill the drum arrangements with some tons and more drum fills, which made them more interesting. Yes, Nevison's production lacks some punch on drums which it could help.
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So I had to step away from the party for a couple days (work) but I'm back. I started this morning thinking I would salute Sir Edward, and listen to VHIII. I made it halfway through Josephina, said "life's too fucking short" and now I'm listening to Walk On Water.
A Self Made Man: That is quintessential UFO. Great Mogg lyric that is WAY deeper than it seems on the surface (and far more conflicted than the title suggests), and firm forceful Schenker guitars. Those legato phrases that he plays on the outro fade, I could listen to all day long...
Venus: this is actually the song that got me to get this. I bought a copy of Covenant, and it had a live bonus CD with Venus on it, and while Covenant took some time to sink in, that song grabbed me right away. Loved the heavy guitar, but the use of acoustic on the verses, then the majestic keyboard phrase that set up Michael's SICK solo. And for what it's worth, if you read that lyric closely, with the symbology of Venus (the god) and the emotion of the narrator, that is a WORLD CLASS lyric. I'd put that right up there with any of the "great" rock lyricists. Mogg delivers.
Pushed To The Limit: A decent UFO song, which is to say still very good, but it sort of just maintains the status quo after ASMM and Venus. The solo is killer, though. We're sort of three songs in and this sort of puts paid to any notions that anyone is phoning this in or doing it for the Benjamins. Go back and listen to that solo at 3:00; short but sweet. I'll wait until you come back.... ;)
Stopped By A Bullet (Of Love): the title is enough to get you poised to skip, but the song so far eclipses it, it's not funny. The intro sounds almost Frippian (yes, Robert Fripp) and I'm pretty sure the rhythm throughout the song is acoustic guitar, with a little electric sprinkled in the back for depth (the solo and harmony guitars are clearly electric). "Dreaming Of Summer" is the centerpiece of the album, and the song that sticks with me, but this is probably my second favorite on the record. "The Ballad of Arizona and Little Joe" I call it, and it's the perfect Mogg lyric, backed with a more varied and dimensional musical background than your standard '90's hard rock.
TAC, not to get personal (and you do NOT have to answer), but I can certainly see how this album resonated for you, given your situation, and I would imagine this song might have been a big part of that as well.
Darker Days: Great melody, and great interplay between Mogg and Schenker. It's getting stale saying it, but Schenker is on fire here. I love how he's not following the melodies or the rhythm too directly, but elevates both so consistently. He's really on another level here.
Running On Empty: Another tune with an acoustic rhythmic base, but some stellar electric lead guitar. I love the melody of this song, and lyrically this song may be the key to the album; I don't know if any or all of the album is autobiographical, but clearly, this song puts several others into a certain context. This is a man that is restless and feeling desperate.
Knock, Knock: This is the only song that Schenker didn't help write, and while it's melodically strong - you'd expect nothing else from Pete Way - it's a shade... simplistic or straightforward compared to the other seven compositions, which all have a more orchestral feel to them. Great solo, though, no question.
Dreaming Of Summer: I'm not sure I can say enough about this tune. Just the way it builds and moves and resolves, and builds and moves and resolves... I love every part of it. I think this is one of the better examples of Schenker not just complimenting, or setting the stage, for Mogg, but in fact speaking with him. (I think) the lyrics are about a guy trapped in a cycle that he can't quite break out of, a seemingly endless circle of failure and despair, and the music reinforces that (the repeating nature of the arpeggios, in particular) then the one chorus in the middle - dreaming of summer - with the sort of symphonic bed of keyboards and guitar that underscores the wistful, unreal aspect of the "dream", then the immediate return of the repeating guitar, we're right back to the despair ("One big city smells like another...", and it ain't a good smell) then Mogg reinforces the idea by repeating the first verse again... right back where we started. I don't know if they meant any of this, but I have to believe that Mogg did, and even if he didn't, I do, and it's testament to how this music can transport you.
My copy has two remakes - Doctor, Doctor and Lights Out - as well as three songs from other "incarnations" of the players. One Mogg/Way tune, one MSG song, and one "The Paul Raymond Project" song. All unremarkable, other than the note that Mogg doesn't sound even a shade different in terms of the strength and quality of his voice now almost 20 years later.
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TAC, happy to know that things in his personal life ended up changing for the better, after a difficult period ... (just curious, had you ever told your wife why you remember the first day you met? Women LOVE that kind of association... :lol)
Hah! Yes she knows, but the thing is, I went with a girl at work. It wasn't a date or anything. Just no one else wanted to go. My wife is not impressed. :lol
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TAC, happy to know that things in his personal life ended up changing for the better, after a difficult period ... (just curious, had you ever told your wife why you remember the first day you met? Women LOVE that kind of association... :lol)
Hah! Yes she knows, but the thing is, I went with a girl at work. It wasn't a date or anything. Just no one else wanted to go. My wife is not impressed. :lol
You devil!
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Was going to post some running comments on the album but been called into work this morning. If I get home not too late this morning I'll post.
After two listens though, I'm not sure what I think on this one. DOS is too good though. That's a cracker of a tune. I need a third listen.
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TAC, not to get personal (and you do NOT have to answer), but I can certainly see how this album resonated for you, given your situation, and I would imagine this song might have been a big part of that as well.
Yeah, I think I gave you some background a couple of years ago when I sent Anthrax in your roulette.
Getting Walk On Water was like one if the only good things to happen to me in 1995. It hit me kind of full circle. I alone fell in love with UFO, and at what was at that point a pretty low spot, BAM! UFO delivers this gift to me.
I spent many long rides with this person in high school, and she actually ended up liking the UFO a little. Never minded if I played them. But here I am with the amazing Walk ON Water, and I couldn't really share my joy about it. That whole time was a mind fuck.
But enough of that, it's all good!!
I bought a copy of Covenant, and it had a live bonus CD with Venus on it, and while Covenant took some time to sink in, that song grabbed me right away.
I'm interested in how you came about buying Covenant. It was kind of a surprise release.
Dreaming Of Summer: I'm not sure I can say enough about this tune. Just the way it builds and moves and resolves, and builds and moves and resolves... I love every part of it. I think this is one of the better examples of Schenker not just complimenting, or setting the stage, for Mogg, but in fact speaking with him. (I think) the lyrics are about a guy trapped in a cycle that he can't quite break out of, a seemingly endless circle of failure and despair, and the music reinforces that (the repeating nature of the arpeggios, in particular) then the one chorus in the middle - dreaming of summer - with the sort of symphonic bed of keyboards and guitar that underscores the wistful, unreal aspect of the "dream", then the immediate return of the repeating guitar, we're right back to the despair ("One big city smells like another...", and it ain't a good smell) then Mogg reinforces the idea by repeating the first verse again... right back where we started. I don't know if they meant any of this, but I have to believe that Mogg did, and even if he didn't, I do, and it's testament to how this music can transport you.
This has so much impact. It reinforces that he is in a daily struggle. But he's still facing it. It was cathartic for me.
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My new shirt came!!!
(https://i.imgur.com/U0xyY9W.jpg)
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Not to hop back too much (I got kicked off a jobsite for not having my mask all the way up over my nose...and was given a 4 day weekend. :angry: ) but I was just playing a bit of catch up.
I've been following this thread, but have not heard most of the material...so I've just been taking it in and maybe listening to a track or two on YT as I get the chance.
But one album that I was very familiar with (or used to be) was Perfect Timing by MSG. I was surprised to see it almost brushed aside. I mean, ya...it was hair metal...but it was a product of its time. And personally, I felt like it was one of the better examples of the genre. I was mostly into thrash by the time this came out in '87, but I occasionally kept tabs on a few of the more talented in the hair metal category. I think I heard Gimmie Your Love on Z-Rock (which was on AM in Seattle...so it sucked not hearing it in stereo), and in spite of my poor reception, I could tell that the original had a pretty bombastic production. So I picked up the cassette, and I remember quite enjoying rocking out to that album. I haven't heard it in YEARS. Traded in my cassettes 30 years ago, and PT was just something I never replaced. I think I even remember reading that it was out of print for a long time.
But I'm listening to it now on YT and it does bring back good memories. Although it definitely sounds more dated now than it did when I was 18. Get Out still smokes. I quite like Don't Stop Me Now as well. And even the big hit Gimmie Your Love is just as much fun as when I heard it the first time. (EDIT - Adding Love Is Not a Game as a song from this album I absolutely LOVE)
For as much of an ego as Michael has a reputation for having, I'm a bit surprised that he was willing to even change the MSG name to suit the new guy. I mean, he hadn't had a very good track record with singers, so there must have been something special about Robin that made him think it was worth it.
Also, Robin has a GREAT voice and I'm surprised he never moved on to bigger and better things. But his hair on that first album is ridiculous. Even when I bought the album I couldn't believe how stupid that hair looked. But his voice won me over.
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Additionally, as I was finishing the album, I felt like there was something more familiar about it than just remembering the album, and then it hit me. It reminds me of a really great Dokken album, but with a better singer. A lot of the main riffs and the production itself just screams George Lynch to me.
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I appreciate your input, Ben! Fell free to drop a post anytime. You add value to any music conversation.
It's great that you have fond memories of Perfect Timing. Me? I just remember being disappointed.
But hell yes Robin has an amazing voice.
Other than classic Dokken, I can't really comment on George Lynch. He has never made music that interested me.
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My new shirt came!!!
(https://i.imgur.com/U0xyY9W.jpg)
Hey TAC, I had that exact same t-shirt in the 80s! Pretty sure I still have it sitting in a drawer somewhere.
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Today I listened to Walk on Water for the first time in a few years. Phi’s voice just seems to be even more emotive when he is singing over Schenker’s melodies. WOW really is a good album, with Running on Empty and Dreaming of Summer being my favourites.
I generally am not a fan of bands re-recording their own songs, but was happy with the new versions of Doctor Doctor and Lights Out on WOW.
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Killer shirt Tim.
Third listen of Walk on Water was better again. Will still post my song thoughts probably tomorrow night now. Don't move too fast Tim!
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Don't move too fast Tim!
No worries. Might add the next Schenker album on Sunday...
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Don't move too fast Tim!
No worries. Might add the next Schenker album on Sunday...
I'll be caught up by then. Don't see me listening to the whole acoustic albums though.
I will say, I LOVE the Doctor Doctor remake. Love Shenkers extra fills throughout.
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Don't worry about skipping it. There's three more to come! :lol
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I must say, 4 acoustic albums for a guy like Shenker is impressive.
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Okay, I'm finding myself playing Walk on Water a lot. At first I was kind of meh about it, but it has a quality that just keeps dragging you in. Shenkers tone is ridiculous and Phil sounds great.
A Self Made Man: Here's a type of riff I thought I'd never hear on a UFO album, very heavy. It's not as much as War Ensemble as I thought, but it still reminds me of it. The verse is killer. I LOVE that short riff at 0:46. That is fucking awesome, great heavy subtle touch there. Interesting chords structures by the sounds in the middle making it sound heavier again. Love that Metallica riff in there too. This song doesn't feel 6 and a half minutes long. Love the freeness of the outro solo, Shenker loves that Dorian mode and a few licks here remind me of the outro of Desert Song. Great opening track.
Venus: I really like this one. Love the mix of electric and acoustic guitars. Great vocal melodies on this one too. That key chage into 1:59 is fantastic and I love Shenkers melody behind Phils vocals, that's awesome. Shenker absolutely destroys on the solos here, fuck it's good. The solo parts actually remind me of the band Nightingale. Great track.
Pushed to the Limit: This one has grown on me. I really love the simplicity of the riff to be honest. Almost Black Sabbath like but in a more up uptempo form. The solos absolultely slay. This is the closest to actually shredding I've heard from Shenker. So Joe Satriani, think Summer Song. Short solos too but so effective. This also reminds me of more the type of music they would do later with Vinnie.
Stopped By A Bullet: This style normally isn't for me, but I can appreciate it here. The key change into the verse is a nice touch and pricks the ears right away. The 'stopped by a bullet' line in there is melodic and gets you singing. That main riff listening now gives me a Tea Party feel too. Listen to 3:52 of this one too. Shenker steals a Chapman type lick.
Darker Days: That crunch is nice and this one has a nice swagger. To be hoenst, I didn't expect the melodies Phil sings here after the main riff, but it sucks you in and gets you bobbing. Shenker is all over this one, love the fills. I really really love the chorus, the key change again shifts it and takes the song higher, love that chorus. You just gotta love Shenker on this one. A lot of freestyle improv at the end. Likes he's dancing over the rhythm with his leads, really good.
Running On Empty: Seems like they borrowed a few things for this one from earlier songs. Again, not normally my thing. The whole bluesy rock vibe is hard for me to lock into. It's okay though. The part I love though is Shenkers acoustic melodies in the middle, beautiful. Reminds me of some from Dickinson. Something from Accident of Birth or something.
Knock Knock: Stock riff here but it screams UFO, especially in that drumbeat for me. It's fine though, I don't mind it. That section at 1:51 is really excellent. Again, Shenker with those melodies behind just sound lovely. Love Shenkers solo afterwards too. Keeps it more metal as opposed to blues licks which is a great contrast.
Dreaming of Summer: WOW, WOW, WOW!! What a well written beautiful tune. Here's some lyrics that prick my ears. Phil does seem like a masterful lyric writer. The Love to Love rip at the start I actually don't mind. The verses give off a perfect visual of the lryrics, the atmosphere is awesome. That 'when it comes right down to it,' small section at the end of the stanza is so good. Fuck that chorus though, so good. And Phil, damn, his lower register is so emotive and touching, beautiful. Shenker's fills on the second time through are so damn good. The lead afterwards, nothing fast, nothing flashy but almost makes you cry. This guy knows how to write a melody on his guitar. The key change to 4:22, hot damn, that's one of the best things I've ever heard. The interplay between Phil and Shenker is so good. The key change back and then Shenker's acoustic again is amazing. That riff afterwards (main verse riff) actually reminds me of Fates Warning. Great outro and gives you a perpetual feel like he can never get that lucky break or job to change everything for him and his misses. Shenkers soloing gives off that frustration also with not being able to get that lucky change. I'll have to see what's going on here musically, it's very cool. The lyrical content of this one also reminds me heavily of You and Me, somewhat similar concept.
Great album, looking foward to the next two.
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Stopped By A Bullet: This style normally isn't for me, but I can appreciate it here. The key change into the verse is a nice touch and pricks the ears right away. The 'stopped by a bullet' line in there is melodic and gets you singing. That main riff listening now gives me a Tea Party feel too. Listen to 3:52 of this one too. Shenker steals a Chapman type lick.
Hah! Totally!
Darker Days: That crunch is nice and this one has a nice swagger. To be hoenst, I didn't expect the melodies Phil sings here after the main riff, but it sucks you in and gets you bobbing. Shenker is all over this one, love the fills. I really really love the chorus, the key change again shifts it and takes the song higher, love that chorus. You just gotta love Shenker on this one. A lot of freestyle improv at the end. Likes he's dancing over the rhythm with his leads, really good.
Obviously Dreaming Of Summer and A Self Made Man deservedly get most of the accolades, but the real gem here is Darker Days. It could've easily come right off of Obsession, especially the way Schenker is in and out throughout the whole tune. And yes, that uplift in the chorus is glorious. I love what Schenker does in the bridge right after Phil sings "..little drops of rain."
Dreaming of Summer: WOW, WOW, WOW!! What a well written beautiful tune. Here's some lyrics that prick my ears. Phil does seem like a masterful lyric writer. The Love to Love rip at the start I actually don't mind. The verses give off a perfect visual of the lryrics, the atmosphere is awesome. That 'when it comes right down to it,' small section at the end of the stanza is so good. Fuck that chorus though, so good. And Phil, damn, his lower register is so emotive and touching, beautiful. Shenker's fills on the second time through are so damn good. The lead afterwards, nothing fast, nothing flashy but almost makes you cry. This guy knows how to write a melody on his guitar. The key change to 4:22, hot damn, that's one of the best things I've ever heard. The interplay between Phil and Shenker is so good. The key change back and then Shenker's acoustic again is amazing. That riff afterwards (main verse riff) actually reminds me of Fates Warning. Great outro and gives you a perpetual feel like he can never get that lucky break or job to change everything for him and his misses. Shenkers soloing gives off that frustration also with not being able to get that lucky change. I'll have to see what's going on here musically, it's very cool. The lyrical content of this one also reminds me heavily of You and Me, somewhat similar concept.
Great writeup of this great tune. You nailed it on every point. The outro solo is filled with tension, which plays the exact opposite if the guitars underneath.
Venus is the song that remains a mainstay in UFO's set. Michael would sometimes add Pushed To The Limit to his setlist.
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Okay, I'm finding myself playing Walk on Water a lot. At first I was kind of meh about it, but it has a quality that just keeps dragging you in. Shenkers tone is ridiculous and Phil sounds great.
It's an odd pairing, but they really bring out the best in each other. Especially for Schenker. Walk On Water and Covenant are in another league than the two MSG albums released between them.
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Written In The Sand
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/ff/MSG_written_in_the_sand.jpg/220px-MSG_written_in_the_sand.jpg)(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YCSbisGyFnY/VBKeN4jQL4I/AAAAAAABJro/lzuE1N-1DJA/s1600/%C3%ADndice.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bilt-VR3AM0
Released August 26, 1996
1. Brave New World
2. Cry No More
3. I Believe
4. Back To Life
5. Written In The Sand
6. Essenz
7. Love Never Dies
8. I Will Be There
9. Take Me Through The Night
10. Down The Drain
11. Sweet Cold Kiss Of Night
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Leif Sundin-Vocals
Barry Sparks-Bass
Shane Gaalaas-Drums
After the abrupt conclusion of UFO's US '95 tour, Michael reemerges with a revamped MSG. The rhythm section of Barry Sparks and Shane Gaalaas would feature prominently over the next few years in the UFO/Schenker orbit.
There's a few videos from the Chicago '96 show. David Van Landing joins the band for the tour.
Here is Lost Horizons:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYKiHlpHIAw
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No budget for artwork, huh? That's the pic they go with for the back? Whole thing looks like it was done by a graphics art student who was just learning Photoshop. Never heard of that label either.
Sorry, those were just the first thoughts the crossed my mind seeing that.
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No budget for artwork, huh? That's the pic they go with for the back? Whole thing looks like it was done by a graphics art student who was just learning Photoshop.
:lol
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No budget for artwork, huh? That's the pic they go with for the back? Whole thing looks like it was done by a graphics art student who was just learning Photoshop. Never heard of that label either.
Sorry, those were just the first thoughts the crossed my mind seeing that.
You're not wrong though. :lol
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I also thought the album cover looked really low budget. Checking it out, Leif is a pretty good singer but not as good as Robin. What happened between Michael and Robin?
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There's a few videos from the Chicago '96 show. David Van Landing joins the band for the tour.
Here is Lost Horizons:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYKiHlpHIAw
I won't swear to it, but I think this might have been the lineup that I seen a few years later in Columbus, Ohio at the Alrosa Villa. I want to say that they were calling it "The Michael Schenker Life" tour, or something along those lines. Oddly enough, Vinnie Moore was the opener and he used the same band as MS. His set was completely instrumental.
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@ devieira, wasn't it you that compared Shane Gaalaas to Simon Phillips earlier in the thread? I've been thinking about it since you mentioned it, and I really think you're onto something. Gaalaas, like Phillips, has really tight drum strokes.
I also thought the album cover looked really low budget. Checking it out, Leif is a pretty good singer but not as good as Robin. What happened between Michael and Robin?
I don't think anything happened. Michael basically rejoined UFO.
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There's a few videos from the Chicago '96 show. David Van Landing joins the band for the tour.
Here is Lost Horizons:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYKiHlpHIAw
I won't swear to it, but I think this might have been the lineup that I seen a few years later in Columbus, Ohio at the Alrosa Villa. I want to say that they were calling it "The Michael Schenker Life" tour, or something along those lines. Oddly enough, Vinnie Moore was the opener and he used the same band as MS. His set was completely instrumental.
Yes, and I'm planning on covering that....
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There's a few videos from the Chicago '96 show. David Van Landing joins the band for the tour.
Here is Lost Horizons:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYKiHlpHIAw
I won't swear to it, but I think this might have been the lineup that I seen a few years later in Columbus, Ohio at the Alrosa Villa. I want to say that they were calling it "The Michael Schenker Life" tour, or something along those lines. Oddly enough, Vinnie Moore was the opener and he used the same band as MS. His set was completely instrumental.
Yes, and I'm planning on covering that....
My ex-wife always told me that I was a little too quick to get to/finish things. I'll chill out and wait... :biggrin:
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@ devieira, wasn't it you that compared Shane Gaalaas to Simon Phillips earlier in the thread? I've been thinking about it since you mentioned it, and I really think you're onto something. Gaalaas, like Phillips, has really tight drum strokes.
Yes, TAC, that was me. I mentioned that the only drummer, besides Simon, on MSG that played perfectly the songs from the 1st album was Shane Gaalaas. I do think these two were the most technical MSG drummers, with all due respect for the drummers who played in the band, specially Cozy Powell, which I think was also great.
I still don't know what to think about this phase from Written in the Sand to Arachnophobiac... at least, I think it's better than McAuley Shenker abums. I love the rhythm section of Gaalaas/Sparks. The Michael Schenker Story Live (I think it's this tour Powerslave was talking about) has a super-tight performance of Schenker/Gaalaas/Sparks in the entire album. Great, great live album, amazing selection of songs and that version of Into the Arena...
By the way, Gaalaas, Sparks and... Jeff Kolman (we'll hear about him soon) have an amazing instrumental band called Cosmosquad. Well, I only know their latest album, The Morbid Tango, and it's totally amazing. Instrumental album, with much more composed songs than improvised jams:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLVkz2vsbj4
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Your balls are as blue as Powerslave's! :lol
Yes, things get busy in the next few years.
...but you guys are fucking good!
I regret not featuring Wild Horses earlier in the thread. I had considered it. Featuring future UFO members Neil Carter and Clive Edwards, but apparently Robin McAuley recorded demos with Brian Robertson after the McAuley Schenker Group finished off.
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I still don't know what to think about this phase from Written in the Sand to Arachnophobiac...
It's my opinion that while the singers were certainly talented, they all lacked character and personality. Certainly Written In The Sand and The Unforgiven are a lot better than Beware Of Scorpions and Arachnophobiac. It's the reason to me that the partnership with Doogie White works so well. He's stronger vocally and personality wise. He's not some unknown happy to be there. Rev Jones speaks of how Chris Logan was never really a frontman and drank quite a bit to compensate..
As we see with Phil Mogg, the stronger the vocalist's personality the better Schenker is.
I was initially cool on Written In the Sand but it has aged really well for me.
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@ devieira, wasn't it you that compared Shane Gaalaas to Simon Phillips earlier in the thread? I've been thinking about it since you mentioned it, and I really think you're onto something. Gaalaas, like Phillips, has really tight drum strokes.
Yes, TAC, that was me. I mentioned that the only drummer, besides Simon, on MSG that played perfectly the songs from the 1st album was Shane Gaalaas. I do think these two were the most technical MSG drummers, with all due respect for the drummers who played in the band, specially Cozy Powell, which I think was also great.
I still don't know what to think about this phase from Written in the Sand to Arachnophobiac... at least, I think it's better than McAuley Shenker abums. I love the rhythm section of Gaalaas/Sparks. The Michael Schenker Story Live (I think it's this tour Powerslave was talking about) has a super-tight performance of Schenker/Gaalaas/Sparks in the entire album. Great, great live album, amazing selection of songs and that version of Into the Arena...
By the way, Gaalaas, Sparks and... Jeff Kolman (we'll hear about him soon) have an amazing instrumental band called Cosmosquad. Well, I only know their latest album, The Morbid Tango, and it's totally amazing. Instrumental album, with much more composed songs than improvised jams:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLVkz2vsbj4
Just had a listen to the Cosmosquad album from 1997. Enjoyed it.
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I listened a bit some songs of the older albums on Spotify, but my first impression was that Morbid Tango is their best album.
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Your balls are as blue as Powerslave's! :lol
Yes, things get busy in the next few years.
...but you guys are fucking good!
I regret not featuring Wild Horses earlier in the thread. I had considered it. Featuring future UFO members Neil Carter and Clive Edwards, but apparently Robin McAuley recorded demos with Brian Robertson after the McAuley Schenker Group finished off.
Thank's, Sir! :lol
I think it would be really difficult to talk about all the UFO related projects without totally loose the focus on their main discography. So I think you are already covering a lot here, it's been really nice.
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Got my 10cd collection in the mail yesterday! :metal
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Got my 10cd collection in the mail yesterday! :metal
:metal :metal
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I love those two remakes at the end of Walk on Water, especially Doctor Doctor. I like that more than the original. Shenkers licks at the very beginning are just incredible.
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1997
Cosmosquad
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51u7fz227BL._SX466_.jpg)
https://open.spotify.com/album/4r2CNZVSXjdEMIjtDoFh8J?si=FXrColFMQ8a3d9JHl7JI-w
Just a quick blip here on Cosmosquad.
An instrumental band consisting of guitarist Jeff Kollman, bassist Barry Sparks, and drummer Shane Gaalaas. Relevant because you will be seeing/hearing a lot of them here in the next half dozen years, including the aforementioned Written In The Sand.
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Edge Of The World
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51B1diUVUOL.jpg)(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MrQ5B2tkJ7E/TmdgH8Mn71I/AAAAAAAAEtU/pVZ8-_vbGy4/s1600/Scan10002.JPG)
Edge Of The World-1997 (https://open.spotify.com/album/16WefgAfj6jYxSJYwPjt4F?si=RkBjtolFQqCHVdPY_ur8WA)
Released 1997
1. Change Brings A Change
2. All Out Of Luck
3. Gravy Train
4. Fortune Town
5. Highwire
6. Saving Me From Myself
7. Mother Mary
8. House Of Pain
9. It's A Game
10. History Of Flames
11. Spell On You
12. Totaled
Phil Mogg-Vocals
Pete Way-Bass
Aynsley Dunbar-Drums
George Bellas-Guitar
Matt Guillory-Keyboards
After signing away 50% of the UFO name to Michael Schenker, Phil and Pete are unable to record as UFO. But apparently um..Mogg/Way was still available.. :lol
Anyway, Phil goes back to the Mike Varney stable and enlists George Bellas on guitar. The lineup is rounded out by drummer Aynsley Dunbar, who BTW has a ridiculous discography.
I also never noticed but apparently James Labrie's partner Matt Guillory plays keyboards on this album. Interesting.
Even though it's released under the Mogg Way name, it, and it's successor are UFO albums.
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This was a great album. Bellas smokes although he is too low in the mix. I'll listen to this one again now I have more of an appreciation of the UFO sound from day 1.
And yeah, surely they could have come up with a better band name.
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I will give this a full listen tonight, hopefully. I am excited about these Mogg/Way albums.
By the way, am I the only one that always thinks Mogwai when I see that name? Which then makes me think of Gremlins.
(https://www.sideshow.com/storage/product-images/905514/stripe-mogwai_gremlins_square.jpg)
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By the way, am I the only one that always thinks Mogwai when I see that name? Which then makes me think of Gremlins.
(https://www.sideshow.com/storage/product-images/905514/stripe-mogwai_gremlins_square.jpg)
You might be. :lol
I have never watched the Gremlins. They were a little after my time.
This was a great album. Bellas smokes although he is too low in the mix. I'll listen to this one again now I have more of an appreciation of the UFO sound from day 1.
And yeah, surely they could have come up with a better band name.
Yeah, you got a sneak peak on this one. ;D
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I will give this a full listen tonight, hopefully. I am excited about these Mogg/Way albums.
By the way, am I the only one that always thinks Mogwai when I see that name? Which then makes me think of Gremlins.
(https://www.sideshow.com/storage/product-images/905514/stripe-mogwai_gremlins_square.jpg)
I think you might be mate. :lol
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If you other guys haven't listened to this album I strongly recommend you do. Lots of UFO vibes and some high quality tunes.
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Chucked on the Making Contact CD in the car from my new set and it sounds excellent. Much better than the mp3 copy I had. Really impressed.
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That's awesome!!
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That's awesome!!
Yeah, stoked.
I wish Ain't Misbehavin was part of the set however.
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That's awesome!!
Yeah, stoked.
I wish Ain't Misbehavin was part of the set however.
Darn, more amazon packages for Kade lol
Never knew about the Mogg/Way album. Going by Wikipedia the next UFO album after walk on water is in 2000. So this is cool that an unofficial UFO album was made in between those. Will check it out
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That's awesome!!
Yeah, stoked.
I wish Ain't Misbehavin was part of the set however.
Darn, more amazon packages for Kade lol
Never knew about the Mogg/Way album. Going by Wikipedia the next UFO album after walk on water is in 2000. So this is cool that an unofficial UFO album was made in between those. Will check it out
:metal
Just, don't expect Bellas to be a Shenker clone. He's a totally different player.
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Never knew about the Mogg/Way album. Going by Wikipedia the next UFO album after walk on water is in 2000. So this is cool that an unofficial UFO album was made in between those. Will check it out
Well, there's two Mogg Way albums, but only because they couldn't use the UFO name. Both are really good.
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@ devieira..
Found this really cool interview with Shane Gaalaas.
https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/2020/02/19/shane-gaalaas-interview-2/
Talks about Michael Schenker around the 44:00 mark.
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If you other guys haven't listened to this album I strongly recommend you do. Lots of UFO vibes and some high quality tunes.
Yeah Kade, I highly recommend it. This is a great album. It's like High Stakes on steroids. George Bellas is awesome on this, and while he can get pretty shreddy on this, there's lots of UFO feel on this. Phil Mogg is amazing on this album.
House Of Pain sounds ripped right off of High Stakes, and It's A Game has a total Waysted feel.
Spell On You is a great deep back end track on this album. Great playing from Bellas on this track. He basically rips through the entire album. But he totally vibes with such an old school rhythm section.
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If you other guys haven't listened to this album I strongly recommend you do. Lots of UFO vibes and some high quality tunes.
Yeah Kade, I highly recommend it. This is a great album. It's like High Stakes on steroids. George Bellas is awesome on this, and while he can get pretty shreddy on this, there's lots of UFO feel on this. Phil Mogg is amazing on this album.
House Of Pain sounds ripped right off of High Stakes, and It's A Game has a total Waysted feel.
Spell On You is a great deep back end track on this album. Great playing from Bellas on this track. He basically rips through the entire album. But he totally vibes with such an old school rhythm section.
He's a quality guitarist. I'll revisit it again and post some more thoughts.
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I've never followed up on anything else he's done. Not sure if anyone can recommend something.
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I've never followed up on anything else he's done. Not sure if anyone can recommend something.
Nothing really that would interest you I don't think mate. The Ring of Fire album he did with Boals and Donati I really rate though, The Oracle it's called. I don't think any of his instrumental stuff would interest you. I really wish he did more band stuff like The Oracle and this Mogg album.
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Nothing really that would interest you I don't think mate. The Ring of Fire album he did with Boals and Donati I really rate though, The Oracle it's called.
Is that George Bellas on that? Huh.
I'll dig into it.
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Nothing really that would interest you I don't think mate. The Ring of Fire album he did with Boals and Donati I really rate though, The Oracle it's called.
Is that George Bellas on that? Huh.
I'll dig into it.
Yeah. Not sure why TMac didn't record with them on that one truthfully. it's some nice neoclassical power metal.
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From this in1997:
(https://img.discogs.com/a78ltUAkVqDX0UI7ygHPXQKJilA=/fit-in/300x300/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(40)/discogs-images/A-2103815-1423946863-5863.jpeg.jpg)
To this:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RAh5yr4i1Fo/AAAAAAAAAAI/AAAAAAAAAbo/NgzmyVbMQlk/s640-il/photo.jpg)
Looks like he's on the JP Program! :lol
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:o I've never seen that pic before. :lol
No wonder he hasn't been releasing many albums! lol. I thought it was George Lynch on first glance.
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Man, what a difference Dunbar makes! Listening to Gravy Train made me have to post about him. I'm familiar with him as he is prolific and I do have the first 3 Journey records from the pre-Perry days and, of course, Schenker's Adventures album.
Oh, I just saw he plays on Covenant and Sharks. Okay, looking forward to those as well.
EDIT: Finished the album. Yeah, this is a keeper. Some nice riffage from Bellas and Dunbar kills it. Bellas certainly fits that Shrapnel mold.
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Not sure why, but I never bothered with Mogg/Way. Seems weird because these were the dark years where I was struggling to find music to feed my cd buying addiction. Listening this morning, it’s very good. Similar in style to Hifh Stakes but with a much better guitarist. What is it with UFO and related bands that the opener is always excellent?
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Curious album. While Bellas' guitar is mixed surprisingly low for a Shrapnel release, the playing is as unrestrained as one would imagine. I like some of his proggy instrumental albums just fine, but the shredding is distracting here to the point where I was struggling to get a handle on the songs themselves. The potential seemed to be there though. I'll go ahead and guess that Jeff Kollman is a better fit on the second Mogg/Way album.
I could've done without this take on Mother Mary. It might be due to being played to a click as opposed to the original (:heart) and the live versions, but especially that one riff with multiple rests sounded stiff to me.
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Dunbar is amazing on Covenant!
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It's just occurred to me that whta I listened to this morning was Chocolate Box :facepalm:
Anyway, that just means I can listen to this this afternoon and I'm ahead of the game again!
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I always thought that the Mogg/Way as more a kind of project than UFO albums. I mean, I thought that, once Michael rejoined in 95', there's an agreement between them that, besides UFO, in the intervals, they could do MSG and other projects. But, it seems that Michael was in and out of UFO from Walk on Water to Sharks, right?
By the way, Mogg/Way had ever toured?
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@ devieira..
Found this really cool interview with Shane Gaalaas.
https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/2020/02/19/shane-gaalaas-interview-2/
Talks about Michael Schenker around the 44:00 mark.
Interesting interview! Shane also played acoustic guitar at the tour with MSG? Really nice!
About the interviewer (a big Michael Schenker fan, right?) almost not remembering the name of Rock Bottom :lol
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I always thought that the Mogg/Way as more a kind of project than UFO albums. I mean, I thought that, once Michael rejoined in 95', there's an agreement between them that, besides UFO, in the intervals, they could do MSG and other projects. But, it seems that Michael was in and out of UFO from Walk on Water to Sharks, right?
By the way, Mogg/Way has ever toured?
I'm not aware of any tours, in fact I'm just about positive there weren't any shows. Shortly after Edge Of The World, Schenker rejoins in '98 for an abbreviated and aborted tour of Japan where Michael cracked up straight off.
Phil and Pete make another album, Chocolate Box, while Michael Schenker made The Unforgiven.
Be it money, or a fatal attraction, Michael comes back for Covenant, with brief touring, and once again for Sharks, however Michael was gone for good by the time Sharks came out.
Personally, I think it shows in the music on Sharks, but more on that later...
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I actually bought Sharks and that might be why I didn't bother going back to the last few albums by either party as my recollection of that album was that I didn't ever need to hear it again.
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I recall at the time reading pretty favorable reviews of Sharks, while Covenant is glossed over. Covenant is amazing!
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Just been listening to Edge of the World. Bellas overplays on this but that's not a bad thing for me. I like it. This is going to cost me a fortune.
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Been away for a while. Yeah, Walk on Water is a favorite. I don't think I could add anything that hasn't already been said by Kade and others.
Listening to Edge of the World now. Excellent.
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Been away for a while. Yeah, Walk on Water is a favorite. I don't think I could add anything that hasn't already been said by Kade and others.
Listening to Edge of the World now. Excellent.
:metal :metal
This is going to cost me a fortune.
15%! :metal
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Not sure about the choice to rerecord Mother Mary. It's nearly identical (performance wise) to SitN.
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I actually find Mother Mary to be the low point of an otherwise pretty energetic album. It feels old, and pales to the High Stakes b side remake of Long Gone.
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Just been listening to Edge of the World. Bellas overplays on this but that's not a bad thing for me. I like it. This is going to cost me a fortune.
I just looked, there are some copies online for $20 or so
I figured it would be super rare and expensive
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I'm still absorving those Mogg/Way albums, but I think they are good albums. I just don’t think they will be at same level of High Stakes for me, which it seems have more inspiration in the songwriting and kind of a more "real band" feeling. On Edge of the World, I really love Fortune Town and Totaled and, the run from Highwire to Spell on You, it has a lot of very good songs and moments, with the exception of Mother Mary, which I miss the original drums patterns of Parker.
OBSESSION (my favorite)/MECHANIX- 10+/10
FORCE IT/NO HEAVY PETTING/LIGHTS OUT/ THE WILD THE WILLING AND THE INNOCENT - 9.5
MAKING CONTACT/WALK ON WATER - 9.0
PHENOMENON/HIGH STAKES & DANGEROUS MEN – 8.5
NO PLACE TO RUN/? – 8.0
MISDEMEANOR/MOGG-WAY albums – 7.5
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I always thought that the Mogg/Way as more a kind of project than UFO albums. I mean, I thought that, once Michael rejoined in 95', there's an agreement between them that, besides UFO, in the intervals, they could do MSG and other projects. But, it seems that Michael was in and out of UFO from Walk on Water to Sharks, right?
By the way, Mogg/Way has ever toured?
I'm not aware of any tours, in fact I'm just about positive there weren't any shows. Shortly after Edge Of The World, Schenker rejoins in '98 for an abbreviated and aborted tour of Japan where Michael cracked up straight off.
Phil and Pete make another album, Chocolate Box, while Michael Schenker made The Unforgiven.
Be it money, or a fatal attraction, Michael comes back for Covenant, with brief touring, and once again for Sharks, however Michael was gone for good by the time Sharks came out.
Personally, I think it shows in the music on Sharks, but more on that later...
What caused this coming and going of Shenker through this time? Seems he and Phil had somewhat of a love/hate relationship?
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I was thinking the same thing. It doesn’t seem like there was major drama, I was assuming just personal differences or just drifting apart. But probably always comes down to egos
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Like I said, it was money as the Japan tour in '98 was fairly lucrative, except Schenker basically nuked it as soon as they landed.
Michael was still drinking a lot during this time, and well, he and Phil had a hard time coexisting. Pete was a heroin junkie during this time period, so even he was ill equipped to keep the peace. But Micjael was unpredictable, and seemed to have no issue with stepping off stage during a gig.
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Michael seems like a strange cat. I like that.
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Sounds like rock n roll to me :metal
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Michael seems like a strange cat. I like that.
He was fairly paranoid, especially around Mogg. Phil, who seems like quite a jolly chap on stage now, I guess could be a pretty stubborn dude.
You can pull up any of the many interviews with Michael from the last ten years, and he seems really affable, radiating such joy. But actually listening to him talk is a trip. He is out there! :lol
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Hmmm...Seems like trying to get a copy of Walk on Water is pricey.
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Hmmm...Seems like trying to get a copy of Walk on Water is pricey.
Tell me about it. I have been seeking out physical copies of that and the Mogg/Way albums. None of them are cheap, sadly. Most are just too pricey to justify for a single album.
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Hmmm...Seems like trying to get a copy of Walk on Water is pricey.
Tell me about it. I have been seeking out physical copies of that and the Mogg/Way albums. None of them are cheap, sadly. Most are just too pricey to justify for a single album.
Even second hand copies can push to 50 bucks with shipping. A shame.
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I'd be interested if anyone gave Written In The Sand a listen..
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I'd be interested if anyone gave Written In The Sand a listen..
I'll try and get onto it tonight mate and let you know.
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I'd be interested if anyone gave Written In The Sand a listen..
I did. Like I mentioned it’s sounds pretty good and Leif is a good singer. I know I would have liked it better if Robin was singing. Someone in the YouTube comments said that Leif sounds a bit like Paul Rodgers. I can hear that
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I'd be interested if anyone gave Written In The Sand a listen..
I did. Like I mentioned it’s sounds pretty good and Leif is a good singer. I know I would have liked it better if Robin was singing. Someone in the YouTube comments said that Leif sounds a bit like Paul Rodgers. I can hear that
devieira mentioned, the MSG 4 album run coming up..Written In The Sand-The Unforgiven-Be Aware Of Scorpions-Arachnaphobiac.
They all suffer from very non descript vocals. I mean, they're talented singers, but they just don't stand out or enhance the music.
The Unforgiven, which I'll post soon enough is IMO the best of the bunch, followed by WITS.
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Didn't realise MSG had so many albums.
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Didn't realise MSG had so many albums.
One of the things I respect about Michael Schenker is that he has never not been active. He has an extensive discography that has been in constant motion ever since Lonesome Crow. He's really quite prolific.
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I love Michael Schenker! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KohMDNHYuY&list=RDIqhyWhnCgC8&index=2) :lol
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I love Michael Schenker! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KohMDNHYuY&list=RDIqhyWhnCgC8&index=2) :lol
Tempted to click on this in even with an office of people plus reception staff outside the door. :lol
probalby should wait til tonight.
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It's a minute and a half interview clip. But he totally cracks me up, especially when he talks about Rudolph.
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That's one thing I never really followed, him and his brother. I know they hate each other though. Will have to dig to find more of the backstory.
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I love Michael Schenker! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KohMDNHYuY&list=RDIqhyWhnCgC8&index=2) :lol
Tempted to click on this in even with an office of people plus reception staff outside the door. :lol
probalby should wait til tonight.
Hopefully you are on DTF during a very important meeting
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I love Michael Schenker! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KohMDNHYuY&list=RDIqhyWhnCgC8&index=2) :lol
Tempted to click on this in even with an office of people plus reception staff outside the door. :lol
probalby should wait til tonight.
Hopefully you are on DTF during a very important meeting
I have done that before.
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I’m assuming you were eating shrimp as well
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I’m assuming you were eating shrimp as well
Indeed. Once I was trying to see how many I could fit in my mouth. However, the meeting went overtime and the jerk store closed before I could get there. They were out of stock of me anyway so it didn't matter.
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:lol
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I'd be interested if anyone gave Written In The Sand a listen..
I'd be interested if you'd post a link and writeup to Written In The Sand
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I love Michael Schenker! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KohMDNHYuY&list=RDIqhyWhnCgC8&index=2) :lol
Tempted to click on this in even with an office of people plus reception staff outside the door. :lol
probalby should wait til tonight.
Hopefully you are on DTF during a very important meeting
I have done that before.
I'm doing it now :metal
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I love Michael Schenker! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KohMDNHYuY&list=RDIqhyWhnCgC8&index=2) :lol
Tempted to click on this in even with an office of people plus reception staff outside the door. :lol
probalby should wait til tonight.
Hopefully you are on DTF during a very important meeting
I have done that before.
I'm doing it now :metal
:rollin :metal
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I'd be interested if anyone gave Written In The Sand a listen..
I'd be interested if you'd post a link and writeup to Written In The Sand
Written In The Sand
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/ff/MSG_written_in_the_sand.jpg/220px-MSG_written_in_the_sand.jpg)(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YCSbisGyFnY/VBKeN4jQL4I/AAAAAAABJro/lzuE1N-1DJA/s1600/%C3%ADndice.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bilt-VR3AM0
Released August 26, 1996
1. Brave New World
2. Cry No More
3. I Believe
4. Back To Life
5. Written In The Sand
6. Essenz
7. Love Never Dies
8. I Will Be There
9. Take Me Through The Night
10. Down The Drain
11. Sweet Cold Kiss Of Night
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Leif Sundin-Vocals
Barry Sparks-Bass
Shane Gaalaas-Drums
After the abrupt conclusion of UFO's US '95 tour, Michael reemerges with a revamped MSG. The rhythm section of Barry Sparks and Shane Gaalaas would feature prominently over the next few years in the UFO/Schenker orbit.
There's a few videos from the Chicago '96 show. David Van Landing joins the band for the tour.
Here is Lost Horizons:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYKiHlpHIAw
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Three songs in, I must say I really like the drumming, both the performance and production. So far, Michael's song writing is pretty predictable...ticking all the MSG boxes. The vocalist sounds quite a bit like Eric Martin, just without the power. Dude can sing, and hit's notes effortlessly. He's maybe a bit TOO soulful for this kind of music though.
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That's one thing I never really followed, him and his brother. I know they hate each other though. Will have to dig to find more of the backstory.
I read some of this - he just believes that Rudolph stole everything from him.
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I played WITS a couple of weeks ago and loved it. The singer is excellent, the mad axeman is on form. Yes, I like.
Is Leif Sundin one of those characterless singers you were talking about Tim? He's great as far as I'm concerned. I'd rather listen to him that McAuley I think.
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That's one thing I never really followed, him and his brother. I know they hate each other though. Will have to dig to find more of the backstory.
I read some of this - he just believes that Rudolph stole everything from him.
Oh, he's paranoid too. :lol
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I love Michael Schenker! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KohMDNHYuY&list=RDIqhyWhnCgC8&index=2) :lol
Lol, Kirk doesn't even know what vibrato is because he has his wah.
Also, bringing Rudolf up over nothing was funny as. Bitter much?
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I played WITS a couple of weeks ago and loved it. The singer is excellent, the mad axeman is on form. Yes, I like.
Is Leif Sundin one of those characterless singers you were talking about Tim? He's great as far as I'm concerned. I'd rather listen to him that McAuley I think.
He is. :lol
He uses Kelly Keeling on The Unforgiven and Chris Logan on BAOS and Arachnophobiac.
I think the vocals are all excellent on these albums. My ears kind of glaze over a bit with them.
Yes, he does sound like Eric Martin for sure.
I really like Essenz, the instrumental.
I definitely like this album quite a bit. It's aged really well. It just didn't hit me over the heard for a long time.
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I played WITS a couple of weeks ago and loved it. The singer is excellent, the mad axeman is on form. Yes, I like.
Is Leif Sundin one of those characterless singers you were talking about Tim? He's great as far as I'm concerned. I'd rather listen to him that McAuley I think.
He is. :lol
He uses Kelly Keeling on The Unforgiven and Chris Logan on BAOS and Arachnophobiac.
I think the vocals are all excellent on these albums. My ears kind of glaze over a bit with them.
Yes, he does sound like Eric Martin for sure.
I really like Essenz, the instrumental.
I definitely like this album quite a bit. It's aged really well. It just didn't hit me over the heard for a long time.
I'm getting ahead a bit here but just listening to The Unforgiven - I'm not connecting with the vocals on this - it's a bit too Glenn Hughes for me. The soulful feel just doesn't fit the songs for me.
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I love Michael Schenker! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KohMDNHYuY&list=RDIqhyWhnCgC8&index=2) :lol
I'm trying to find that Hammett/Schenker episode of Eddie Trunk; they do a little guitar thing back and forth, and it's pretty good (in my humble opinion, Kirk doesn't hold up his end - too sloppy, and each segment seemed a rehash of the one before - but you get to see Michael play, and that's always a treat).
FOUND IT!: it's got some dicknose interrupting with his irrelevant commentary during the main set, but it's also got the backstage stuff, including rehearsal, which might be cooler, since it's fresh.
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2v868r
Two thoughts: One, in the rehearsal jam, Kirk shows him the riff, they start to play, and LITERALLY (I counted) in SIX SECONDS of learning the riff, Michael rips off this killer lead that just sets the tone. Guy's amazing. Every segment he solo'ed sounding almost completely different than the one that came before. ALL THOSE IDEAS! :)
Two, Eddie Trunk is such a tool. He is genetically incapable of not making himself the center of the action ("I orchestrated this"). Douche.
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About MSG – Written in the Sand…
Ideed, it is a really good album! I has a more melodic and groovier approach to the MSG classic sound. As a habit for UFO and MSG, it has a great opener on Brave New World, 3 very nice songs in a classic MSG style (Back to Life, Essenz and Love Never Dies) and a very cool title song. I think, maybe because of a overall more mid-tempo oriented songs, from “I Will Be There” on, the album feels a bit samey. And it would be better a vocalist with more presence and character, no doubt.
Now, I’m really curious to give a proper listening to The Unforgiven!
Just a thought, related to the amazing drumming of Shane Gaalass (not forgetting the also great work of Barry Sparks), but I totally LOVE the great 90’s drummers. It seems to me, although at the time they really step up the technical level of playing, they also cared a lot about keep the playing very grooving and with a great organic and, at same time, clear drum (and cymbals!) sound. Among others, drummers that had represented that: Mike Portnoy, Will Calhoun (Living Colour), Tim Alexander (Primus), Uli Kush (Helloween), Van Romaine (Steve Morse Band) and Paul Craddick (Enchant).
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I love Michael Schenker! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KohMDNHYuY&list=RDIqhyWhnCgC8&index=2) :lol
I'm trying to find that Hammett/Schenker episode of Eddie Trunk; they do a little guitar thing back and forth, and it's pretty good (in my humble opinion, Kirk doesn't hold up his end - too sloppy, and each segment seemed a rehash of the one before - but you get to see Michael play, and that's always a treat).
FOUND IT!: it's got some dicknose interrupting with his irrelevant commentary during the main set, but it's also got the backstage stuff, including rehearsal, which might be cooler, since it's fresh.
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2v868r
Two thoughts: One, in the rehearsal jam, Kirk shows him the riff, they start to play, and LITERALLY (I counted) in SIX SECONDS of learning the riff, Michael rips off this killer lead that just sets the tone. Guy's amazing. Every segment he solo'ed sounding almost completely different than the one that came before. ALL THOSE IDEAS! :)
Two, Eddie Trunk is such a tool. He is genetically incapable of not making himself the center of the action ("I orchestrated this"). Douche.
I'll watch this later, but your rundown doesn't surprise me. Kirk is terrible and I would expect Schenker to school him. And yes, Trunk is a dick.
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I've watched this a number of times since it happened and I really enjoy it. Say what you want about Kirk's playing, but he emits such joy in contagious.
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Just a thought, related to the amazing drumming of Shane Gaalass (not forgetting the also great work of Barry Sparks), but I totally LOVE the great 90’s drummers. It seems to me, although at the time they really step up the technical level of playing, they also cared a lot about keep the playing very grooving and with a great organic and, at same time, clear drum (and cymbals!) sound. Among others, drummers that had represented that: Mike Portnoy, Will Calhoun (Living Colour), Tim Alexander (Primus), Uli Kush (Helloween), Van Romaine (Steve Morse Band) and Paul Craddick (Enchant).
I have to admit, that the 90's are not my goto decade for music. Other than Dream Theater, I was pretty much out of it. I discovered Iced Earth and Hammerfall in the late 90's but that's about it. Even though I am an old school Helloween fan, I never cared for the Deris Era (this has changed).
One guy that Shane Gaalaas reminds me of is David Ingraham, who played with Bruce Dickinson in the 90's. I saw him live with Bruce and he was ridiculous.
I always thought the first drummer for Pearl Jam was excellent. I did buy Pork Soda back in the day, but I never really followed Primus. Just not my thing.
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Listened to a couple of songs from WITS on the way to work. I get a strong Steelhouse Lane vibe from this. Nice almost melodic rock. I feel Essence should have been placed later in the album though.
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I'll have to check Steelhouse Lane.
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I'll have to check Steelhouse Lane.
:omg: :omg:
Kade, it's a small world, brother!
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Huh? Me confused.
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Huh? Me confused.
You won't be on Friday! :lol
Oh, and if anyone is interested, in 1997, Michael released a live album DVD called The Michael Schenker Story Live. It's a 1997 show from Japan. Two and a half hour career retrospective.
Here it is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymp6XnTu0eA
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There's obviously some MSG/Steelhouse Lane connection coming. Can't work it out though.
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You have good ears, man.
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You have good ears, man.
Thanks mate. Still trying to work this out. Getting some bites with Keith Slack but doesn't explain this album.
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It's not related to this album. ;D
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Stadler is going to post his Edge Of The World report in the morning, and then it's onto Chocolate Box when I get home from work.
Everyone, get listening!!!
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One guy that Shane Gaalaas reminds me of is David Ingraham, who played with Bruce Dickinson in the 90's. I saw him live with Bruce and he was ridiculous.
I always thought the first drummer for Pearl Jam was excellent. I did buy Pork Soda back in the day, but I never really followed Primus. Just not my thing.
David Ingraham did an excellent job both in Accident of Birth and The Chemical Wedding (I saw him live on The Chemical Wedding tour, indeed amazing). I didn't hear the first Pearl Jam album, but, Dave Abbruzzese from Vs. is (was, at least) excellent.
And I think those two also has that kind of 90's drummer's style that I talked about. :tup
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It's not related to this album. ;D
Thought so. That doesn't explain my good ears then haha.
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Stadler is going to post his Edge Of The World report in the morning, and then it's onto Chocolate Box when I get home from work.
Everyone, get listening!!!
I'll run through Edge of the World again after Sand. Hopefully both by tonight.
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One guy that Shane Gaalaas reminds me of is David Ingraham, who played with Bruce Dickinson in the 90's. I saw him live with Bruce and he was ridiculous.
I always thought the first drummer for Pearl Jam was excellent. I did buy Pork Soda back in the day, but I never really followed Primus. Just not my thing.
David Ingraham did an excellent job both in Accident of Birth and The Chemical Wedding (I saw him live on The Chemical Wedding tour, indeed amazing). I didn't hear the first Pearl Jam album, but, Dave Abbruzzese from Vs. is (was, at least) excellent.
And I think those two also has that kind of 90's drummer's style that I talked about. :tup
I actually think Ingraham's best Bruce performance was on Balls To Picasso. Balls To Picasso really changed my mind on Bruce. It's a phenomenal album.
I saw the Accident Of Birth tour. (and Tattooed Millionaire..)
And yeah, that's the PJ drummer's name. He was excellent.
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Stadler is going to post his Edge Of The World report in the morning, and then it's onto Chocolate Box when I get home from work.
Everyone, get listening!!!
I'll run through Edge of the World again after Sand. Hopefully both by tonight.
Hell yes!!!!!!
That doesn't explain my good ears then haha.
Your ears defy explanation! :lol
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I'm on the edge of my seat to be honest lol.
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I'm on the edge of my seat to be honest lol.
Don't get too hyped. It's not a big deal, seriously.
I do have a surprise album coming on Friday that I think you'll like. ;D
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I just listened to the first half of Written in the Sand. I must say, I’m impressed. Will have to try and track down a copy.
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I just listened to the first half of Written in the Sand. I must say, I’m impressed. Will have to try and track down a copy.
:metal
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I'm on the edge of my seat to be honest lol.
Don't get too hyped. It's not a big deal, seriously.
I do have a surprise album coming on Friday that I think you'll like. ;D
Sweet as.
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Written in the Sand;
Brave New World: This is a great start. As I mentioned before, such a Steelhouse Lane melodic rock vibe. I hear the Eric Martin comparison right away also. Love that groovy chromatic riff in the verses there. The chrous is great and that middle section is really really cool. Love that key change into the solo. Schenker is somewhat restrained here but it works perfectly, it's smooth. The harmonies behind the solo works wonderfully well too. Good start.
Essence: I was a bit put off by an instrumental being the second song. It kind of made me switch off a little. But for the song, the ZZ Top/Satch Boogie feel is pretty cool. Reminds me a lot of Ulcer for obvious reasons. There's some cool stuff in this, but I just feel it would have been better around track 8 or 9.
Cry No More: Interesting riff at the start there. Again, this is nice and smooth, almost funky. I love the rhythm in the chorus, kind of off beat, it's cool. I do love that softer section 'who are the tears for' part. That reminds me heavily off something from Malmsteen's Facingthe Animal actually. That's a cool contrast to the rest of the song. I like how it shifts into that part after the solo too.
Back to Life: The intro gives off a totally different impression of what the song is. That's a nice groove. That chorus is so simple, but damn so groovy and catchy. Cool Schenker UFO type melodies midway through the song too behind the vocals. I really like that. One thing I like about this album is that it's about the songs but Schenker is there. He doesn't overplay at all. He just compliments the songs.
Written in Sand: This one wasn't really my style, but it's passable. The chorus is nice enough but those Schenker melodies really helps.
Love Never Dies: More melodic rock feels here. I hear Seventh Key in this one actually more than Steelhouse Lane which is funny. This one again rolls along nicely. You can't help but to bob and that chorus is very melodic. This one shows Schenker off, that extended outro solo is much appreciated and works well. It's long but doesn't overstay, nice and tasty.
I Will Be There: A bit moodier this one, but that chorus is light. Reminds me of Jeff Scott Soto I think this one. I must say, props to Schenker for mixing it up and doing something different. This is very fresh sounding for him. It's soft, but enjoyable, this whole thing. This one is pretty subdued throughout but it's a really nice listen.
Take Me Through the Night: More of the same, but some different melodies here. The chorus is pretty cool, something different again. Again, a bit moodier. This one gives me an Adrian Smith Psycho Motel feel, you know, something from Welcome to the Real World. I can hear him soloing on this one. I love how it picks up slightly in tempo for the solo, nice touch.
Down the Drain: More of the same vibe in this one. Nothing too special, but it's short and nice. Schenker is great on this, and again his solo and the key change at 2:19 is epic. I love how this album is mixed too. Some great split channel guitar stuff going on.
I Believe: A bit of Tony Iommi in the riffing here, but Iommi lite. The chorus is just wonderful and Schenkers melodies are oh so good. Again, key changes in the middle give this such an uplifting vibe. Simple melodies but just beautiful really. Those clean licks at the end of the solo section is fantastic. Such a tasteful guitar player.
Really nice album this one. Wish I found it 10 years ago when I was in my AOR stage.
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One thing I like about this album is that it's about the songs but Schenker is there. He doesn't overplay at all. He just compliments the songs.
That's actually one of the things that I feel is a negative about this mid career era of MSG. He's there, and you can hear him, and he sure sounds nice, but...let me have it!!!!
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Edge of the World
Change Brings A Change: Straight away those clean Bellas licks I knew this would be something I could dig. Phil sounds great and yeah, the UFO vibe is strong. His melodies are strong as usual. I love the simple riff but there's so much tension there. Almost like the apprehension of change. The riff at 2:15 odd is so cool and those little gallops in there are so good. I did say Bellas is mixed a little low, but his tone probably doesn't help. He doesn't use a lot of gain, but he's such a super clean player. His playing in the solo is instantly recongnizable to me. Great start. Nice metal edge on this with the UFO hard rock vibe in the chorus.
All Out of Luck: This is pure UFO and Phil's melodies instantly bring that to mind. I do like Bellas' rhythm tone though, it's nice and crunchy. Those leads before the second verse are almost Schenker like and his fills in the verses again give that Schenker/Mogg call and answer type thing. I like the heavier darker chorus here. Bellas shreds here, I just love his style.
Gravy Train: Oh yeah, what an intro here, blistering. Love Bellas here and his solos between Phil's verse lines are just so damn good. These two work surprisingly well together actually. This song rocks and reminds me of later Vinnie era UFO. I think it was Paul that said that Bellas overplays but it just works really well. Nice rhythm section in this one too keeping it together. Nice and tight.
Fortune Town: Great riff at the start here. The verses here are great. Wasn't totally blown away by the chorus, I thought it was a little weak, but everything else is very strong. That chorus again reminds me of later UFO.
Highwire: Get a Rock Bottom vibe from the riff here but that major feel in the riff is a nice touch. Phil sounds great here. He's pushing but sounds great. This one shouldn't really be my style at all, but I really enjoy it. I really like that old school 70's type chorus. Bellas again does some nice Schenker like melodies underneath Phil too. The rhythm section under the chorus is solid too. That middle bridge section is old school Obsession type UFO also, so fucking good, and a perfect Schenker like solo backing that Bellas rips on.
Saving Me From Myself: Nice darker feel here. I love Bellas being all over this album. This one's cool, and I like the change of pace. Bit more atmosphere on this one and Phil shines. The melodies are a little more subdued, a bit more mature in the songwriting here. I love the section around the 3 minute mark and again Bellas supports Phil so damn well. I like how this one finihses too, nice change in stucture.
Mother Mary: The beat is a little different and not quite as fluent and natural as the original. It's a bit stiff, but it's decent enough. Respect to Bellas for keeping parts of this true to the original while adding his own flavour. I do love how he keeps that run down in the key change the same too. He knows what to keep and what to add his own touch too, class.
House of Pain: Another song paving the way to Vinnie era UFO. It's fine, nothing special however. Pretty stock standard but placed in a perfect position in the album. I do like that piano in the solo section too, cool shit.
It's A Game: Again, another stock standard tune. Similar to Highwire though in the chorus. Very High Stakes sounding this one to me. Really like the solo in this one though.
History of Flames: Oh yeah, a bit of metal at the start here! Great chorus here, really great actually. The melodies aren't super strong but work really nicely. Again, cool solo section with some Yngwie feels in there. Love that riff coming back in too and again tight rhythm section. The chorus is even better towards the end, a nice grower.
Spell On You: Cool intro and powerful enter to the chorus. I love those backing vocals actually. Great harmonies around the 2 minute mark. And that metal tone for the solo is fabulous. Great outro too, nice and strong.
Totaled: Didn't expect an instrumental here to finish things off but this is really nice. Almost Dream Theater sounding in that first minute to my ears. Then around the minute mark I hear Jason Becker even though it's not his playing style. That section around 2 minutes is so emotive and Bellas shows a little more than just shred. But even in his shred, I find it pretty expressive. Not a lot to this one really, but a nice finish to the album.
Good stuff all round this one, and definitely a UFO album.
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One thing I like about this album is that it's about the songs but Schenker is there. He doesn't overplay at all. He just compliments the songs.
That's actually one of the things that I feel is a negative about this mid career era of MSG. He's there, and you can hear him, and he sure sounds nice, but...let me have it!!!!
I have to go back to a couple of the McAuley albums but while I'd normally feel the same, I think what he offers here is adequate. He COULD do more, but I don't think he really needs to.
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Awesome Kade! Just got to work so I’ll dig into those tonight. Looking forward to it!
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COMING SOON!!
(https://i.imgflip.com/4ijw6a.jpg)
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:lol
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Edge Of The World: I dug this far more than I thought I would. Unfortunately, most of the UFO- related stuff lives in the shadow of Schenker and Chapman, but this holds it's own.
Change Brings A Change: I dig Bellas' relatively clean sound and playing; I'm with Wolfking on that little riff at 2:15, and the solo is varied enough that the little "Shrapnel-isms" work instead of distract. Mogg is a bit buried behind the dense keys and the chugging riff, but he sounds good as usual.
All Out Of Luck: Dig this too; a little poppy for what I expect from UFO/Mogg (he's like the quintessential bar band singer), but again, it works. I think the only thing I don't like is the backing vocals; they seem a bit... weak compared to the rest of the track. The solo is okay, but the fills through the end of the song are killer.
Gravy Train: A little too Shrapnel for me, at least at the start, but Mogg salvages that, pretty quick, and I really like the rhythm guitars behind the vocal. Again though, have to question the back ground vocals a bit. I love the break after the first solo.
Fortune Town: I really liked this. It kept reminding me of something that I couldn't place, but it was a good reminder. That guitar sound was really... I don't have a word; it was very "close" and I liked that. Good Mogg vocal, good Mogg lyric, good solo.
Highwire: I REALLY liked this song a lot. Driving, good vocals, good guitars. I'd listen to this in my truck or on the highway.
Saving Me From Myself: Really nice change of pace; I liked this. Tasteful guitars, typical Mogg lyric/vocal. It's hard not to listen to this and not think he's not singing about Pete Way, maybe. Good solo; kept the histrionics to a minimum, and that's a good thing.
Mother Mary: Hmmm. Don't know what to make of this. It's not bad, not at all, and Mogg kills it, but is it necessary? I don't think George brought anything new to it, honestly.
House Of Pain: LOVED this song. One of the best on the album; just a straight ahead rocker.
It's A Game: Average song. I listened to it, then went back, and as I dropped in on three different parts of the song ,I heard the same quick ascending run on guitar all three times, and that signified the song for me: Samey.
History Of Flames: Another really good song. I liked this a lot. Mogg sings the shit out of this.
Spell On You: It's A Game, Part II, which says it all.
Totaled: I REALLY liked this; some of George's best playing, and a step above the sort of "Shrapnel wankery" that is on the rest of the album.
I liked the album; I wish this had a more bluesy or classical guitarist. I'm hit or miss with the Varney stable, and I generally prefer it like Yngwie, where it's the star of the show. The widdly-widdly bits are harder to fit into Mogg's more melodic, meat-and-potatoes ethos, so it was sort of like a car crash of sorts.
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Interesting thoughts Bill. As I said personally I think the guitar style works quite well with Phil. Maybe because it's just one album It's a bit of a novelty. I can see a few albums with this combo probably getting a bit tiresome though.
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I liked the album; I wish this had a more bluesy or classical guitarist. I'm hit or miss with the Varney stable, and I generally prefer it like Yngwie, where it's the star of the show. The widdly-widdly bits are harder to fit into Mogg's more melodic, meat-and-potatoes ethos, so it was sort of like a car crash of sorts.
This is why I think you'll like Chocolate Box more. the difference between the two album is that Edge Of The World fucks you, while Chocolate Box makes love to you.*
* I'm so sorry, that was awful.
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I'm going to run through Edge tonight with both reviews up.
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Chocolate Box
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51N58D3NJML.jpg)(https://http2.mlstatic.com/cd-mogg-way-chocolate-box-1999-americano-lacrado-shrapnel-D_NQ_NP_933725-MLB25501008073_042017-F.jpg)
Chocolate Box (1999) (https://open.spotify.com/album/5kJsaaRTrF3LkWhrrC894a?si=p6o2d--ZTp6MDEHZW3rrKQ)
Released 1999
1. Muddy's Gold
2. Jerusalem
3. Too Close To The Sun
4. This Is A Life
5. Living And Dying
6. King Of The City
7. Death In The Family
8. Whip That Groove
9. Last Man In Space
10. Sparkling Wine
Phil Mogg-Vocals
Jeff Kollman-Guitar
Pete Way-Bass
Simon Wright-Drums
Paul Raymond-Keyboards
After the disasterous '98 tour with Schenker, Phil and Pete record their next album, with Paul Raymond and Simon Wright in tow from the touring band. Cosmosquad guitarist Jeff Kollman fills in on guitar.
With a gun to my head, I prefer Chocolate Box over Edge Of The World. It just has a lot more character. The solos are a lot more melodic, and more fitting to the music. But the music itself is quite different to Edge. Much more groovy and has more variety.
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COMING SOON!!
(https://i.imgflip.com/4ijw6a.jpg)
We'll just say this is the Eddie of Mogg/Way. Stripe as a Mogwai.
By the way, since this seemed mostly me, but the cute things are called Mogwai and the nasty things they turn into if you screw up and don't follow the rules are Gremlins.
Stripe as a Gremlin:
(https://i0.wp.com/thefwoosh.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/NECA-Reel-Toys-Gremlins-Stripe-Review-chainsaw-hero-592x479.jpg)
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(https://i0.wp.com/thefwoosh.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/NECA-Reel-Toys-Gremlins-Stripe-Review-chainsaw-hero-592x479.jpg)
(https://vanyaland.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/stryper-background.jpg)
Wrong listening party!
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I liked the album; I wish this had a more bluesy or classical guitarist. I'm hit or miss with the Varney stable, and I generally prefer it like Yngwie, where it's the star of the show. The widdly-widdly bits are harder to fit into Mogg's more melodic, meat-and-potatoes ethos, so it was sort of like a car crash of sorts.
This is why I think you'll like Chocolate Box more. the difference between the two album is that Edge Of The World fucks you, while Chocolate Box makes love to you.*
* I'm so sorry, that was awful.
I'd rather a good hard fucking personally. ;D
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Mogwai Sweet?
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I liked the album; I wish this had a more bluesy or classical guitarist. I'm hit or miss with the Varney stable, and I generally prefer it like Yngwie, where it's the star of the show. The widdly-widdly bits are harder to fit into Mogg's more melodic, meat-and-potatoes ethos, so it was sort of like a car crash of sorts.
This is why I think you'll like Chocolate Box more. the difference between the two album is that Edge Of The World fucks you, while Chocolate Box makes love to you.*
* I'm so sorry, that was awful.
I'm not sure what those albums did to me, but definitely, Chocolate Box did it better! :heart :heart :lol
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Highwire: I REALLY liked this song a lot. Driving, good vocals, good guitars. I'd listen to this in my truck or on the highway.
But what if your truck was actually on the highway? :lol
Kade and Bill, great job, guys!
I liked the album; I wish this had a more bluesy or classical guitarist. I'm hit or miss with the Varney stable, and I generally prefer it like Yngwie, where it's the star of the show. The widdly-widdly bits are harder to fit into Mogg's more melodic, meat-and-potatoes ethos, so it was sort of like a car crash of sorts.
This is why I think you'll like Chocolate Box more. the difference between the two album is that Edge Of The World fucks you, while Chocolate Box makes love to you.*
* I'm so sorry, that was awful.
I'm not sure what those albums did to me, but definitely, Chocolate Box did it better! :heart :heart :lol
:lol :lol
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Thanks teach!
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(https://www.greatneck.k12.ny.us/cms/lib/NY02208059/Centricity/Domain/14/download.jpeg)
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I think this album is really more convincing as UFO than Edge of the World, although, if you tell me that Derek Sherinian made a guest appearence on Jerusalem, I would believe that in a heartbeat. Different for UFO and also a great track! But the rest of the album sounds very much like UFO and yet has its own personality. Muddy’s Gold is one of the best UFO openers; This Is a Life has a killer riff, another great song! I also love King of the City. I think it could be a bit more energetic album. Indeed, it has more bluesy songs, but almost all of them are inspired and have dynamics, so they never draggs the album.
Ranking (revised):
OBSESSION (my favorite)/MECHANIX- 10+/10
FORCE IT/NO HEAVY PETTING/LIGHTS OUT/ THE WILD THE WILLING AND THE INNOCENT – 9.5
MAKING CONTACT/WALK ON WATER – 9.0
PHENOMENON/HIGH STAKES & DANGEROUS MEN/? – 8.5
NO PLACE TO RUN/MOGG-WAY – CHOCOLATE BOX – 8.0
MISDEMEANOR/MOGG-WAY – EDGE OF THE WORLD – 7.5
AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’/? – 7.0
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Jerusalem is a GREAT tune!
Too Close To The Sun :metal Phil is great on it.
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Woo, these riffs on the first 2 Chocolate tracks! Very nice. Loving the heaviness. This is gonna be another fun one.
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Woo, these riffs on the first 2 Chocolate tracks! Very nice. Loving the heaviness. This is gonna be another fun one.
This has me excited.
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Woo, these riffs on the first 2 Chocolate tracks! Very nice. Loving the heaviness. This is gonna be another fun one.
This has me excited.
I'm on track 6 and I think TAC is right, this is better than Edge. Not that Edge is bad or anything, but the guitar is just different here. It's more of a riff fest. Many high energy, fast-paced rockers here.
Also, just ordered Edge off Discogs. Looking for Chocolate now.
EDIT: and just locked down a copy of Chocolate on Discogs.
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Woo, these riffs on the first 2 Chocolate tracks! Very nice. Loving the heaviness. This is gonna be another fun one.
This has me excited.
I'm on track 6 and I think TAC is right, this is better than Edge. Not that Edge is bad or anything, but the guitar is just different here. It's more of a riff fest. Many high energy, fast-paced rockers here.
Also, just ordered Edge off Discogs. Looking for Chocolate now.
I'll get onto this tonight or first thing tomorrow morning. Really looking forward to it now.
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Played it for the first time the other day and really liked it. I think I prefer Edge just because the guitar playing was a bit more OTT. Both excellent though.
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I liked the album; I wish this had a more bluesy or classical guitarist. I'm hit or miss with the Varney stable, and I generally prefer it like Yngwie, where it's the star of the show. The widdly-widdly bits are harder to fit into Mogg's more melodic, meat-and-potatoes ethos, so it was sort of like a car crash of sorts.
This is why I think you'll like Chocolate Box more. the difference between the two album is that Edge Of The World fucks you, while Chocolate Box makes love to you.*
* I'm so sorry, that was awful.
There are so many jokes there.... :)
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Played it for the first time the other day and really liked it. I think I prefer Edge just because the guitar playing was a bit more OTT. Both excellent though.
Nice. So glad you checked it out.
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Kollman rocks :2metal:
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Awesome, Gregg! And this won't be the last we hear from him either!
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I came across this picture tonight online, and I couldn't stop looking at it.
Not sure I've ever seen Phil look so young, and Schenker sporting some Ace Frehley style top.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E3klH4x3IQE/V2XcuyiFQII/AAAAAAAA4qc/fbMudCdGvdAjnDCOL79xlbckg-a5kRQAACLcB/s640/ufo1976.jpg)
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Vintage pic.
Will get into Chocolate Box tomorrow night. Will be getting into some chocolate at the same time.
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Vintage pic.
Will get into Chocolate Box tomorrow night. Will be getting into some chocolate at the same time.
That’s right, if you want cake or chocolate, you have it
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I’ll be honest, all these UFO/Mogg-Way songs are now becoming a blur. But the two opening tracks on Chocolate, Muddys Gold and Jerusalem are good stuff.
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I’ll be honest, all these UFO/Mogg-Way songs are now becoming a blur. But the two opening tracks on Chocolate, Muddys Gold and Jerusalem are good stuff.
Chocolate Box is a grower. I liked it straight off, but I find something new everytime I listen to it.
UFO has a huge discography. It's daunting if you're not familiar with it already. I totally understand that. I experienced something similar with Orbert's Jethro Tull Discog Thread. I wasn't familiar at all, but I really wanted to get a guided tour through their music. I've always been kind of intrigued by them.
But there were definitely albums I liked more than others, and I am totally revisiting them after this thread is done. This thread will live on, so if you ever want to go back, and read the conversation about each album, you'll have it.
I'll post an update tonight as to where we are and what's coming up.
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I’ll be honest, all these UFO/Mogg-Way songs are now becoming a blur. But the two opening tracks on Chocolate, Muddys Gold and Jerusalem are good stuff.
Chocolate Box is a grower. I liked it straight off, but I find something new everytime I listen to it.
UFO has a huge discography. It's daunting if you're not familiar with it already. I totally understand that. I experienced something similar with Orbert's Jethro Tull Discog Thread. I wasn't familiar at all, but I really wanted to get a guided tour through their music. I've always been kind of intrigued by them.
But there were definitely albums I liked more than others, and I am totally revisiting them after this thread is done. This thread will live on, so if you ever want to go back, and read the conversation about each album, you'll have it.
I'll post an update tonight as to where we are and what's coming up.
I casually tried to follow the Jethro Tull thread..........I tapped out pretty quickly.
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I committed to it. I really wanted to experience it.
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I committed to it. I really wanted to experience it.
:tup
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Wow, my physical copy of Chocolate Box showed up this morning. Guy on Discogs rated it at Near Mint, but it's Mint to my eyes. I can see no issues on the disc at all. Even the jewel case is in perfect shape. This was a nice score.
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Awesome! I hope you enjoy the album! Let us know what you think!
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Mainly did on the last page:
https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=55669.msg2710781#msg2710781
I loved it. Which is why I dropped the cash for the physical. Same with Edge. That is somewhere on the way to me as well.
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Bah, Chocolate Box will have to wait, my PC has finally shit itself after all these years. I knew it was coming. :'(
Will use the work PC tomorrow.
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In other news, while I was out this weekend, I saw Schenkers Temple of Rock DVD in-store an decided to pick it up. About to have a squizz now.
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Hmmmm.....might have to give Lovedrive a listen.
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Mainly did on the last page:
https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=55669.msg2710781#msg2710781
I loved it. Which is why I dropped the cash for the physical. Same with Edge. That is somewhere on the way to me as well.
I just wanted to hear it again! ;D
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This is a good show. Doogie is great on these old tracks and MS is on fire. This Michael Voss that for some reason just came out for one song was really good too.
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This is a good show. Doogie is great on these old tracks and MS is on fire. This Michael Voss that for some reason just came out for one song was really good too.
I love that DVD I was literally just watching it about a week and a half ago.
I keep thinking Herman Rarebell is about to have a heart attack at any moment. :D
I love how happy Francis Buccholz looks on this.
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Update!
I just wanted to let everyone know where we stand. Tonight, I'm going to post the next Schenker album, and a Mystery Album. I was going to post them on Friday, but I was sensing a little fatigue. I've thrown a lot at everyone and I appreciate everyone hanging in there.
As far as UFO goes, we have the return of Michael Schenker for 2 albums, and then the 6 Vinnie Moore albums. That's it. So we're about to round 3rd and head for home.
I will say that Michael Schenker is particularly productive from 2000 on. I'll continue to post his albums, but listen to only what you want to. There's also a couple of Pete Way albums I'll be highlighting and a solo album from a certain singer. I will not be covering the upcoming Waysted albums, however. I don't think so anyway.
I'll hold off on Covenant until Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. Just to give everyone's ears a break.
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/cf/ce/cd/cfcecda9be3f6c5008d9164b836fc954.jpg)
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This is a good show. Doogie is great on these old tracks and MS is on fire. This Michael Voss that for some reason just came out for one song was really good too.
I love that DVD I was literally just watching it about a week and a half ago.
I keep thinking Herman Rarebell is about to have a heart attack at any moment. :D
I love how happy Francis Buccholz looks on this.
I'll pick up the CD if I ever see it. The couple of songs from the supporting album were very good too.
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Michael's Temple Of Rock albums are excellent, the second two being exclusively Doogie.
We will be covering those! ;D
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The Unforgiven
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/62/MSG-TheUnforgiven.jpg)(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PuxxZN6pijw/XmgxsRdIqeI/AAAAAAAADbQ/dJWJix3AcMA41KREbnc8943t2XNOxeiDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Michael%2BSchenker%2BGroup%2BMSG%2B-%2BThe%2BUnforgiven%2B%25281999%2529%2Bfront%2Bback%2Balbum%2Bcover.jpg)
https://open.spotify.com/album/3H5P3FLo7IwBdGt0aaDzFb?si=5PFz96g2S32yT3EOueG_MA
Released February 11, 1999
1. Rude Awakening
2. The Mess I've Made
3. In And Out Of Time
4. Hello Angel
5. Fat City N.O.
6. Tower
7. Pilot Of Your Soul
8. Forever And More
9. Turning Off The Emotion
10. Live For Today
11. Illusion
12. The Storm
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Kelly Keeling-Vocals
John Onder-Bass
Shane Gaalaas-Drums
Seth Bernstein-Keyboards
MSG's next album is The Unforgiven. I remember at the time getting very favorable reviews. This is a really good album. I think Rude Awakening isn't a great opener, but pretty much everything that follows is excellent. I've warmed to Kelly Keeling's voice over the years. He is damn good, but I think he still lacks some of the personality in Michael's other vocalists. He has an almost Coverdale quality to his voice.
The Unforgiven World Tour
(https://img.discogs.com/Q157CYb6bubI3lTEkEYA5NDSNwM=/fit-in/420x420/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-7622389-1445351517-3272.jpeg.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51VIEynfzVL.jpg)
https://open.spotify.com/album/1w36gzyKXczm80QW9sBznQ?si=qltW8QgCSMKje2BnX8cTxQ
Released September 8, 1999
Disc 1 Disc 2
1. Armed And Ready 1. Assault Attack
2. Only You Can Rock Me 2. Another Piece Of Meat
3. Natural Thing 3. Love To Love
4. Pushed To The Limit 4. Too Hot To Handle
5. Written In The Sand 5. Lights Out
6. Captain Nemo 6. Bijou Pleasurette/Positive Forward
7. Into The Arena 7. Doctor Doctor
8. Essence 8. Rock Bottom
9. Pilot Of Your Soul
10. The Mess I've Made
11. Fat City
12. On And On
13. Attack Of the Mad Axeman
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Keith Slack-Vocals
Kelly Keeling-Vocals
Shane Gaalaas-Drums
Barry Sparks-Bass
Wayne Findlay-Keyboards/Guitar
Recorded at Palo Alto, CA in early May of 1999, this live album has an amazing setlist. The band is rounded out by Barry Sparks and Wayne Findlay.
Although Kelly Keeling comes on for a half dozen or so songs, the vocals are handled by Steelhouse Lane vocalist Keith Slack.*
This album's setlist speaks for itself. Drawing on Schenker's entire career. The inclusion of songs like Pushed To The Limit, Assault Attack, and Another Piece Of Meat is fantastic.
*@ Wolfking
MYSTERY ALBUM!
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c4/Vinnie_Moore_-_2000_-_Live%21.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51yEQEDxNzL._SY400_.jpg)
https://open.spotify.com/album/5PC4gp98bK7pCofmu84tXk?si=cM1CZTevSWibQZrQf6shaA
Released January 25, 2000
1. The Thinking Machine
2. The Maze
3. Cryptic Dreams
4. Meltdown
5. Never Been To Barcelona
6. She's Only Sleeping
7. Vinman's Brew
8. Check IT Out!
9. Rain
10. Daydream
11. Watching From The Light
12. With The Flow
Vinnie Moore-Guitar
Shane Gaalaas-Drums
Barry Sparks-Bass
Wayne Findlay-Keyboards/Guitar
Basically recorded at the same gig as Michael's Unforgiven Live, Vinnie even uses Michael's band. Of course, Shane Gaalaas plays drums on The Maze, which was the album Vinnie was touring.
Last week, Jason mentioned going to see this tour and Vinnie had used Michael's band. That's amazing, but also great that the two had toured together. As you'll hear in Vinnie's own words in an upcoming post, this pairing was actually um....instrumental to him joining UFO.
@Jason, is this the show you saw?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HB57FnsIVc8&t=7s
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I still don't know what that has to do with my ears. :lol
That set list is indeed killer.
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Kelly Hansen is the singer of Foreigner and former singer of Hurricane. He is excellent, is that who you are taking about?
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Oh, I think I have them confused. :rollin
I think I've always thought they were the same person. :facepalm:
Kelly Hansen was on chopped. I was going to link the episode, but apparently Kelly Keeling Chopped rendered zero results. :lol
I saw Hurricane BTW, open for Gary Moore.
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He’s onto you
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The Unforgiven World Tour live album is excellent, and it gets regular listens from me even after all these years. I don't really have much to add beyond that, but if you're a MS fan then this album is a must have.
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A few songs into Choc Box and pretty good. Although, I wished they kept the heaviness of the first 2 songs going. Jerusalem is an absolutely amazing song.
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Every time I try to catchup, work gets a little nutty, and I don't get the time to have solid / dedicated listens. So, I'm over a decade (in discography years), 3 weeks, and 11 pages behind. But, still chuggin away. So, to bring it back a few albums, I think Making Contact is where I last left off in posting my thoughts.
Making Contact
BBAL had some good moments, but the vocal melodies were so bland. Diesel ... meh. Fool for Love... much nicer. Tasty bass licks. I get what Kade is saying about the guitar “bends”. Really like the backing keys during the solo. Great track. Excellent opening arpeggios to When it’s Time to Rock. Over all pretty good, dragged down by the chorus. The solo / instrumental section is fantastic. A most of the others were enjoyable enough, with a recurring theme that the instrumental/solo section was the strongest. You and Me was a nice ballad, but just a little too fluffy. By and large, I tend to be let down by keyboard dominated ballads. The solo was glorious, but overshadowed by the lack of edge to the song overall. I actually rather enjoyed Push, It’s Love.
Built To Destroy
Yup... straight from the opening vocal line of Rock My Nights Away, it’s the second coming of Dan McCafferty. And Im not digging the keyboard led sound of this track. Naturally, there’s a good (albeit brief) solo. Gonna Make You Mine ... the guitar tone in the solo is putrid; keyboards overall are terrible. This song is shyte. Dogs of War solo slayed. Got me all hot and bothered, and then quickly went back to the mediocrity of the rest of the verses (I did enjoy the chorus). Systems Failing was rather ordinary, with an extraordinary solo and outro (I’m sensing a theme here). Memo has a ripper of an opening, and slays right up to that weird keyboard line at 1:30... then we’re right back at it. Good tune there. Still Love That Little Devil was a decent rocker. Red Sky was a definitely one of the better/best tracks on the album. Straight forward, but the vocal melodies were strong, and Barden wasn’t as garbled/raspy as he normally sounds. Oddly enough, I liked the lead riff much more than the solo. I would have really liked Rock Will Never Die ... if not for the ‘lull’ moments. When it was rockin, it was ROCKIN. Ironically, the lulls almost killed the tune for me.
I skipped Vices, and went straight to the Waysted EP. But did slip a listen in to Night of the Wolf with everyone fawning over that on. Glad I did. :2metal: regarding the EP, Nice opener. 2nd song... this is nice ... borderline glam metal as JJ stated. Rock Steady was .... steady. Cinderella Boys started kinda meh, but the 2nd half was dope. Ball and Chain was ... solid. :biggrin:
Misdemeanor
First 10 seconds ... whoa! Rest of the song .... Is this Night Ranger? One Heart ... still with the Night Ranger vibe, with a side of .38 Special. Not bad tunes, but sure as shit not what one would expect from UFO. Night Run has a bit more edge, but just a bit (The US mix was a little more pleasing). So far, I’m thinking this is to UFO what GUP is to Rush, and I wonder how the hell Tim can like any of this. The Only Ones... man, it’s only getting worse. This is awful. And I love 80s (power) ballads. As I hinted above, I don’t know if I’ve ever liked when a guitar-driven hard rock band does a keyboard driven ballad. All the worst ballads are keyboard led - When It's Love, Love Bites, Is This The Love ... all blow chunks. Oh thank god for Mean Streets. Still a bit of a wuss song, but so far, it’s like being the tallest person in a room of midgets. Name Of Love starts nice, but treads too close to the 80s AOR vibe. But man... dat solo!!! Blue was nice. Heaven's Gate had a nice edge to it. Wreckless was decent, aided by a great solo and outro (the former having some length to it). The overall 'tinny' sound of the whole production really brings this song down in particular. It's literally making me cringe here. The Chase... ugh, is this an outtake from The J. Giles Band??
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Misdemeanor
First 10 seconds ... whoa! Rest of the song .... Is this Night Ranger? One Heart ... still with the Night Ranger vibe, with a side of .38 Special. Not bad tunes, but sure as shit not what one would expect from UFO. Night Run has a bit more edge, but just a bit (The US mix was a little more pleasing). So far, I’m thinking this is to UFO what GUP is to Rush, and I wonder how the hell Tim can like any of this. The Only Ones... man, it’s only getting worse. This is awful. And I love 80s (power) ballads. As I hinted above, I don’t know if I’ve ever liked when a guitar-driven hard rock band does a keyboard driven ballad. All the worst ballads are keyboard led - When It's Love, Love Bites, Is This The Love ... all blow chunks. Oh thank god for Mean Streets. Still a bit of a wuss song, but so far, it’s like being the tallest person in a room of midgets. Name Of Love starts nice, but treads too close to the 80s AOR vibe. But man... dat solo!!! Blue was nice. Heaven's Gate had a nice edge to it. Wreckless was decent, aided by a great solo and outro (the former having some length to it). The overall 'tinny' sound of the whole production really brings this song down in particular. It's literally making me cringe here. The Chase... ugh, is this an outtake from The J. Giles Band??
I WISHED. :) :)
I'm going to be checking out Chocolate Box this afternoon, work permitting.
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About The Unforgiven World Tour album:
As a big fan of The Michael Schenker Story Live album, I think this one is also truly great, if not better, specially because of the singer that is better than the two (if I'm not mistaken) that divided the vocals on Story Live. The setlist is like a shortened version of Story Live, which is understandable, since it's from a tour promoting an album. Great recording and amazing performances of the entire band IMO! Only 3 songs from Unforgiven, but they were well picked. Pilot of Your Soul and Fat City are excellent and both have that amazing style of Schenker's riffage.
I didn't know about those Vinnie Moore albums with Shane Gaalass, I'll check them!
So, Shane (I think also Barry) recorded with Schenker, Malmsteen, Moore and Kollman from mid 90's to 2000's... great portfolio!
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I didn’t like Unforgiven at all. Not that the songs were bad, they weren’t, but I couldn’t stand the vocals. Too Glenn Hughes-y for me.
Vinnie Moore is my favourite guitarist ever so looking forward to these.
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About The Unforgiven World Tour album:
As a big fan of The Michael Schenker Story Live album, I think this one is also truly great, if not better, specially because of the singer that is better than the two (if I'm not mistaken) that divided the vocals on Story Live. The setlist is like a shortened version of Story Live, which is understandable, since it's from a tour promoting an album. Great recording and amazing performances of the entire band IMO! Only 3 songs from Unforgiven, but they were well picked. Pilot of Your Soul and Fat City are excellent and both have that amazing style of Schenker's riffage.
I didn't know about those Vinnie Moore albums with Shane Gaalass, I'll check them!
So, Shane (I think also Barry) recorded with Schenker, Malmsteen, Moore and Kollman from mid 90's to 2000's... great portfolio!
I knew the name Gaalaas was familiar to me in some way, he played on one of my fav Malmsteen records, Magnum Opus.
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So I listened to Chocolate Box. I think I have to give it another listen. I can see why I SHOULD have liked this better than Edge, but... I didn't, and I'm not sure why. The guitars were grittier, and more... traditional, but they lacked character, and they didn't seem to fit the vocal. There was one point ("This Is A Life", I think) when I thought "wow, that almost sounds like Van Halen", and yet the vocal was this growly English slice of life. And I'm a big Mogg fan, I think the only criticism I've ever given of him was the silly "on with the action!" affectation on... "On With The Action". But here... nothing seemed to grab me. There was no moment when I said "oh, I have to google what he's singing here!", which is what normally happens. Also, his voice seems way more gravelly, growly. I like it when it's a shade more reedy.
I did like some songs; Jerusalem is excellent, as is Living And Dying. I liked Sparkling Wine (even if it was a little too much "Little Wing" in the guitar).
I think I owe it another listen. At first plus, this seemed to me an album looking for a direction. (And bear in mind I've been listening to Covenant and Sharks lately, so there's that to compare it to). But it may just be that I didn't catch it the first time.
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Am I the only one that doesn't mind Phil in On With the Action? :lol
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Haha.
Just noticed that Michael looks like Gary Oldman on that Unforgiven cover. I hope TAC has the good sense to publish the pictures of Michael on the Sharks LP. He looks... well, it's not his finest hour.
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I hope TAC has the good sense to publish the pictures of Michael on the Sharks LP. He looks... well, it's not his finest hour.
I do have something in store, and it is hilarious.
So I listened to Chocolate Box. I think I have to give it another listen. I can see why I SHOULD have liked this better than Edge, but... I didn't, and I'm not sure why. The guitars were grittier, and more... traditional, but they lacked character, and they didn't seem to fit the vocal. There was one point ("This Is A Life", I think) when I thought "wow, that almost sounds like Van Halen", and yet the vocal was this growly English slice of life. And I'm a big Mogg fan, I think the only criticism I've ever given of him was the silly "on with the action!" affectation on... "On With The Action". But here... nothing seemed to grab me. There was no moment when I said "oh, I have to google what he's singing here!", which is what normally happens. Also, his voice seems way more gravelly, growly. I like it when it's a shade more reedy.
I did like some songs; Jerusalem is excellent, as is Living And Dying. I liked Sparkling Wine (even if it was a little too much "Little Wing" in the guitar).
I think I owe it another listen. At first plus, this seemed to me an album looking for a direction. (And bear in mind I've been listening to Covenant and Sharks lately, so there's that to compare it to). But it may just be that I didn't catch it the first time.
The album is a grower. But if you're listening to Covenant, you're blocking the sun.
Every time I try to catchup, work gets a little nutty, and I don't get the time to have solid / dedicated listens. So, I'm over a decade (in discography years), 3 weeks, and 11 pages behind. But, still chuggin away. So, to bring it back a few albums, I think Making Contact is where I last left off in posting my thoughts.
Edited post..
Chad...stuck in the 80's! It usually what people, mostly my family, accuse ME of! :lol
Appreciate the comments. Keep 'em coming.
I never made a Power Windows connection back in the day. It was only recently, listening to Blue I think, where it hit me.
I didn't know about those Vinnie Moore albums with Shane Gaalass, I'll check them!
So, Shane (I think also Barry) recorded with Schenker, Malmsteen, Moore and Kollman from mid 90's to 2000's... great portfolio!
I knew the name Gaalaas was familiar to me in some way, he played on one of my fav Malmsteen records, Magnum Opus.
Here is a cool career spanning interview with Shane. His story about first meeting Yngwie is funny.
https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/2020/02/19/shane-gaalaas-interview-2/
I didn’t like Unforgiven at all. Not that the songs were bad, they weren’t, but I couldn’t stand the vocals. Too Glenn Hughes-y for me.
It took me many years before I finally accepted the vocals as good on The Unforgiven. But that album is still getting better with every listen.
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In regard to the Vinnie Moore album, there is an Easter egg in there - anyone spotted it? 😀
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In regard to the Vinnie Moore album, there is an Easter egg in there - anyone spotted it? 😀
I probably need to listen to it first haha.
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Me too! :lol
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Paul, I found one of those sections that we would hear again.
First song I checked! :D
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Choc Box was a bit hit and miss for me. First 2 songs were easily the best but was inconsistent after that. Kollman is a great player but something was missing for me. I much prefer Edge of the World personally. Granted, I do think it would be a grower.
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Choc Box was a bit hit and miss for me. First 2 songs were easily the best but was inconsistent after that. Kollman is a great player but something was missing for me. I much prefer Edge of the World personally. Granted, I do think it would be a grower.
I knew you'd like Edge more.
Chocolate Box is really different. It took me a while before I really warmed to it.
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Choc Box was a bit hit and miss for me. First 2 songs were easily the best but was inconsistent after that. Kollman is a great player but something was missing for me. I much prefer Edge of the World personally. Granted, I do think it would be a grower.
I knew you'd like Edge more.
Chocolate Box is really different. It took me a while before I really warmed to it.
It's not just Bellas, the whole more organic UFO sound of that album I much prefer.
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Yeah, I get it totally.
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Covenant
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d9/Ufocovenant.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51EZ-D5NzgL.jpg)
Covenant 2000 (https://open.spotify.com/album/1IikN8LUDOh7804d6cKDKH?si=me8L2_e8T9ia0TQ5t8tNsg)
Released July 25, 2000
1. Love Is Forever
2. Unraveled
3. Miss The Lights
4. Midnight Train
5. Fool's Gold
6. In The Middle Of Madness
7. The Smell Of Money
8. Rise Again
9. Serenade
10. Cowboy Joe
11. The World And His Dog
Phil Mogg-Vocals
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Pete Way-Bass
Aynsley Dunbar-Drums
Kevin Carlson-Keyboards
Michael Schenker is back. Again. Aynsley Dunbar on drums.....
We had a computer, but for me, I was totally surprised when Covenant was released. I was not aware that Michael Schenker had rejoined UFO. I got this when it came out, but I'm not sure how I heard of it.
I remember the day I got it, I listened to it, and I literally could not sleep that night. I kept hearing the riffs and melodies in my head, and I tossed and turned.
It's hard for me to compare this and Walk On Water. WOW hit me at such a pivotal point in my life. Covenant finds me remarried, with a 10 y/o stepson. Totally different times. But with all that I had experienced in the previous five years, Covenant really reminded me of how much I loved UFO and Michael Schenker. I felt a personal connection to it. Seems like it "found" me in the next phase of my life.
There was a brief European tour, that again blew up in the band's faces. Michael was drinking quite a bit during this time, and got in a dust up with the Quireboys' Spike in Manchester and that was that. The band left US dates for 2001 on the table.
I have a really good bootleg from this tour (Offenbach, Ger) as the Covenant tracks making the setlist were Love Is Forever, Unravelled, Miss The Lights, and Midnight Train.
Unfortunately all I could find on youtube was this version of Love Is Forever..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFtHkApoEuc
The live band is rounded out by drummer Jeff Martin and keyboardist/guitarist Luis Maldonado.
Covenant comes as a two disc set. The second disc contains 7 tracks that were recorded in the US in 1998. These tracks include Paul Raymond and Simon Wright.
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Reply #1
Nice presentation.
Reply #6
I've heard about this band over the years, but haven't heard a single song from them aside from Maiden's cover of Doctor Doctor. I'll be following this thread and checking out some tracks here and there :)
Reply #9
I'm just going to add what is a really obvious comment for this thread: Phil Mogg is one of the most underrated hard rock vocalists of all time.
Also, for my money, Paul Raymond took UFO from being good to great. when I was in a band, I always wanted someone who could go back and forth between rhythm guitar and keys.
Where you guys been??
Talk about checking in for attendance and then disappearing! ;D
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Covenant might be my favorite UFO album. I don't feel like there are any clunkers on this disc, and the performances are excellent.
The only song that I'm torn about in any way is probably my favorite song on the disc, The World and His Dog. I love most parts of the song, but I've never been sure if the breakdown section fits.
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Looking forward to cracking into this one.
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That was a nice personal writeup on the album too Tim.
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That was a nice personal writeup on the album too Tim.
Thank you. I'll include another story in the huge Schenker dump later this week.
Covenant might be my favorite UFO album. I don't feel like there are any clunkers on this disc, and the performances are excellent.
The only song that I'm torn about in any way is probably my favorite song on the disc, The World and His Dog. I love most parts of the song, but I've never been sure if the breakdown section fits.
That's great!
Yes, The World And His Dog is really interesting.
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Listened to the first few songs on the way home. Not sure what to think yet. Seems like a grower like WOW.
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I'm looking forward to hearing Covenant. I've actually been looking forward to it since you started this thread. Without ever hearing it, this one intrigues me the most.
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Well, I hope you won't be let down.
If I downplay an album, like Ain't Misbehavin', it gets good reaction here. If I pump up an album, like Chocolate Box, it gets mixed reviews. :lol
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You asked for it Tim.
ROCK BOTTOM!
https://youtu.be/1l42QhUaX0g
Had a couple of hours Saturday morning so learned this and decided to record it on the spot. Ran through a couple times and recorded. A couple of fluffs but enjoyed this one. Strings sound a bit shit as it was the only guitar in the house that had six strings. Strings are about 10 years old so pretty flat but fuck it. Was just on my phone too so quality is shit, but you get the idea.
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You asked for it Tim.
ROCK BOTTOM!
https://youtu.be/1l42QhUaX0g
Had a couple of hours Saturday morning so learned this and decided to record it on the spot. Ran through a couple times and recorded. A couple of fluffs but enjoyed this one. Strings sound a bit shit as it was the only guitar in the house that had six strings. Strings are about 10 years old so pretty flat but fuck it. Was just on my phone too so quality is shit, but you get the idea.
:heart :heart*swoon* :heart :heart
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:hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
That is awesome!!
I had just shut my computer down and started my car to go to work. Not sure why I looked at my phone while it was warming up.
But I signed back on. Now I'm gonna be late for work! :lol
But it was totally worth it.
Now we need you and Paul to do a simulated quarantine style version. ;D
Seriously bro. Awesome job on that!
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Thanks for the comments guys. And Greg, I did think about the whole pinky thing too as I was learning it. :lol Just feels unnatural not using the pinky at all haha.
I left the riffs for Paul too. :metal
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I like how you were able to get Schenker's rolling vibrato technique without clamping the body of the guitar between your knees like that poser Rudolph! :lol
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I like how you were able to get Schenker's rolling vibrato technique without clamping the body of the guitar between your knees like that poser Rudolph! :lol
:lol
I wouldn't dare have Michael see me copying his technique!
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I!m really loving his playing and style though. A shame I'm discovering him so late but better late than never. His solos technically aren't that hard but a lot of his phrasing even in a simple lick form can be really tricky. A couple of spots weren't note for note, but that's always been a flaw of mine. He has a unique and amazing style and technique. His feel for the instrument is so natural and you can hear the emotion in simple things like the way he frets notes and even how he picks notes too. It's hard to describe but the guy is a fucking class guitar player. But you guys knew that long before I did.
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To get back on the Covenant topic, the solo to Midnight Train is brilliant.
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To get back on the Covenant topic, the solo to Midnight Train is brilliant.
Next video? ;D
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To get back on the Covenant topic, the solo to Midnight Train is brilliant.
Next video? ;D
You know I still can't stop playing Try Me. That is so simple but might have to give that a crack. Schenker is crying through his guitar on that one. One of the most amazing, beautiful things I've ever heard from a guitar.
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Love is Forever and Unraveled are amazing and Midnight Train, Fool's Gold and The World and His Dog are very, very good. Although I think the rest of the album is good, it also kind of disapoints me as a Schenker’s UFO album (not really disapointing, like Sharks). But what really stood out to me, after re-listening to Covenant and truly listening to MoogWay for the first time, is that I clearly like more Chocolate Box.
I should comment it was really a shame that Jeff Kollman didn’t returned to UFO after Covenant. I think we would have a stronger discography than the Moore phase, which surprised me, because I think the style of his instrumental albums, at least the ones Moore was releasing before joining UFO, fitted UFO nicely.
Ranking (re-revised):
OBSESSION (my favorite)/MECHANIX- 10+/10
FORCE IT/NO HEAVY PETTING/LIGHTS OUT/ THE WILD THE WILLING AND THE INNOCENT – 9.5
MAKING CONTACT/WALK ON WATER – 9.0
NO PLACE TO RUN/HIGH STAKES & DANGEROUS MEN/MOGG-WAY – CHOCOLATE BOX – 8.5
PHENOMENON/MOGG-WAY – EDGE OF THE WORLD/COVENANT – 8.0
MISDEMEANOR/? – 7.5
AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’/?– 7.0
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You know I still can't stop playing Try Me. That is so simple but might have to give that a crack. Schenker is crying through his guitar on that one. One of the most amazing, beautiful things I've ever heard from a guitar.
He takes the vocal melody and piano lines and dissolves them into his guitar, then in the last half blends them with the tension inherent to his personal guitar tone to lovingly remove your heart and show it to you...especially the sublime sadness of the last note. God, that solo is one for the ages. The tension he creates through restraint is mesmerizing. It feels like he's always right on the edge of just ripping out a thousand notes but was wise enough to not go there. Even after all these years, it leaves me wanting more, but at the same time I'm grateful that it stayed right there.
I hope that made sense. :)
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That’s a great description!
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You asked for it Tim.
ROCK BOTTOM!
https://youtu.be/1l42QhUaX0g
Had a couple of hours Saturday morning so learned this and decided to record it on the spot. Ran through a couple times and recorded. A couple of fluffs but enjoyed this one. Strings sound a bit shit as it was the only guitar in the house that had six strings. Strings are about 10 years old so pretty flat but fuck it. Was just on my phone too so quality is shit, but you get the idea.
Nice.
Now I finally can put a face to ya too after only having your avatars to associate with you! Though I’ve got to say I am a little disappointed you don’t have the King Diamond makeup on 😀😀😀
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Paul, I found one of those sections that we would hear again.
First song I checked! :D
I did my homework a while back and found three.
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You asked for it Tim.
ROCK BOTTOM!
https://youtu.be/1l42QhUaX0g
Had a couple of hours Saturday morning so learned this and decided to record it on the spot. Ran through a couple times and recorded. A couple of fluffs but enjoyed this one. Strings sound a bit shit as it was the only guitar in the house that had six strings. Strings are about 10 years old so pretty flat but fuck it. Was just on my phone too so quality is shit, but you get the idea.
Nice.
Now I finally can put a face to ya too after only having your avatars to associate with you! Though I’ve got to say I am a little disappointed you don’t have the King Diamond makeup on 😀😀😀
Kade has a bunch of years old videos. He’s all grown up now.
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Wolfking triggered something with a comment he made above ("organic") and Podaar's comment really brought it together for me.
With Chapman and Schenker, there seems to be a give and take when crafting the songs. It's not "here's a song, put some lyrics too it"; it seems to be crafted together ("dissolved into"). With the Mogg/Way stuff, it feels more like Mogg was given 10, 12 backing tracks and he put down lyrics and a melody on top. Probably all in my head, but that's how I view it. I love Covenant; I'm not sure I can pull one song out, but Cowboy Joe is pretty solid, as is Miss The Lights and The World And His Dog.
(Nerd alert! Nerd alert! Pretty sure the live tracks on Covenant are from Blind Melon's, Buffalo (well, Cheektowaga), NY, September 11, 1995. Phil asks if "Blind Melon are in the audience" at one point, and so you know, the songs, at least on my copy, are mislabelled).
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Listening now...I just realized I've heard "Miss the Lights" before, and I didn't like it. This time, while immersed in the discography it sounds better.
Edit: Two songs to go, and I can say I really appreciate the band branching out and writing unusual (for UFO) songs, but it's going to take more than one listen to absorb it. I find myself struggling to listen past the raw (dry?) production.
Edit 2: This album (the studio songs) suffer from a lack of Paul Raymond, IMO. Can you imagine the tasty piano bits he would have put into the quieter sections of "The World and His Dog".
I'm really not liking how Dunbar's drums are produced so far in the back and nearly mono. It sounds like they used a couple of mics from across a cavernous room. >:(
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You know I still can't stop playing Try Me. That is so simple but might have to give that a crack. Schenker is crying through his guitar on that one. One of the most amazing, beautiful things I've ever heard from a guitar.
He takes the vocal melody and piano lines and dissolves them into his guitar, then in the last half blends them with the tension inherent to his personal guitar tone to lovingly remove your heart and show it to you...especially the sublime sadness of the last note. God, that solo is one for the ages. The tension he creates through restraint is mesmerizing. It feels like he's always right on the edge of just ripping out a thousand notes but was wise enough to not go there. Even after all these years, it leaves me wanting more, but at the same time I'm grateful that it stayed right there.
I hope that made sense. :)
Holy shit! You are a man amazing with words Greg, that's incredible. :hefdaddy
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You asked for it Tim.
ROCK BOTTOM!
https://youtu.be/1l42QhUaX0g
Had a couple of hours Saturday morning so learned this and decided to record it on the spot. Ran through a couple times and recorded. A couple of fluffs but enjoyed this one. Strings sound a bit shit as it was the only guitar in the house that had six strings. Strings are about 10 years old so pretty flat but fuck it. Was just on my phone too so quality is shit, but you get the idea.
Nice.
Now I finally can put a face to ya too after only having your avatars to associate with you! Though I’ve got to say I am a little disappointed you don’t have the King Diamond makeup on 😀😀😀
I'll save the makeup for the King Diamond listening party. ;D
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I'll save the makeup for the King Diamond listening party. ;D
Cool. When did you say you were going to start it? ;D
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Wolfking triggered something with a comment he made above ("organic") and Podaar's comment really brought it together for me.
With Chapman and Schenker, there seems to be a give and take when crafting the songs. It's not "here's a song, put some lyrics too it"; it seems to be crafted together ("dissolved into"). With the Mogg/Way stuff, it feels more like Mogg was given 10, 12 backing tracks and he put down lyrics and a melody on top. Probably all in my head, but that's how I view it. I love Covenant; I'm not sure I can pull one song out, but Cowboy Joe is pretty solid, as is Miss The Lights and The World And His Dog.
I think Schenker had always pretty much wrote by himself, but at least he had Pete Way and Paul Raymond to work out the arrangements and refine the parts.
The two Mogg/Way albums were basically written by their respective guitarist. Remember that Pete Way is in a pretty bad place. He talks about having to shoot up just to have the energy to record his parts on Chocolate Box.
Paul Chapman worked really well with Neil Carter, and of course Pete Way was still involved on WWI and Mechanix. So in those days, you did have more of a band collaboration.
I think what you mention is pretty much how it works in the Vinnie Era, which is Vinnie writes a bunch of stuff, and Phil basically picks what he likes. We'll get to the Vinnie Era soon enough, but this is a key point to remember.
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Listening now...I just realized I've heard "Miss the Lights" before, and I didn't like it. This time, while immersed in the discography it sounds better.
Edit: Two songs to go, and I can say I really appreciate the band branching out and writing unusual (for UFO) songs, but it's going to take more than one listen to absorb it. I find myself struggling to listen past the raw (dry?) production.
Edit 2: This album (the studio songs) suffer from a lack of Paul Raymond, IMO. Can you imagine the tasty piano bits he would have put into the quieter sections of "The World and His Dog".
I'm really not liking how Dunbar's drums are produced so far in the back and nearly mono. It sounds like they used a couple of mics from across a cavernous room. >:(
Miss The Lights I loved straight off. It was one of those songs that kept me up that first couple of nights with this album. I love Schenker in the bridge where Phil sings "Some times when you're all alone, And the blue turns to gray".
I totally agree with the Paul Raymond point too. He's a real underrated member. I have not been able to find anything definitive about why he's not on this album. It probably has to do with Schenker though.
And yes, the drums are really loud on this album. But it has never hindered my enjoyment.
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Hmmmm....I'm struggling with this album.
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Interesting.
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There's just not much grabbing my attention. Up to the second last song. Will give it a couple more spins.
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The only song I really skip on Covenant is Rise Again. Although it does sound like Paul Stanley is singing in the prechorus!
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Kade, you kick ass in this video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUTGzqeFrrY
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Kade, you kick ass in this video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUTGzqeFrrY
Thanks mate. Yeah, probably my fav vid I've done. Absolute bitch of a solo though. Tipton is damn underrated. Top 5 player for me, maybe higher. Love the guy so much.
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Just listened to the first 4 Covenant songs. I really liked Love is Forever, and Unravelled and Midnight Train were pretty good. I didn’t like Miss the Lights until it hit around the 1:30 mark, then things got much better. Some cool stuff in that song.
So far, so good. :tup
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Kade, you kick ass in this video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUTGzqeFrrY
Thanks mate. Yeah, probably my fav vid I've done. Absolute bitch of a solo though. Tipton is damn underrated. Top 5 player for me, maybe higher. Love the guy so much.
I watched this and the Rock Bottom video. You're a helluva player!!!
Do you write, or record any original music?
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Kade, you kick ass in this video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUTGzqeFrrY
Outstanding. The comments describe it well.....best cover of the song on YouTube :metal
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Kade, you kick ass in this video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUTGzqeFrrY
Thanks mate. Yeah, probably my fav vid I've done. Absolute bitch of a solo though. Tipton is damn underrated. Top 5 player for me, maybe higher. Love the guy so much.
I watched this and the Rock Bottom video. You're a helluva player!!!
Do you write, or record any original music?
Thanks mate. Nah, I've never had the time or discipline really to write my own stuff. I'm hoping one day I can take up playing more seriously again. Or one day find some like minded people with some talent to keep the dream alive. Brisbane isn't the most thriving metal community. I always had confidence issues when I was younger also to really try and sell myself and get out there unfortunately.
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Kade, you kick ass in this video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUTGzqeFrrY
Outstanding. The comments describe it well.....best cover of the song on YouTube :metal
Thanks mate. Means a lot.
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As much as I liked Walk on Water I must say that this second listen to Covenant prompted by the listening party has me thoroughly impressed. Good variety in the songwriting, Schenker in fine form, Mogg being his usual excellent self and Dunbar fit in nicely too. Seems like this had the strongest vibes harkening back to what I view as classic UFO and thus just might be my favourite of these latter albums. I only glanced at the song titles now and again, but I noticed that at least Fool's Gold and Cowboy Joe were rocking my socks.
I really enjoyed the second CD as well, even if the drums lacked oomph and there was hardly any bass to be heard. Those were some spirited performances of songs near and dear to me and hearing this more Satriani-esque version of Schenker tear them up was exhilarating. Depsite the less than stellar overall sound his tone was captured very nicely here.
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Played through Covenant a couple of times now, and it’s a good album. I’m not loving it. Phil has started to lose that sweet smoothness and he’s in a lower register for much of the time.
It’s also what stops me loving the Vinnie Moore era. Phil still has a great voice, but it’s different.
Or it might just be that I’m getting UFO fatigue 😀. I will revisit all these albums that I didn’t know in the weeks to come.
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Played through Covenant a couple of times now, and it’s a good album. I’m not loving it. Phil has started to lose that sweet smoothness and he’s in a lower register for much of the time.
It’s also what stops me loving the Vinnie Moore era. Phil still has a great voice, but it’s different.
Or it might just be that I’m getting UFO fatigue 😀. I will revisit all these albums that I didn’t know in the weeks to come.
Yeah, I thought I was missing something not loving this one all that much. Hoping it clicks on another spin.
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Started a second listen on the way home. Things seemed better right away. Unravelled. Now that's a great song.
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Just listened to the first 4 Covenant songs. I really liked Love is Forever, and Unravelled and Midnight Train were pretty good. I didn’t like Miss the Lights until it hit around the 1:30 mark, then things got much better. Some cool stuff in that song.
So far, so good. :tup
Yeah, that's the part I mentioned. Really cool.
Started a second listen on the way home. Things seemed better right away. Unravelled. Now that's a great song.
Awesome. I'm not rushing into Sharks, so you can let this one simmer for a few days.
As much as I liked Walk on Water I must say that this second listen to Covenant prompted by the listening party has me thoroughly impressed. Good variety in the songwriting, Schenker in fine form, Mogg being his usual excellent self and Dunbar fit in nicely too. Seems like this had the strongest vibes harkening back to what I view as classic UFO and thus just might be my favourite of these latter albums. I only glanced at the song titles now and again, but I noticed that at least Fool's Gold and Cowboy Joe were rocking my socks.
That's an interesting thought. I like it.
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Phil has started to lose that sweet smoothness and he’s in a lower register for much of the time.
It’s also what stops me loving the Vinnie Moore era. Phil still has a great voice, but it’s different.
I would also gripe that the vocal recording sometimes feels "on the cheep" in the Vinnie Era. I've been listening to The Visitor, which is by fay my favorite Vinnie Era album, but it sounds like Phil is singing in a toilet. But he's singing better and way more interesting than how the actual recording portrays him.
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Listening now...I just realized I've heard "Miss the Lights" before, and I didn't like it. This time, while immersed in the discography it sounds better.
Edit: Two songs to go, and I can say I really appreciate the band branching out and writing unusual (for UFO) songs, but it's going to take more than one listen to absorb it. I find myself struggling to listen past the raw (dry?) production.
Edit 2: This album (the studio songs) suffer from a lack of Paul Raymond, IMO. Can you imagine the tasty piano bits he would have put into the quieter sections of "The World and His Dog".
I'm really not liking how Dunbar's drums are produced so far in the back and nearly mono. It sounds like they used a couple of mics from across a cavernous room. >:(
Miss The Lights I loved straight off. It was one of those songs that kept me up that first couple of nights with this album. I love Schenker in the bridge where Phil sings "Some times when you're all alone, And the blue turns to gray".
I totally agree with the Paul Raymond point too. He's a real underrated member. I have not been able to find anything definitive about why he's not on this album. It probably has to do with Schenker though.
And yes, the drums are really loud on this album. But it has never hindered my enjoyment.
Comprehension, you're doing it wrong.
I said the drums are too far away (echo) and basically in mono (center channel with no real stereo effects). The overall effect makes them mushy and muddies up the rest of the performances. I don't think they are too loud at all, just "blech" sounding.
I'll have another listen today. So far, I must say, I'm not impressed enough to buy it. We'll see...
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No, I understand.
To me, they're loud, not mixed loud, but they sound loud, if you follow me. I think we're talking about the same thing. There's something a bit not right with them.
So yeah, what you said. :lol
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Kade, you kick ass in this video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUTGzqeFrrY
Thanks mate. Yeah, probably my fav vid I've done. Absolute bitch of a solo though. Tipton is damn underrated. Top 5 player for me, maybe higher. Love the guy so much.
Dude, that's bomb. Really liked that. Loved how smooth the slides were at 0:45 or so (the rhythm).
I don't know if you meant it or not, but I loved at 2:19 or so when you leaned back like "Fuck yeah, NAILED IT, BITCHES!" That's so metal! :metal :tup (Being serious, not making fun at all).
Tipton; I remember reading an interview back in the 80's, around the time of Screamin', and he said something like "Ken and I don't really play at the very edge of our ability; it's more about the song and what fits for the group". At the time I thought it was very Spinal Tap, and I thought for a long time "slacker!". But in hindsight, I get it; I would love to hear a non-metal solo album from him (I've heard Baptizm and wasn't impressed; for the most part it sounded like demos for the next Priest album, to me).
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Played through Covenant a couple of times now, and it’s a good album. I’m not loving it. Phil has started to lose that sweet smoothness and he’s in a lower register for much of the time.
It’s also what stops me loving the Vinnie Moore era. Phil still has a great voice, but it’s different.
Or it might just be that I’m getting UFO fatigue 😀. I will revisit all these albums that I didn’t know in the weeks to come.
I'm with you on Phil's voice; I think this was what I was getting at with the "growly". It's subtle, but there was a reedy, sort of thin aspect to his voice; think of the "Misty green and blue" part of "Love To Love", then listen to the "Stop to pray" part of "Miss The Lights". I know, I know, he's older, and it's not BAD, it's just DIFFERENT. But it's there.
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I actually think Phil is and sounds awesome on this album. What I like about Covenant, is that it feels that neither Schenker or Mogg are holding back. Just compare Schenker's playing to his previous two MSG albums. He just sounds way more into it here.
I know that Walk On Water has the smooth Nevison production. Covenant feels a bit more lively and boisterous.
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The little lick in "In The Middle Of Madess" after the second chorus (about 1:21 through 1:34, leading into the solo), then harmony part of the solo (2:04 through 2:18). Vintage Michael.
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The little lick in "In The Middle Of Madess" after the second chorus (about 1:21 through 1:34, leading into the solo), then harmony part of the solo (2:04 through 2:18). Vintage Michael.
Yes, great call. I like Michael a lot on this album.
2:28-2:40 in The Smell Of Money for example. Speaking of The Smell Of Money, musically, it's an amazing track, but I'm not sure I've ever really been fond of the title.
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Kade, you kick ass in this video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUTGzqeFrrY
Thanks mate. Yeah, probably my fav vid I've done. Absolute bitch of a solo though. Tipton is damn underrated. Top 5 player for me, maybe higher. Love the guy so much.
Dude, that's bomb. Really liked that. Loved how smooth the slides were at 0:45 or so (the rhythm).
I don't know if you meant it or not, but I loved at 2:19 or so when you leaned back like "Fuck yeah, NAILED IT, BITCHES!" That's so metal! :metal :tup (Being serious, not making fun at all).
Tipton; I remember reading an interview back in the 80's, around the time of Screamin', and he said something like "Ken and I don't really play at the very edge of our ability; it's more about the song and what fits for the group". At the time I thought it was very Spinal Tap, and I thought for a long time "slacker!". But in hindsight, I get it; I would love to hear a non-metal solo album from him (I've heard Baptizm and wasn't impressed; for the most part it sounded like demos for the next Priest album, to me).
Thanks Bill. Yeah that point was a definite 'fuck yeah, got it' moment haha. Nice pickup. Pretty sure it took a few goes so to get it was a relief.
I would have loved more from Tipton too. I like what he did with Baptism, but I'm biased. I think.I like it better than Edge of the World.
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I actually think Phil is and sounds awesome on this album. What I like about Covenant, is that it feels that neither Schenker or Mogg are holding back. Just compare Schenker's playing to his previous two MSG albums. He just sounds way more into it here.
I know that Walk On Water has the smooth Nevison production. Covenant feels a bit more lively and boisterous.
One of the first things I noticed too was Phil on this album. I thought he sounded really really good here too.
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I really dig that proggy like section before Schenker solos in Fools Gold.
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I really dig that proggy like section before Schenker solos in Fools Gold.
Yes, that's a great part and that solo rules!
Fool's Gold is a great tune. Really one of the best on the album. I love the opening to it. Schenker really makes that intro something special.
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The second listen was much better. Still nowhere near WOW level for me though.
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In the Middle of Madness I enjoyed quite a bit too.
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So many great tunes on this album.
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Just starting my listen of Covenant (Thanks Stads!). First thought 2 songs is that Phil is singing with a passion and electricity in is voice. He seems to just be going for it. Wonder if there was a reason (sober, etc?). Either way, he is bringing it on this so far.
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Just starting my listen of Covenant (Thanks Stads!). First thought 2 songs is that Phil is singing with a passion and electricity in is voice. He seems to just be going for it. Wonder if there was a reason (sober, etc?). Either way, he is bringing it on this so far.
Lol, too funny that sobriety is the first thing that comes to mind.
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Yeah, it was literally the only thing that came to mind.
Just finished my listen. Another solid record from start to finish. No complaints and no skippers. I enjoyed it from start to finish. Phil kept that energy going the whole time and it really gave the whole thing a high energy feel to it. And no disrespect to Andy, but Dunbar just brings a whole different level of playing to their music. He has really stood out to me on everything he has played on so far. Makes me wish he was on more of their stuff. Just a beast of a drummer.
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Yeah, it was literally the only thing that came to mind.
Just finished my listen. Another solid record from start to finish. No complaints and no skippers. I enjoyed it from start to finish. Phil kept that energy going the whole time and it really gave the whole thing a high energy feel to it. And no disrespect to Andy, but Dunbar just brings a whole different level of playing to their music. He has really stood out to me on everything he has played on so far. Makes me wish he was on more of their stuff. Just a beast of a drummer.
There were a few cool proggish moments that the drums stood out to me too. Kind of different for UFO.
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The live songs included here are very cool too. Loved hearing the WOW songs live and Love to Love might have the coolest Schenker solo on any version I've heard so far.
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I've never spent very much time with the live tracks. The only one I have really listened to is Pushed To The Limit, and sometimes Let It Roll.
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I've never spent very much time with the live tracks. The only one I have really listened to is Pushed To The Limit, and sometimes Let It Roll.
Let it Roll was very nice too. Schenker nails those fast solos in Limit also.
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I didn't really forget about it, but there's a live album from the 1998 UK tour called Werewolves Of London, recorded in Wolverhampton.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrOCTgVVs0Q
It actually has a good setlist:
Natural Thing
Mother Mary
Self Made Man
Electric Phase
This Kids
Out In The Streets
One More For The Rodeo
Venus
Pushed To The Limit
Love To Love
Too Hot To Handle
Only You Can Rock Me
Lights Out
Doctor Doctor
Rock Bottom
For some reason, I've never thought that much of it though. It's been YEARS since I listened. I think I'm going to pull it out today.
Here's an awesome video from the London show!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaPqrzUJVf0
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I didn't really forget about it, but there's a live album from the 1998 UK tour called Werewolves Of London, recorded in Wolverhampton.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrOCTgVVs0Q
It actually has a good setlist:
Natural Thing
Mother Mary
Self Made Man
Electric Phase
This Kids
Out In The Streets
One More For The Rodeo
Venus
Pushed To The Limit
Love To Love
Too Hot To Handle
Only You Can Rock Me
Lights Out
Doctor Doctor
Rock Bottom
For some reason, I've never thought that much of it though. It's been YEARS since I listened. I think I'm going to pull it out today.
Here's an awesome video from the London show!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaPqrzUJVf0
That is a KILLER setlist, though. I mean, top to bottom. (I'm a huge fan of "A Self Made Man" - the fruits of "Yes you can!")
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This might be a little abstract, but... there are several bands that I like little "segments" of their discography. I love the "77-80" Yes, for example (GFTO, Tormato, Drama). I love the "75-78" Sabbath (Sabotage/Technical Ecstacy/Never Say Die). Kiss: the early 79-81 period (Dynasy/Unmasked/The Elder). I'd never put those up as the "Best" of that band, it's just what I like. If someone asked me, "Stads, I need to hear one album by Yes or Kiss to see if I like them or not; what do you suggest?" I'm never giving them Tormato or Unmasked.
But I think you could take the three Schenker UFO reunion albums and hand them to someone and say "this is UFO; if you like this, you can pretty much find something anywhere in the catalogue; if you don't, I'm not sure there's a reason to keep listening". I'm not saying that they are the best, or that they have all the best songs; I'm just saying that all the things that - to me - make UFO great are somewhere on those three albums. Otjher than Mechanix, I certainly go for WOW and Covenant more than the other records, even if there are other songs I like better (Love To Love, Out In The Streets).
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Bill you mentioned that you had Covenant first. How did you come about getting it?
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I'll go back and look, but if memory serves, I got it around the time I went to see Michael on the Schenkerfest tour. I can be a little of a "completist", so I have all the Schenker UFO albums in that compilation, and thought I would get the three "reunion" albums. The logic was that even if the album BLOWS, I get a live CD along with it, with some cool tunes. I bought it either on eBay or Discogs.
EDIT: Yep; I saw MS in March of 2018, I bought Covenant in April, Sharks in May, and WOW in June, all on eBay.
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I didn't really forget about it, but there's a live album from the 1998 UK tour called Werewolves Of London, recorded in Wolverhampton.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrOCTgVVs0Q
It actually has a good setlist:
Natural Thing
Mother Mary
Self Made Man
Electric Phase
This Kids
Out In The Streets
One More For The Rodeo
Venus
Pushed To The Limit
Love To Love
Too Hot To Handle
Only You Can Rock Me
Lights Out
Doctor Doctor
Rock Bottom
For some reason, I've never thought that much of it though. It's been YEARS since I listened. I think I'm going to pull it out today.
Here's an awesome video from the London show!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaPqrzUJVf0
This set list is unbelievable.
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I kind of accidentally on purpose forgot this live album. My major problem with it is that Schenker's guitars are mixed really loud, and Paul Raymond's rhythm guitar is barely audible. That kind of pissed me off, and it's the reason I never listen to it.
I did just listen to most of Disc 1 on my way home. I mean, other than what I mentioned, it's pretty good. It might be the best version of Electric Phase there is.
I should mention that Paul's keyboards are appropriately mixed.
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I kind of accidentally on purpose forgot this live album. My major problem with it is that Schenker's guitars are mixed really loud, and Paul Raymond's rhythm guitar is barely audible. That kind of pissed me off, and it's the reason I never listen to it.
I did just listen to most of Disc 1 on my way home. I mean, other than what I mentioned, it's pretty good. It might be the best version of Electric Phase there is.
I should mention that Paul's keyboards are appropriately mixed.
I'll check this one when I get a chance mate.
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So, I'm going to post an album dump to take you guys into the weekend.
Hopefully no one gets overwhelmed. I'm just posting and check what you want. I do have a couple of drop the needle recommendations included in the post.
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2000
2000 was a really productive year for Michael Schenker. Besides recording Covenant, he produced THREE instrumental albums.
Adventures Of The Imagination
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a4/Schenker_adventures.jpg)(https://images.45worlds.com/f/cd/michael-schenker-steamhammer-cd.jpg)
https://open.spotify.com/album/6NHzrapqHcqLQdP2VO0aIL?si=0Aw5oD6eQ6eKXfuOCPY2Kw
Released March 7, 2000
1. Achtung Fertig, Los!
2. Open Gate
3. Three Fish Dancing
4. Michael Schenker Junior
5. Aardvark In A VW Smoking A Cigar
6. I Want To Be With You
7. Old Man With Sheep On Mars
8. At The End Of The Day
9. Hand In Hand
Michael Schenker-Guitar
John Onder-Bass
Aynsley Dunbar-Drums
I absolutely love Adventures Of The Imagination. When deciding to present just my favorite Schenker albums, or include his entire discography, I knew straight off that I was going to highlight this one regardless.
I do have a personal connection to it as well. In 2000, I was diagnosed with Diabetes. While at work one day, my wife decided she would go to the record store nearby and get something to cheer me up. She had no clue what to get, so she was describing my tastes to the guy at the store. She mentioned I liked UFO, so he recommended Adventures, which was brand new at the time. I mean. what are the chances of that? My wife didn't recognize it, so figuring I didn't have it, she bought it and it was waiting for me when I got home. Glorious!
Open Gate and At The End Of The Day are two of my all time favorite Schenker tracks. But there's some great moments all the way throughout. And Aynsley Dunbar is recorded much better here than on Covenant.
I highly recommend this.
The Odd Trio
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5e/Michael_Schenker_the_odd_trio.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61%2BcVcNih-L._SX466_.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N00ik88kLQU&list=PLM0QWHFvEjTbrzBT-xjBxNPbqPVfkgUh6
Released November 2000
1. Far Beyond The Ocean
2. Searchin'
3. Rockin' And Lovin'
4. Welcome
5. The Good Old Days
6. Watching
7. In Good Faith
8. Acheivement
9. Hangin' Out
10. It's OK
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Harry Cobham (Michael Schenker)-Bass
Kathy Brown (Michael Schenker)-Drums
This album is pretty interesting if only that Michael plays every instrument. Sure the drums are pretty straightforward. It's not my go to album for him, but I definitely enjoy it.
Most of the tracks start off with a basic guitar rhythm and he adds some pretty tastey licks in the mid sections. It's an album that is clearly banged out as is.
Gotta love the back cover picture of the "band".
MS2000: Dreams And Expressions
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/916Eu484J0L._SS500_.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71gmeHYi5pL._AC_SL1225_.jpg)
https://open.spotify.com/album/4ypEOkVUCGcgZrdBiEkIfq?si=8jsLOlYfSwmPwddpzHS9Zg
Released January 24, 2001
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Barry Sparks-Bass
Shane Gaalaas-Drums
Dreams And Expressions is another album that is totally banged out as is. The songs, or tracks rather, are assigned a letter from the album title in order. So the first song is D, the second one R, the third one E, and so on, until it spells out Dreams And Expressions. They are all pretty short tracks averaging about 2 minutes each. It really seems like a collection of ideas, than anything else. Like something he'd take to making an album, and then would arrange many of the parts into something more.
Still, it's an interesting concept to release this.
I think some of the best stuff is towards the end of the album.
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Also in 2000, Pete Way also releases his first solo album...
Amphetamine
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61ZIE2QCiuL.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51kXLMv9kcL._SX355_.jpg)
https://open.spotify.com/album/70kWFxvCi6tQGsbFQ7yVEK?si=cMy1f0dyShK5ewITSPtU3w
Released 2000
1. That's Tuff
Hangin' Out
Fooled Again
4. American Kid (What A Shame)
5. Hole
6. Hole 2
7. Crazy
8. Hand To Hold
Pete Way-Bass/Vocals
Walt James-Guitar
Scott Phillips-Drums
An album about drugs and the drug lifestyle. I've mentioned before, Pete was a heroin addict at this point.
But he manages a really interesting and honest peek inside his world on this album.
Pete Way is obviously not a singer, but personally, I kind of find a charm in his vocals. I've described his vocals as kind of a cross between Lemmy and Ace Frehley. He has a real punk rock style to his vocals too. Walt James and Scott Phillips are really solid, and give these songs a lift that they may or may not deserve.
If anybody wants to drop the needle on this, I'd recommend the one-two punch of Hole and Hole 2. The song is basically Pete writing about waiting for his fix to be delivered. While Hole is the more aggressive of the two, Hole 2 has a great and addicting Rod Stewart style vibe to it. Hand To Hold is also a great album closer.
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Many spliffs were smoked that day with that back cover. :lol
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Which album?
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Just listened to a few tracks from Adventures of the Imagination. Will be adding that to my list of albums to buy, along with Covenant :metal
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Just listened to a few tracks from Adventures of the Imagination. Will be adding that to my list of albums to buy, along with Covenant :metal
:metal
It's a really good album that I go back to quite a bit.
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I bought Adventures back when it was released. I have no idea why I bought it. I really knew nothing about Schenker and did not have anything else from him. A perplexing buy that I never regretted, but even stranger, I never sought anything else out.
Just one of those weird impulse buys, I guess.
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I looked at the band picture of The Odd Trio before reading your explanation for the band. My first reaction was what is Tim asking people to listen to 😆
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Which album?
Ummm...
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Bought and downloaded Adventures in Imagination, but I won't be getting Covenant. It was a descent listen, but I'm sure I won't listen to it outside of the listening party...sadly.
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Bought and downloaded Adventures in Imagination, but I won't be getting Covenant. It was a descent listen, but I'm sure I won't listen to it outside of the listening party...sadly.
Even though I did warm a little to it, I'm probably on the same page with you on that one mate.
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So I opened my Amazon Music app this morning and was flooded with the Strangers Deluxe set, which surprised me as it's not out for another month. Turns out, the digital is out today and the physical is next month. For those of us that pre-ordered the physical from Amazon you should have access to the whole thing now.
Get listening!
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Played the first two of those Schenker instrumental albums last week and enjoyed them. The Odd Trio was a cool idea. That wacky German sense of humour.
I’ll give Dreams a go.
Not sure I really want to give the Pete Way a go as I have heard him sing 😳
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So I opened my Amazon Music app this morning and was flooded with the Strangers Deluxe set, which surprised me as it's not out for another month. Turns out, the digital is out today and the physical is next month. For those of us that pre-ordered the physical from Amazon you should have access to the whole thing now.
Get listening!
Awesome. Yup I have the download email. I’ll grab it when I get home from work.
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About Adventures of Imagination:
Excellent album and Michael Schenker really succeded to make instrumental songs very different from the ones of MSG and yet, with a very recognizable signature sound. It doesn't sound at all like a Satriani, Morse, Vai etc album.
Three Fish Dancing and Aardvark..., with their progness, maybe are my favorite, but I love all the album. Great drumming by Dunbar and the vibe and overall sound of the album are wonderful.
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Excellent! :tup
I'm not a big instrumental guitar "hero" guy, and maybe it's because I was already a big fan, but I love this album and listen to it all of the time.
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Not sure I really want to give the Pete Way a go as I have heard him sing 😳
Well, it is what it is. It's pretty raw, but I kind of like it here.
The Acoustic Animal album he did was godawful. But this, and The Plot, are just fine to me.
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I'll try and get into at least both those Schenker instrumental albums by the end of the weekend.
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I'll try and get into at least both those Schenker instrumental albums by the end of the weekend.
Well, there's three! :lol
Yeah, no rush or worries.
Bought and downloaded Adventures in Imagination, but I won't be getting Covenant. It was a descent listen, but I'm sure I won't listen to it outside of the listening party...sadly.
Even though I did warm a little to it, I'm probably on the same page with you on that one mate.
That's cool. Glad you guys checked it out. It's a Listening Party, not a Buying Party! Even though I was looking forward to my 15%! :lol
I look forward to both of your comments on Sharks.
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I don't want to beat a dead horse, and you like what you like, but what turned you guys off Covenant?
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So I spent yesterday listening to some new music. I'm a huge old school Armored Saint fan, so I had to get a listen to that in, and I also checked out the new Defecto which is actually pretty excellent.
Tonight I thought I'd pull up one of the shows in the Strangers set. I have a rough soundboard already of the Chicago show, so I figured I'd start with the Wisconsin show.
Holy shit, I'm only through Love To Love, and this is goosebump city.
This has a great mix too. Michael is in the right and Paul Raymond's guitar in the left. Paul really stands out in Ain't No Baby.
Goddamn, Michael's solo on Love To Love is fucking killer. It's different than what made the album, but it is phenomenal.
Let It Roll..INCREDIBLE!
This set is really a dream come true for a UFO fan. This is them at their all time peak. Amazing that Schenker would play his last show with the band about two weeks later. He is ON FIRE on this.
The solo on On With The Action from Youngstown is ridiculous. And Paul is playing the dirty rhythm underneath.
Rock Bottom is from Louisville.
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So I spent yesterday listening to some new music. I'm a huge old school Armored Saint fan, so I had to get a listen to that in, and I also checked out the new Defecto which is actually pretty excellent.
Tonight I thought I'd pull up one of the shows in the Strangers set. I have a rough soundboard already of the Chicago show, so I figured I'd start with the Wisconsin show.
Holy shit, I'm only through Love To Love, and this is goosebump city.
This has a great mix too. Michael is in the right and Paul Raymond's guitar in the left. Paul really stands out in Ain't No Baby.
Goddamn, Michael's solo on Love To Love is fucking killer. It's different than what made the album, but it is phenomenal.
Let It Roll..INCREDIBLE!
This set is really a dream come true for a UFO fan. This is them at their all time peak. Amazing that Schenker would play his last show with the band about two weeks later. He is ON FIRE on this.
The solo on On With The Action from Youngstown is ridiculous. And Paul is playing the dirty rhythm underneath.
Rock Bottom is from Louisville.
Are you trying to send me broke?
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I don't want to beat a dead horse, and you like what you like, but what turned you guys off Covenant?
This is actually hard to answer. I'll think about it and see if I can answer later.
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Are you trying to send me broke?
Hah!
After listening to the Wisconsin show, I bounced around a bit.
It's like getting 6 Strangers In The Nights! Each show is different, but the band is really consistent. These shows were gloriously recorded.
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Spot checking a few tracks from the Strangers box and the first thing I noticed was how quiet it was. I then did a compare of the WAV forms from the most recent Strangers release to these, and the mastering on these is quite low. They really left a lot of dynamic range open on these. Had to crank my volume. Very happy about that. I originally thought they sounded weak, until I realized they mastered them well. Doesn't happen a lot these days.
Meant to download Love To Love from Wisconsin but did Chicago. Cracking solo on that too!. Schenker is the man. Listening to the Wisconsin one now. This set does sound amazing. Can't wait for the discs to show up.
How 'bout the timing on this set? Kinda perfect, considering this thread.
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If I could find this locally I'd definitely splash my money on it.
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I'm lagging behind at the moment, work has been pretty hectic so I may come back to those Schenker albums and just wait for Sharks.
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Because of this thread, I actually listened to covenant in the car yesterday. I’ve owned it for 20 years and I think I just listen to it for the very first time. ( it was a cardboard sleeve store demo from a cd shop I used to work in that I never got around to listening to. )
I was fairly turned off by the first track, but every track after that really won me over. I think I’ll be leaving this in my CD player for a while.
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Because of this thread, I actually listened to covenant in the car yesterday. I’ve owned it for 20 years and I think I just listen to it for the very first time. ( it was a cardboard sleeve store demo from a cd shop I used to work in that I never got around to listening to. )
I was fairly turned off by the first track, but every track after that really won me over. I think I’ll be leaving this in my CD player for a while.
The 'hole in her breast' line really threw me the first time I heard Love Is Forever. :lol
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It took a couple listens for Love Is Forever, but Schenker really won that track over for me. He sounds great in the chorus, the I really like how he finishes.
Because of this thread, I actually listened to covenant in the car yesterday. I’ve owned it for 20 years and I think I just listen to it for the very first time. ( it was a cardboard sleeve store demo from a cd shop I used to work in that I never got around to listening to. )
:metal
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Went out to an old school independent CD store about 45 minutes away on Saturday arvo and found a physical copy of WOW, with the 5 bonus tracks. :metal Second hand and cost me a hefty 30 bucks but mint condition. Well worth it.
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Spot checking a few tracks from the Strangers box and the first thing I noticed was how quiet it was. I then did a compare of the WAV forms from the most recent Strangers release to these, and the mastering on these is quite low. They really left a lot of dynamic range open on these. Had to crank my volume. Very happy about that. I originally thought they sounded weak, until I realized they mastered them well. Doesn't happen a lot these days.
Interesting. To me ears I felt some instruments were adjusted a bit for the Strangers proper. I don't remember Paul Raymond's guitar being as distinct, and I thought that Schenker's solo on the album were turned up in spots.
But hearing the different instruments clearly nicely balanced, especially live, is fantastic.
And yes...perfect timing! News broke of the release pretty much as we were discussing the album. Love UFO!
Went out to an old school independent CD store about 45 minutes away on Saturday arvo and found a physical copy of WOW, with the 5 bonus tracks. :metal Second hand and cost me a hefty 30 bucks but mint condition. Well worth it.
Old School FTW :metal
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I'm lagging behind at the moment, work has been pretty hectic so I may come back to those Schenker albums and just wait for Sharks.
No worries, Kade. Michael Schenker is really active from here on out. It will seem a bit much, but it's fine to stay on UFO, and then go back to Schenker.
Speaking of Sharks...
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Sharks
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41Y%2BZTld%2BOL.jpg)(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFtd0fG0Nlc/XmXQvIoMLxI/AAAAAAAACzw/Tln10U2u5C8inC10q-5mBQnY8Gteeu4bQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/UFO%2B-%2BSharks%2B%25282002%2529%2Bfront%2Bback%2Balbum%2Bcover.jpg)
Sharks-2002 (https://open.spotify.com/album/367heGSgC0JH4gl0PIrm8E?si=eguvpNHSS3CX6jrRQWRzWA)
Released September 3, 2002
1. Outlaw Man
2. Quicksilver Rider
3. Serenity
4. Deadman Walking
5. Shadow Dancer
6. Someone's Gonna Have To Pay
7. Sea Of Faith
8. Fighting Man
9. Perfect View
10. Crossing Over
11. Hawaii
Phil Mogg-Vocals
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Pete Way-Bass
Ainsley Dunbar-Drums
Kevin Carlson-Keyboards
After the abbreviated Covenant tour, Michael leaves and releases MSG's Be Aware Of Scorpions (I'll post about this later). But miraculously, Michael returns to UFO to give it another go.
Sharks had positive reviews compared with Covenant. Even Pete Way calls it "a proper UFO record". He also says "It's actually one of the best albums we've ever done".
Wait..wut?
Sharks sounds a lot closer to Walk On Water than the loud and boisterous Covenant. Sharks is pretty easy on the ears, but i don't know, I just think that Covenant really pushes it. To me, Michael is sleepwalking through Sharks, and would be gone for good by the time the album is released.
Fighting Man would show up in the setlists years later in the Vinnie Era. My favorite song is easily Sea Of Faith. It's also the most Schenker-esque of the tracks.
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:metal
I'll revisit Covenant again too.
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I bought sharks when it came out but I don’t remember a thing about it other than that I thought it was rubbish. Will have a listen today and see what I think now.
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Schenker go in gv for the hobo look also on that back cover.
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This is one of those albums that I listen to periodically thinking, "oh, Michael Schenker in UFO!" and I'm usually underwhelmed when I listen. And even though I listened to it a week or so ago - and thought it decent - I can't look at the titles and say "Oh, Deadman Walking! That's excellent!"
I prefer WOW and Covenant more, but I would never say Sharks "sucks" or anything.
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I agree with Stadler. Sharks really feels uninspired, but it’s not a terrible album. I think it’s just an album that don’t have anything truly remarkable, which it is very disapointing for a Shencker’s UFO album. Being generous, I think Outlaw Man, Deadman Walking, Someone’s Gotta Have to Pay, Sea of Faith and Fighting Man are interesting or even good songs, at best.
Ranking:
OBSESSION (my favorite)/MECHANIX- 10+/10
FORCE IT/NO HEAVY PETTING/LIGHTS OUT/ THE WILD THE WILLING AND THE INNOCENT – 9.5
MAKING CONTACT/WALK ON WATER – 9.0
NO PLACE TO RUN/HIGH STAKES & DANGEROUS MEN/MOGG-WAY – CHOCOLATE BOX – 8.5
PHENOMENON/MOGG-WAY – EDGE OF THE WORLD/COVENANT – 8.0
MISDEMEANOR/?/? – 7.5
AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’/? – 7.0
? – 6.5
SHARKS/? – 6.0
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Did anyone check out the Pete Way album?
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With the time I have, I'm more concentrated in re-listening to UFO albums and re-listening and really listening some of the Michael Schenker albums for the first time. Because of that, I think I'll pass Pete's solo work. But, just a comment, I've heard a bit of Waysted - The Harsh Reality and my first impression was that it's a really good and interesting album! I think this one won't make the final cut here, right?
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I'll catch up with the Sharks album this week.
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Listened to Sharks today. My first impression was that it had better variety to the song writing and more "sit up and take notice" moments than with Covenant. The negative is that the mix seems really hot. The vocals and guitar are overly loud for the volume I was listening at.
Tomorrow, I plan to re-listen to both, back to back. The plan is to listen with headphones while give the albums my full attention. Then maybe I can answer Stadler's question...
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Listened to Sharks today. My first impression was that it had better variety to the song writing and more "sit up and take notice" moments than with Covenant.
That's interesting.
The negative is that the mix seems really hot. The vocals and guitar are overly loud for the volume I was listening at.
Huh..
Tomorrow, I plan to re-listen to both, back to back. The plan is to listen with headphones while give the albums my full attention. Then maybe I can answer Stadler's question...
Great! Looking forward to your thoughts!
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Listened to the first 5 songs on the way to work this morning. Not understanding the negative thoughts on this one, so far it's great. Serenity is amazing, so dark and heavy with great melodies. Deadman Walking had a lot of cool stuff going on too, lots of different colours to the track overall. The first two were a nice double punch also. Shadow Dancer seems pretty filler though, but Schenkers parts helped the song tremendously. The production is a bit off but I can live with it. Looking forward to the rest. So far, I'll easily take this over Covenant.
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Listened to Sharks today. My first impression was that it had better variety to the song writing and more "sit up and take notice" moments than with Covenant.
Absolutely.
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Listened to Sharks today. My first impression was that it had better variety to the song writing and more "sit up and take notice" moments than with Covenant.
Absolutely.
Wow!
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Listened to Sharks today. My first impression was that it had better variety to the song writing and more "sit up and take notice" moments than with Covenant.
Absolutely.
Wow!
I'm still trying to find words for my less than enthusiastic views on Covenant. WOW did take a few listens so I think it might still need a couple more. It just seemed it lack memorable melodies compared to other UFO maybe? I'll try again, but yeah, the first half of Sharks is much more my thing.
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I do agree with you that Serenity is excellent. I think you'll really like Sea Of Faith.
I'm really enjoying this Listening Party and the different opinions. Every time I throw shade at an album, you guys like it. :lol
I actually really appreciate that!
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I do agree with you that Serenity is excellent. I think you'll really like Sea Of Faith.
I'm really enjoying this Listening Party and the different opinions. Every time I throw shade at an album, you guys like it. :lol
I actually really appreciate that!
When I was listening to Serenity I thought while driving, 'hmmm....Tim is going to think I'm going against his opinions on purpose now.' :lol
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Hah! I really appreciate your perspective!
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Update
I will not be starting the Vinnie Era until next week. Then we'll really be in the home stretch.
Hopefully everyone will be able to catch up on the UFO albums and/or take e breath.
2001-2004 was a busy period for some of the peripheral albums. Later this week, I will be recapping them, while highlighting a couple.
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Hah! I really appreciate your perspective!
The difference in opinions shows the strength of the band.
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Update
I will not be starting the Vinnie Era until next week. Then we'll really be in the home stretch.
Hopefully everyone will be able to catch up on the UFO albums and/or take e breath.
2001-2004 was a busy period for some of the peripheral albums. Later this week, I will be recapping them, while highlighting a couple.
Cool. Will give me a chance to catch some of the ones I've missed.
It's going to be a sad day when this thread finishes up. It's been a revelation.
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:metal
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Good stuff from what I’m hearing from Sharks. Outlaw Man and Serenity are good tunes. Mogg sounds pretty much as good as ever. It was during this time that singers from other classic rock/metal bands may have had a bit of a vocal downgrade, but Phil sounds great. But for me, as is with all classic rock/metal bands, I’m always choosing their 70s and 80s/early 90s output over anything beyond that. But UFO is sticking to their classic rock guns with Sharks, sounds good.
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Good stuff Jason!
It's remarkable how good Phil Mogg has continued to sound.
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I’m assuming all of these UFO releases at this point were mostly imports and harder to find in North America?
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I honestly don't remember how I bought these or the Mogg/Way albums. I definitely mail ordered Walk On Water. I used to order from Worldwide CD out of Chicago. Got Balls To Picasso, and the Mr Ego and Perfect Gentleman CD singles from them. Also Riot's Rock City and WDADU.
I didn't use them once I moved here. I think I ordered the Mogg/Way albums through the record shop my wife bought Imaginations from. Covenant too, I think. I feel like Sharks was ordered through Amazon.
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I could imagine the challenge before the internet to find certain rare or import albums
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There were plenty of places that would import. But it wasn't always cheap either. I mentioned Worldwide CD. They had a great catalog to order from, and proved to be trustworthy.
Plus, your good record stores also had the capability to order imports as well. So if you preferred brick and mortar over mail order, you could do that too.
You just had to possess the knowledge that the stuff was being released. There were a number of record stores where I knew guys that worked there, and they always kept me up to date on upcoming releases.
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To those wondering about the availability of Covenant and Sharks at the time of their release, I stumbled across each of them in a music store here in rural Ohio. My guess is that they were readily available here in the states because I don't exactly live in an area with a lot of population density.
About Sharks, my opinion is pretty much in line with Tim's. The album feels like a big let down, but I'm happy to see there are people that dig it.
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Hmmmm....I may have jumped the gun on my opinion on Sharks. The second half is considerably weaker than the first half.
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I'm also in the 'disappointed with Sharks' camp, this is sadly a step down from the previous two. The style is a tad soft for my liking and for the first time I felt something off with the vocals. It could be a level issue like Podaar mentioned since they are louder than anything else. My guess is that it's the actual vocal sound being poorer than before. It could both combined with age finally starting to catch up with Phil for all I know, being that I'm unaware of how things go from here on out.
Schenker seems to be phoning it in this time, it's quite the bland and uninspired affair compared to his usual high standards. As an example for my feeling that way, the instrumental section in Crossing Over leading up to the solo is a poor fit with the rest of the song with a bizarre chord progression and a handful of notes that don't jive with me. Truth be told, I'm actually surprised how little his unenthusiasm with being in UFO at this turbulent time has been noticeable on these albums.
So while it's not terrible, perfectly listenable actually, I don't see myself coming back to it over WoW or Covenant.
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Outlaw Man – I like the song idea, but the execution isn’t quite there for me. I don’t like the “I’m a rocker, I’m a rocker, I’m a rolling stone.” And the rest of the chorus. I do like the lyrics in the verses though. Love the slide guitar work. Overall I’d give it a 7.
Quicksilver Rider – I dig the instrumentation of the verses and the heavy pre-chorus. Again, for me, the chorus is just there; not good but not bad either. The solo by Michael is pretty good. I’d give it a 6.5.
Serenity – I don’t dig the intro. Love the moody, plodding riff. Kind of a different vibe for UFO which I welcome. Gives me an “Egypt (The Chains Are On)” feel. A different guitar tone in the solo, which builds nicely but doesn’t quite reach the promised climax. The outro soloing is better. 7.5
Deadman Walking – Another song that brings in unusual musical ideas. I like the inclusion of acoustic guitars. Really broadens the sound…but also drives home the idea that we need Paul Raymond to lay some tasty piano lines in the quieter moments. I really enjoyed Michaels solo in the middle. 8
Shadow Dancer – Maybe references classic UFO a little too much. Sounds like an outtake from Force It, just without the youthful vigor. 5
I gotta say, Phil isn’t really doing it for me. I can’t put a finger on it, but so far I’m not really enjoying his performances.
Someone’s Gonna Have to Pay – I remember this song being my favorite from the first listen. Yeah, love the bluesy honky-tonk romp mood. What the fuck is Phil singing about, now! :) The middle bit is one of those “sit up take notice moments” I was talking about. Love the lead guitar work and Phil’s performance there is really good—actually this is the first song where I really enjoy Phil throughout. Great song! 9.5
Sea of Faith – I really like the clean guitar riff. It mixes well with the crunchy guitar when it joins in. Good, catchy, chorus (for a change). Yeah, the middle instrumental break is awesome. Another great song and good performance from Phil. 9
Fighting Man – Decent, not great, rocker. Michael’s solo nearly saves it…6
Perfect View – A great heavy Schenker riff. Wasn’t too sure about the contrast of the mellower pre-chorus and chorus at first, but it’s growing on me. I’m digging the lead guitar work throughout. 8
Crossing Over – Meh, no. 3.5
Hawaii – Throw away idea. Could have been developed into something nice… 2
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I’m not going to buy an album that I give an average of 6.5, but I may see if a few of these are available on Amazon for individual purchase.
I forgot that I’m scheduled to take a tour of the U of U stadium renovation this morning, so I’ll have to do my listen of Covenant later, if not tomorrow.
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What do you have to do at the U of U?
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Listened to Sharks a couple of times now. It's ok, nothing particularly outstanding about it and I'm unlikely to return to it given the several albums we've covered that were better.
It's not a total write off and I do like Crossing Over, which is classic UFO until the instrumental break which is a bit weird but at least it was short lived.
Sea of Faith is a bit different, and enjoyable.
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What do you have to do at the U of U?
We may be upgrading our football season tickets to Club Level seating. We just took a tour of the new stadium seating and club level access is pretty plush. All inclusive food and drink, private bathrooms, fireplace lounge, exclusive entrance to the stadium, upgraded parking, not having to rub elbows with unwashed drunks...we just need to decide if it's worth the extra cash. My gut tells me it is, but we're going to think on it a bit. The only bad part is they are end zone seats, so the view isn't as prime as our 45 yard line current seats. Much closer to the field, though...
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Oh, cool!
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Need to listen again. I thought Sea of Faith was kind of average on first listen. Perfect View picked things up a bit later on.
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Things are slow in the office today, so I cranked up Covenant. I'll spare y'all the play by play for each song. Yeah, I'm going to need to revise my earlier opinion of this album. It's a keeper. I'll probably buy it.
Only one real dud (Miss the Lights - I hate the plucky beep-beep-beep-beep riff), and one Meh song (Midnight train). The rest is really enjoyable. My favorites are Middle of Madness and The World and His Dog.
Overall, I like the intensity of Mogg's vocal delivery on most of these songs ("Give me back my life!") and nearly every time I think a song is heading for mediocrity, they pull out some interesting interlude/bridge/solo spot. Some of it is jarring, but with my third listen now, I've come around to how it serves the song.
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So now that the last Schenker albums are complete, I'm not looking forward to the rest of the discography. I'll stick with it and listen in, but to my mind Vinnie Moore is a pretty generic shredder. It will be interesting to see if diving in deep will change my opinion.
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Need to listen again. I thought Sea of Faith was kind of average on first listen. Perfect View picked things up a bit later on.
Perfect View is a good song.
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Things are slow in the office today, so I cranked up Covenant. Yeah, I'm going to need to revise my earlier opinion of this album. It's a keeper. I'll probably buy it.
Only one real dud (Miss the Lights - I hate the plucky beep-beep-beep-beep riff), and one Meh song (Midnight train). The rest is really enjoyable. My favorites are Middle of Madness and The World and His Dog.
Overall, I like the intensity of Mogg's vocal delivery on most of these songs ("Give me back my life!") and nearly every time I think a song is heading for mediocrity, they pull out some interesting interlude/bridge/solo spot. Some of it is jarring, but with my third listen now, I've come around to how it serves the song.
I really love Covenant. As in it's on a top grouping for me. I love the energy and the songwriting. I think Schenker and Mogg totally bring it. Including Sharks, and the next couple MSG albums, Covenant is the diamond in the rough.
The Smell Of Money musically is freaking awesome, except that Phil keeps singing "The smell of money" over it.
So now that the last Schenker albums are complete, I'm not looking forward to the rest of the discography. I'll stick with it and listen in, but to my mind Vinnie Moore is a pretty generic shredder. It will be interesting to see if diving in deep will change my opinion.
I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
You Are Here, which is the next UFO album is the heaviest of the Vinnie Era, but none of these albums qualifies as shredding.
I have all sorts of conflicting opinions of the Vinnie Era. Can't wait to hear everyone else's!
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Looking forward to this. It's all new to me. I'm not sure I've heard even one Vinnie Moore song all the way through.
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So does UFO get heavier in the next stage of their material? I like it when classic rock/metal bands actually get heavier, Saxon definitely qualifies.
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So does UFO get heavier in the next stage of their material? I like it when classic rock/metal bands actually get heavier, Saxon definitely qualifies.
No, not really. You Are Here as Tim said is a bit heavier but overall not all that much.
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Interesting you guys don't know the Vinnie albums at all. A lot of the Vinnie stuff is all I knew of UFO prior to this thread. I was never blown away by the albums, but there's a lot of great songs in there. Will be interesting my perspective on them now after going through the history of the band and liking them so much.
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Helpful that I own all these ones on CD bar the last one.
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Wait, what the fuck is with these 3 extra tracks on WOW? I thought those were re-recorded too then I heard Bellas ripping up. Not to mention old mate on this Schenker track. How fucking bizarre!
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Wait, what the fuck is with these 3 extra tracks on WOW? I thought those were re-recorded too then I heard Bellas ripping up. Not to mention old mate on this Schenker track. How fucking bizarre!
Yeah, that rerelease has a bunch of stuff thrown onto it.
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So does UFO get heavier in the next stage of their material? I like it when classic rock/metal bands actually get heavier, Saxon definitely qualifies.
No, not really. You Are Here as Tim said is a bit heavier but overall not all that much.
Right. The Vinnie Era is definitely not heavy.
Interesting you guys don't know the Vinnie albums at all. A lot of the Vinnie stuff is all I knew of UFO prior to this thread. I was never blown away by the albums, but there's a lot of great songs in there. Will be interesting my perspective on them now after going through the history of the band and liking them so much.
To me there's one album that I really love and rates pretty well in their discography. But there are some great songs on every album.
Looking forward to this. It's all new to me. I'm not sure I've heard even one Vinnie Moore song all the way through.
I think you're in for a treat then.
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Interesting you guys don't know the Vinnie albums at all. A lot of the Vinnie stuff is all I knew of UFO prior to this thread. I was never blown away by the albums, but there's a lot of great songs in there. Will be interesting my perspective on them now after going through the history of the band and liking them so much.
I totally agree with this. Because of this thread, I'm listening to The Maze (I didn't know any of Vinnie's solo albums) and I'm very impressed!
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Same here. The Maze is um..amazing!
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You made me go back to them Tim as you know. I knew them all pretty loosley but looking forward to go back through them all again.
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Interesting you guys don't know the Vinnie albums at all. A lot of the Vinnie stuff is all I knew of UFO prior to this thread. I was never blown away by the albums, but there's a lot of great songs in there. Will be interesting my perspective on them now after going through the history of the band and liking them so much.
I totally agree with this. Because of this thread, I'm listening to The Maze (I didn't know any of Vinnie's solo albums) and I'm very impressed!
He's a hell of a guitarist.
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Going through Sharks again, and yeah, I really like the first 4 songs. That's a great opening run. Shadow Dancer is fine for what it is and I enjoyed Someone's Gonna Have to Pay is a nice change of pace which I enjoyed more too. Hopefully the rest opens up a bit more second time around.
I can see how some would have issues with the production. I'm quite liking Schenker here too. Not feeling the comments that he's phoning things in. I understand what you guys mean, but he's still doing some great stuff.
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I can see how some would have issues with the production. I'm quite liking Schenker here too. Not feeling the comments that he's phoning things in. I understand what you guys mean, but he's still doing some great stuff.
I never thought anything of the production. I have always felt it sounded fine to me.
I don't bust out Sharks a lot, but I've given it three solid listens in the last week. I think Schenker can do great stuff in his sleep. It has aged pretty well, I'll say that.
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I can see how some would have issues with the production. I'm quite liking Schenker here too. Not feeling the comments that he's phoning things in. I understand what you guys mean, but he's still doing some great stuff.
I never thought anything of the production. I have always felt it sounded fine to me.
I don't bust out Sharks a lot, but I've given it three solid listens in the last week. I think Schenker can do great stuff in his sleep. It has aged pretty well, I'll say that.
Yeah all good, I know there were only a brief comment or two on the production. I'll run through this at least 3 times and then I'm going to go back to Covenant. Even though I thought it was a little flat, I do have that urge to go back to it. Those little prog moments here and there tickled my interest enough to persist with it.
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Those little prog moments here and there tickled my interest enough to persist with it.
But that's one of the reasons I cite for Covenant. They all just "felt" more into it on all fronts.
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Those little prog moments here and there tickled my interest enough to persist with it.
But that's one of the reasons I cite for Covenant. They all just "felt" more into it on all fronts.
I can understand that.
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I don't want to beat a dead horse, and you like what you like, but what turned you guys off Covenant?
I've been meaning to get back to this Bill but have struggled with answers, so apologies for not answering. I don't think there was much that really turned me off Covenant but more that WOW is a really fantastic album. I think Covenant just suffered from coming afterwards. WOW I felt potential right away and have spun it a lot. I find the songwriting really good and lots of moments that harken back to old Schenker UFO. DOS and Venus inparticular are classics and have a real old school UFO vibe but with a more up to date sound, and it's grown really nicely to me. I think Covenant steps more out of that classic feel and I guess I just feel the melodies and songwriting weren't as strong. Maybe that's unfair, and it's just different, time will tell. Saying all that, as I mentioned before, I do have that urge to go back again with some of those little different prog like moments in there, which is a good sign.
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There is one good thing to look forward to in the Vinnie Era...
The return of Paul Raymond!
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/CYZbH6NgOy-d7DqTaEYeV9EG_7vIi7Q7hdWwXBvRSUBEWerfcww5TmDYAEBg-4koIZ2DJIrbf7FZd8w8KUWfpBmBXTKqFz4gMJRU3xymifFZGZW4hQ)
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Just finishing up Sharks and, it's just kinda there. Very little grabbed me and I was a bit bored. I don't think Phil sounds as good as he did on the last few records. Only thing that really stood out to me was Sea Of Faith, otherwise I'm getting a High Stakes vibe from this album. While I don't think either are bad, I don't think they are particularly great either.
Might be a grower, but for now I'm tepid on this.
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Just finishing up Sharks and, it's just kinda there. Very little grabbed me and I was a bit bored. I don't think Phil sounds as good as he did on the last few records. Only thing that really stood out to me was Sea Of Faith, otherwise I'm getting a High Stakes vibe from this album. While I don't think either are bad, I don't think they are particularly great either.
Might be a grower, but for now I'm tepid on this.
I wonder what I'm missing with this song.
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Just finishing up Sharks and, it's just kinda there. Very little grabbed me and I was a bit bored. I don't think Phil sounds as good as he did on the last few records. Only thing that really stood out to me was Sea Of Faith, otherwise I'm getting a High Stakes vibe from this album. While I don't think either are bad, I don't think they are particularly great either.
Might be a grower, but for now I'm tepid on this.
I wonder what I'm missing with this song.
I'm drawn to the contrasting riffs during the verses coupled with the groove Dunbar is playing. I find that really catchy and a toe-tapper.
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I find it to be the most Schenker-esque.
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I don't think Phil sounds as good as he did on the last few records.
A few of you have mentioned how Phil sounds.
I've never picked out anything on his vocals on Sharks before.
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A couple of thoughts on a few comments in the last page or so.
I personally don't think Schenker as ever phoned in a guitar note in his life. That dude is obsessed with his guitar and music. Without hesitation, he'll burn down any relationship that gets in the way of what he wants to do, and that includes musically. Still, because he's kind of "out there" his musical ideas don't always resonate. At least with me. But, boy-o-boy, when they do resonate, there's no one like him.
The production of Sharks is probably fine. My first listen was on those cheap Logitech speakers in my work office and for some reason the guitar and vocals was harsh and abrasive. My second listen on my headphones was way better. It actually went the other direction in that listen...it kinda sounded like someone had thrown a towel over the speakers.
Phil just sounds older. He seems to need to stretch his abilities more in Sharks than during Covenant. He's wise enough not to stretch to the point of sounding bad, but it does narrow his range, which narrows the melodies. By now, I assume he just speaks in a monotone like Johnny Cash :biggrin:
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Second half of Sharks was a lot better too. I like this album. I'll go back to Covenant tomorrow and reasses.
A couple of thoughts on a few comments in the last page or so.
I personally don't think Schenker as ever phoned in a guitar note in his life. That dude is obsessed with his guitar and music. Without hesitation, he'll burn down any relationship that gets in the way of what he wants to do, and that includes musically. Still, because he's kind of "out there" his musical ideas don't always resonate. At least with me. But, boy-o-boy, when they do resonate, there's no one like him.
The production of Sharks is probably fine. My first listen was on those cheap Logitech speakers in my work office and for some reason the guitar and vocals was harsh and abrasive. My second listen on my headphones was way better. It actually went the other direction in that listen...it kinda sounded like someone had thrown a towel over the speakers.
Phil just sounds older. He seems to need to stretch his abilities more in Sharks than during Covenant. He's wise enough not to stretch to the point of sounding bad, but it does narrow his range, which narrows the melodies. By now, I assume he just speaks in a monotone like Johnny Cash :biggrin:
The 'burn down any relationship' comment you said, I love so much. I relate to that so much. If that's how Schenker is, that makes me a bigger fan in a sick sort of way.
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Phil just sounds older. He seems to need to stretch his abilities more in Sharks than during Covenant. He's wise enough not to stretch to the point of sounding bad, but it does narrow his range, which narrows the melodies. By now, I assume he just speaks in a monotone like Johnny Cash :biggrin:
So Phil was 54 for Sharks. I think you're going to see this trend unfortunately continue into the Vinnie Era. But live, he's been remarkably consistent. There's a lot of miles on that voice.
But while the vocal range does shrink, the lyrics just keep seeming to get weirder.
Second half of Sharks was a lot better too. I like this album. I'll go back to Covenant tomorrow and reasses.
I personally don't think Schenker as ever phoned in a guitar note in his life. That dude is obsessed with his guitar and music. Without hesitation, he'll burn down any relationship that gets in the way of what he wants to do, and that includes musically. Still, because he's kind of "out there" his musical ideas don't always resonate. At least with me. But, boy-o-boy, when they do resonate, there's no one like him.
The 'burn down any relationship' comment you said, I love so much. I relate to that so much. If that's how Schenker is, that makes me a bigger fan in a sick sort of way.
There's not a lot of Schenker interviews on youtube from back in the day, but there are TONS from the last 10 years. If you want to go down a rabbit hole, watch a few of those. Hell yes, he is out there. But he's sober, and kind of charming in a way. He really emits so much joy.
There's a lot going on around Sharks. Pete Way's wife dies of an OD between Covenant and Sharks. And Michael is about to lose his wife, house, manager, and suffer a nervous breakdown before moving back to Germany.
There will be a massive Columbia House Record And Tape Club styled record dump tonight!
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How many cds are you still on the hook for with Columbia House?
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:lol
I switched over to BMG. Much better deal!
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I don't want to beat a dead horse, and you like what you like, but what turned you guys off Covenant?
I've been meaning to get back to this Bill but have struggled with answers, so apologies for not answering. I don't think there was much that really turned me off Covenant but more that WOW is a really fantastic album. I think Covenant just suffered from coming afterwards. WOW I felt potential right away and have spun it a lot. I find the songwriting really good and lots of moments that harken back to old Schenker UFO. DOS and Venus inparticular are classics and have a real old school UFO vibe but with a more up to date sound, and it's grown really nicely to me. I think Covenant steps more out of that classic feel and I guess I just feel the melodies and songwriting weren't as strong. Maybe that's unfair, and it's just different, time will tell. Saying all that, as I mentioned before, I do have that urge to go back again with some of those little different prog like moments in there, which is a good sign.
I totally get that, because for me, they go in order from best to worst: WOW, Covenant and Sharks. Just for me, the falloff between Covenant and Sharks is way steeper than the falloff from WOW to Covenant. WOW is still the best.
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I don't think Phil sounds as good as he did on the last few records.
A few of you have mentioned how Phil sounds.
I've never picked out anything on his vocals on Sharks before.
His voice sounds deeper. Less warmth to it. It's not Coverdale bad by any means, just different.
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I don't want to beat a dead horse, and you like what you like, but what turned you guys off Covenant?
I've been meaning to get back to this Bill but have struggled with answers, so apologies for not answering. I don't think there was much that really turned me off Covenant but more that WOW is a really fantastic album. I think Covenant just suffered from coming afterwards. WOW I felt potential right away and have spun it a lot. I find the songwriting really good and lots of moments that harken back to old Schenker UFO. DOS and Venus inparticular are classics and have a real old school UFO vibe but with a more up to date sound, and it's grown really nicely to me. I think Covenant steps more out of that classic feel and I guess I just feel the melodies and songwriting weren't as strong. Maybe that's unfair, and it's just different, time will tell. Saying all that, as I mentioned before, I do have that urge to go back again with some of those little different prog like moments in there, which is a good sign.
I totally get that, because for me, they go in order from best to worst: WOW, Covenant and Sharks. Just for me, the falloff between Covenant and Sharks is way steeper than the falloff from WOW to Covenant. WOW is still the best.
Now that we can agree on. WOW is amazing.
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I think this discussion has passed, but, as I'm listening to UFO live recordings recently, I still think the best of Chapman's era is Headstone Live at Hammersmith 1983. Sure it doesn't have Pete Way (it's Paul Gray on it), but it's really nice recorded, it has 10 Chapman's tracks more Electric Phase and a very solid performance in all songs.
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I think this discussion has passed, but, as I'm listening to UFO live recordings recently, I still think the best of Chapman's era is Headstone Live at Hammersmith 1983. Sure it doesn't have Pete Way (it's Paul Gray on it), but it's really nice recorded, it has 10 Chapman's tracks more Electric Phase and a very solid performance in all songs.
It actually does sound pretty good. I like it well enough, but they totally butchered the setlist, leaving out the Making Contact songs. And where in the hell did Lonely Heart come from? :lol
I actually had the original Headstone double album, which was more of a greatest hits album, with some live tracks from Hammersmith. Doing It All For You was one of the songs. It also had songs from the member's other bands . Pretty sure there was a Lonestar track. I have the thing in my attic. I should pull it down.
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So a package arrived today...
(https://i.imgur.com/t58qjM3.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/nXNirSq.jpg)
Included...
Be Aware Of Scorpions
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/7d/MSG_Be_aware_of_scorpions.jpg/220px-MSG_Be_aware_of_scorpions.jpg)(https://images.45worlds.com/f/cd/michael-schenker-group-crcl4792-cd.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jxGQzT-vd8
Released October, 2001
1. No Turning Back
2. My Time's Up
3. Fallen The Love
4. Because I Can
5. How Will You Get Back
6. Blinded BY Technology
7. Age Of Ice
8. Standin' On The Road
9. Sea Of Memory
10. On Your Way
11. Reflection Of Your Heart
12. Roll It Over
13. Eyes Of A Child
14. Ride The Lightning
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Chris Logan-Vocals
Rev Jones-Bass
Jeff Martin-Drums
Arachnophobiac
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a5/Michael_Schenker_Group_album_cover_Arachnophobiac.jpg)(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6RrAccQ6pRo/Xmgycu0m_DI/AAAAAAAADbs/gkubU31I4toWJSzDkJI2KgIL997EEaUKACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Michael%2BSchenker%2BGroup%2BMSG%2B-%2BArachnophobiac%2B2003%2Bfront%2Bback%2Balbum%2Bcover.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ihnb05H-2Ns
Released June 16, 2003
1. Evermore
2. Illusion
3. Arachnophobiac
4. Rock And Roll Believer
5. Sands Of Time
6. Weathervane
7. Over Now
8. One World
9. Break The Cycle
10. Alive
11. Fatal Strike
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Chris Logan-Vocals
Stu Hamm-Bass
Jeremy Colson-Drums
Jeff Watson (Night Ranger) plays lead guitar on tracks 3, 5, 7 and 9
Two albums with vanilla vocalist Chris Logan. According to Rev Jones, Chris was young and insecure, so he would drink a lot on tour. Basically an all around pain in the ass. One night in I forget where, Europe, Rev punched out, and the band literally threw him off the bus. And the tour as well.
These albums are for completists only. It's Michael, so there's that. Michael would suffer his nervous breakdown wand couldn't finish Arachnaphobiac, so Stadler will be very happy to hear that Jeff Watson comes in and finishes off some very tastey leads.
Remember Michael's acoustic Thank You album? Well, during this time, Michael releases Thank You 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tefWkX3dVHo&list=PL8a8cutYP7fqC6HVJv6-HtwZpQqWj49ie), Thank You 3 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCDON7U-lZ4), and Thank You 4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IV4eVue46Kc).
$ign Of Four-Dancing With St. Peter
(https://img.discogs.com/goDZebQxneZ49qGLKgSMjo-xfT8=/fit-in/600x592/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-4926046-1450445390-4562.jpeg.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz4TN3THuPU&list=PLM0QWHFvEjTatO0DeEK2i7JMpSStCbeoD
Released 2002
A quasi solo album/ new band featuring Phil Mogg, Jeff Kollman, Shane Gaalaas, and bassist Jimmy Curtain.
The Plot
(https://img.discogs.com/0bmpS0Q-Lz2tT18FK2p1QL8c8KI=/fit-in/600x586/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-4816048-1450445944-9894.jpeg.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9YvhsbHocA&list=PLM0QWHFvEjTbD--zKEFw1WoMTPTiBYWTE
Released 2003
Pete goes to Michael's home studio in Arizona to record what is tp be Pete's second solo album. They decide to make it a band, with drummer Jeff Martin.
Pete Way-Alive In Cleveland
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61cYtI1nTPL._AC_UL600_SR600,600_.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Tk5aBbM9Qg&list=PLM0QWHFvEjTaCO6l0aueA7SViHLIWk9lh
Released 2003
Live album featuring tracks from Amphetimine and The Plot. I love this album. Features the same lineup as Amphetamine, guitarist Walt James and drummer Scot Phillips.
Waysted-Back From The Dead
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61nfVkde-GL.jpg)
https://open.spotify.com/album/49KYp5K2aqgoRBmwVlasBx?si=Dd9Vs63LRLSJt73XeURsOg
Released 2004
Pete reunites with Fin for a new Waysted album. At the last minute they record with guitarist Paul George, after demoing the album with Paul Chapman. Paul was quite pissed and has released some of his demos.
The demo version of Price Of Love kicks the shit out of the album version! Price Of Love (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gt6nC3ZMw3s)
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Now that is cleaning out the closet. Lots of activity in the early 2000's. It was a great time to be a UFO fan, honestly.
Would love if you guys drop the needle on some of it.
If you choose to not check anything out, that's cool too. Again, I really wanted to let everyone catch their breath this week, and then it's on to Vinnie Moore on Monday. Running concurrent to the Vinnie Era, Michael really breaks loose with a ton of material.
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I'm surprised you didn't own everything Schenker wise already Tim.
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It actually does sound pretty good. I like it well enough, but they totally butchered the setlist, leaving out the Making Contact songs. And where in the hell did Lonely Heart come from? :lol
It's true! Also Eletric Phase and Doing It All for You: :omg:
https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/ufo/1983/hammersmith-odeon-london-england-1bd8e964.html
Well, they must be from a different show (I'll check the booklet). So, if they were selected from different shows, I think they should made it a double LP, with all the songs from Chapman's era played on those tours from 80 to 83.
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I'm surprised you didn't own everything Schenker wise already Tim.
Um..that picture was a joke. ;D
I have his entire discography on my iPod. The only things I haven't personally paid for were the 3 other Thank You albums, and he did one with an orchestra.
I did buy the Contraband cassette back when it came out (90/91), but have never bothered to replace it on CD, and I know he did some album with a chick. I don't have that, but it is on Spotify.
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It actually does sound pretty good. I like it well enough, but they totally butchered the setlist, leaving out the Making Contact songs. And where in the hell did Lonely Heart come from? :lol
It's true! Also Eletric Phase and Doing It All for You: :omg:
https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/ufo/1983/hammersmith-odeon-london-england-1bd8e964.html
Well, they must be from a different show (I'll check the booklet). So, if they were selected from different shows, I think they should made it a double LP, with all the songs from Chapman's era played on those tours from 80 to 83.
I'll grab the album tomorrow.
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I'm surprised you didn't own everything Schenker wise already Tim.
Um..that picture was a joke. ;D
I have his entire discography on my iPod. The only things I haven't personally paid for were the 3 other Thank You albums, and he did one with an orchestra.
I did buy the Contraband cassette back when it came out (90/91), but have never bothered to replace it on CD, and I know he did some album with a chick. I don't have that, but it is on Spotify.
Err.....Don't mind me.....carry on then. :\
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It actually does sound pretty good. I like it well enough, but they totally butchered the setlist, leaving out the Making Contact songs. And where in the hell did Lonely Heart come from? :lol
It's true! Also Eletric Phase and Doing It All for You: :omg:
https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/ufo/1983/hammersmith-odeon-london-england-1bd8e964.html
Well, they must be from a different show (I'll check the booklet). So, if they were selected from different shows, I think they should made it a double LP, with all the songs from Chapman's era played on those tours from 80 to 83.
I'll grab the album tomorrow.
Well, the booklet insists that the recording location for all the tracks was 15th April 1983 Hammersmith Odeon, London.
And the crazy thing is that, the Dave Ling writing that is also on the booklet, confirms the setlist from setlist.fm. Go figure...
I'll check the Sign of 4 album :tup
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Err.....Don't mind me.....carry on then. :\
:lol
Yes, even though I live on a side street in a small town, that is not my real address. :lol
I'll check the Sign of 4 album :tup
The title track is really nice. And Clap Hands has a really cool beginning part that you would never hear in UFO. I also really love Seems To Me.
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I'm surprised you didn't own everything Schenker wise already Tim.
I agree with Wolf obviously
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Err.....Don't mind me.....carry on then. :\
:lol
Yes, even though I live on a side street in a small town, that is not my real address. :lol
I'll check the Sign of 4 album :tup
The title track is really nice. And Clap Hands has a really cool beginning part that you would never hear in UFO. I also really love Seems To Me.
:lol probably should have read that first.
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Jason too. :lol
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I bought that Waysted album but haven't listened to it yet. That will be next on my list.
I had checked out some stuff from The Plot and the thing that stuck out was how crappy the singer was. Then I found out it was Pete.
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I had checked out some stuff from The Plot and the thing that stuck out was how crappy the singer was. Then I found out it was Pete.
:lol
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This Back From The Dead album by Waysted.........it might just be me, but this feels like Waysted doing UFO. I could hear Phil singing all of these songs and this having the UFO name on the album and I'd be none the wiser. It lacks the edge of the earlier Waysted albums.
I am enjoying the album so far, sans Breakfast Show. That song is just stupid.
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Holy shit! I'm listening to the Mogg & The Sign of 4 album. :omg:
Jesus, for me this is way better than the last two albums from UFO proper. Phil sounds so youthful, poetic, and inspired. I love that he does his own backup vocals. The band sounds great, and are really playing for the song.
It's available on Amazon. I'll finish listening to the album but after four songs, this is an urgent purchase.
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I bought that Waysted album but haven't listened to it yet.
It's not very good. The Plot is ten times better.
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MSG with Hamm and Colson. Will definitely have to check that one.
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Hmmm....warming to Covenant. It's pretty decent.
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Hmmm....warming to Covenant. It's pretty decent.
:metal
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Holy shit! I'm listening to the Mogg & The Sign of 4 album. :omg:
Jesus, for me this is way better than the last two albums from UFO proper. Phil sounds so youthful, poetic, and inspired. I love that he does his own backup vocals. The band sounds great, and are really playing for the song.
It's available on Amazon. I'll finish listening to the album but after four songs, this is an urgent purchase.
Purchased and downloaded.
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Holy shit! I'm listening to the Mogg & The Sign of 4 album. :omg:
Jesus, for me this is way better than the last two albums from UFO proper. Phil sounds so youthful, poetic, and inspired. I love that he does his own backup vocals. The band sounds great, and are really playing for the song.
It's available on Amazon. I'll finish listening to the album but after four songs, this is an urgent purchase.
Purchased and downloaded.
:metal :metal
I don't love the entire album, but there are some great tracks on it for sure!
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Holy shit! I'm listening to the Mogg & The Sign of 4 album. :omg:
Jesus, for me this is way better than the last two albums from UFO proper. Phil sounds so youthful, poetic, and inspired. I love that he does his own backup vocals. The band sounds great, and are really playing for the song.
It's available on Amazon. I'll finish listening to the album but after four songs, this is an urgent purchase.
Purchased and downloaded.
:metal :metal
I don't love the entire album, but there are some great tracks on it for sure!
I love it, but then I'm way more into other genres than you are. I'm sure JJ would hate it. :lol
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Now that is cleaning out the closet. Lots of activity in the early 2000's. It was a great time to be a UFO fan, honestly.
Would love if you guys drop the needle on some of it.
If you choose to not check anything out, that's cool too. Again, I really wanted to let everyone catch their breath this week, and then it's on to Vinnie Moore on Monday. Running concurrent to the Vinnie Era, Michael really breaks loose with a ton of material.
I'm going to try to dig into some of that this afternoon.
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Just listening to the Mogg and the Sign of Four album. Wow. Very good. Never heard of this one.
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Just listening to the Mogg and the Sign of Four album. Wow. Very good. Never heard of this one.
:metal
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Just listening to the Mogg and the Sign of Four album. Wow. Very good. Never heard of this one.
:metal
The album is on Amazon for £1300 so the £7.99 download will have to do. :omg:
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I actually purchased the download a few years ago.
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It actually does sound pretty good. I like it well enough, but they totally butchered the setlist, leaving out the Making Contact songs. And where in the hell did Lonely Heart come from? :lol
It's true! Also Eletric Phase and Doing It All for You: :omg:
https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/ufo/1983/hammersmith-odeon-london-england-1bd8e964.html
Well, they must be from a different show (I'll check the booklet). So, if they were selected from different shows, I think they should made it a double LP, with all the songs from Chapman's era played on those tours from 80 to 83.
According to setlist.com, Electric Phase was played in only one show of that tour:
https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/ufo/1983/gaumont-theatre-ipswich-england-1bd8e108.html
And Lonely Heart and Doing... weren't played on that tour:
https://www.setlist.fm/stats/ufo-23d6acff.html?tour=bd6cd0e
Listening to Headstone now. ..by far, the best live recordings of Chapman's era.
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Just listening to the Mogg and the Sign of Four album. Wow. Very good. Never heard of this one.
:metal
The album is on Amazon for £1300 so the £7.99 download will have to do. :omg:
Is that right? That's probably as much as it cost to MAKE the record! :)
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Just listening to the Mogg and the Sign of Four album. Wow. Very good. Never heard of this one.
:metal
The album is on Amazon for £1300 so the £7.99 download will have to do. :omg:
Is that right? That's probably as much as it cost to MAKE the record! :)
It’s just some chancer trying to make a killing.
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£1300 :rollin
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It actually does sound pretty good. I like it well enough, but they totally butchered the setlist, leaving out the Making Contact songs. And where in the hell did Lonely Heart come from? :lol
It's true! Also Eletric Phase and Doing It All for You: :omg:
https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/ufo/1983/hammersmith-odeon-london-england-1bd8e964.html
Well, they must be from a different show (I'll check the booklet). So, if they were selected from different shows, I think they should made it a double LP, with all the songs from Chapman's era played on those tours from 80 to 83.
According to setlist.com, Electric Phase was played in only one show of that tour:
https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/ufo/1983/gaumont-theatre-ipswich-england-1bd8e108.html
And Lonely Heart and Doing... weren't played on that tour:
https://www.setlist.fm/stats/ufo-23d6acff.html?tour=bd6cd0e
Listening to Headstone now. ..by far, the best live recordings of Chapman's era.
I actually have the bootleg to the Hammersmith show..
(https://i.imgur.com/WPRTnMk.jpg)
...and the Ipswich show..
(https://i.imgur.com/KdRY3XH.jpg)
The boot to the Hammersmith show is really good, and while the Ipswich show is of lesser quality, it is raucous as hell.
I found my copy of the original Headstone.
(https://i.imgur.com/DxjCrJX.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Qe84RoR.jpg)
And the double gatefold opened up to a UFO Family Tree.
(https://i.imgur.com/qlbHSo3.jpg)
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This Back From The Dead album by Waysted.........it might just be me, but this feels like Waysted doing UFO. I could hear Phil singing all of these songs and this having the UFO name on the album and I'd be none the wiser. It lacks the edge of the earlier Waysted albums.
Did you get a chance to check out the Chapman demo of Price Of Love?
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This Back From The Dead album by Waysted.........it might just be me, but this feels like Waysted doing UFO. I could hear Phil singing all of these songs and this having the UFO name on the album and I'd be none the wiser. It lacks the edge of the earlier Waysted albums.
Did you get a chance to check out the Chapman demo of Price Of Love?
Just did. They neutered the guitar during the verses and then added the slide during the chorus, which wasn't really needed.
Like I said, it's like they turned Waysted into a UFO clone. I know I make that sound like a bad thing, but it isn't. Waysted should be edgier, dirtier and grittier.
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That family tree would need a lot more layers now :rollin
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Really cool pics of Headstone, TAC! The CD version of it is virtually "unseeable".
About the live performances, it's amazing how UFO pulled some strong performances at that tour (I suppose that those recordings didn't have any post-overdubs because UFO was done). UFO seemed a total a trainwreck at the time, see what Billy Sheehan said about the Athen's show and that period, citing as one of his worst gigs ever:
https://www.musicradar.com/news/bass/billy-sheehan-my-best-and-worst-gigs-ever-578306
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Looking forward once we've been through all the albums to come up with a UFO top 10 or 20. Been thinking about a list already.
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Looking forward once we've been through all the albums to come up with a UFO top 10 or 20. Been thinking about a list already.
Hah! I've been thinking of a list for almost 40 years. :lol
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Looking forward once we've been through all the albums to come up with a UFO top 10 or 20. Been thinking about a list already.
Hah! I've been thinking of a list for almost 40 years. :lol
:lol Your time has come Tim.
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A little primer....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEKGOLwKtGo
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Alright, having a crack at this Mogg and the Sign of 4.
This first song reminds me of Soundgarden or something!
EDIT: Hmmm...few songs in, not digging it all that much.
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On another note, I watched the Rockpalast show from 1980 on YouTube yesterday. I really liked Chapman on this one, even the old stuff.
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I'm really appreciating Chapman's work on Save Your Prayers. I'm going back to that a bit. That's a great album. Check his solos on the outro of Heroes and the main solo of So Long. Really tasteful guitar player he was. A shame he's now gone.
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On another note, I watched the Rockpalast show from 1980 on YouTube yesterday. I really liked Chapman on this one, even the old stuff.
He's great on that, Kade. And especially on the old stuff. He really adds a lot of life to those songs. His playing really gave them a different personality. They just felt more raw, and for songs like Shoot Shoot and Doctor Doctor, even Only You Can Rock Me, I thought he was perfect for those songs. Plus, the dude just oozed cool.
I'm really appreciating Chapman's work on Save Your Prayers. I'm going back to that a bit. That's a great album. Check his solos on the outro of Heroes and the main solo of So Long. Really tasteful guitar player he was. A shame he's now gone.
That's great album. It really is. Reading this post makes me happy that I included that stuff in this thread.
I loved Paul Chapman. As I said, when he passed, it really fired me up to do this thread.
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I'm really appreciating Chapman's work on Save Your Prayers. I'm going back to that a bit. That's a great album. Check his solos on the outro of Heroes and the main solo of So Long. Really tasteful guitar player he was. A shame he's now gone.
It's not my favorite album with him (although I like it very much), but it is my favorite as for his guitar playing :hefdaddy
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It's really too bad that album/lineup was not more successful.
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On another note, I watched the Rockpalast show from 1980 on YouTube yesterday. I really liked Chapman on this one, even the old stuff.
He's great on that, Kade. And especially on the old stuff. He really adds a lot of life to those songs. His playing really gave them a different personality. They just felt more raw, and for songs like Shoot Shoot and Doctor Doctor, even Only You Can Rock Me, I thought he was perfect for those songs. Plus, the dude just oozed cool.
I'm really appreciating Chapman's work on Save Your Prayers. I'm going back to that a bit. That's a great album. Check his solos on the outro of Heroes and the main solo of So Long. Really tasteful guitar player he was. A shame he's now gone.
That's great album. It really is. Reading this post makes me happy that I included that stuff in this thread.
I loved Paul Chapman. As I said, when he passed, it really fired me up to do this thread.
He has a really nice 'freestyle' type of playing if that makes sense. Raw is a perfect description mate of his playing. it's raw but a little technicality in there too. His stage presence was indeed excellent. That super long note at the end of Love to Love makes him look fucking badass up there. Such a long note, but like he doesn't give a shit and just keeps holding it, yet it's perfect for the song. I hated his interpretation of the first solo in Love to Love (you know that beautiful Schenker melody), but have come around to what he did with it. I think it's quite nice.
I'm super glad you included the extra stuff mate. It's a great album.
I'm really appreciating Chapman's work on Save Your Prayers. I'm going back to that a bit. That's a great album. Check his solos on the outro of Heroes and the main solo of So Long. Really tasteful guitar player he was. A shame he's now gone.
It's not my favorite album with him (although I like it very much), but it is my favorite as for his guitar playing :hefdaddy
Yeah, totally.
It's really too bad that album/lineup was not more successful.
I watched a bootleg last night too from the Save Your Prayers tour. I think they were supporting Status Quo I read, and it was blistering. Great stage presence from both Pete and Paul on that one. Paul was a bit sloppy, but the rawness as you said is undeniable here.
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I posted that show. ;D
Nice live show..
Waysted Sheffield December 1986 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNVLRTU3N8c)
And yes, its really good.
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I posted that show. ;D
Nice live show..
Waysted Sheffield December 1986 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNVLRTU3N8c)
And yes, its really good.
:lol Of course you fucking did! :facepalm:
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You Are Here
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/f3/Ufo_you_are_here.jpg/220px-Ufo_you_are_here.jpg)(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Clci61VQ1v4/XmXRG0NuRII/AAAAAAAACz8/iQ68FmtIn4g9U0PAtq4Ys9D-4Apkm1YBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/UFO%2B-%2BYou%2BAre%2BHere%2B%25282004%2529%2Bfront%2Bback%2Babum%2Bcovers.jpg)
You Are Here (2004) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9xcRfPhB80&list=PL5DequlFKZFdumXoa4mexe8WqjsoFHa4z)
Released March 14, 2004
1. When Daylight Goes To Town
2. Black Cold Coffee
3. The Wild One
4. Give It Up
5. Call Mee
6. Slipping Away
7. The Spark That Is Us
8. Sympathy
9. Mr. Freeze
10. Jello Man
11. Baby Blue
12. Swallow
Phil Mogg-Vocals
Vinnie Moore-Guitar
Pete Way-Bass
Jason Bonham-Drums
Paul Raymond-Keyboards
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/NNMUqpCCitd9rw9ymomWh-cVXCLyuOIqQkKKFcBKKsETbOxt9_BKtXIpiA1OYl1Gbk1wdKadwHqlH3TMqcAfJnHpfw)
UFO returns in 2004 with American guitarist Vinnie Moore. Vinnie is well known for his instrumental albums. I remember hearing that Vinnie had joined UFO, and I thought it was an interesting and surprising pairing. I am generally skeptical of things when they happened, and I remember thinking that this was probably going to be a one off thing, and honestly, it really held me back from enjoying it properly in real time.
So how did Vinnie come to join join UFO? In his own words...
https://youtu.be/npV8Ywv40Hk?t=685
Also joining Vinnie in UFO was drummer Jason Bonham. Another interesting choice. After briefly joining the London Quireboys, Phil asked Jason to play in UFO. Jason would ultimately leaving to join Foreigner.
Pete Way says, "It was, though, a bit of patchwork and it felt to me as if certain people were only now doing it for the money."
You Are Here is produced by Tommy Newton. The former Victory guitarist was well known for his work with Helloween and Gamma Ray. This caught my eye as well.
Vinnie Moore? Tommy Newton? UFO?
Suffice it to say that UFO did not go neoclassical power metal.
What I did like about You Are Here is that Vinnie really plays with such little effort. He remined me of Schenker like that, but also in the approach. The noodling during the verses, the melodic lead runs. While it is the heaviest of the Vinnie Era, I didn't think every song was that great. But it has aged really well, and I like it a lot more now than I did when it came out. In fact, I actually think this album is really strong.
Also, the return of Paul Raymond!!
I have always loved three songs on this. Mr Freeze is really cool, and Black Cold Coffee, with some great playing by Jason, but is basically a reworked version of Vinnie's With The Flow.
But three songs in is The Wild One, which to me is the best song in the Vinnie Era. Amazing track!
EDIT: Forgot to mention, the Japanese version comes with the bonus track, Messing Up The Bed..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0sqJ1jsYJY
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I think this album was a promising start of the Moore’s phase, with a lot of very good songs: When Daylight Goes To Town is a really nice opener; Black Cold Coffee has great riffage and bass lines; The Wild One and Jello Man are very cool; Slipping Away and The Spark That Is Us have excellent melodies; and Baby Blue is one of the best and beautiful UFO songs IMO.
5 of them are songs from Moore’s Meltdown and Out of Nowhere, that were written originaly as instrumental songs. From what I’ve heard, indeed those instrumental albums fitted UFO’s style nicely. Like I said, this album was a promising start, but unfortunately to me the UFO’s albums with Moore are around 7.0 and they never really take off as a whole, despite his always excellent guitar work.
Ranking:
OBSESSION (my favorite)/MECHANIX- 10+/10
FORCE IT/NO HEAVY PETTING/LIGHTS OUT/ THE WILD THE WILLING AND THE INNOCENT – 9.5
MAKING CONTACT/WALK ON WATER – 9.0
NO PLACE TO RUN/HIGH STAKES & DANGEROUS MEN/MOGG-WAY – CHOCOLATE BOX – 8.5
PHENOMENON/MOGG-WAY – EDGE OF THE WORLD/COVENANT – 8.0
MISDEMEANOR/YOU ARE HERE/? – 7.5
AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’/? – 7.0
? – 6.5
SHARKS/? – 6.0
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Hah! I actually think The Spark That Is Us is one of the worst songs off of the five Vinnie albums.
Like I said, this album was a promising start, but unfortunately to me the UFO’s albums with Moore are around 7.0 and they never really take off as a whole, despite his always excellent guitar work.
Yeah, I agree with this. I have found that time has been generally kind to these albums. The 15 best tracks from this era, which I have on a CD compilation, is an amazing collection of music.
Depending on the day, this is my 2nd or 3rd favorite album of the Vinnie albums.
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Yes, taste/perception sometimes is a strange thing! ;D
I agree that the best (my best at least!) of Vinnie Moore era is an amazing collection of songs :tup :hefdaddy
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We'll have to compare at the end. :)
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Hah! I actually think The Spark That Is Us is one of the worst songs off of the five Vinnie albums.
Like I said, this album was a promising start, but unfortunately to me the UFO’s albums with Moore are around 7.0 and they never really take off as a whole, despite his always excellent guitar work.
Yeah, I agree with this. I have found that time has been generally kind to these albums. The 15 best tracks from this era, which I have on a CD compilation, is an amazing collection of music.
Depending on the day, this is my 2nd or 3rd favorite album of the Vinnie albums.
Indeed it was.
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I always liked this one, but will need to revisit it. It was my fav Vinnie album for a while but I think it comes in second now.
I tried getting into UFO because of Vinnie Moore. Obviously, being a guitarist, I like a bit of his stuff. This made me try and get into the band. While I was never quite sold on the UFO lighter sound back in the day, going through the bands discography from the start and let's be honest, falling in love with them, I'm hoping I can warm to these albums a lot more than I did in the past. They were albums they were just nice for me. Nothing really got repeated listens but Vinnie made me enjoy quite a few tracks. Tim's compilation is indeed really strong and I'm sure he'll share it at the end.
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For some reason I had really low expectations coming into You Are Here. No idea why, just did.
I just finished listening to it. Halfway through I was already looking for physical copies to buy. I absolutely loved this record. After being fairly disappointed with Sharks and the last Waysted album, this was exactly what I was looking for. That mid-section in Mr. Freeze is just awesome.
So yeah, I'm looking to buy this thing. I really enjoyed it.
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This thread is the gift that keeps on giving.
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So I am a huge Vinnie Moore fan - he's probably my favourite guitarist and when he joined UFO I was really excited. Unfortunately, I haven't enjoyed any of the albums.
What put me off from the start was that three of the songs here are reworked tracks from Vinnie's solo albums. With Mogg's voice now aged, and not as pleasant to my ear as the earlier days, I'd rather hear the instrumental versions.
When Daylight Goes To Town is Vinnie's Ridin' High riff.
Baby Blue is She's Only Sleeping
Slipping Away is Echoes.
I haven't really given any of the Vinnie era albums much of a chance to be fair, but initial impressions weren't great. I'll revisit each of them for the listening party.
Live, Vinnie does a great job. He's playing well within himself but he does tend towards a bluesier vibe these days in his instrumental stuff.
I always thought that he would have fit well in a prog metal band. I always thought that Time Odyssey was very Images and Words ish. The Maze was more power prog. A missed opportunity perhaps.
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To the Core was one of his later ones I actually quite enjoyed. Nothing beats Minds Eye though.
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I've stayed away from the Vinnie Moore era despite having been a fan of a bunch of his albums in the early 2000's (I'm talking Time Odyssey, Out of Nowhere, The Maze and Defying Gravity). The thought of them utilizing some of his old tunes didn't excite me and I hadn't heard anything besides Lights Out (the song) by UFO at the time. That's all changing now thanks to this thread.
This album was alright. Solid line-up, a few rocking tunes. Those old Vinnie tracks worked better with Phil's vocals than expected and overall the vibe was like I imagined it would be. So, nothing spectacular, but I'll be sure to give this another listen.
Another thing that's for sure, I wish I'd been this into UFO by 2010 when they had their show here in Helsinki. I'm sure I would've loved every minute of it, but as it turned out instead I didn't even go. :(
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Mind's Eye is the best instrumental album of all time for me. A perfect mix of melody and fire. I could have done without the drum solo from Tommy Aldridge but other than that, a flawless album.
I loved that each album sounded very different to the others.
Mind's Eye was full on neo classical metal, typical of the time. Time odyssey was a fusion album. Meltdown was a Satriani-ish rock widdle fest.
Out of Nowhere was a mixture of the above.
The Maze was prog metal.
All his albums are worthwhile, though the last one didn't thrill me.
He also had a Zeppelin-like album with Red Zone Rider which was very good.
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Didn't check the last one. Wasn't that thrilled with Red Zone Ride truthfully. TO is brilliant also as you say.
I always loved how TMac plays keyboards on ME. Just found that really cool.
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Didn't check the last one. Wasn't that thrilled with Red Zone Ride truthfully. TO is brilliant also as you say.
I always loved how TMac plays keyboards on ME. Just found that really cool.
Mike Varney keeping it in the family to keep costs down. :biggrin:
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Didn't check the last one. Wasn't that thrilled with Red Zone Ride truthfully. TO is brilliant also as you say.
I always loved how TMac plays keyboards on ME. Just found that really cool.
Mike Varney keeping it in the family to keep costs down. :biggrin:
Absolutely. :lol
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Will dig out my You Are Here CD in the morning to crank in the car tomorrow.
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So I'm eating humble pie again here. I've been playing you Are Here and it's pretty good actually. I'm enjoying Phil's vocals where previously I thought they were a bit lacklustre on this album.
It's always great to hear Vinnie. Such a musical guitarist.
At least I don't have to buy this one as I already have it! :lol
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Forgot to include Black Cold Coffee as an old Vinnie riff - i just can't remember which one!
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The Black Cold Coffee's riff is from With The Flow (from Out of Nowhere).
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I identified those origins:
From Out of Nowhere:
With The Flow (Black Cold Coffee), Echoes (Slipping Away) and She's Only Sleeping (Baby Blue);
From Meltdown:
Ridin' High (When Daylight Goes to Town) and Midnight Rain (Jello Man).
I don't mind this approach, I think it's cool to give a different take on a previously existent song. And I think Baby Blue upgraded She's Only Sleeping to almost a masterpiece :hefdaddy
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First time I've heard the bonus track too. that was pretty good. Enjoyed the listen. now I'm listening to Vinnie's The Maze :metal
To link in, Shane Gallas is on drums on this. Dave La Rue on bass.
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Just listened to the $ign of 4 album. Damn nice, I must say. It might be an admission of old age, but I was thoroughly entertained by the relaxed, rootsy, bluesy vibes of this one. Songs like Song Keeps A Coming and Clap Hands went down smooth as can be. I enjoyed Phil's gruff vocal delivery on that one heavy tune, the name of which escapes me at the moment. He's in fine form here and gives a very soulful performance. What a guy!
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This thread is the gift that keeps on giving.
.....and taking my money.
Since this thread began, here is what I have purchased:
First 12 UFO albums (physical)
Strangers (digital)
Strangers (physical deluxe box)
Waysted catalog (digital)
Both Mogg/Way albums (physical)
You Are Here (physical) - just scored a sealed copy today
I'm out around $200 or so. TAC is draining my wallet.
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Tim is licking his lips on the commission of that haul!
I've bought that 10 album collection plus a second hand copy of WOW. I also picked up Schenkers Temple of Rock DVD.
I'll probably end up ordering Save Your Prayers too. Will look at the Strangers box if I can get it for a decent price too.
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Just got home after a 10 hour day. Really enjoyed
reading skimming the comments today at work. I'll dig in after dinner.
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I always liked this one, but will need to revisit it. It was my fav Vinnie album for a while but I think it comes in second now.
I tried getting into UFO because of Vinnie Moore. Obviously, being a guitarist, I like a bit of his stuff. This made me try and get into the band. While I was never quite sold on the UFO lighter sound back in the day, going through the bands discography from the start and let's be honest, falling in love with them, I'm hoping I can warm to these albums a lot more than I did in the past. They were albums they were just nice for me. Nothing really got repeated listens but Vinnie made me enjoy quite a few tracks. Tim's compilation is indeed really strong and I'm sure he'll share it at the end.
I think one reason for this is that UFO are really in the twilight of their career during the Vinnie Era. Phil Mogg is 56 when You Are Here comes out, and 67 when A Conspiracy Of Stars is released. He was 71 when I saw them last year.
After You Are Here, Vinnie's writing and playing is remarkably restrained. Almost like a heavier Rolling Stones. It took me a while to fully accept it, but what has happened is that it gives the Vinnie Era a totally distinct personality, which ironically has nothing to do with Vinnie shredding his way through it.
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For some reason I had really low expectations coming into You Are Here. No idea why, just did.
I was just the opposite. I had huge expectations for this. Almost unfair expectations.
I just finished listening to it. Halfway through I was already looking for physical copies to buy. I absolutely loved this record. After being fairly disappointed with Sharks and the last Waysted album, this was exactly what I was looking for. That mid-section in Mr. Freeze is just awesome.
That's awesome!!!
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I've stayed away from the Vinnie Moore era despite having been a fan of a bunch of his albums in the early 2000's (I'm talking Time Odyssey, Out of Nowhere, The Maze and Defying Gravity). The thought of them utilizing some of his old tunes didn't excite me and I hadn't heard anything besides Lights Out (the song) by UFO at the time.
If any of you watched the video link of Vinnie joining, he mentions that the band asks for some tracks, and he sends Phil 11 tracks. Apparently Phil was like, "I can use these." :lol
But in a way, I think Vinnie was fine seeing his compositions become full fledged songs.
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Just following on from what Tim was saying above;
As I mentioned, I dabbled in UFO because of Vinnie. Back in the day when I was discovering him, TMac, Becker etc checking out Vinnie era UFO was a give. As I said, I always didn't mind the albums but was never blown away. I thought perhaps going from the start and appreciating the history might make me enjoy these and appreicate these albums more. Listening to YAH, I think the opposite has actually happened. Quite frankly, I've fallen in love with this band a lot and this album doesn't compare to any of the classic stuff.
I never dabbled much into the older stuff and didn't really see the hype over Schenker quite honestly. At the time though, I was into those guys I mentioned and while learning the guitar, wanted to play and shred as fast as I could. I really loved the technical aspect of that sort of playing. Nothing has changed and while I've gotten pretty good, I was a fool not to discover the magic of Schenker. Maybe it's as I get older but now I 'get' his playing. I should have gone back to him earlier, but it is what it is. When getting the Vinnie UFO albums, I would always prefer him and was in the mindset back then that he was a shredder and a better guitarist than Schenker cause of the technical aspect, blah blah blah. I was a fool to think in that mindset, but when you look at players like Gilbert, Moore, they all expand their horizons as they get older with their playing.
I'm rambling on here, but listening to this album now, I feel flat. Yes, the band are in their twilight years, but Moore's playing now doesn't impress me here at all. This whole album is missing something even the Chapman stuff had. It's a different, flat and dare I say, uninspired sound. I will say the 3 run of Spark to Freeze is very good but I find now a lot here generic, especially after discovering the likes of Obsession and Making Contact. Moore's playing is too bluesy and uninspired and quite frankly I'm finding it boring.
It's like I was biased towards Moore but now I'm biased towards Schenker/Chapman. I'm actually a bit confused at the moment. I think I need to relisten with a clean slate and try again.
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This thread is the gift that keeps on giving.
.....and taking my money.
Since this thread began, here is what I have purchased:
First 12 UFO albums (physical)
Strangers (digital)
Strangers (physical deluxe box)
Waysted catalog (digital)
Both Mogg/Way albums (physical)
You Are Here (physical) - just scored a sealed copy today
I'm out around $200 or so. TAC is draining my wallet.
Tim is licking his lips on the commission of that haul!
I've bought that 10 album collection plus a second hand copy of WOW. I also picked up Schenkers Temple of Rock DVD.
I'll probably end up ordering Save Your Prayers too. Will look at the Strangers box if I can get it for a decent price too.
(https://media1.giphy.com/media/Tex4wVhhs4iwKoV7YT/200.gif)
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Just following on from what Tim was saying above;
As I mentioned, I dabbled in UFO because of Vinnie. Back in the day when I was discovering him, TMac, Becker etc checking out Vinnie era UFO was a give. As I said, I always didn't mind the albums but was never blown away. I thought perhaps going from the start and appreciating the history might make me enjoy these and appreicate these albums more. Listening to YAH, I think the opposite has actually happened. Quite frankly, I've fallen in love with this band a lot and this album doesn't compare to any of the classic stuff.
I never dabbled much into the older stuff and didn't really see the hype over Schenker quite honestly. At the time though, I was into those guys I mentioned and while learning the guitar, wanted to play and shred as fast as I could. I really loved the technical aspect of that sort of playing. Nothing has changed and while I've gotten pretty good, I was a fool not to discover the magic of Schenker. Maybe it's as I get older but now I 'get' his playing. I should have gone back to him earlier, but it is what it is. When getting the Vinnie UFO albums, I would always prefer him and was in the mindset back then that he was a shredder and a better guitarist than Schenker cause of the technical aspect, blah blah blah. I was a fool to think in that mindset, but when you look at players like Gilbert, Moore, they all expand their horizons as they get older with their playing.
I'm rambling on here, but listening to this album now, I feel flat. Yes, the band are in their twilight years, but Moore's playing now doesn't impress me here at all. This whole album is missing something even the Chapman stuff had. It's a different, flat and dare I say, uninspired sound. I will say the 3 run of Spark to Freeze is very good but I find now a lot here generic, especially after discovering the likes of Obsession and Making Contact. Moore's playing is too bluesy and uninspired and quite frankly I'm finding it boring.
It's like I was biased towards Moore but now I'm biased towards Schenker/Chapman. I'm actually a bit confused at the moment. I think I need to relisten with a clean slate and try again.
:lol at the bolded part.
That's interesting.
I find it's best to listen to these albums without any expectations. Let them wash over you. When you stop looking at what they aren't, it's easier to appreciate what they are.
I ain't gonna lie. I have generally classified the Vinnie Era as disappointing overall. But it is still sure as hell enjoyable.
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I thought I'd share this.
We actually met Vinnie after a Rush show that he opened. My memory of it is hazy, but he did sign my ticket. Unfortunately no camera that night..
(https://i.imgur.com/uX0U78P.jpg)
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Just following on from what Tim was saying above;
As I mentioned, I dabbled in UFO because of Vinnie. Back in the day when I was discovering him, TMac, Becker etc checking out Vinnie era UFO was a give. As I said, I always didn't mind the albums but was never blown away. I thought perhaps going from the start and appreciating the history might make me enjoy these and appreicate these albums more. Listening to YAH, I think the opposite has actually happened. Quite frankly, I've fallen in love with this band a lot and this album doesn't compare to any of the classic stuff.
I never dabbled much into the older stuff and didn't really see the hype over Schenker quite honestly. At the time though, I was into those guys I mentioned and while learning the guitar, wanted to play and shred as fast as I could. I really loved the technical aspect of that sort of playing. Nothing has changed and while I've gotten pretty good, I was a fool not to discover the magic of Schenker. Maybe it's as I get older but now I 'get' his playing. I should have gone back to him earlier, but it is what it is. When getting the Vinnie UFO albums, I would always prefer him and was in the mindset back then that he was a shredder and a better guitarist than Schenker cause of the technical aspect, blah blah blah. I was a fool to think in that mindset, but when you look at players like Gilbert, Moore, they all expand their horizons as they get older with their playing.
I'm rambling on here, but listening to this album now, I feel flat. Yes, the band are in their twilight years, but Moore's playing now doesn't impress me here at all. This whole album is missing something even the Chapman stuff had. It's a different, flat and dare I say, uninspired sound. I will say the 3 run of Spark to Freeze is very good but I find now a lot here generic, especially after discovering the likes of Obsession and Making Contact. Moore's playing is too bluesy and uninspired and quite frankly I'm finding it boring.
It's like I was biased towards Moore but now I'm biased towards Schenker/Chapman. I'm actually a bit confused at the moment. I think I need to relisten with a clean slate and try again.
:lol at the bolded part.
That's interesting.
I find it's best to listen to these albums without any expectations. Let them wash over you. When you stop looking at what they aren't, it's easier to appreciate what they are.
I ain't gonna lie. I have generally classified the Vinnie Era as disappointing overall. But it is still sure as hell enjoyable.
No, why I'm confused is because I knew a lot of these albums before already. your compilation made me check a lot of the songs again but my perception has totally changed after hearing the rest. The bar got raised once checking the rest of their catalog that this album dropped significantly.
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I was laughing that you were confused. Not WHY you were confused. ;D
Er...nevermind. :lol
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I was laughing that you were confused. Not WHY you were confused. ;D
Er...nevermind. :lol
Oh.........I'm more confused now. :lol
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The Vinnie era songs that I’ve listened to so far are good and enjoyable, but definitely nothing I have an interest in revisiting at the moment.
I know it is still a ways to go, but I’m interested in hearing the opinions and checking out the songs of those recent Michael Schenker albums where he has all the previous singers singing on it. I know that was a couple of years ago, but I heard good things.
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His output from here in out is very good. We’ll be covering it!
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I had kinda the opposite experience, Kade. Not having heard it before, I spun You Are Here yesterday and was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it. I had it on while doing other things, but I expect to have time to get a proper listen in soon. Because of a brief brush with Vinnie era UFO some years ago, I was expecting to be one and done. I only heard one annoying "Vinnie-ism" and it was pretty brief so who knows, maybe I'll like it more on the second listen.
Honestly, I can't stop listening to the Mogg & the Sign of 4 album. It sounds fantastic on my car's Bose system when it is up really loud. Such a crystal clear production, and the guitarist has me enthralled with their technique. It's like Hendrix and Knopler had a rockin' love child. I wish I knew who the guitarist is, but with no physical copy available, and no wiki page, I'll probably never know.
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That's Jeff Kollman on $ign of 4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffrey_Kollman
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Thank you, Bentower!
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I had kinda the opposite experience, Kade. Not having heard it before, I spun You Are Here yesterday and was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it. I had it on while doing other things, but I expect to have time to get a proper listen in soon. Because of a brief brush with Vinnie era UFO some years ago, I was expecting to be one and done. I only heard one annoying "Vinnie-ism" and it was pretty brief so who knows, maybe I'll like it more on the second listen.
Honestly, I can't stop listening to the Mogg & the Sign of 4 album. It sounds fantastic on my car's Bose system when it is up really loud. Such a crystal clear production, and the guitarist has me enthralled with their technique. It's like Hendrix and Knopler had a rockin' love child. I wish I knew who the guitarist is, but with no physical copy available, and no wiki page, I'll probably never know.
There is no such thing as an "annoying" Vinnieism. :lol
I assume you mean some widdly widdly arpeggio stuff. That's not annoying - it's sonic bliss :lol
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I had kinda the opposite experience, Kade. Not having heard it before, I spun You Are Here yesterday and was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it. I had it on while doing other things, but I expect to have time to get a proper listen in soon. Because of a brief brush with Vinnie era UFO some years ago, I was expecting to be one and done. I only heard one annoying "Vinnie-ism" and it was pretty brief so who knows, maybe I'll like it more on the second listen.
Honestly, I can't stop listening to the Mogg & the Sign of 4 album. It sounds fantastic on my car's Bose system when it is up really loud. Such a crystal clear production, and the guitarist has me enthralled with their technique. It's like Hendrix and Knopler had a rockin' love child. I wish I knew who the guitarist is, but with no physical copy available, and no wiki page, I'll probably never know.
Um... did you say something about me sucking at comprehension last week? ;D :P
$ign Of Four-Dancing With St. Peter
(https://img.discogs.com/goDZebQxneZ49qGLKgSMjo-xfT8=/fit-in/600x592/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-4926046-1450445390-4562.jpeg.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz4TN3THuPU&list=PLM0QWHFvEjTatO0DeEK2i7JMpSStCbeoD
Released 2002
A quasi solo album/ new band featuring Phil Mogg, Jeff Kollman, Shane Gaalaas, and bassist Jimmy Curtain.
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I had kinda the opposite experience, Kade. Not having heard it before, I spun You Are Here yesterday and was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it. I had it on while doing other things, but I expect to have time to get a proper listen in soon. Because of a brief brush with Vinnie era UFO some years ago, I was expecting to be one and done. I only heard one annoying "Vinnie-ism" and it was pretty brief so who knows, maybe I'll like it more on the second listen.
I think I always thought they were decent enough albums but hearing everything else just set the bar too high that going back to YAH, it just doesn't hold up.
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There is no such thing as an "annoying" Vinnieism. :lol
I submit for your consideration; timestamp 2:51-3:13 of Mr. Freeze (https://youtu.be/Mu4-jpmYPso?t=170).
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There is no such thing as an "annoying" Vinnieism. :lol
I submit for your consideration; timestamp 2:51-3:13 of Mr. Freeze (https://youtu.be/Mu4-jpmYPso?t=170).
NO WAY!!
That part is awesome!
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Yeah, that part is pretty cool.
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:yawn:
I’m not a fan of musical expression turned into a athletic competition. It’s just me. Feel free to ignore me.
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It's fast, but it's still melodic.
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I also think that part amazing, musically speaking. Specially because he doesn't do that all the time in his soloing. But I get that it's a more technical approach, not everyone likes it.
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His flurries like that are really few and far between.
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It's fast, but it's still melodic.
What?! That’s the complete opposite of melodic! I really am out of touch with y’all. :huh:
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His flurries like that are really few and far between.
I think that's what makes it quite a neat little section.
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It's fast, but it's still melodic.
What?! That’s the complete opposite of melodic! I really am out of touch with y’all. :huh:
I have no problem with that section - it fits the music. it's not his best work, but it's not very representative of Vinnie at all and certainly not of his work with UFO.
His first solo album had lots of fast passages that are very melodic in nature. the two are not mutually exclusive.
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In 2005 UFO would release Showtime, the live album from the You Are Here tour.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71UT%2BCzGL0L._SL1500_.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9a0ck1YTGpI
The tracklist is:
Mother Mary
When Daylight Goes To Town
Let It Roll
I'm A Loser
This Kids
The Wild One
Fighting Man
Only You Can Rock Me
Baby Blue
Mr. Freeze
Love To Love
Too Hot To Handle
Lights Out
Rock Bottom
Doctor Doctor
Shoot Shoot
The DVD has a bonus in the studio performances of:
Pack It Up (And Go)
Try Me
Love To Love
Slipping Away
Cherry
Profession Of Violence
This is a great package, even though it is a bit Strangers heavy. Vinnie really fills the Schenker roll quite nicely.
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I have this on dvd and enjoyed it. Vinnie was a bit restrained I felt though I haven't played it in a few years. Might be worth revisiting.
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I'll rewatch it again, but, from what I remember, this album has great versions of all the songs. I didn't comment previoulsy, but I think Bonham did an excellent work on You Are Here and also in this live album. I would prefer if he had continued in UFO, I think he added more complexity to drums, without being over the top, blending it very well to the UFO's sound.
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I thought Jason was excellent. I commented on his drumming in my writeup when I mention Black Cold Coffee.
My only issue with the DVD, and it's a common complaint for most DVDs, is that I hate the high moving boom shots.
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I thought Jason was excellent. I commented on his drumming in my writeup when I mention Black Cold Coffee.
My only issue with the DVD, and it's a common complaint for most DVDs, is that I hate the high moving boom shots.
I want to get to this for that reason; I'm a BIG Bonham fan, and I want to hear this. With work and the election, though, it might not be until tomorrow.
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In fact, I think Jason is always excellent for classic/heavy/hard rock. Indeed a great drummer!
That DVD extra, live in studio, is really amazing! I wish it could be longer, it's so good.
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I have both the CD and DVD of this one. I'll give the CD a spin.
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My main complaint is that the same Strangers songs get played all of the time. But the three song run of Let It Roll, I'm A Loser, and This Kids is refreshing.
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Pretty nice set this. It's hard though after listening to so much Schenker to hear these songs with Vinnie's tone. He uses too much neck pickup for my liking. Although the first half of what he does on This Kids is excellent. I wished he played a lot more in this style in his time with UFO. When he plays more that pentationic Schenker style he kills it. He relies too much on really tradtional blues like licks and playing I feel. Lots of major influneced stuff going on, it's just slightly offputting to me.
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Pretty nice set this. It's hard though after listening to so much Schenker to hear these songs with Vinnie's tone. He uses too much neck pickup for my liking. Although the first half of what he does on This Kids is excellent. I wished he played a lot more in this style in his time with UFO. When he plays more that pentationic Schenker style he kills it. He relies too much on really tradtional blues like licks and playing I feel. Lots of major influneced stuff going on, it's just slightly offputting to me.
I love the neck pickup and use it all the time soloing. Can't remember how the tone fits (or not) on this set but will have a re-listen soon.
Vinnie's usual preference is to play very modally. My ear isn't good enough to know if he's doing that in UFO or not.
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I didn't notice much of a difference between his playing here and say, Defying Gravity from the same era. Yeah, he sure loves that neck pickup! Not that that's a bad thing, but I've always preferred the superb humbucker tones he had back when he was playing Ibanez. For me it was the keyboards sounds here that had me scratching my head, especially the lead tone. There appeared to be some phasing issues with Paul Raymond's guitar as well.
It was a treat seeing that though. Thanks for sharing, TAC!
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I've had a couple of listens to You Are Here, and it's been a good experience but I don't quite have a urge to buy it. The problem is, I've only listened to it while doing other things, and my attention wanders. I'll suddenly realize that song I was grooving to is now two songs away and I can't recall what was in-between. I'm going to try and get one serious dedicated listen in before I move on.
I watched the first two opening numbers of that video you linked to, Tim. :metal
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The version of Love to Love in this set is excellent. I do really like what Vinnie does on this one.
Only You Can Rock Me However sounds totally castrated haha.
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Pretty nice set this. It's hard though after listening to so much Schenker to hear these songs with Vinnie's tone. He uses too much neck pickup for my liking. Although the first half of what he does on This Kids is excellent. I wished he played a lot more in this style in his time with UFO. When he plays more that pentationic Schenker style he kills it. He relies too much on really tradtional blues like licks and playing I feel. Lots of major influneced stuff going on, it's just slightly offputting to me.
I love the neck pickup and use it all the time soloing. Can't remember how the tone fits (or not) on this set but will have a re-listen soon.
Vinnie's usual preference is to play very modally. My ear isn't good enough to know if he's doing that in UFO or not.
Yeah, maybe some Lydian mode perhaps. That's one area I'm not the greatest wWith.
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Had a quick watch of a couple of songs earlier but was very distracted because Paul Raymond looked remarkably like my other half’s aunt. 😀😀😀
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Had a quick watch of a couple of songs earlier but was very distracted because Paul Raymond looked remarkably like my other half’s aunt. 😀😀😀
Haha.
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:lol
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I do like how this is completely live, one thing it seems UFO have never compromised. Rock Me isn't Phil at his best and I like how they left his blunder in Lights Out in there.
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Pretty nice set this. It's hard though after listening to so much Schenker to hear these songs with Vinnie's tone. He uses too much neck pickup for my liking. Although the first half of what he does on This Kids is excellent. I wished he played a lot more in this style in his time with UFO. When he plays more that pentationic Schenker style he kills it. He relies too much on really tradtional blues like licks and playing I feel. Lots of major influneced stuff going on, it's just slightly offputting to me.
What is neck pickup? Is that when he solos with really high notes at the bottom (near the body) of the neck?
If so, I find that he could use a bit more smoothness. But when he plays down on the neck, he's a lot better.
I do like how this is completely live, one thing it seems UFO have never compromised. Rock Me isn't Phil at his best and I like how they left his blunder in Lights Out in there.
:metal
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Tales Of Rock 'n' Roll
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/dd/MSG_tales_of_rnr.jpg)(https://images.45worlds.com/f/cd/the-michael-schenker-group-irond-cd.jpg)
Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/album/3A4XMC1qvDscwywpU2PkTv?si=ZtEKZx5kQV2eYvhy8PLzbA)
Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3krMAcdW3c&list=PL8a8cutYP7frq7hPFdI9vpHhkjpwe8Qmw)
Released March 27, 2006
1. The Ride
2. Setting Sun
3. Angel Of Avalon (Leif Sundin)
4. Dreams Inside (Chris Logan)
5. Dust To Dust
6. Voices In My Heart
7. Journeyman
8. Big Deal (Kelly Keeling)
9. St. Ann
10. Shadow Lady
11. Love Trade
12. Human Child
13. Bittersweet
14. Blind Alley
15. Freedom
16. Life Vacation (Gary Barden)
17. Rock n Roll (Graham Bonnet)
18. Tell A Story (Robin McAuley)
19. Life Goes On
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Jari Tiura-Vocals
Pete Way-Bass
Jeff Martin-Drums
Wayne Findlay-Keyboards/Guitar
With 2006's Tales Of Rock n Roll, Michael seems to snap out of the malaise of his last few MSG albums. He has found a vocalist, Jari Tiura, who to me, really stands out much more than Keeling, Logan, or Sundin. He reminds me a lot of the dude from Odd Dimension.
Speaking of those guys, this is the point where Michael starts inviting his old vocalists back. Even Bonnet, Barden, and McAuley are present.
Not sure if any of you checked his Dreams And Expressions instrumental album, but this reminds me a lot of that, as there are no gaps between the tracks, and the songs are all short. Michael's playing is excellent here and I highly recommend this album.
They should have named this album A Shit Ton Of Tasty Licks.
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Pretty nice set this. It's hard though after listening to so much Schenker to hear these songs with Vinnie's tone. He uses too much neck pickup for my liking. Although the first half of what he does on This Kids is excellent. I wished he played a lot more in this style in his time with UFO. When he plays more that pentationic Schenker style he kills it. He relies too much on really tradtional blues like licks and playing I feel. Lots of major influneced stuff going on, it's just slightly offputting to me.
What is neck pickup? Is that when he solos with really high notes at the bottom (near the body) of the neck?
If so, I find that he could use a bit more smoothness. But when he plays down on the neck, he's a lot better.
I do like how this is completely live, one thing it seems UFO have never compromised. Rock Me isn't Phil at his best and I like how they left his blunder in Lights Out in there.
:metal
There are pickups underneath the strings where the guitarist picks/strums. A bridge, middle and neck pickup. The bridge pickup is the one closest to the bridge and the neck is the one closest to the neck. The switch decides which pickup to use and split between. Most standard is straight bridge pickup for mostly everything but selecting the neck pickup is used more for soloing. It gives a warmer tone, think Dave Murray's tone.
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Holy shit, I think I have this MSG album on CD!
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Holy shit, I think I have this MSG album on CD!
Time to actually listen to it! :lol
I love this album. You can add up the previous 4 MSG albums, and this is still better.
I mentioned the Odd Dimension dude. But there's also a lot pf phrasings that remind me of Doogie.
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Holy shit, I think I have this MSG album on CD!
Time to actually listen to it! :lol
I love this album. You can add up the previous 4 MSG albums, and this is still better.
I mentioned the Odd Dimension dude. But there's also a lot pf phrasings that remind me of Doogie.
I definitely will. Looking forward to it.
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Tim, this video might give you a good idea of how guitar pickups work. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DK12i4qrWM0
There are a lot of possibilities within guitar playing with pickup selection and volume knob/tone nob manipulation. The pickups are basically magnets that "pickup" the vibration of the strings as they are played. There are basically three different types of pickups: single coil, P90's and humbuckers. There are also several different companies that make pickups, and each one can have different tonal qualities. And while a great deal of tone is in a player's hands that is determined by their playing style, most would argue that a lot of it is determined by their choice of guitar, pickups, amplifier and speaker cabinet.
Then we could also get into subjects like amplifier modification, effects pedals and mic choice/placement, but that sort of discussion could be endless.
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I've never really gotten into specifics with pickups and different brands and shit like that. I don't really care honestly, I just play with whatever the guitar has. It's good enough.
Tim, Adrian Smith - bridge pickup, Dave Murray - neck pickup.
Neck pickup gets used a lot for soloing as it covers mistakes more than the bridge.
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I've never really gotten into specifics with pickups and different brands and shit like that. I don't really care honestly, I just play with whatever the guitar has. It's good enough.
Tim, Adrian Smith - bridge pickup, Dave Murray - neck pickup.
Neck pickup gets used a lot for soloing as it covers mistakes more than the bridge.
Hence why I use it almost exclusively! :biggrin:
Not heard this MSG album. Will put that right.
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I've never really gotten into specifics with pickups and different brands and shit like that. I don't really care honestly, I just play with whatever the guitar has. It's good enough.
Tim, Adrian Smith - bridge pickup, Dave Murray - neck pickup.
Neck pickup gets used a lot for soloing as it covers mistakes more than the bridge.
Hence why I use it almost exclusively! :biggrin:
Not heard this MSG album. Will put that right.
Hey, I never said I didn't use it either. :lol
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Tim, this video might give you a good idea of how guitar pickups work. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DK12i4qrWM0
Thanks Jason, yeah, I just watched it. Cool. Yes, the possibilities do seem endless.
Tim, Adrian Smith - bridge pickup, Dave Murray - neck pickup.
Ahh, now that's a language I can understand. :lol
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I thought so. :lol
About to search for this Schenker CD and probably won't be able to report back until Sunday night.
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I thought so. :lol
About to search for this Schenker CD and probably won't be able to report back until Sunday night.
No worries. It's worth a listen.
I'll post The Monkey Puzzle Sunday night (Monday morning for you!)
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I’m falling behind. Still haven't had a chance to listen to Sharks and now I want to check out the most recent MSG album posted.
I did buy You Are Here when it was released. It’s a decent listen but possibly my least favourite of all the UFO albums I own.
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I’m falling behind. Still haven't had a chance to listen to Sharks and now I want to check out the most recent MSG album posted.
I did buy You Are Here when it was released. It’s a decent listen but possibly my least favourite of all the UFO albums I own.
I thought we lost you. :lol
I've tried to slow things down a bit leading into the Vinnie Era.
Sharks is skippable. Tales of RnR is not.
I think the next two UFO albums are both better than You Are Here.
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Damn, this album kicks ass. What an exhausting listen. Short tracks and no breaks, so fucking unique, love it. Will post more thoughts later.
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I’m falling behind. Still haven't had a chance to listen to Sharks and now I want to check out the most recent MSG album posted.
I did buy You Are Here when it was released. It’s a decent listen but possibly my least favourite of all the UFO albums I own.
I thought we lost you. :lol
I've tried to slow things down a bit leading into the Vinnie Era.
Sharks is skippable. Tales of RnR is not.
I think the next two UFO albums are both better than You Are Here.
I'd argue that Sharks is skippable.
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Then it shall be skipped ;D
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Damn, this album kicks ass. What an exhausting listen. Short tracks and no breaks, so fucking unique, love it. Will post more thoughts later.
:metal
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The singer is fucking brilliant.
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Yeah I like him a lot. Not sure what else he’s done.
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They should have named this album A Shit Ton Of Tasty Licks.
I've been wanting to hear this for a while. I'm going to try to listen to it tonight.
Tim, if you can find any videos of Blackmore playing, he tends to switch his pickups a lot in mid solo. Sometimes you can hear the difference, sometimes you can't, but it might help you. Ace does too (though his is more gimmicky; on the Les Pauls, it makes that "na. na. na. na." sound that Ace uses a lot (as if the guitar is turned off in between). It's hard to describe but I KNOW you know the sound.
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That’s Ace’s signature move! :lol
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The singer is fucking brilliant.
Apparently Jari is the singer in Stargazery. I have a couple of their albums Saved on my Spotify. I like them. They released an new album this year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqZlfAl6fSk
As far as Tales goes, Bittersweet has such an addictive verse. And I love the last 20 seconds of Big Deal.
So many great Schenkerisms all over this album.
They should have named this album A Shit Ton Of Tasty Licks.
I've been wanting to hear this for a while. I'm going to try to listen to it tonight.
Keep us posted!
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I'll try to check out this MSG album. Was just reading about it on Wikipedia and it mentions that the music was initially meant as a UFO concept record but Michael decided to keep it for himself. Could this be why Sharks is so throwaway to a lot of people? Had to start over and kind of phoned it in and left the band? Just guessing really. There is 4 years between Sharks and this record. Who knows knowing Schenker.
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I'll try to check out this MSG album.
Definitely do it. It's really a breath of fresh air.
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I'll try to check out this MSG album. Was just reading about it on Wikipedia and it mentions that the music was initially meant as a UFO concept record but Michael decided to keep it for himself. Could this be why Sharks is so throwaway to a lot of people? Had to start over and kind of phoned it in and left the band? Just guessing really. There is 4 years between Sharks and this record. Who knows knowing Schenker.
There's a great Rev Jones (played bass on Be Aware Of Scorpions) interview with Mitch Lafon from this past September. He talks about a little of the album's creation here:
https://youtu.be/z88Y9BRRnr8?t=1606
He says that while Be Aware Of Scorpions was being made, he was not only simultaneously working on The Plot, but also on an instrumental album with Jeff Martin (who also plays on The Plot, as well as BAOS). It's this instrumental album that becomes Tales.
Rev mentions that Marty Friedman was supposed to have some involvement.
This Rev Jones interview is great. He's fucking nuts. If you click the link and continue watching, he tells the great story of him punching Chris Logan on tour with MSG and the band leaving the singer basically by the side of the road.
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I'll try to check out this MSG album.
Definitely do it. It's really a breath of fresh air.
As soon as I can pull myself away from this Mr. Bungle album. I can't stop listening to it (I'm listening to it now, again, as I type this).
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So, it's absolutely mindblowing that I have had this album in my rack for probably like 10 years. From what I'm hearing, I didn't even listen to it. But, this album fucking rips. I've listened to it twice and it's just 56 minutes of fucking excellent hard rock. Looks like I'll have to check the Dreams album if that has the same format of every song running into each other. A few songs in I was confused as hell as the structure and the shifting between songs, but it's glorious. Love everything about it. Actually, the singer is so good, I wish the other guys weren't on here.
There's riff after riff and idea after idea, and yes as Tim said, lick after lick. So many good ideas going on through this whole album it's almost unfair that a lot of these weren't explored further. I didn't follow the track titles much while listening but the 3 song hit of Dust to Dust, Voice of My Heart and Journey Man is fucking killer! The vocals on these three tracks are so good and I love Jari's accent here actually.
That last part of Big Deal Tim has a lot of DT influence for me. There was another part that had DT influence but not sure off the top of my head. Bittersweet is another highlight, great riff and solo section, as is Shadow Lady a top tune.
Freedom I think is my fav though, holy hell this is one of Schenker's finest moments, those solos, hot damn! The only negative is that it loses a slight bit of steam after this track. Let's up the heaviness a little which I'm not sure on.
Nevertheless, this is also one of the most legit reason to own something on cd. It's brilliant just to listen to driving along. What a fucking gem I've had hidden away all this time.
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Went out for a browse in the city yesterday to kill some time as I had most of the day to myself. Actually found the 2cd edition of Covenant to my surprise. :lol Lucky I was warming to it as I had no hesitation buying it. It was weird to see this album at JB.
I also managed to get copies of 2 Schenker Temple of Rock albums. Spirit on a Mission and Bridge the Gap. I'll try and hold off and listen to these when Tim gets to them. No real idea what to expect with these really.
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Well, more money gone. I was checking out samples of Tales and really liked what I was hearing. Jari is the first vocalist that I have heard from Michael that I actually liked. I was liking him so much that I checked out the credits for the next album only to see Barden was back. That didn't make me feel good. Then I checked out Barden's track on Tales and was pleasantly surprised. I actually liked older Barden. So then I checked out some stuff from the next album and I had no issues with how Barden sounded and the music sounded nice and heavy.
Went on a hunt and found the music importer on eBay that I regularly buy from had both discs brand new. $25 out the door for both. Hope to get them late next week so I can actually listen to them.
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Well, more money gone. I was checking out samples of Tales and really liked what I was hearing. Jari is the first vocalist that I have heard from Michael that I actually liked. I was liking him so much that I checked out the credits for the next album only to see Barden was back. That didn't make me feel good. Then I checked out Barden's track on Tales and was pleasantly surprised. I actually liked older Barden. So then I checked out some stuff from the next album and I had no issues with how Barden sounded and the music sounded nice and heavy.
Went on a hunt and found the music importer on eBay that I regularly buy from had both discs brand new. $25 out the door for both. Hope to get them late next week so I can actually listen to them.
We are both going to be broke by the end of this.
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Just also realised I have some Heavy Hitters cover CD too. Only a couple of songs on here that I like though.
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Well, more money gone. I was checking out samples of Tales and really liked what I was hearing. Jari is the first vocalist that I have heard from Michael that I actually liked. I was liking him so much that I checked out the credits for the next album only to see Barden was back. That didn't make me feel good. Then I checked out Barden's track on Tales and was pleasantly surprised. I actually liked older Barden. So then I checked out some stuff from the next album and I had no issues with how Barden sounded and the music sounded nice and heavy.
I haven't played In The Midst Of Beauty in years. Heavy was the last thing I'd use to describe it. I remember being very disappointed with it. But I'll be spinning it this week for the Listening Party.
The version of Love to Love in this set is excellent. I do really like what Vinnie does on this one.
I was listening to Disc 2 of Showtime on my way to and from work today. I must say that the entire disc is excellent. I love how the changed the accents in the Love To Love intro, and this is really a nice version. Lights Out is the shredfest it should be, and Rock Bottom is excellent too.
Sometimes it's hard for me to listen to some of these old classics live as I have every note from Schenker memorized. But htses were great versions.
And Jason Bonham :metal
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The store where I bought both those Temple of Rock albums also had In the Midst of Beauty but passed on it cause it was Barden. :lol
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Just also realised I have some Heavy Hitters cover CD too. Only a couple of songs on here that I like though.
I actually ended up passing that for the thread.
I love Dianno singing on Hair Of The Dog. that's the perfect song for him.
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I also managed to get copies of 2 Schenker Temple of Rock albums. Spirit on a Mission and Bridge the Gap. I'll try and hold off and listen to these when Tim gets to them. No real idea what to expect with these really.
Doogie on vocals, and these are excellent albums!!! Bridge The Gap is one of my favorite Schenker albums. The first Temple Of Rock has Michael Voss on vocals, and hell yes, we'll be covering them!
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I also managed to get copies of 2 Schenker Temple of Rock albums. Spirit on a Mission and Bridge the Gap. I'll try and hold off and listen to these when Tim gets to them. No real idea what to expect with these really.
Doogie on vocals, and these are excellent albums!!! Bridge The Gap is one of my favorite Schenker albums. The first Temple Of Rock has Michael Voss on vocals, and hell yes, we'll be covering them!
Yeah, a shame they didn't have the first one cause I liked the songs from it from the DVD I got a couple weeks back.
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I actually haven't listened to it a long time. I remember being kinda meh on it. But Bridge The Gap is a whole 'nother animal.
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Good to hear those albums I purchased are good ones though.
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I actually haven't listened to it a long time. I remember being kinda meh on it. But Bridge The Gap is a whole 'nother animal.
:metal
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I love Bonnet's track from Tales.
The chorus "Sometimes they leave you cold..." is awesome.
He's a little gargly in the verses, but the prechorus and the chorus, he sounds great.
The verses though..
"Two girls on my bed want me to watch them
Do I hear Ride Of The Valkyries "
:lol
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Just also realised I have some Heavy Hitters cover CD too. Only a couple of songs on here that I like though.
I actually ended up passing that for the thread.
I love Dianno singing on Hair Of The Dog. that's the perfect song for him.
I'll get around to it eventually. Dunno why I'd have this. Must have been dirt cheap.
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Listening to Covenant in the car and I've totally changed my viewpoint on it. This is a real grower but a well thought out and well written, mature hard rock album. The CD sounds wonderful too production wise.
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Listening to Covenant in the car and I've totally changed my viewpoint on it. This is a real grower but a well thought out and well written, mature hard rock album. The CD sounds wonderful too production wise.
I love Covenant. I really do. I think it's one of their best albums. I have it in the say..Top 7. ;D
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Listening to Covenant in the car and I've totally changed my viewpoint on it. This is a real grower but a well thought out and well written, mature hard rock album. The CD sounds wonderful too production wise.
I love Covenant. I really do. I think it's one of their best albums. I have it in the say..Top 7. ;D
Seriously can't wait to do some rankings at the end of this. I can see Covenant slipping up there truthfully.
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Got a comment on my Rock Bottom vid.
'The UFO's recording in the background is too loud. Can't hear shit.'
:lol
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The Monkey Puzzle
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/de/UFO_-_The_Monkey_Puzzle.jpg/220px-UFO_-_The_Monkey_Puzzle.jpg)(https://images.45worlds.com/f/cd/ufo-the-monkey-puzzle-3-cd.jpg)
The Monkey Puzzle (2006) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WULlhayf0XE&list=PL8a8cutYP7fr12kOXJKy-3YfUu3qdvFgP)
Released September 26, 2006
1. Hard Being Me
2. Heavenly Body
3. Some Other Guy
4. Who's Fooling Who?
5. Black And Blue
6. Drink Too Much
7. World Cruise
8. Down By The River
9. Good Bye You
10. Rolling Man
11. Kingston Town
Phil Mogg-Vocals
Vinnie Moore-Guitar
Pete Way-Bass
Andy Parker-Drums
Paul Raymond-Keyboards/Guitar
While not nearly as heavy as You Are Here, The Monkey Puzzle really sets the stage for the rest of Vinnie Era.
The album boasts the return of original drummer Andy Parker. Unfortunately it also marks the final album with Pete Way. To tour the album, Pete could not secure the proper visas, and his playing had really dropped off. He and Phil apparently had a tiff and that was that.
However this album has the classic lineup together, save for Vinnie, since the Walk On Water album. And again produced by Tommy Newton.
Andy Parker announces his return right out of the gate with Hard Being Me.
To me, this album has three amazing songs:
Who's Fooling Who
Drink Too Much
Some Other Guy
Not hard rock by any stretch. All three of these songs are on the mellower side, but I absolutely love them.
I generally think this album fairly inconsistent. Heavenly Body and World Cruise didn't even make it to my iPod. But it has aged really well, and is quite easy on the ears.
Anyone worried about Vinnie shredding his way through an album need not worry. Vinnie plays some really cool laid back shit on this album. I think Drink Too Much is one of Vinnie's best with the band.
I'll mention it again on the next album, but Paul Raymond plays some damn tasteful and exactly what's called for keyboardwise. His playing on Who's Fooling Who is damn near perfection for the track.
I'm definitely interested in everyone's comments on this one.
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Out of the Vinnie stuff, don't remember liking this one all that much. Will spin it again though.
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Out of the Vinnie stuff, don't remember liking this one all that much. Will spin it again though.
I'm a hard rock guy, and I was hoping they'd build on You Are Here. But instead of getting heavier, they turned into the Rolling Stones. My first impression was very disappointed. I mean, you have the Strangers lineup AND Vinnie Moore. WTF is this??
But once I accept what it ain't, it's easier to accept what it is. And I find it quite enjoyable.
To me, my listening to this revolved around the three tracks I mentioned. I think Who's Fooling Who and Drink Too Much are amazing tracks.
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Out of the Vinnie stuff, don't remember liking this one all that much. Will spin it again though.
I'm a hard rock guy, and I was hoping they'd build on You Are Here. But instead of getting heavier, they turned into the Rolling Stones. My first impression was very disappointed. I mean, you have the Strangers lineup AND Vinnie Moore. WTF is this??
But once I accept what it ain't, it's easier to accept what it is. And I find it quite enjoyable.
To me, my listening to this revolved around the three tracks I mentioned. I think Who's Fooling Who and Drink Too Much are amazing tracks.
They are good tracks.
WOW is becoming a fav and Covenant growing too so this is going to be harder again to get into I feel.
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Hey that's cool. This doesn't rank with those albums by a long shot.
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Hey that's cool. This doesn't rank with those albums by a long shot.
That's what I mean.
I'll try and listen again to Monkey with an open mind though.
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Hey that's what it's all about. We're all going to like some albums more than others. I generally view the Vinnie Era as very underwhelming, unfortunately. Enjoyable, but underwhelming.
I LOVE the next album though!
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Apparently my opinion became a little reverse to TAC's about the next 2 albums ...
I must say Monkey Puzzle was a nice surprise in this listening party! In this case, a “re-listening” party.
UFO here really began to be a much more blues rock band, which frustrated me a bit... maybe this is the reason I liked less this album at the time of release.
That said, now I think this album is better than You Are Here. I think both albums have a very good and solid 45 minutes, but, for Monkey... is in fact all the album.
There’s a lot to appreciate here: Moore’s guitar work and tone are great, indeed Paul Raymond’s keyboards reappeared big time in the arrangements and the flow of the album is excellent. There’s really good ballads, like Who’s Fooling Who and Drink Too Much (this one is really excellent); it begins not so strong with Hard Being Me, but Heavenly Body and Some Other Guy are really cool and the album continues in a very good level, finishing with a very satisfying track, that remindes a lot the Schenker’s era in the chorus, Kingstom Town.
Surprising me, this album cracked the 7.5 barrier!
Coincidentally(maybe not) my fave albums from Vinnie’s era are with Pete Way :metal
Ranking:
OBSESSION (my favorite)/MECHANIX- 10+/10
FORCE IT/NO HEAVY PETTING/LIGHTS OUT/ THE WILD THE WILLING AND THE INNOCENT – 9.5
MAKING CONTACT/WALK ON WATER – 9.0
NO PLACE TO RUN/HIGH STAKES & DANGEROUS MEN/MOGG-WAY – CHOCOLATE BOX – 8.5
PHENOMENON/MOGG-WAY – EDGE OF THE WORLD/COVENANT/ THE MONKEY PUZZLE – 8.0
MISDEMEANOR/YOU ARE HERE - 7.5
AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’/?/? – 7.0
? – 6.5
SHARKS – 6.0
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Hey that's what it's all about. We're all going to like some albums more than others. I generally view the Vinnie Era as very underwhelming, unfortunately. Enjoyable, but underwhelming.
I LOVE the next album though!
Yeah, it's the pick of the bunch.
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I must say Monkey Puzzle was a nice surprise in this listening party! In this case, a “re-listening” party.
UFO here really began to be a much more blues rock band, which frustrated me a bit... maybe this is the reason I liked less this album at the time of release.
That said, now I think this album is better than You Are Here. I think both albums have a very good and solid 45 minutes, but, for Monkey... is in fact all the album.
There’s a lot to appreciate here: Moore’s guitar work and tone are great, indeed Paul Raymond’s keyboards reappeared big time in the arrangements and the flow of the album is excellent. There’s really good ballads, like Who’s Fooling Who and Drink Too Much (this one is really excellent); it begins not so strong with Hard Being Me, but Heavenly Body and Some Other Guy are really cool and the album continues in a very good level, finishing with a very satisfying track, that remindes a lot the Schenker’s era in the chorus, Kingstom Town.
Surprising me, this album cracked the 7.5 barrier!
:metal
Coincidentally(maybe not) my fave albums from Vinnie’s era are with Pete Way :metal
From reading Pete's book, he barely mentions You Are Here other to say that he fought a lot with Jason Bonham. Jason was newly sober, and Paul Raymond was also quite vocal to Pete about his issues. Pete was basically a heroin junkie at this point.
Pete also doesn't think very highly of The Monkey Puzzle. He says, "I was able to make just one more-and once again no-so-great-album with UFO: The Monkey Puzzle."
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Harsh thoughts there from Pete regarding the album. I like the honesty though.
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It's amazing the guy lived until 2020.
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It's amazing the guy lived until 2020.
I shouldn't laugh but that made me chuckle.
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Halfway through Monkey and I'm not feeling it right now. I think this is an album I would enjoy, but I need to be in the mood for something like it. I do agree that it does have a UFO goes Aerosmith vibe to it.
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Another one to revisit as I'm not sure if I've ever heard this one. Probably sampled a few songs just because Vinnie.
Still need to give the last Schenker album a spin. Doing that now.
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The Ride kicks off nicely but the singer sounds Japanese! Is he?
I'm assuming scandanavian form his name but this sounds like Vow Wow or something.
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I don't see Monkey Puzzle on Spotify.... am I doing it right?
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I don't see Monkey Puzzle on Spotify.... am I doing it right?
It’s not on Spotify. It is on YouTube though.
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Got my copy of You Are Here today and, to my surprise, it contains the bonus track. Haven't listened to it yet. Turns out that they put out 2 versions at the same time with the same barcode and catalog number. One had the bonus and the other didn't. The seller filed it under the wrong entry.
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So....an actual bonus track! :D
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Just about finished TMP now. Will post some thoughts soon.
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The Ride kicks off nicely but the singer sounds Japanese! Is he?
I'm assuming scandanavian form his name but this sounds like Vow Wow or something.
He does sound Japanese.
He's from Finland, actually.
Just about finished TMP now. Will post some thoughts soon.
:tup
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I actually enjoyed this one a lot more than I remembered. However, I don't remember it being this laid back and soft. Tim's analogy of UFO doing the Rolling Stones on some songs is on point. Most of what's on offer here I actually found quite enjoyable. Vinnie seems to find his feet more here and plays more to his natural style I believe. He adds some really amazing guitar work on a lot of these songs.
Hard Being Me was a typical opener but Heavenly Body I really liked. Great swagger and Phil sounds great here. A bit of a misrepresentation of the album though as it's gets softer but those 3 songs Tim mentions are indeed very nice. I think I don't mind this one and enjoyed it more than YAH presently because it is a bit different. I was surprised I enjoyed listening being so soft. hard to explain. It didn't blow me away, but it's nice and the production is fucking excellent.
Vinnie's guitar work especially on Drink Too Much is wonderful. It does taper off towards the end with the style but the closer was a nice tune to end with. Nothing fabulous here but a pleasent listen nevertheless. I can see though being a fan and following the band that this would have been quite disappointing at the time.
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Totally fair comments, Kade. I appreciate it.
Yes, Vinnie is great on Drink Too Much.
This album is really easy on the ears.
I did a quick album ranking and this album is in the 13-15 range.
Lyrically Phil still has it!
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I think that might have been a reason why it was okay to me this morning. Easy on the ears is a great way to put this album Tim. Feeling pretty tired and worn down this morning and there was a lot of traffic coming in so managed to sit through the whole thing, so the mood and situation fit the album nicely.
Vinnie's guitar work sends some of these songs into melodic rock/AOR territory too which I found quite interesting.
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They take this style and really build upon it for The Visitor, which is much stronger and more well rounded.
I've listened to TMP a lot this week, and like I said, it has really aged well.
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It's made me look forward even more to jump into the Visitor because that one is a good record.
It's strange, I always liked TAH and it's weird why I've gone so cold on it.
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TAH?
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YAH. Yeah, I'm a bit out of it today. :lol
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So....an actual bonus track! :D
Totally! Listening to it now and I can totally tell this has to be from a Vinnie instrumental as the whole intro made me think it was going to be. Still, a nice track and a nice bonus to an album I really am enjoying.
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So....an actual bonus track! :D
Totally! Listening to it now and I can totally tell this has to be from a Vinnie instrumental as the whole intro made me think it was going to be. Still, a nice track and a nice bonus to an album I really am enjoying.
Which songs on the album do you rate highly?
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So....an actual bonus track! :D
Totally! Listening to it now and I can totally tell this has to be from a Vinnie instrumental as the whole intro made me think it was going to be. Still, a nice track and a nice bonus to an album I really am enjoying.
Which songs on the album do you rate highly?
I would say my top 3 from the album (right now) would be Mr. Freeze, Black Cold Coffee and Call Me. That breakdown halfway through Freeze is just awesome. I know some think it's out of place or a bit much, but I love it.
And I got to say that after only one listen, Messing Up The Bed is a solid track as well. Very glad this copy showed up with that track.
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I'll have to check that bonus track. Never heard it.
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I really enjoyed Tales of Rock n Roll. Wasn't too keen on the "Japanese" singer but the album was excellent and a bit out there with the single track approach. Kudos to him for trying something a bit different at that stage of his career.
Still haven't got around to TMP yet.
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I really enjoyed Tales of Rock n Roll. Wasn't too keen on the "Japanese" singer but the album was excellent and a bit out there with the single track approach. Kudos to him for trying something a bit different at that stage of his career.
Still haven't got around to TMP yet.
Check it out. Vinnie shines a lot on this one.
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I’ll try and get to it tomorrow. Did catch a track before I left work and it was quite laid back, but sounded a good song.
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I’ll try and get to it tomorrow. Did catch a track before I left work and it was quite laid back, but sounded a good song.
The whole thing is laid back but you should enjoy it with Vinnies work here.
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Waysted-The Harsh Reality
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51CofImsgcL._SY355_.jpg)
https://open.spotify.com/album/5Ynk6ORo2FbpE7LuNIfjhh?si=KY9pmLqpRguhH0qz1wUTYw
Released 2007
Pete emerges from his UFO exodus with a new Waysted album, The Harsh Reality. The band is once again fronted by Fin on vocals.
This album is much better than 2004's Back From The Dead. Much better.
The intro to Rockin' the Cliche is the exact same on from TGTBTW's Hang 'Em High.
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I'll have to check these later Waysted albums at some point.
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This one isn't bad.
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This one isn't bad.
Solid then?
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(https://i.imgflip.com/4lwht1.jpg)
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:rollin
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Tim....I am up to 'Obsession'. I have had Tull to keep up with. And, I got a 'music box' with 10K amount of LPs. I've been busy burning discs of and listening to Aerosmith, Jackson Browne, The Dead (who I am not a fan of but they are growing on me), Little Feat (party band!), Bob Dylan (groooooaaaan but I am trying), more XTC (yea!), etc etc.
UFO reminds me of the Blue Oyster Cult, Foghat, ZZ Top and other early 70's bands I heard way back when. But, way, way....waaaaay back when I was younger and more impressionable.
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Tim....I am up to 'Obsession'. I have had Tull to keep up with. And, I got a 'music box' with 10K amount of LPs. I've been busy burning discs of and listening to Aerosmith, Jackson Browne, The Dead (who I am not a fan of but they are growing on me), Little Feat (party band!), Bob Dylan (groooooaaaan but I am trying), more XTC (yea!), etc etc.
UFO reminds me of the Blue Oyster Cult, Foghat, ZZ Top and other early 70's bands I heard way back when. But, way, way....waaaaay back when I was younger and more impressionable.
UFO is better.
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Tim....I am up to 'Obsession'. I have had Tull to keep up with. And, I got a 'music box' with 10K amount of LPs. I've been busy burning discs of and listening to Aerosmith, Jackson Browne, The Dead (who I am not a fan of but they are growing on me), Little Feat (party band!), Bob Dylan (groooooaaaan but I am trying), more XTC (yea!), etc etc.
UFO reminds me of the Blue Oyster Cult, Foghat, ZZ Top and other early 70's bands I heard way back when. But, way, way....waaaaay back when I was younger and more impressionable.
Hey I kept up with the Tull thread too! :P
Those are great bands. Those early albums with Michael Schenker are great, and he is amazing. To think he was only 23 when he left UFO. Incredible.
UFO is better.
So there's that too! :lol
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maybe I should have said UFO ARE better, not is.
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Only 3 songs into The Harsh Reality and this is more like it. Already better than Back From The Dead.
EDIT: Well, the album took a bit of a turn by the second half but I still enjoyed it. It Wasn't Me could have been a Bon Scott era AC/DC song. I really loved Song For Steve. Would love to know the story behind that. Seems to be about someone they knew.
Much better to my ears then the last record.
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Tim....I am up to 'Obsession'. I have had Tull to keep up with. And, I got a 'music box' with 10K amount of LPs. I've been busy burning discs of and listening to Aerosmith, Jackson Browne, The Dead (who I am not a fan of but they are growing on me), Little Feat (party band!), Bob Dylan (groooooaaaan but I am trying), more XTC (yea!), etc etc.
UFO reminds me of the Blue Oyster Cult, Foghat, ZZ Top and other early 70's bands I heard way back when. But, way, way....waaaaay back when I was younger and more impressionable.
UFO is better.
I agree, with the possible exception of Blue Öyster Cult, IMO. Although, they are way different and not really comparable.
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I enjoyed Monkey Puzzle - decent rock album with a couple of standouts. Just started The Visitor to get ahead of the game. Sounds like a step up from TMP.
Anyone enjoying these songs would enjoy the Red Zone Rider album Vinnie did with Kelly Keeling. Remember him from a page or two ago? :biggrin:
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Anyone enjoying these songs would enjoy the Red Zone Rider album Vinnie did with Kelly Keeling. Remember him from a page or two ago? :biggrin:
I’ll have to check that out.
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I don't know if I'm going to do a track-by-track thing for The Monkey Puzzle, because it seems like it's not that kind of album. It seems more of a vibe-y record, but I'm at "Drink Too Much" right now and I'm really digging this. A LOT.
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I don't know if I'm going to do a track-by-track thing for The Monkey Puzzle, because it seems like it's not that kind of album. It seems more of a vibe-y record, but I'm at "Drink Too Much" right now and I'm really digging this. A LOT.
:metal
That’s a great song. Yes the album has a cool vibe.
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I don't know if I'm going to do a track-by-track thing for The Monkey Puzzle, because it seems like it's not that kind of album. It seems more of a vibe-y record, but I'm at "Drink Too Much" right now and I'm really digging this. A LOT.
I really loved that track. Vinnie was awesome on it.
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Maybe I didn't hear very much those albums, but I sincerely think The Harsh Reality is at a very close level of Vices and the Waysted EP. Cool albums to hear once in a while, if you are a Waysted fan. Differently of Back from the Dead, that it's a bit boring and skippable.
About The Monkey Puzzle (edited: Business :facepalm:), like some of you has said, being "easy to ears" and its excellent flow really makes the album better than the sum of its parts. It's different for UFO, an album really in the middle of pop and blues rock. I really think it deserves a solid 8/10 and to me it's my favorite to listen from Moore's era.
And, yes, Drink Too Much is very beautiful, what a guitar work!
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Yeah, I made it through TMP twice, and I'm going to pick that up. That's a big thing, because I've largely written off the Vinnie Moore era.
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You guys should really enjoy the next one then.
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I'll comment a bit more on that, but I think The Visitor indeed is a good and very consistent album. I just don't like much that it's a bit too much on the blues rock side for my taste.
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Maybe I didn't hear very much those albums, but I sincerely think The Harsh Reality is at a very close level of Vices and the Waysted EP. Cool albums to hear once in a while, if you are a Waysted fan. Differently of Back from the Dead, that it's a bit boring and skippable.
It's not on par with the EP or TGTBTW, but it's really not that bad. Big improvement from Back From The Dead.
About The Monkey Puzzle (edited: Business :facepalm:), like some of you has said, being "easy to ears" and its excellent flow really makes the album better than the sum of its parts. It's different for UFO, an album really in the middle of pop and blues rock. I really think it deserves a solid 8/10 and to me it's my favorite to listen from Moore's era.
And, yes, Drink Too Much is very beautiful, what a guitar work!
Cool, man!
Yeah, I made it through TMP twice, and I'm going to pick that up. That's a big thing, because I've largely written off the Vinnie Moore era.
That's awesome Bill! 15%!!
Yeah, I thought you might like it, and the next one should be a keeper too.
Did we lose Podaar with You Are Here?
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In The Midst Of Beauty
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71MO7Y9rKtL._SL1425_.jpg)(https://tshirtslayer.com/files-tshirt/styles/shirtviewbottom/public/user-7304/67298fb6eca8772d049ad8264933ab90_0.jpg)
https://open.spotify.com/album/0WTpY7y67AB38LizoYUMqu?si=bfm39CixRMKXgbS_MWpzjQ
Released May 13, 2008
1. City Lights
2. Competition
3. I Want You
4. End Of The Line
5. Summerdays
6. A Night To Remember
7. Wings Of Emotion
8. Come Closer
9. The Cross Of Crosses
10. Na Na
11. I Am The One
12. Ride On My Way
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Gary Barden-Vocals
Neil Murray-Bass
Simon Phillips-Drums
Don Airey-Keyboards
Michael's plan for In The Midst Of Beauty was to to assemble the recording band from his first solo album. Mo Foster would not be available, so Neil Murray sat in.
I remember being very disappointed with this. I had extremely high hopes. I was highly anticipating the return of Gary Barden. Unfortunately, his performance is an absolute snorefest. The choruses are so ..dead.
The songs, for the most part are fairly lame too. But there are a couple of bright Schenker spots..
End Of The Line is pretty decent, and Michael shines on it.
Nice playing by Michael on Wings Of Emotion.
Cross Of Crosses is really nice too.
30th Anniversary Concert
(https://tshirtslayer.com/files-tshirt/styles/shirtviewbottom/public/user-7304/41cc80511f93791b840a785a84496a62.jpg)(https://pixhost.icu/avaxhome/ac/45/004545ac_medium.jpg)
https://open.spotify.com/album/4HRaIjgCDemTxiAQ6Gu6I4?si=3QWAuqo1RaK5c2eohDTwQg
Recorded January 13, 2010 Nakano Sun Plaza, Tokyo
Released October 19, 2010
Disc 1 Disc 2
1. Welcome Howl 1. Lost Horizons
2. Feels Like A Good Thing 2. Rock My Nights Away
3. Cry For The Nations 3. On And On
4. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie 4. Attack Of The Mad Axeman
5. Armed And Ready 5. Ride On My Way
6. Victim Of Illusion 6. Rock Bottom
7. Are You Ready To Rock 7. Dance Lady Gypsy
8. I Want You 8. Doctor Doctor
9. Night To Remember .
10. Into The Arena .
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Gary Barden-Vocals
Neil Murray-Bass
Simon Phillips-Drums
Wayne Findlay-Keyboards/Guitar
Really great live album mostly featuring songs from the first two Barden Era albums. And while Gary Barden is far from perfect, he's way more enjoyable than on In The Midst Of Beauty. At least his vocals here have energy.
Here is the video:
https://youtu.be/gv8JojRo8KI?t=19
It's great to see Simon Phillips in action. I realize this isn't the most difficult material he's ever played, but he's really great on this.
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I passed on picking this one up on the weekend cause Barden was on it. I'll try and give it a spin though.
I've watched a few songs from the vid, it's very enjoyable.
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I passed on picking this one up on the weekend cause Barden was on it. I'll try and give it a spin though.
I've watched a few songs from the vid, it's very enjoyable.
The live show is good, and Barden is fine. Flawed, but fine. The vocals on the album are so lame. Just check the songs I listed.
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I passed on picking this one up on the weekend cause Barden was on it. I'll try and give it a spin though.
I've watched a few songs from the vid, it's very enjoyable.
The live show is good, and Barden is fine. Flawed, but fine. The vocals on the album are so lame. Just check the songs I listed.
Yeah I will mate.
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I have listened to the first 8 or 9 songs on Tales of Rock and Roll. I enjoyed it and like the singer, but all the songs seemed to have the same tempo. I will check out the remaining songs when I can.
I have Monkey Puzzle on my IPod but don't remember a thing about it. Will listen tomorrow.
I bought In the Midst of Beauty when it was released and agree with it being a big disappointment. The songs are just weak.
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The Monkey Puzzle was a pleasant surprise, sounding excellent to my ears. Good foot-tapping tunes in a variety of styles and some of Vinnie's best playing yet. I'd go so far as to say that some of it rivals Schenker at his best. Killer tone too (there's that bridge pickup)!
I'm going to have to be a contrarian with regards to Tales of Rock and Roll. I only got as far as a handful of songs into it. These post-Unforgiven albums haven't really made an impression on me. Not a fan of my fellow countryman's vocals here tbh. Sure he can hit a high note, but there's not much to hang on to besides that. Maybe he was too young and inexperienced at this point to emote convincingly. To me it's your typical dime a dozen wailer. I'm much more a fan of the soulful swedes Michael has worked with.
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I listened to those 3 songs Tim mention with this album. Damn, they were pretty average. Barden sounds so fucking ordinary too.
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I have listened to the first 8 or 9 songs on Tales of Rock and Roll. I enjoyed it and like the singer, but all the songs seemed to have the same tempo. I will check out the remaining songs when I can.
Yeah there's some truth in that. I had the same issue with Dreams And Expressions. But even with that, I feel like Michael is playing some great tasty licks throughout.
The Monkey Puzzle was a pleasant surprise, sounding excellent to my ears. Good foot-tapping tunes in a variety of styles and some of Vinnie's best playing yet. I'd go so far as to say that some of it rivals Schenker at his best. Killer tone too (there's that bridge pickup)!
Awesome!!
I listened to those 3 songs Tim mention with this album. Damn, they were pretty average. Barden sounds so fucking ordinary too.
I tried. :lol
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I need to re-listen to In the Midst of Beauty to have a better opinion, but, from what I remember, I liked the songs of the album, but Gary's vocals are just there, without any excitement, which drags the songs down. Also the album is a bit more lighter for usual riffage from Schenker, but I didn't think it as a problem.
I have the blu-ray of 30th Anniversary and I totally love that show! The sound, footage, band's performance and song's selection are great and Gary's is OK there.
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I need to re-listen to In the Midst of Beauty to have a better opinion, but, from what I remember, I liked the songs of the album, but Gary's vocals are just there, without any excitement, which drags the songs down. Also the album is a bit more lighter for usual riffage from Schenker, but I didn't think it as a problem.
I have the blu-ray of 30th Anniversary and I totally love that show! The sound, footage, band's performance and song's selection are great and Gary's is OK there.
Yeah, the songs being a but lighter doesn't help.
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Well, I'm listening to the album right now and, sorry, despite Barden, I'm liking it A LOT! :metal :coolio
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Well, I'm listening to the album right now and, sorry, despite Barden, I'm liking it A LOT! :metal :coolio
Since I've gotten a taste of what's to come, I'll have to come back to this album at a later stage, but good to see it's getting some love.
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Well, I'm listening to the album right now and, sorry, despite Barden, I'm liking it A LOT! :metal :coolio
Awesome!! :metal
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Never heard ITMOB so going to have a listen Now. Expectations are low because even Barden on fire is poor. His voice (what it was) will be ageing by this time.
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Couple of songs in - I admit I almost gave up a minute into the first track I heard as the Barden vocal was annoyingly insipid. I stuck with it and I Want You was next which was awesome, and Barden's voice fit it ok.
I can see what Tim was saying. He's clearly singing well within himself because his voice has gone. Metal crooning? But there are some good songs here. Should have got a better singer though.
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Metal crooning I think is a great description Paul.
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I listened to ITMOB again yesterday, twice, and it was better than I remembered it to be. I think some of you (all of you!) are being a little harsh on Gary on that. It's to MSG what i think Monkey Puzzle is to UFO. It's a different, more of a mood, record. I think some songs are better than others, and TAC nailed the best songs, but I would put that on and listen to it again. It's definitely not a "stand on your seat, light your lighter and scream for me, Long Beach!" metal record, but it's better than some of the critiques here, IMO.
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I listened to ITMOB again yesterday, twice, and it was better than I remembered it to be. I think some of you (all of you!) are being a little harsh on Gary on that. It's to MSG what i think Monkey Puzzle is to UFO. It's a different, more of a mood, record. I think some songs are better than others, and TAC nailed the best songs, but I would put that on and listen to it again. It's definitely not a "stand on your seat, light your lighter and scream for me, Long Beach!" metal record, but it's better than some of the critiques here, IMO.
Jesus.
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I don't follow... he said End Of The Line is pretty decent, nice playing by Michael on Wings Of Emotion, and Cross Of Crosses is really nice too. I think those are the three best tunes on there.
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I listened to ITMOB again yesterday, twice, and it was better than I remembered it to be. I think some of you (all of you!) are being a little harsh on Gary on that. It's to MSG what i think Monkey Puzzle is to UFO.
Hmm. . I think you're being a little harsh to The Monkey Puzzle. ;D
To me it just doesn't have the highs that TMP has. And my beef isn't with Barden per se. It's just that there's no life in them, especially the choruses. It's like there were no chances taken. I'd rather hear him stretch a little. At least you could kind of chalk it up to personality and character. The vocals have no personality whatsoever.
I did a quick UFO album rankings the other night, and I have TMP in the 15-16 (out of 24) range. I haven't done a Schenker discog, but not incliding the acoustic Thank You albums, Midst is in the Bottom 5 easy.
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I don't follow... he said End Of The Line is pretty decent, nice playing by Michael on Wings Of Emotion, and Cross Of Crosses is really nice too. I think those are the three best tunes on there.
Sorry Bill. I meant, you backing up that those three tracks are by far the best gives me not much motivation for checking out the full thing. I thought those songs were meh so knowing they are the best is not comforting.
I will check it though.
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I don't follow... he said End Of The Line is pretty decent, nice playing by Michael on Wings Of Emotion, and Cross Of Crosses is really nice too. I think those are the three best tunes on there.
Sorry Bill. I meant, you backing up that those three tracks are by far the best gives me not much motivation for checking out the full thing. I thought those songs were meh so knowing they are the best is not comforting.
I will check it though.
Well, Tim is right; there's nothing dangerous, nothing soaring, nothing "WHOA!" about it. But it's solid. I have to be honest; if you thought those three were "meh", I don't see you loving the rest. Even if you think there are songs that are better, it's basically an AC/DC album, in that there's not a lot of "high" and "low"; it's pretty consistent.
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I'm going to make an AC/DC reference on the next UFO album! Stay Tuned...
Did You Are Here scare Podaar off? He must be busy this week. I think he'd like these two albums a lot more than You Are Here.
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I don't follow... he said End Of The Line is pretty decent, nice playing by Michael on Wings Of Emotion, and Cross Of Crosses is really nice too. I think those are the three best tunes on there.
Sorry Bill. I meant, you backing up that those three tracks are by far the best gives me not much motivation for checking out the full thing. I thought those songs were meh so knowing they are the best is not comforting.
I will check it though.
Well, Tim is right; there's nothing dangerous, nothing soaring, nothing "WHOA!" about it. But it's solid. I have to be honest; if you thought those three were "meh", I don't see you loving the rest. Even if you think there are songs that are better, it's basically an AC/DC album, in that there's not a lot of "high" and "low"; it's pretty consistent.
Hence my 'Jesus' comment.
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I'm going to make an AC/DC reference on the next UFO album! Stay Tuned...
I'm on the edge of my seat.
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I'm going to make an AC/DC reference on the next UFO album! Stay Tuned...
I'm on the edge of my seat.
Nah, it's nothing major. It's just one of the songs has a total AC/DC styled intro.
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... I haven't done a Schenker discog, but not incliding the acoustic Thank You albums, Midst is in the Bottom 5 easy.
I didn' make any ranking of Michael Schenker solo discography, but, besides the first four plus Adventures of Imagination, that to me are clearly above all the rest, my ranking would be more or less separated in these groups of albums:
1) The first 4 + Adventures;
2) Written in the Sand/The Unforgiven/In The Midst Of Beauty(yeah, it's here! :biggrin:)/Bridge The Gap/Spirit On A Mission
3) Ressurection/Revelation
Above are the albums that I truly like as a whole.
4) Be Aware Of Scorpions/Dreams and Expressions/Arachnophobiac/Tales Of Rock 'n' Roll/Temple Of Rock. All those albums have something really good and interesting to offer, but I have trouble to fully appreciate them. About Dreams... and Tales... I agree with the similarity that TAC pointed out in the way the albums are structured. Although both have a lot of great riffs, they seem to me that they wanted to sound like one long song, but, in the end, they sound like many short songs that ends abruptly and are very similar with one another. And, in the Tales's case, the variety of singers makes it a bit confusing ou unsettling to hear (differently on Michael Schenker Fest albums).
5) McAuley Schenker albums. I think those are the albums that I don't like (the first) or care (the other two). But, even those albums have many songs that I truly like.
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I'm going to make an AC/DC reference on the next UFO album! Stay Tuned...
I'm on the edge of my seat.
Nah, it's nothing major. It's just one of the songs has a total AC/DC styled intro.
Pretty sure I know which one.
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I won't have my copies of the 2 Schenker records until sometime next week. Checked the tracking and the USPS is up to shenanigans again. Shipped from Louisville and needs to come West of Chicago. Where did they go? The opposite direction to north of Pittsburgh?!?!?!?!?!?!? I frequently buy from this seller and nothing has ever gone that direction from them before.
Here's to hoping this isn't like my last purchase from Florida. That one spent at least a week and a half traversing the entire East Coast. Played pinball between 2 different locations that just kept sending it back and forth between them before finally making its way West. First time I ever had a seller reach out and mention how confused he was with its travel.
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Didn't you tell then you needed them because there was a listening party going on?
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Didn't think I had to. Stuff from this seller usually comes quick.
Well, just checked again and it arrived in Chicago this evening. Problem here is, anything that goes through that location has, on many occasions, taken up to 10 days to travel the 60 miles it needs to get here.
I finally try to play in the MSG pool and this happens. Of course, I do get violently ill when I eat anything with MSG. Does not agree with me, but that's probably different from the band.
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I won't have my copies of the 2 Schenker records until sometime next week. Checked the tracking and the USPS is up to shenanigans again. Shipped from Louisville and needs to come West of Chicago. Where did they go? The opposite direction to north of Pittsburgh?!?!?!?!?!?!? I frequently buy from this seller and nothing has ever gone that direction from them before.
Here's to hoping this isn't like my last purchase from Florida. That one spent at least a week and a half traversing the entire East Coast. Played pinball between 2 different locations that just kept sending it back and forth between them before finally making its way West. First time I ever had a seller reach out and mention how confused he was with its travel.
Which 2 albums?
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Tales and In The Midst of Beauty.
I was one of the ones that actually was liking what I heard when checking out Midst. I could end up very wrong, but I went back and listened to the samples again and didn't feel any different. Still looking forward to both (whenever they actually arrive).
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Tales and In The Midst of Beauty.
I was one of the ones that actually was liking what I heard when checking out Midst. I could end up very wrong, but I went back and listened to the samples again and didn't feel any different. Still looking forward to both (whenever they actually arrive).
Very interested in thoughts on the next one.
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Sorry for petering out on this thread, Tim. When I get a hankering to explore these later albums, I'll come back and read about them.
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I thought Midst had some good songs. Put McAuley on them and we’d be talking.
It was certainly meant to hark back to the early stuff but the phoned in vocals held it back. I still enjoyed it though, after the first minute or two when I almost bailed.
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Sorry for petering out on this thread, Tim. When I get a hankering to explore these later albums, I'll come back and read about them.
OK, thank you for your participation along the way. It's a long journey for sure.
I know you weren't impressed with You Are Here, but that's not really representative of the albums that follow up. As you've read here, The Monkey Puzzle is quite different, even a bit mellow.
But do me a favor, at least stick around for The Visitor. I'll be posting that tomorrow. It's easily the best album of the bunch. I have it as a Top 10 UFO album.
The two that follow that are definitely not as good IMO.
While you stated you weren't a fan of the shredding, Vinnie's playing over these albums is really anything but. In fact, I listen and I'm thinking "Let's go Vinnie kick it up a notch!". Seven Deadly is actually quite bluesy.
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Didn't think I had to. Stuff from this seller usually comes quick.
Well, just checked again and it arrived in Chicago this evening. Problem here is, anything that goes through that location has, on many occasions, taken up to 10 days to travel the 60 miles it needs to get here.
I finally try to play in the MSG pool and this happens. Of course, I do get violently ill when I eat anything with MSG. Does not agree with me, but that's probably different from the band.
You never know; Robin McAuley doesn't agree with me too much.... :) :) :)
By the way, I don't think it's your seller; USPS is just whack. I have some watch batteries and a set of spark plug cables coming for my truck and you'd think they were coming from Nepal for the time it's taken them. I'm in CT and both are coming from NY and it's been over a week. :tdwn.
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Speaking of McAuley, I really did not like what I heard on the sample from Tales. I know everybody raves about him, but if that is indicative of how he sounds, then I'm not that interested. Did not like his voice at all.
I have at the very least checked out stuff from most of the Schenker albums that have come through this thread. I bolted on most because I did not like whomever the singer was on that given album. For some reason, I never bothered to even check the McAuley albums. After hearing his voice on Tales, it seems like the right call. Just not my style.
And I know it's not my seller. The USPS has been awful all summer and seems to only be getting worse.
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The Visitor
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a0/Ufo-the-visitor-2009-cd.jpg/220px-Ufo-the-visitor-2009-cd.jpg)(https://www.music-bazaar.com/album-images/vol3/212/212463/1450565-big/The-Visitor-2-picture.jpg)
The Visitor (2009) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzItPDYUurg&list=PL5DequlFKZFdPCNbcDZD8gpxQ1gJM0zAR)
Released June 2, 2009
1. Saving Me
2. On The Waterfront
3. Hell Driver
4. Stop Breaking Down
5. Rock Ready
6. Living Proof
7. Can't Buy A Thrill
8. Forsaken
9. Villains & Thieves
10. Stranger In Town
Phil Mogg-Vocals
Vinnie Moore-Guitar
Andy Parker-Drums
Paul Raymond-Keyboards/Guitar
Peter Pichl-Bass
I consider The Visitor a Top 10 UFO album. To me, it's easily the class of the Vinnie Moore Era.
The band is listed as a four piece, as the they left the door open for a Pete Way return. Sadly, he never did. A session bass player was used for the album.
So many great tunes on this.
Stop Breaking Down has a cool AC/DC styled intro.
Can't Buy A Thrill reminds me of the Mechanix Era.
I mention that UFO turned into a heavy Rolling Stones, and when you hear the intro to Forsaken, you'll know why.
The last two tracks, for some reason, didn't make my Best Of Vinnie Compilation I did a number of years ago, but I think they are two of the best songs on the album.
Villains & Thieves has a great Vinnie chugga-rootin' tootin'-chugga chugga intro. And Stranger In Town is an amazing album closer. Great Phil lyrics, as always. Phil's lyrics, I general, during the Vinnie Era are really interesting.
I also want to say that Paul Raymond is fantastic on this album, especially on Stranger In Town
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Although this album is the more blues rock of all from the Vinnie’s era (at least, that’s how I hear it), I appreciate it a lot. The songs are really well done. The album is a bit more shorter, but it helps to have the consistency of Monkey Puzzle. Saving Me, Forsaken, Villains & Thieves and Stranger in Town are among my favorites and Helll Driver and Stop Breaking Down are the ones that I love most from this album. Like in Monkey Puzzle, Paul Raymond is also excellent in this album.
About the tour, it was the only time I saw UFO live!!! It was their first time in Brazil… well, better late than never! I saw them on Bolshoi, Goiânia/GO. At the time I was living in Brasília, only a 3 hour car trip to Goiânia, so, I had to be there! It was totally worth, great performance and amazing setlist – a lot like Strangers... but, hey, I had never seen them live, so, it was immensely cool!
https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/ufo/2010/bolshoi-pub-goiania-brazil-63d8ea67.html
The place is a pub, so it was nice to see them really near. It’s not my footage (unfortunately I didn’t even take any picture), but this video suceeds to show the atmosphere of that night:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsXrLg6hPFQ
RANKING:
OBSESSION (my favorite)/MECHANIX- 10+/10
FORCE IT/NO HEAVY PETTING/LIGHTS OUT/ THE WILD THE WILLING AND THE INNOCENT – 9.5
MAKING CONTACT/WALK ON WATER – 9.0
NO PLACE TO RUN/HIGH STAKES & DANGEROUS MEN/MOGG-WAY – CHOCOLATE BOX – 8.5
PHENOMENON/MOGG-WAY – EDGE OF THE WORLD/COVENANT/ THE MONKEY PUZZLE – 8.0
MISDEMEANOR/YOU ARE HERE/THE VISITOR - 7.5
AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’/? – 7.0
? – 6.5
SHARKS – 6.0
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I see that Rob Deluca played bass on that leg of the tour.
I would see them on this tour too. On the US leg, Barry Sparks was the bassist.
I saw the show in Foxboro, MA.
https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/ufo/2011/showcase-live-foxborough-ma-4bd3e702.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Z5jtbZZ-Uc
Unfortunately, they were running late so they scrapped Rock Bottom. But they did open with The Wild The Willing And The Innocent, and they played I'm A Loser and Try Me. Plus it was the first time seeing Andy Parker live.
I had my old phone, so my pics aren't great..
(https://i.imgur.com/CIQLiVu.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/19TATw0.jpg)
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Like in Monkey Puzzle, Paul Raymond is also excellent in this album.
RANKING:
THE VISITOR - 7.5
Yes, Paul Raymond is great, but that rating is too low.
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Unfortunately, they were running late so they scrapped Rock Bottom. But they did open with The Wild The Willing And The Innocent, and they played I'm A Loser and Try Me.
Really GREAT aditions to the setlist!
I know I don't like The Visitor as much as you, but that 7.5 grade has much more to do with comparing to the other UFO albums. It happens that I like more the others above this grade. But it just really shows how strong is the UFO discography to me. :tup
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:tup
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I said in my last post that I have Monkey Puzzle on my IPod. Turns out I was wrong on that - it is The Visitor that is on my IPod. Phil's voice sounds a bit tired on this album. There were a few songs that stood out for me. I don’t recall the song titles but will listen again this week, since you think so highly of this one, TAC.
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I forgot to mention Phil's voice. Thank you for reminding me...
It does sound like he's being recorded in a bathroom stall. But he has definitely adapted to his "old man voice". I still think it's cool though, especially when you combine it with his "out there" lyrics.
But try and find The Monkey Puzzle. It's worth a listen.
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Eh, I'm not feeling the Vinnie era outside of You Are Here. Couldn't even finish The Visitor. I don't know if it's one of those things where I am not in the mind-space to hear this or what. It's just not clicking at all. I will say that On The Waterfront was hot garbage. Just did not like that song. The rest that I listened to were okay. Not terrible, but not really memorable in any way to me.
I will attempt this one again later, along with Monkey. Just not sure when.
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I'll add some thoughts to try and bulk up as it seems most are not feeling the Vinnie stuff.
Saving Me: This is a great opener. Pretty classic UFO this one and the chorus is really nice. Has a nice atmosphere and the song breathes well. It's not a mindblowing song or anything but it's a nice opener. Vinnie's lead tone here and I like the key change into the solo. He rips here too.
On the Waterfront: Yeah, this is not really my style, but I like hearing Phil in this sort of style. I understand what you guys mean with the vocal recording, but I never really had an issue with it or thought anything negative of them really. It's passable because it's under 4 minutes long. I do like the up tempo section after Vinnie's solo though.
Hell Driver: This one rocks nicely. Great groove here and simple riff but it's a bit of an earworm. That 'baby, please come home' section is pure Schenker UFO style, great, great melodies here. Typical solo, but it's most welcome.
Stop Breaking Down: One of my favs from the Vinnie era. Love the more minor melodic vibe of this one. Vinnie's playing is damn fine here. Love the key change into the verses, great tension. Excellent chorus, and I love Vinnie's Schenker like playing in the chorus. The solo is unbelievable. That phrase at 3:02 is beautiful. His climbs up the next section is great. And surprisingly, his flurries at 3:24 work so damn well. Love this one.
Rock Ready: If there's one thing I really don't like, is slide guitar, in this style anyway. This is a bit of a miss, but the chorus is cool enough and has a classic UFO vibe. I even get maybe a No Heavy Petting vibe in the solo too. Luckily it's only 3 minutes.
Living Proof: A bit funky this one. Not really feeling Phil's vocals in the verses, seems contrived but when he picks it up half way through, that's really nice. The phone booth recording actually is very prominent here. The more this goes on though, I quite like it. Vinnie's fills are nice. The slide works quite nicely here and Vinnie's tone is warm and works well. Not a bad tune this one.
Can't Buy A Thrill: Another fav of mine from this era. Similar style as Stop Breaking Down but this is the style Vinnie shines on for me. Moody, a bit dark and brooding and I love Phil here. I like the call and answer type thing from Phil and Vinnie too, a bit classic UFO. Great chorus here. The chord progression in the solo is dark and Vinnie plays it nice. Just a really excellent tune this one. Phil's melodies in the chorus are great and memorable.
Forsaken: This is fine for the style, but not really my thing. Phil's voice makes it listenable though. Strong Guthrie Govan vibe in the solo though.
Villains and Thieves: Nice tune this one. It has a nice mix of something a little heavier but still the bluesy style the band are going for. Great heavy riff before the solo and Vinnie sounds great here again. The chorus gives me an old school UFO vibe too. Nice one.
Stranger in Town: Great closer this one. The chorus on this one is really strong, and one of the strongest on the album I think. Vinnie's melody after the chorus is brilliant. Love the structure on this one. A bit more hard rocking in the middle with this one. That lick at 2:30, holy shit that's nice. Great mid section. I forgot how good this one was. Definitely rejig your compilation Tim to include this one for sure.
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Awesome Kade! Thank you for writing.
I knew you'd pick up on the uptempo change in On The Waterfront. That's a cool transition.
Yes, Stranger In Town is a great song. That chorus is amazing. I love the ending with those Paul Raymond flurries.
I'm totally with you on Stop Breaking Down and Can't Buy A Thrill. Great songs!
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Those 2 songs stack up against anything from their catalog to a degree.
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I rate the album pretty high.
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I rate the album pretty high.
Yeah, it's a nice one indeed. Even the style which is not my cup of tea I can enjoy here.
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The Visitor
Phil Mogg-Vocals
Vinnie Moore-Guitar
Andy Parker-Drums
Paul Raymond-Keyboards/Guitar
Peter Pichl-Bass
Peter Pickle? Is that a joke? This isn't like Billy Sheehan or someone like that that can't disclose their real name for contractual reasons, is it?
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:lol No I don't think so..
He's an actual bass player.
https://www.allmusic.com/artist/peter-pichl-mn0000416664
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Best of the Vinnie era I would say. The "old Phil" voice is well suited to this stuff and Vinnie plays well, trying to infuse some personality into the tired old blues cliches. He pretty much succeeds, but it's not what I want to hear Vinnie doing really. Id' have loved him to form a prog metal band back in the early 90s when he was in fusion mode. Something in the vein of Images & Words could have been made.
Still, it's a good album and the one from the Vinnie era I'm likely to go back to.
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Best of the Vinnie era I would say. The "old Phil" voice is well suited to this stuff and Vinnie plays well, trying to infuse some personality into the tired old blues cliches.
Yes, I agree..
He pretty much succeeds, but it's not what I want to hear Vinnie doing really.
I totally get that.
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I'm listening to the next UFO album, and I feel like I'm having a mini epiphany.
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I'm listening to the next UFO album, and I feel like I'm having a mini epiphany.
Wonderland. :metal
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I'm listening to the next UFO album, and I feel like I'm having a mini epiphany.
Wonderland. :metal
:metal
One of their heaviest songs!
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I'm listening to the next UFO album, and I feel like I'm having a mini epiphany.
Wonderland. :metal
:metal
One of their heaviest songs!
You piqued my interest with “heaviest songs”
Yeah, pretty good :tup
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I'm listening to the next UFO album, and I feel like I'm having a mini epiphany.
Wonderland. :metal
:metal
One of their heaviest songs!
:metal
Sorry, shouldn't be jumping ahead.
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Got my MSG albums today. Going to try to listen to at least Tales tonight, hopefully.
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Got my MSG albums today. Going to try to listen to at least Tales tonight, hopefully.
:metal
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I'm listening to the next UFO album, and I feel like I'm having a mini epiphany.
Re-listening to this album, the only mini epiphany that I had was... it IS better than Sharks!
But... in my ranking:
.
.
.
SHARKS – 6.0
;D
Wonderland IS great! :heart
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Got my MSG albums today. Going to try to listen to at least Tales tonight, hopefully.
:metal
(https://media.makeameme.org/created/ka-ching.jpg)
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Today would've been Paul Raymond's 75th birthday.
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/16/15/4a/16154ad36fdaa521251b1299231e5841.jpg)
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:metal :metal
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:metal
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If Paul was never responsible for the classics, he always brought a nice, different flavor to UFO’s sound. According to Wikipedia, the songs that he wrote/co-wrote (a lot of them between my favorites hidden gems...much respect):
Just another suicide
Aint no Baby
Looking out for n.1
Looking out for n. 1(reprise)
You don't fool me
Born to lose
Take it or leave it
Dream the dream
The spark that is us
Sympathy
Black and blue
Kingstom town
On the waterfront
Forsaken
Villains & Thieves
Fight night
Year of the gun
The fear
The real deal
King of the hill
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My understanding is that he had to forgo some writing credits due to a prior publishing contract. Apparently One More For The Rodeo is also a Paul Paymond track.
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Got my MSG albums today. Going to try to listen to at least Tales tonight, hopefully.
:metal
Good lord. Just finished Tales. I almost say I need a cigarette, if I smoked. 57 minutes of non-stop rock. Way too much to absorb with one listen, but yeah, this is a keeper. I need a nap after that.
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Got my MSG albums today. Going to try to listen to at least Tales tonight, hopefully.
:metal
Good lord. Just finished Tales. I almost say I need a cigarette, if I smoked. 57 minutes of non-stop rock. Way too much to absorb with one listen, but yeah, this is a keeper. I need a nap after that.
:metal Even for me, the whole thing is an exhausting listen. In a good way though.
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:metal :metal
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Temple Of Rock
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3a/MichaelSchenker-TempleOfRock.jpg)(https://cover.box3.net/newsimg/dvdmov/max1319721316-back-cover.jpg)
Released November 11, 2011
1. Intro
2. How Long
3. Fallen Angel
4. Hangin' On
5. The End Of An Era
6. Miss Claustrophobia
7. With You
8. Before The Devil Knows You're Dead
9. Storming In
10. Scene Of Crime
11. Saturday Night
12. Lover's Sinfony
13. Speed
14. How Long
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Michael Voss-Vocals
Pete Way-Bass
Herman Rarebell-Drums
Wayne Findlay-Keyboards
Additional musicians
Vocals
William Shatner - spoken word on track 1
Robin McAuley - track 12
Doogie White - track 8
Guitars
Rudolf Schenker - tracks 4, 7
Michael Amott - track 14
Leslie West - track 14
Keyboards
Don Airey - track 5
Paul Raymond - tracks 4, 7
Bass
Chris Glen - tracks 9, 13
Neil Murray - tracks 2, 14
Elliott Dean Rubinson - tracks 4, 8, 15
Drums
Carmine Appice - tracks 5, 15
Simon Phillips - tracks 2, 14
Chris Slade - tracks 9, 13
Brian Tichy - track 8
Michael Schenker's Temple Of Rock began as Schenker, Pete Way, Herman Rarebell, and German singer Michael Voss joined together in a project called Strangers In The Night. They even had a song and video, which I posted here years ago when it came out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4C4kWDLzHLE
Even though the song was weak, and the video was creepy, I was excited for this album.
Honestly, this album blows.
One of the best songs, When The Devil Knows You're Dead, is sung by Doogie White. It was a sign of things to come.
Unfortunately there's no full album link on Spotify or Youtube. That's fine, it's for informational purposes anyway.
But do check out the live album!
Live In Europe
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51ceMCvjdUL.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51D7oJJNvPL.jpg)
Into The Arena
Armed And Ready
Lovedrive
Another Piece Of Meat
Hanging On
Cry For The Nations
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
Coast To Coast
Assault Attack
Before The Devil Knows You're Dead
Lights Out
On And On
Let It Roll
Shoot Shoot
Rock You Like A Hurricane
Rock Bottom
Holiday
Blackout
Doctor Doctor
The band would tour with Doogie White handling vocals. Michael Voss did participate, but it's pretty much all Doogie. The live band not includes Rarebell, but also former Scorps bassist Francis Buchholz. As you can see, they also run through some Scorps classics.
This is a great album.
Here is the footage:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2iF3MKfCgE
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If Tim says an MSG album blows, that’s end of story for that album lol. Tried watching that video and turned it off a minute in
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Oh yeah, but I linked the live album video too, and that is excellent!
The next Temple Of Rock album, however, is one of Schenker's best.
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That’s a great set list
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I will check that studio album but I purchased the live DVD a few weeks back and it's fucking awesome. Great performance and setlist and just an enjoyable show. I have the CD on the way also. Do check out this live release.
This also makes me want to go back and check out Lovedrive as all songs represented here kick ass.
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I have Temple of Rock on my IPod. Haven't listened to it in years, but I don’t remember it being in
“it blows” territory :lol
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I have Temple of Rock on my IPod. Haven't listened to it in years, but I don’t remember it being in
“it blows” territory :lol
I'll be the judge of that.
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(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/76/ee/15/76ee1510a0f78fe8bb28991808b86933.jpg)
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:lol
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:lol
Now you have to listen to it just to confirm whether it really does blow :lol
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I just realized the Strangers Deluxe set is released this Friday. Just checked Amazon and it still shows that they are have no idea on the delivery date. This scares me a bit. It has one of those 'goes into back-order on release day with no telling on when/if you'll ever get it from them' kind of thing. I realize it is an import, but I figured they'd have it together by now.
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Just finished In The Midst Of Beauty. I really enjoyed it. I actually appreciated Barden for staying within himself and not straining. I really had no issues with his performance and found the whole record really enjoyable. Another solid purchase for me.
I know I am in the minority with that.
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Just finished In The Midst Of Beauty. I really enjoyed it. I actually appreciated Barden for staying within himself and not straining. I really had no issues with his performance and found the whole record really enjoyable. Another solid purchase for me.
I know I am in the minority with that.
I'll try and get to it when I check Temple of Rock too.
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This also makes me want to go back and check out Lovedrive as all songs represented here kick ass.
Love Drive and Animal Magnetism are the only two Scorpion albums I still occasionally listen to. Great records...just don't pay attention to the lyrics.
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Just finished In The Midst Of Beauty. I really enjoyed it. I actually appreciated Barden for staying within himself and not straining. I really had no issues with his performance and found the whole record really enjoyable. Another solid purchase for me.
I know I am in the minority with that.
Well, I'm with you on that. I'm not looking for vocal histrionics, and that album is a good listen.
Compare that to the "Saturday Night" video that Tim linked to... Ugh. The song is AWESOME.... for the 12 seconds that Michael is soloing, but the fake cheering in the back ,and the vocals.... I can't imagine bagging on Gary Barden and liking some of the lesser known singers that Michael has used in his career. I'll take Gary under water over Michael Voss.
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Then don’t bother with the Temple Of Rock album.
As soon as Stadler posts on The Visitor, we will move on.
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Then don’t bother with the Temple Of Rock album.
As soon as Stadler posts on The Visitor, we will move on.
Soon; no wonder these guys make no money. The distribution on some of these albums is abysmal. They only sold 1,000 copies, because they only distributed 1,000 copies. :)
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Then don’t bother with the Temple Of Rock album.
As soon as Stadler posts on The Visitor, we will move on.
Soon; no wonder these guys make no money. The distribution on some of these albums is abysmal. They only sold 1,000 copies, because they only distributed 1,000 copies. :)
Really? I find that interesting. Would that not be a record company thing?
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Then don’t bother with the Temple Of Rock album.
As soon as Stadler posts on The Visitor, we will move on.
Soon; no wonder these guys make no money. The distribution on some of these albums is abysmal. They only sold 1,000 copies, because they only distributed 1,000 copies. :)
Really? I find that interesting. Would that not be a record company thing?
Well, I'm sure (and for the record, the "1,000" was facetious). I just know I WANTED to hear The Monkey Puzzle and The Visitor, and even with effort it was hard to do (almost impossible to do with the MSG stuff). I would be fine if I never hear Radiohead again, and yet they pop up at all hours of the day. :tdwn
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These two UFO albums easily win the battle, but the pendulum does swing back to Schenker for the next two..
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These two UFO albums easily win the battle, but the pendulum does swing back to Schenker for the next two..
I'm liking The Visitor a lot. WAY different than I expected. I have to admit I gave Vinnie short shrift. I saw him live (open for Rush, I'm pretty sure) and he's excellent, but not Michael Schenker, so I sort of had no interest in Phil singing over what I EXPECTED Vinnie to sound like. But it's better than I thought; there's real grit there, and he complements Phil well (not as well as Paul and Michael do, but still). I'm going to give this a couple more spins, so I'm not ready for a song-by-song, but except for a few moments (I wasn't crazy about the solo to "Stop Breaking Down"; it was a shade too "widdly-widdly") it's good.
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As you say, he does compliment Phil's old man voice really well. You also mention his solo in Stop Breaking Down. I think that's a great solo, my man.
Also, what he is playing in the chorus is downright luscious.
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These two UFO albums easily win the battle, but the pendulum does swing back to Schenker for the next two..
That's an understatement and a half.
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I did try Temple of Rock when it came out and thought it was shite.
Not seen that dvd but I did watch a later one on Amazon last week which was ok. Similar set list with a couple of extra Temple songs from the next one maybe? It was Dougie all the way through.
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I did try Temple of Rock when it came out and thought it was shite.
Not seen that dvd but I did watch a later one on Amazon last week which was ok. Similar set list with a couple of extra Temple songs from the next one maybe? It was Dougie all the way through.
Sounds like the Spirit on A Mission one. Going to get that one too.
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I did try Temple of Rock when it came out and thought it was shite.
That's because it is!
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I'm a few songs into Temple of Rock. Yeah, this is kind of shithouse. Don't even know if I'll take the rest in the car this morning to work lol. Might put me in a shitty mood before I get there.
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I'm a few songs into Temple of Rock. Yeah, this is kind of shithouse. Don't even know if I'll take the rest in the car this morning to work lol. Might put me in a shitty mood before I get there.
:lol
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I'm really happy mostly everyone enjoyed The Monkey Puzzle and The Visitor. They are really nice album.
We have just 2 more UFO albums to go, plus their final album, which was a covers album.
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Seven Deadly
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4e/Ufo_seven_deadly.jpg/220px-Ufo_seven_deadly.jpg)(https://timtirelli.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/ufo-seven-deadly-back.jpg)
Seven Deadly (2012) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNlRN4bZfhs&list=PL8a8cutYP7foGaKhRk3uH4WBUP9OIHWIr)
Released February 27, 2012
1. Fright Night
2. Wonderland
3. Mojo Town
4. Angel Station
5. Year Of The Gun
6. The Last Stone Rider
7. Steal Yourself
8. Burn Your House Down
9. The Fear
10. Waving Good Bye
11. Other Men's Wives
12. Bag o' Blues
Phil Mogg-Vocals
Vinnie Moore-Guitar
Andy Parker-Drums
Paul Raymond-Keyboards/Guitar
Lars Lehmann-Bass
So I was listening to this the other night, and I had a mini epiphany. I generally consider this the weakest of the Vinnie Era, and one of their weakest albums ever.
But while listening, this album is....extremely bluesy and...pleasant. Vinnie Moore kicks ass all over this. I think his reputation as a shredder really sets a false set of expectations for UFO. Still, he plays with great tone and it matches Phil's voice really well.
This album starts off pretty heavy with Fright Night and Wonderland. Both great tracks. But then is settles into basically a blues album. It is filled with some gorgeous Vinnie licks and interesting Phil stories.
I feel like they channel a little Zeppelin in spots. In Angel Station, I hear a little Ten Years Gone vibe, and in The Last Stone Rider there's a spot where the music pulls back, and it's just the drums a la John Bonham.
Speaking of The Last Stone Rider, that was the working title to the album, even mentioned in press releases pre album.
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I’m interested in checking out Seven Deadly, based on your description of it. In the last couple of years I have developed a taste for bluesy material.
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I couldn't find the cd of this one this morning. Will hunt it out and give it a spin.
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I'm a few songs into Temple of Rock. Yeah, this is kind of shithouse. Don't even know if I'll take the rest in the car this morning to work lol. Might put me in a shitty mood before I get there.
I could just see you going into work yelling and screaming at everyone inside the office. Finally co-workers will confront you and say “Kade, please, is everything ok. Do you need to talk to someone?” And you will just stand on a table and say “I’m very sorry everyone for my behaviour, but earlier I was listening to a shitty Michael Schenker album from 2011”. And then everyone in the office will simultaneously say “Ahh..Temple of Rock”
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The Visitor didn't quite match the hype in my case. It was decent enough, but I guess it was the Rolling Stones-y flavour that failed to get my engine started. A bit of a miss then. This is based on a single listen though so take it with a grain of salt.
Seven Deadly on the other hand I enjoyed a lot. This was a solid blues rock album and thankfully there was none of that drudging slow blues here. They kicked things off nicely with that trio of more hard rocking tracks. This line-up had definitely found their groove by this point. I'm happy knowing there's that one more album to discover after this one.
Oh, and I'm soon heading out to pick up the Strangers in the Night boxset from the record store! *excitement*
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I'm a few songs into Temple of Rock. Yeah, this is kind of shithouse. Don't even know if I'll take the rest in the car this morning to work lol. Might put me in a shitty mood before I get there.
I could just see you going into work yelling and screaming at everyone inside the office. Finally co-workers will confront you and say “Kade, please, is everything ok. Do you need to talk to someone?” And you will just stand on a table and say “I’m very sorry everyone for my behaviour, but earlier I was listening to a shitty Michael Schenker album from 2011”. And then everyone in the office will simultaneously say “Ahh..Temple of Rock”
:lol
I'd be crying getting consoled and just saying 'how could MS release something this crap?' Sobbing in disbelief.
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The Visitor didn't quite match the hype in my case. It was decent enough, but I guess it was the Rolling Stones-y flavour that failed to get my engine started. A bit of a miss then. This is based on a single listen though so take it with a grain of salt.
Seven Deadly on the other hand I enjoyed a lot. This was a solid blues rock album and thankfully there was none of that drudging slow blues here. They kicked things off nicely with that trio of more hard rocking tracks. This line-up had definitely found their groove by this point. I'm happy knowing there's that one more album to discover after this one.
Oh, and I'm soon heading out to pick up the Strangers in the Night boxset for the record store! *excitement*
Don't get your hopes up on the next one.
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Although Seven Deadly is notably more inconsistent than The Visitor, with half of the album being just average, I really like Fight Night (I love that “fat” riff), Wonderland (totally Chapman’s era, really nice!), Mojo Town, Angel Station (it does have a cool acoustic Led Zep vibe), Burn Your House Down (again, UFO doing great ballads), Fear and Other’s Men’s Wives (bonus track).
I think it’s the “worst” from Vinnie’s era, but, as I said, I still like it more than Sharks. At least, it’s an album that I really like to revisit the songs that I like more.
Ranking:
OBSESSION (my favorite)/MECHANIX- 10+/10
FORCE IT/NO HEAVY PETTING/LIGHTS OUT/ THE WILD THE WILLING AND THE INNOCENT – 9.5
MAKING CONTACT/WALK ON WATER – 9.0
NO PLACE TO RUN/HIGH STAKES & DANGEROUS MEN/MOGG-WAY – CHOCOLATE BOX – 8.5
PHENOMENON/MOGG-WAY – EDGE OF THE WORLD/COVENANT/ THE MONKEY PUZZLE – 8.0
MISDEMEANOR/YOU ARE HERE/THE VISITOR - 7.5
AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’/A CONSPIRACY OF STARS – 7.0
SEVEN DEADLY – 6.5
SHARKS – 6.0
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Although Seven Deadly is notably more inconsistent than The Visitor, with half of the album being just average, I really like Fight Night (I love that “fat” riff), Wonderland (totally Chapman’s era, really nice!), Mojo Town, Angel Station (it does have a cool acoustic Led Zep vibe), Burn Your House Down (again, UFO doing great ballads), Fear and Other’s Men’s Wives (bonus track).
I think it’s the “worst” from Vinnie’s era, but, as I said, I still like it more than Sharks. At least, it’s an album that I really like to revisit the songs that I like more.
You really have it in for Sharks.
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Sharks is interesting, because, every time I try to listen to the album, I recognize that it does have some cool songs, but I never really have the desire to re-listen to them - it never changes. I think this listening party will be my last time giving this album a chance :-\
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Amazon just sent me an update on the Strangers Deluxe box. Expected delivery is now between 12/9 and 12/31. Nice. Figured this was going to happen.
EDIT: And now I see that Amazon is not even taking orders for this anymore. In past experiences, this means I might not even get mine. I've run into this before with them. They push out the delivery date and then eventually just say 'we have no idea if you'll get it, do you want to wait or cancel'.
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Amazon just sent me an update on the Strangers Deluxe box. Expected delivery is now between 12/9 and 12/31. Nice. Figured this was going to happen.
EDIT: And now I see that Amazon is not even taking orders for this anymore. In past experiences, this means I might not even get mine. I've run into this before with them. They push out the delivery date and then eventually just say 'we have no idea if you'll get it, do you want to wait or cancel'.
I got the same email. :tdwn
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Yeah it doesn’t seem like a package that there is an over abundance of; so if you get your hands on a copy, don’t get rid of it. It’s tough to find on Amazon and eBay.
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https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/michael-schenker-group-lyric-video-for-drilled-to-kill-feat-ralf-scheepers/
New album featuring two of Tim's fav vocalists.
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Cool opener and single! Really nice to hear Shencker and Derek together! :metal
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https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/michael-schenker-group-lyric-video-for-drilled-to-kill-feat-ralf-scheepers/
New album featuring two of Tim's fav vocalists.
:metal
Great tune! I’m back baby
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https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/michael-schenker-group-lyric-video-for-drilled-to-kill-feat-ralf-scheepers/
New album featuring two of Tim's fav vocalists.
Ooh, the album features a re-recording of In Search of the Peace of mind from Scorps’ Lonesome Crow album. Looking forward to hearing that.
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I'm not thrilled with the vocals by committee approach to the last three records, and even though I like the vocalists on the new one - Romero, JLT, Barden - there are just as many I can do without - Voss, Scheepers, McAuley.
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Amazon just sent me an update on the Strangers Deluxe box. Expected delivery is now between 12/9 and 12/31. Nice. Figured this was going to happen.
EDIT: And now I see that Amazon is not even taking orders for this anymore. In past experiences, this means I might not even get mine. I've run into this before with them. They push out the delivery date and then eventually just say 'we have no idea if you'll get it, do you want to wait or cancel'.
I got the same email. :tdwn
After hunting, I am going to roll the dice in hopes that Amazon comes through. I found it in stock on 2 whole sites - Amazon UK and Nuclear Blast's German store. All other sites that I found with a listing had it out of stock and weren't taking orders. Seems TAC put demand for this through the roof with his little listening party.
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Amazon just sent me an update on the Strangers Deluxe box. Expected delivery is now between 12/9 and 12/31. Nice. Figured this was going to happen.
EDIT: And now I see that Amazon is not even taking orders for this anymore. In past experiences, this means I might not even get mine. I've run into this before with them. They push out the delivery date and then eventually just say 'we have no idea if you'll get it, do you want to wait or cancel'.
I got the same email. :tdwn
After hunting, I am going to roll the dice in hopes that Amazon comes through. I found it in stock on 2 whole sites - Amazon UK and Nuclear Blast's German store. All other sites that I found with a listing had it out of stock and weren't taking orders. Seems TAC put demand for this through the roof with his little listening party.
Vintage UFO that all four of us created an out of stock situation! :) :)
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Hey, it was you that said their distribution sucks. This just confirms it. :lol
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https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/michael-schenker-group-lyric-video-for-drilled-to-kill-feat-ralf-scheepers/
New album featuring two of Tim's fav vocalists.
:lol
Holy fuck is that song awesome. I'm not a huge Ralf guy. He hits a certain tone that is just not pleasurable to me. But on this, he's a bit more restrained and I like it. I mean, I think this is something Graham Bonnet would've sounded good on too. But I like Ralf here.
This song bleeds German metal. Total Accept/Helloween. I love it. His soloing is amazing. :hefdaddy
I am not excited about the Romero thing. But I'll get the new album to get that blue ray for sure. I'm also very intrigued to hear what Joe Lyn Turner sounds like. I thought he was outstanding on The Mystery Of Time.
I had assumed this would be released under the Michael Schenker Fest name, but it's MSG.
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Seems TAC put demand for this through the roof with his little listening party.
Vintage UFO that all four of us created an out of stock situation! :) :)
:lol :lol to both of you!
I got the same email. Hopefully everyone auto ripped it.
I say that because a few years ago, I bought a 6 disc Gary Moore Live At Montreaux set. It had autorip on Amazon. But they kept delaying the hard copy, until they finally said they couldn't fulfill it. So they gave me a full refund. But because I had already autoripped it, I had the music...for free!!
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The Visitor didn't quite match the hype in my case. It was decent enough, but I guess it was the Rolling Stones-y flavour that failed to get my engine started. A bit of a miss then. This is based on a single listen though so take it with a grain of salt.
Seven Deadly on the other hand I enjoyed a lot. This was a solid blues rock album and thankfully there was none of that drudging slow blues here. They kicked things off nicely with that trio of more hard rocking tracks. This line-up had definitely found their groove by this point. I'm happy knowing there's that one more album to discover after this one.
Sorry, I am guilty of hyping The Visitor.
Really happy you like Seven Deadly. Thanks Ben!
I’m interested in checking out Seven Deadly, based on your description of it. In the last couple of years I have developed a taste for bluesy material.
Looking forward to your report!
I'm a few songs into Temple of Rock. Yeah, this is kind of shithouse. Don't even know if I'll take the rest in the car this morning to work lol. Might put me in a shitty mood before I get there.
I could just see you going into work yelling and screaming at everyone inside the office. Finally co-workers will confront you and say “Kade, please, is everything ok. Do you need to talk to someone?” And you will just stand on a table and say “I’m very sorry everyone for my behaviour, but earlier I was listening to a shitty Michael Schenker album from 2011”. And then everyone in the office will simultaneously say “Ahh..Temple of Rock”
:rollin
Yeah, pretty much! :lol
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Yeah, pretty happy with this new song. Definite german vibe as Tim mentioned.
I can't stand that hat however.
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Decent tune. Riff was a bit bland but Ralf sounded better than on the recent Primal Fear.
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Vinnie's solo on Sugar Cane :hefdaddy
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Man, if Seven Deadly followed the lead of the first 3 tracks this could have been a ripper. The rest of the album is, like the previous two, not sitting all that well with me. I think those 3 are the best I have heard from this 3 album run after You Are Here. Such a shame they blew their load on 3 tracks.
EDIT: Yeah, after finishing this, about the only other song that I kind of liked was Other Man's Wives. These guys just kind of sputtered out on me.
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Vinnie's solo on Sugar Cane :hefdaddy
Moving ahead already? I'll post some thoughts on 7D soon.
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This one is actually a lot better than I remembered.
Fright Night: That's a straight up UFO intro if ever I've heard one. Reminds me of Natural Thing or something. The chorus has that Vinnie era vibe, but there's some real nice energy to this one. I like Phil's tone here, he sounds strong. That section before the solo is classic UFO also. Vinnie shreds nicely here. Great tune.
Wonderland: This might actually be my fav Vinnie era track, more so than the two I favoured on the last one. This one is an absolute ripper. Great pulsing drive and a classic Priest like riff here. I love the monkey lines in here. The lyrics on this one also are epic. "Reckless winos with black albinos!" Love it. Great chorus but the solo here fucking rips. Vinnie shows why he has the status he does in the guitar world.
Mojo Town: Now that's a sexy riff. The slower vibe of this works nicely after Wonderland. I actually get a Soundgarden vibe in the verses. The chorus is pure groove too and Phil is excellent here and fits the mood really well. THAT riff though, hot damn, I thought the intro riff was good but this riff in the middle is fucking AMAZING! Vinnie again delivers the goods here. Can't get over that riff though. Great song.
Angel Station: It is somewhat of a shame the band didn't keep the heaviness up at this point, but this is a great ballad. I will note that Vinnie's tones all over this album are great and his rhythm tones here are magnificent, love them. That little guitar melody in the pre chorus is really cool and a great contrast to the chorus. Great soloing again and it's a little long but I like this tune.
Year of the Gun: Not much to say about this one. It's pretty plain and safe. There's nothing really wrong with it, but not much to rave about either. It's quite catchy and the change in the flavour in the solo is great.
The Last Stone Rider: Not a great deal going on with this one too. It's fine. I like the second half where it gets going a little more though. I'm not too fond of the chorus but it's catchy enough to stick with you.
Steal Yourself: This one is a little better. I get that Pearl Jam feeling again with this one actually. I like the darker bluesy undertones of this one. The chorus is nice and groovy and the solo has a great feel. Nice tune this one.
Burn Your House Down: This is another good one and the atmosphere and feel of it is really nice. Vinnie's tones again here are really cool. Phil has some great melodies and a great performance too. In the instrumental parts I get a real Black Sabbath vibe. That intro into the section verse gives me a Lonely is the Word type of thing going on. Actually, it sounds exactly like the Iommi/Hughes song It Falls Through Me I think it is. Perfect platform for Vinnie too here, great song.
The Fear: Oh, a little bit of uptempo. Not a fan of harmonica but I like Phil here and I can handle the vibe here. It's short so that makes this not too bad. It's basic and filler but it's placed in the album pretty well.
Waving Goodbye: Eh, a bit of a disappointing closer this one. The mood is pleasant enough but nothing special here.
Other Men's Wives: This blatant blues riff I can't really appreciate. It's just so generic and boring. The lyrics to the chorus are pretty funny and I don't mind the heavier aspects of the rhythm though. Vinnie does a good job in making it salvageable.
Bag O' Bones: Pass
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I totally agree with your review, Wolfking :o :tup (although I think Others Men’s Wives is a bit cooler)
One thing that I would add (and saying it again) is that I think Wonderland is so Chapman’s era.
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This could be my favourite Vinnie era album. He plays some seriously tasty stuff on here, always managing to spice up the blues cliches with something a bit different.
Phil sounds ok but this would be a great album with his 1980s voice rather than his age 80 voice :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:
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I totally agree with your review, Wolfking :o :tup (although I think Others Men’s Wives is a bit cooler)
One thing that I would add (and saying it again) is that I think Wonderland is so Chapman’s era.
Interesting. Don't hear Chapman era in that song truthfully.
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In riff’s style, as in, among others, We Belong to the Night.
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In riff’s style, as in, among others, We Belong to the Night.
Hmmm...Yeah okay, that's fair.
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This could be my favourite Vinnie era album. He plays some seriously tasty stuff on here, always managing to spice up the blues cliches with something a bit different.
Cool, Paul!
This one is actually a lot better than I remembered.
Fright Night: That's a straight up UFO intro if ever I've heard one. Reminds me of Natural Thing or something. The chorus has that Vinnie era vibe, but there's some real nice energy to this one. I like Phil's tone here, he sounds strong. That section before the solo is classic UFO also. Vinnie shreds nicely here. Great tune.
Wonderland: This might actually be my fav Vinnie era track, more so than the two I favoured on the last one. This one is an absolute ripper. Great pulsing drive and a classic Priest like riff here. I love the monkey lines in here. The lyrics on this one also are epic. "Reckless winos with black albinos!" Love it. Great chorus but the solo here fucking rips. Vinnie shows why he has the status he does in the guitar world.
Yeah, these are two great tunes.
Burn Your House Down: This is another good one and the atmosphere and feel of it is really nice. Vinnie's tones again here are really cool. Phil has some great melodies and a great performance too. In the instrumental parts I get a real Black Sabbath vibe. That intro into the section verse gives me a Lonely is the Word type of thing going on. Actually, it sounds exactly like the Iommi/Hughes song It Falls Through Me I think it is. Perfect platform for Vinnie too here, great song.
I'll have to check It Falls Through Me. I don't remember it in the slightest. But I'm glad you liked it. They played this when I saw them a year ago.
Man, if Seven Deadly followed the lead of the first 3 tracks this could have been a ripper. The rest of the album is, like the previous two, not sitting all that well with me. I think those 3 are the best I have heard from this 3 album run after You Are Here. Such a shame they blew their load on 3 tracks.
EDIT: Yeah, after finishing this, about the only other song that I kind of liked was Other Man's Wives. These guys just kind of sputtered out on me.
I completely understand. In real time, I kind of felt the same way. The only album I really liked right away of the entire Vinnie Era was The Visitor. But these albums have aged really well for me. They really pull off this cool vibe on some of these songs. I think Phil is still cool as hell on these, and his lyrics are stranger than ever.
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It was just that little bit that reminded me heavily of something Iommi. I'd have to go and listen to be sure.
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While we wait for a few more reports for Seven Deadly.....
Bridge The Gap
(https://img.discogs.com/r7FMGsLbmCvk2EwoD4wiN1zbi_s=/fit-in/300x300/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(40)/discogs-images/R-5373015-1453554357-5327.jpeg.jpg)(https://auctions.c.yimg.jp/images.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/image/dr220/auc0303/users/7/9/2/4/sweettrap01-img600x519-1437353346ojurq51917.jpg)
https://open.spotify.com/album/0azogHN92FWguDAawV5uhv?si=8MJaHxeVTwWwr0T-QjWWMg
Released 2013
1. Neptune Rising
2. Where The Wild Wind Blows
3. Horizons
4. Lord Of The Lost And Lonely
5. Rock n Roll Symphony
6. To Live For The King
7. Land Of Thunder
8. Temple Of The Holy
9. Shine On
10. Bridges We Have Burned
11. Because You Lied
12. Black Moon Rising
13. Dance For The Piper
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Doogie White-Vocals
Francis Buchholz-Bass
Herman Rarebell-Drums
Wayne Findlay-Keyboards
Bridge The Gap is the second album under the Temple Of Rock moniker. Michael has a set lineup for this, with Doogie White handling all of the vocals, and the classic Scorpions rhythm section.
I'm going to say this right now...This is a Top 3 Michael Schenker album for me. I think this album is amazing. He and Doogie have such great chemistry. There are so many memorable hooks on this album, especially vocally. This is easily the most consistent batch of songs since the MSG, the second album. My opinion of course.
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I bought Bridge the Gap 3 or 4 years ago. I agree, it’s a strong album. Doogie’s vocals remind me of Dio on a few songs. I totally forgot that Francis and Herman ze German played on this. :lol
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This album is fucking incredible. I'll post some more thoughts when I have some more time, but this may become my fav album of this whole listening party, UFO included. It's amazing.
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This album is fucking incredible. I'll post some more thoughts when I have some more time, but this may become my fav album of this whole listening party, UFO included. It's amazing.
:metal
Yes, so good!!
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This is some major kick ass tunes. For me, easily my favorite since the 80s albums. The hooks and choruses are excellent. And heavy! Rock n Roll Symphony, Land of Thunder and Lord of L&L (that chorus will be stuck in your head after you listen to the song) :metal :metal :metal
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I think those two Temple of Rock albums (Bridge the Grap and Spirit on a Mission) are really great, but I wouldn’t put at the same level of MSG to Build to Destroy's run, because I think that phase is somewhat magical and "sacred" to me (ok maybe just my fault: I tend to categorize this way some phases of almost every band that I’m fan). But I agree that those albums are kind of the next best thing in Schenker’s discography, along with Written in The Sand and The Unforgiven, albums that my admiration grew a lot in this listening party!
And... what Maiden was thinking when they choose Blaze Bayley instead of Doogie White?! :facepalm:
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This is a good one but I don’t rate it as highly as Tim. I can take of leave Dougie tbh. It’s hard watching him on stage because he’s a dead ringer for my father in law when I met him 17 years ago.
I think the live show I watched last week was from this tour because some of these songs were featured, and It’s the same band. Of note from the video, Dougie struggled to do justice to Phil Mogg.
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I think those two Temple of Rock albums (Bridge the Grap and Spirit on a Mission) are really great, but I wouldn’t put at the same level of MSG to Build to Destroy's run, because I think that phase is somewhat magical and "sacred" to me (ok maybe just my fault: I tend to categorize this way some phases of almost every band that I’m fan). But I agree that those albums are kind of the next best thing in Schenker’s discography, along with Written in The Sand and The Unforgiven, albums that my admiration grew a lot in this listening party!
And... what Maiden was thinking when they choose Blaze Bayley instead of Doogie White?! :facepalm:
While I'd be curious what it sounds like, I'm kind of glad Maiden didn't go with White. There's guys. You know what I mean? Good singers - maybe great singers - that for one reason or another either couldn't latch on to a good gig or couldn't keep it (or both). Joe Lynn Turner (after Rainbow). Doogie. Graham Bonnet. Even, up to a point, Jeff Scott Soto. These guys are good singers, but it seems they can't keep a legit band gig.
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Did Doogie officially audition for Maiden? I heard Michael Kiske was considered too, not sure if he actually auditioned either
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Yes, Doogie himself confirmed in some interviews and it is documented on Mick Wall's Maiden biography - Run to the Hills (on the brazilian version, on page 303).
Maybe Doogie also wasn't the right fit for Maiden, but the choice in the end was between he and Blaze.
https://www.facebook.com/theironmaidencommentary/photos/former-rainbow-official-yngwie-malmsteen-among-others-and-current-michael-schenk/10157050596407934/
Former Rainbow, Official Yngwie Malmsteen (among others) and current Michael Schenker vocalist Doogie White was invited to audition for Iron Maiden after the departure of Bruce Dickinson. Although an excellent vocalist, ultimately the job went to Official Blaze Bayley. Here's what Doogie had to say about his audition with Maiden:
“I had sent a tape in to Iron Maiden. Dickie Dell who was the production manager was at my door and he said what are you doing, I said I am going to Scotland, he said no you are not you have an audition with Iron Maiden Monday. So Dickie Bell gave me a cassette and a letter with the lyrics I think it had about 18 songs on it, mostly from the albums ‘A Real Live One’ and ‘A Real Dead One’. Dickie picked me up and dropped me off at Steve Harris’ place. ”
“The band was set up in a circle with Nicko Mcbrain in back of me and we ran through the songs and had a cup of tea and I had a chat with Steve and I went away and that was it. We played tracks like , Be quick or Be dead, From here to Eternity, The Evil that men do and then the classics like Run to the Hills. Steve had a definite idea on where he wanted to take the band, Steve called me up a couple of weeks later and said we are giving the job to Blaze. Blaze is great he is the hardest working man in Rock and Roll and he always delivers. Steve wanted something different for the band. the easy route for Steve would have been to go get a clone from a tribute band but Steve didn’t he took a brave step and they did two great albums. but really normal services have been resumed. Even if i got the gig it would have ended up the same.”
(from a 2018 interview with Jimmy Kay from The Metal Voice)
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Cool :tup
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I always felt the same about Dougie as I do about Ripper Owens. Great singer but played on albums that just weren’t as good as the bands’ previous ones. I know Kade will disagree! 😀
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Did Doogie officially audition for Maiden? I heard Michael Kiske was considered too, not sure if he actually auditioned either
Kiske wasn't considered, nor did he audition.
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I think those two Temple of Rock albums (Bridge the Grap and Spirit on a Mission) are really great, but I wouldn’t put at the same level of MSG to Build to Destroy's run, because I think that phase is somewhat magical and "sacred" to me (ok maybe just my fault: I tend to categorize this way some phases of almost every band that I’m fan). But I agree that those albums are kind of the next best thing in Schenker’s discography, along with Written in The Sand and The Unforgiven, albums that my admiration grew a lot in this listening party!
And... what Maiden was thinking when they choose Blaze Bayley instead of Doogie White?! :facepalm:
While I'd be curious what it sounds like, I'm kind of glad Maiden didn't go with White. There's guys. You know what I mean? Good singers - maybe great singers - that for one reason or another either couldn't latch on to a good gig or couldn't keep it (or both). Joe Lynn Turner (after Rainbow). Doogie. Graham Bonnet. Even, up to a point, Jeff Scott Soto. These guys are good singers, but it seems they can't keep a legit band gig.
I think Doogie and Michael have a great thing between them. Bridge The Gap and Spirit On A Mission are Michael's two best albums since the early 80's.
Stadler, not sure if you've checked out Bridge The Gap. Pretty sure you still owe us a Seven Deadly report too. ;D
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Doogie >>>> every other singer that has worked with Michael. (Not including Phil). Tim is right. The chemistry between these two trumps all other MSG incarnations. It's quite astounding really. I wish he just keep Doogie on full time and didn't bother with the Schenker fest thing. (Albeit I haven't listened to those two fest albums yet.)
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No coincidence that the Doogie tracks are the best ones on the two MS Fest albums.
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No coincidence that the Doogie tracks are the best ones on the two MS Fest albums.
I found a copy of Resurrection on the weekend and picked it up. Couldn't help myself lol. Haven't listened to it yet though.
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It's a good album for sure! I definitely like it.
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It's a good album for sure! I definitely like it.
Nice. $20 with 3 bonus live tracks. No brainer purchase.
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Listening to it now! :metal
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Sorry, it was Revelation I picked up, not Resurrection.
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Sorry, it was Revelation I picked up, not Resurrection.
You picked up the wrong one. :lol
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Bridge The Gap
Neptune Rising- Really cool intro where Michael basically says he means business.
Where The Wild Wind Blows-Definitely not one of my faves on the album, but I chalk it up to the lyrics. Musically it's pretty damn cool. I like the vocal melodies of the chorus. I mean, there's about a half dozen Schenkerisms in the pre solo and solo, from the strong melodic chords to the quick acoustic flurry. Classic Schenker behind the chorus.
Horizons-This is a phenomenal track. Doogie crushes it. The verses perfectly set up a fantastic prechorus into an amazing chorus. I love how Doogie takes it up a step right before the end.
At this point, this is Michael's best track since 1983, save for maybe Never Ending Nightmare. But that song wasn't a rocker. This song is!
Lord Of The Lost And Lonely-Great opening rhythm from Michael. Love Wayne Findley's Raymond-esque keys in the verses. What I like about the chorus is where it picks up halfway through. It's an interesting effect where the prechorus and the first half of the chorus are at the same tempo, and then he raises it up for impact.
Great solo.
Oh, and that closing solo? I don't know much about playing guitar, but I know perfection when I hear it.
Rock n Roll Symphony-Real cool riff driving this song. Not expected from a guy almost 60. Strong. As. Hell. Amazing outro solo.
To Live For The King-Sneaky cool riff from Schenker, but Doogie really carries this tune. Strong prechorus and incredible chorus with Schenker doing his amazing thing behind it. I don't even know how to describe it.
This is now the third time I have mentioned the prechorus and we're only on the 5th song. There is just so much depth to these tracks. There is no section that feels glossed over.
Land Of Thunder-3rd uptempo track, and this is a great song. The chorus is incredible, and I haven't heard Michael play like this on one of his albums in decades. Doogie is so good on this. The brief setup to the solo is another sign to how focused Michael is on this.
Oh, and what fucking steroids is Herman Rarebell on? He is on some serious drumming Viagra.
Temple Of The Holy-A nice change of pace led by Michael's leads and Doogie's vocals. While I consider this a lesser track on the album, it is total quality.
Shine On-Holy fuck, this song is AMAZING! I don't remember the rhythm section playing like this on any Scorps album. The chorus on this just kills. So simple, yet incredible. A solo right out of 1983. This song just drives.
Bridges We Have Burned-Really soulful tune. Reminds me of something that would've come from the Written In Sand/Unforgiven Era. I love the opening guitar. Not one of my favorites but Doogie really saves this with an incredible performance.
Because You Lied-Interesting track in the context of the album. It doesn't really fit, but I don't have a real problem with it. Might be my least fave on the album but I do like it anyway. Feels like a B side, honestly.
Black Moon Rising-This is a song where I feel Michael and Doogie were totally on the same page. Doogie is the star on this song, and Michael seems content with it. You can feel their partnership on this track.
Dance For The Piper-OK, the verse on this song is such an earworm. When I got this album, this verse kept me up at night. All I heard was Doogie "No, don't ask for forgiveness" over and over. Doogie again, crushes this. I could listen to this all day song. Also, another great prechorus with the "Dance For The Piper" part leading into what is either the main chorus or the post chorus.....anyway it's an amazing bridge into the second verse. I love the tempo change for the main solo. Michael is great on this as well. That is one sinister riff behind the verse. Ends with a classic Michael solo.
Phenomenal end to a phenomenal album.
One of the 10 best vocal performances I've ever heard!
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Sorry, it was Revelation I picked up, not Resurrection.
You picked up the wrong one. :lol
Fuck......Lol. I had no choice though. :lol
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Great writeup Tim. I agree with most of what you said. I'll try and jump on my PC tonight and get my thoughts down.
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Yeah, I just listened to it, and jotted some notes down. I'm with you on this album. Sure Kelly Keeling and Lief Sundein never had songs this strong to sing over, but Doogie doesn't just sing over these songs, he fucking owns them. I also believe that Michael has the ability to raise his game depending on his vocalist. Phil Mogg?? And I think having Doogie really pulled out Michael's best. Michael just sounds engaged.
I have been listening to Michael Schenker for literally almost 40 years. He's always good, but he's not always engaged. On Bridge The Gap, he is BOTH.
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I listened to Bridge the Gap again today. I think, for me, it’s the best Schenker album since Assault Attack. Shine On is probably my favourite tune on BTG, but there are many quality songs here.
I agree with Lowdz - Doogie was a bit cringeworthy on the Schenker-fest tour.
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C'mon guys, I'm going broke! I see all this ranting and raving about the Doogiefest records and I decide to do some sampling. Now I have the deluxe editions of both Bridge and Spirit on order. Never heard a note from Doogie, but didn't dislike what I was hearing in the samples.
That's another $26, TAC, if you're keeping score.
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I wrote about how I went out to the city and found both Bridge the Gap and Spirit on a Mission in store. Already taking a punt on the wonderful Temple of Rock DVD, once I looked at the lineup, I took a blind purchase on both of these. I am now a little disappointed they weren't the special editions but this album is absolute unreal.
I didn't know what to expect really but I've always loved Doogie a lot. I really enjoyed his vocals with those later Yngwie albums and I saw him live with Yngwie in 2006 I believe. Even though he didn't sing a full concert because of all the instrumentals, he was fantastic, he really was. This album has somewhat hit me like a ton of bricks. This is one of the greatest surprises I've ever come across truthfully. I've pretty much had it on repeat for the last 3-4 weeks and I haven't gotten tired of it yet. I've even put on other things and still get the urge to go back to this. There is really nothing I don't enjoy about this album, it's just fucking complete.
Neptune Rising: I love the major classical feel at the start of this. Like a short little overture and when it kicks in, it's a great taste of the style to come.
Where the Wild Wind Blows: This fucking blew me away when I heard it. That stomping riff, the Phrygian melody over the top, the atmosphere, I love it. This one is top 3 for me and was my fav initially but probably number 3 now. I like the lyrics actually. I don't mind a bit of sexual innuendo at times and it fits the atmosphere. The pre chorus is excellent and builds nicely and the chorus has a wonderful beat and melody. The middle section is so good. Love the natural third note instead of the minor third before the acoustic part. I loled at how loud Schenkers leads were here, so high in the mix, especially the acoustic. That solo though blisters. The tension at the start but then those two notes (E,D) at 2:15 I'm in love with. Then that climb, just so good, such expressive soloing.
Horizons: This is a Tim said, a really excellent track. I actually get a heavy Malmsteen vibe from this one. I like the almost Whitesnake verses and the excellent short pre chorus. That chorus screams Malmsteen as I said for me. Great melodies. Short, snappy and yeah, Doogie crushes this. The transition from the pre chorus into the chorus is actually fucking brilliant. Even a Malmsteen like key change into the solo too. Michael's tone on this album is a bit different, a little muddier and dirtier but lush. How about that lick at 2:16, oh yeah! This one actually is only top 5 for me. Shows how good this thing is.
Lord of the Lost and Lonely: I get a bit of a Ten/Magnum/Gary Moore feel from that intro melody truthfully. It's catchy as fuck though. The stomping rhythm is strong as hell too. Tim mentioned pre choruses, and I'm doing the same. This one sounds like Maiden. I guess that intro melody is more Maiden too now come to think of it. The chorus is interesting, at first that G chord in the middle that rings out twice is a really nice interesting touch. The double time also is much appreciated. Great solo, and some A harmonic minor in there which is cool. The melody at the start of the outro solo also is sublime.
Rock 'n' Roll Symphony: Now I'm never one to really like the whole 'rock is great', 'metal forever' type song. They are mainly okay but sometimes very cheesy. Not really the case here. Although the lyrics are cheesy but I can appreciate everything here. That main riff is very cool. I like the slight effect on Doogie's voice too. You know what I love though, that simple riff at 0:43, that's so fucking cool. Really love the bluesy tone in the solo and the keys are excellent and old school. Kind of Deep Purple or something.
To Live For the King: I feel some Dio vibes in this one. Kind of a slithering, stalking kind of riff. The different small sections through this one gives it an interesting touch. The whole Phrygian and Phrygian dominant vibe in this is very nice. Something else I love is those 'aaahs' in the pre chorus, so good. As Tim said, Doogie owns this one. The soloing here is really quite expressive and experimental. Schenker playing around a bit here with some blues stuff but even some off notes and a little chromatic type feel. Interesting flavour. The tension he builds is great. That note at 3:59 is worth mentioning too.
Land of Thunder: Another Horizons type faster tune. Those verse melodies remind me heavily of some specific band, but I still can't pinpoint it. That short pre chorus again is fucking brilliant, and leads into the chorus perfectly. I get another strong Yngwie vibe with that chorus and Schenkers' melodies underneath Doogie are just perfect. The entry into the solo too is beautiful. The change at 1:58 is like you've just climbed a cliff and jumped off to fly away, fucking perfect. And then that major lick at 2:20 is so good. This song is a cracker.
Temple of the Holy: Phyrgian again here which is always most welcome for me. It's so good hearing Schenker do this metal vibe, it works so damn well. The verse is simple but the chorus takes off and even though it's simple also, the contrast is excellent. The simple nature is the perfect platform for Schenker to noodle over. Check out that lick at 2:01, lol. Really, this one is all about Schenkers' improvisation. I love his subtle changes into straight blues licks here over that dark rhythm. It works surprisingly well.
Shine On: Holy shit, how creative are those intro melodies, seriously!? The pulsing style riff from Wild Wind returns too and I LOVE the lyrics on this one. They are just amazing to me and Doogie portrays them just so damn well. Like he's actually singing to his lady who is hurting. These type of positive spirit lyrics always hit me. Beautiful soaring chorus that just makes you feel good, it's amazing. I like the shorter solo here too and the key change into F# from E is nice. I really appreciate Wayne's 7 string work on this one too. That rhythm at 2:11 is heavy as hell and one of my fav sections of the album underneath Schenkers' sweet crying leads. At 2:11 it actually shifts back to E, very very clever. It quickly resolves into the main melody too. The outro soloing is icing on the cake. This track is too good. Top 3.
Bridges We Have Burned: This is by far my fav song on the album. The lyrics again on this one are I think some of the best lyrics I've heard in a long long time and so relatable. It hits me deep, really deep. The music for this one is surprisingly simple. E minor but love that flattened 5th chord in the riff. Doogie's portrayal of the subject matter is just too good. Again, the whole concept here is brutally honest and gut wrenching. Again, we have another fabulous pre chorus and that Maidenesque E/C/D chord chorus is perfect. I love the lyrics how Doogie second time around says 'hiding out until the sunset,' but at the end it's 'sunrise.' Again portrays that wasted time aspect just so damn well. That solo tears at my heart, Schenkers' bend at 2:33 is crying and then that sliding up and down run at 2:36 almost depicts the despair and confusion of the subject matter also. He doesn't do much picking here it seems going through the notes, giving that crying type feel. He repeats a similar thing after the next lick and then at 2:48 the descend of the those two short licks I love also. Great climbing finish to try and rise back up again. The outro solo Schenker is crying too, realizing all the time wasted and bridges burned, it's put across in this solo. I love this song, one of the most brilliant songs that's touched me in a long time.
Because You Lied: Whoa! This is a fun track. Very different and somewhat unexpected but I like it. Schenkers' short solos make this one for me. Great touches. He's doing some contrasting stuff to the rhythm I feel, it's fun. Some chromatics in there too which is nice and a bit jazzy. This one flies by and while not top tier, it's a fun listen.
Black Moon Rising: This one didn't click right away. I get a Sabbath vibe here, Martin era maybe, but as Tim said you can feel the great chemistry here. I like the use of the 7 string again here. Nice and prominent. The chord progression in the chorus reminds me of the Lost and Lonely progression. The chorus actually listening again now, it's quite excellent, like really fucking well written and excellent. Some more nice improvisation from Schenker and I even feel a bit of Tony Iommi here at times, very nice. That last chorus with Schenker underneath is actually really powerful. Great track and placed perfectly.
Dance for the Piper: This is a wonderful closer. Doogie absolutely slays and this might be my fav vocal performance on the album. He sounds AMAZING in those verses, so expressive and strong. Great melodies. The chorus gives that Dio/Sabbath vibe again and slithers along and is heavy as hell. Love the contrast back into the verse too. Then we get double time into the solo. I feel Tony Iommi a little again here too. I laugh out loud at the change to 2:23. 7 String and those couple of blues licks are too good for words it makes me laugh. Great interplay with the outro too yet again. Great, great song and perfect closer.
I can't say enough good things about this album, it's simply incredible and as I said, might be my fav all round Schenker album so far.
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Reading that gave me goosebumps Kade!!
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That’s an impressive review Wolf, clearly this album is hitting you hard positively
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Reading that gave me goosebumps Kade!!
Thanks mate. I enjoyed typing it. :metal
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That’s an impressive review Wolf, clearly this album is hitting you hard positively
It's an absolute cracker.
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As usual, I'll be a bit late on these Schenker albums. I don't expect them until late next week, at the earliest.
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As usual, I'll be a bit late on these Schenker albums. I don't expect them until late next week, at the earliest.
Make this album a priority mate.
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Wolfkings’ excellent song by song analysis inspired me to listen to Bridge the Gap again today, to see if I could identify what is described as Phyrgian. I think I have it figured out...or it’s possible I don’t have a clue. Phyrg if I know :lol
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Wolfkings’ excellent song by song analysis inspired me to listen to Bridge the Gap again today, to see if I could identify what is described as Phyrgian. I think I have it figured out...or it’s possible I don’t have a clue. Phyrg if I know :lol
:lol it's that almost Egyptian type sound, it's very distinguishable. Glad my analysis is inspiring others to check it out.
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Wolfkings’ excellent song by song analysis inspired me to listen to Bridge the Gap again today, to see if I could identify what is described as Phyrgian. I think I have it figured out...or it’s possible I don’t have a clue. Phyrg if I know :lol
:lol it's that almost Egyptian type sound, it's very distinguishable. Glad my analysis is inspiring others to check it out.
Your analysis is inspiring me to check it out, and I've owned the fucking thing for 7 years! :lol
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Wolfkings’ excellent song by song analysis inspired me to listen to Bridge the Gap again today, to see if I could identify what is described as Phyrgian. I think I have it figured out...or it’s possible I don’t have a clue. Phyrg if I know :lol
:lol it's that almost Egyptian type sound, it's very distinguishable. Glad my analysis is inspiring others to check it out.
Your analysis is inspiring me to check it out, and I've owned the fucking thing for 7 years! :lol
:metal
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Just finished my write up to A Conspiracy Of Stars. Was surprised at how sad I felt.
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Just finished my write up to A Conspiracy Of Stars. Was surprised at how sad I felt.
It's going to be sad listening to it too. :lol
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https://youtu.be/cDQ9VICJZyc
He doesn't listen to music? Interesting.
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Yeah, he doesn't consume music, as he puts it. That's a nice video bit. That Ralf track sounds killer in the background.
He has a million interviews on youtube over the last several years. He always says something strange, but I cannot watch his face when he speaks and not smile.
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Yeah, I thought I remember seeing an interview with him years ago where he stated he does not listen to music at all. He said something along the lines of he doesn't want to be inspired by anything or accidentally copy a riff or something. He only wants to inspire himself with his own ideas.
He is a unique character.
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It's like Bill and Ted went in their phone booth and grabbed him from the 1600's or something the way he looks, talks and acts. :lol
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https://youtu.be/T_lbUNvjquA
David Brewster covering the chords of UFO for anyone interested.
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Chords?
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I've actually watched that video before.
I like this one..
It's funny to hear him talk when he was younger too. A total spaceshot!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSctHspJuIY
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Just read this interview with Adrian Smith:
http://bravewords.com/features/iron-maidens-adrian-smith-talks-fishing-going-solo-with-bruce-dickinson-killers-era-i-havent-seen-paul-dianno-for-years-and-years
"Michael Schenker is probably my biggest influence. I like to use wah wah pedals to get tone, especially live so it comes through. I thought he was amazing, I used to go see him at a place called The Roundhouse in London, he was with UFO and he might have been 17 or 18 - only a year older than myself - but he was already a prodigy. He was massively inspiring. When I saw him I went out and dyed my hair blonde and starting wearing the same clothes as him. The only thing I didn’t get was a Flying V because I couldn’t afford it.”"
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Yeah, pretty sure Gary Moore is another strong influence of Adrians. He has a great mix of Schenker and Moore in his playing.
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Well, Adrian is my favorite guitar player. The man does not waste notes. Must have picked that up from Schenker.
I just broke out Psycho Motel's Welcome To The World recently and Adrian is just the man.
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Yeah, pretty sure Gary Moore is another strong influence of Adrians. He has a great mix of Schenker and Moore in his playing.
He actually mentions Gary Moore next in the interview...
BraveWords: Have you met some of these legends who influenced you?
Smith: “Yeah, I have. I met Gary Moore when we were doing the Killers album, at a place called Battery Studios in London. They had a bar there and Gary was doing an album. It was in his metal phase, he wasn’t doing his Blues yet. We met him in the bar, it was me and Dave and a few others, and he invited us into the studio where they were recording. He was playing with Don Airey, Ian Paice, and I think it was Neil Murray on bass. They were playing live and it sounded incredible, it sounded controlled. He was playing that big Strat, and I’ll never forget that. It was just an incredible experience and he was so nice to us."
Michael Schenker and Gary Moore-my two favorite guitar players!!
I have always loved Adrian Smith. I was gutted when he left Iron Maiden.
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Well, Adrian is my favorite guitar player. The man does not waste notes. Must have picked that up from Schenker.
I just broke out Psycho Motel's Welcome To The World recently and Adrian is just the man.
This is a fantastic analogy mate, perfect actually, for both Schenker and Smith.
That Psycho Motel album is great. It hits that grungey style which I liked as a kid but with Adrian's solos sprinkled through. He is on fire on this album actually.
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I have always loved Adrian Smith. I was gutted when he left Iron Maiden.
I am rarely a positive person who looks on the bright side, but his leaving gave us 2 Psycho Motel albums with which he wrote all the music and plays all guitar and he joined Bruce for 2 classic albums with him. Not to mention, I actually saw them on the Accident of Birth tour at the House of Blues in Chicago. That was quite the show.
And that second Psycho Motel album is one of my all-time top albums.
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I have always loved Adrian Smith. I was gutted when he left Iron Maiden.
I am rarely a positive person who looks on the bright side, but his leaving gave us 2 Psycho Motel albums with which he wrote all the music and plays all guitar and he joined Bruce for 2 classic albums with him. Not to mention, I actually saw them on the Accident of Birth tour at the House of Blues in Chicago. That was quite the show.
And that second Psycho Motel album is one of my all-time top albums.
I have copies of the Psycho Motel albums here. I distinctly remember liking one more than the other, but I don't really remember a thing about them.
I bought the ASAP on vinyl when it was released, and also saw the Accident Of Birth tour too, in Providence.
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I have always loved Adrian Smith. I was gutted when he left Iron Maiden.
I am rarely a positive person who looks on the bright side, but his leaving gave us 2 Psycho Motel albums with which he wrote all the music and plays all guitar and he joined Bruce for 2 classic albums with him. Not to mention, I actually saw them on the Accident of Birth tour at the House of Blues in Chicago. That was quite the show.
And that second Psycho Motel album is one of my all-time top albums.
I have copies of the Psycho Motel albums here. I distinctly remember liking one more than the other, but I don't really remember a thing about them.
I bought the ASAP on vinyl when it was released, and also saw the Accident Of Birth tour too, in Providence.
Welcome to the Real World is by far superior to State of Mind.
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I have always loved Adrian Smith. I was gutted when he left Iron Maiden.
I am rarely a positive person who looks on the bright side, but his leaving gave us 2 Psycho Motel albums with which he wrote all the music and plays all guitar and he joined Bruce for 2 classic albums with him. Not to mention, I actually saw them on the Accident of Birth tour at the House of Blues in Chicago. That was quite the show.
And that second Psycho Motel album is one of my all-time top albums.
Adrian's solos on Chemical Wedding is one of my favourite guitar performances ever. His playing is so tasty on that album. King in Crimson, Tower, Gates of Urizen, Book of Thel, Jericho and Jerusalem all have sublime solos from H. Top tier quality, no question.
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March 30, 1987
Providence Civic Center
(https://i.imgur.com/AfJQqDD.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rzUzzAv.jpg)
July 17, 1988
Worcester Centrum
(https://i.imgur.com/SePwVNS.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/nz8OcZH.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/vWmLJFm.jpg)
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So everyone knows where we are, we are down to our final 5 albums of the Listening Party... :(
2015 UFO A Conspiracy Of Stars
2015 Michael Schenker's Temple of Rock Spirit on a Mission
2017 UFO The Salentino Cuts
2018 Michael Schenker Fest Resurrection
2019 Michael Schenker Fest Revelation
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So everyone knows where we are, we are down to our final 5 albums of the Listening Party... :(
2015 UFO A Conspiracy Of Stars
2015 Michael Schenker's Temple of Rock Spirit on a Mission
2017 UFO The Salentino Cuts
2018 Michael Schenker Fest Resurrection
2019 Michael Schenker Fest Revelation
2021 Michael Schenker Group Immortal
Keep the party going into the new year!
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So everyone knows where we are, we are down to our final 5 albums of the Listening Party... :(
2015 UFO A Conspiracy Of Stars
2015 Michael Schenker's Temple of Rock Spirit on a Mission
2017 UFO The Salentino Cuts
2018 Michael Schenker Fest Resurrection
2019 Michael Schenker Fest Revelation
2021 Michael Schenker Group Immortal
Keep the party going into the new year!
I like the way this man thinks!
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Actually, thinking about it, the new MS album could tie in pretty well. I'm already planning over the next few weeks to revisit all UFO albums and come up with a maybe 25 countdown. Maybe do it around XMas when I have a bit more time. January will roll around before we know it.
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So everyone knows where we are, we are down to our final 5 albums of the Listening Party... :(
2015 UFO A Conspiracy Of Stars
2015 Michael Schenker's Temple of Rock Spirit on a Mission
2017 UFO The Salentino Cuts
2018 Michael Schenker Fest Resurrection
2019 Michael Schenker Fest Revelation
2021 Michael Schenker Group Immortal
Keep the party going into the new year!
I like the way this man thinks!
Me too! :metal
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Where else we should comment that album, but here? Count me in! :metal :metal :metal
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The new song does indeed sound awesome!!
Really looking forward to hearing Joe Lynn Turner, but the lack of Doogie really bums me out.
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The new song does indeed sound awesome!!
Really looking forward to hearing Joe Lynn Turner, but the lack of Doogie really bums me out.
That's a major disappointment indeed mate.
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Sorry, it was Revelation I picked up, not Resurrection.
You picked up the wrong one. :lol
Nuclear Blast is having their Black Friday sale, which I have gone a bit nuts on the last 3 or 4 years, and they have both these albums in the sale. Doing a little listening ahead and I have to concur. I rather quite enjoyed Resurrection. About halfway through Revelation and it is a bit of a snooze-fest (Ha! No pun intended either, it's just the word that came to me).
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Resurrection is excellent. I really like it.
Revelation isn't nearly as good, but the two Doogie songs are great.
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Just ordered the deluxe Resurrection from NB for $5.19. Also picked up the most recent Wintersun album for $3.89. Very meager haul this year from NB's sale. Last year it was almost the entire Soilwork discography - 9 albums for $38, plus some other stuff.
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Just ordered the deluxe Resurrection from NB for $5.19. Also picked up the most recent Wintersun album for $3.89. Very meager haul this year from NB's sale. Last year it was almost the entire Soilwork discography - 9 albums for $38, plus some other stuff.
That Wintersun album is amazing.
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A Conspiracy Of Stars
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71TanoukSSL._SL1200_.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81GFUL657pL._SX522_.jpg)
A Conspiracy Of Stars (2015) (https://open.spotify.com/album/5L1OG8bgU45Awk4AQMUQDo?si=ztUWI4MVQquCLpBuM6hw9A)
Released February 23, 2015
1. The Killing Kind
2. Run Boy Run
3. Ballad Of the Left Hand Gun
4. Sugar Cane
5. Devil's In The Details
6. Precious Cargo
7. The Real Deal
8. One And Only
9. Messiah Of Love
10. Rollin' Rollin'
11. King Of The Hill (Bonus Track)
Phil Mogg-Vocals
Vinnie Moore-Guitar
Rob De Luca-Bass
Andy Parker-Drums
Paul Raymond-Keyboards/Guitar
Sadly we have come to UFO's final studio album, A Conspiracy Of Stars.
Coming to the realization that Pete Way will not return, longtime touring bassist Rob DeLuca is now listed as an official band member. It's notable because the bass playing on this album is brought up a notch over the previous two albums with session bassists.
This is another album that solidifies what the Vinnie Era is all about. You may or may not be disappointed by it's style.
I think overall, Stars is a bit stronger than Seven Deadly. I also think this is some Vinnie's best work with the band. It sounds, musically, that this is his band. Not sure if that makes sense, but he really feels in control of a lot of these songs. And again, that doesn't mean he's shredding. He just sounds so comfortable and confident. His solo on Sugar Cane is IMO his best one yet.
Love the outro to Precious Cargo, before the Vinnie finale. The band just chilling till the end.
The strongest track on the album is Messiah Of Love. It almost sounds as if it could've come from You Are Here. This is one of the stronger tracks from the Vinnie Era. The lyrics probably keep it from being an actual favorite, but musically, this song is incredible. the breakdown in the middle is something this band really doesn't do. It works really nice here. Nice to hear Rob DeLuca in that spot too.
The final track, Rollin' Rollin' is really cool. The chorus lets it down just a bit, but other than that, this song has such a cool mood. Vinnie is wicked underneath and nails the perfect solo, Paul Raymond is luscious (as usual), Rob lays down a great bass line, and Phil sounds fucking amazing. That outro gives me goosebumps.
I cite these last two tracks because it is bittersweet to end on them. They both show growth and promise.
A Conspiracy Of Stars is another album in this run that has aged really well.
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Although there’s also some average songs on Conspiracy..., the best songs on this album are stronger than in Seven Deadly and the album as a whole has a better flow. So, I also think that it's a better album than Seven Deadly. My favorites: Run Boy Run, Ballad of the Left Hand Gun, Sugar Cane, Devils In the Detail (I hear some Rush/Lifeson’s style here), Precious Cargo, Messiah of Love and King of the Hill (bonus track).
As for UFO, I have a tiny expectation that, even with the announcement of their retirement, they still have some breath and release one last album with Neil Carter also composing, since I like Mechanix and Making Contact so much.
Ranking:
OBSESSION (my favorite)/MECHANIX- 10+/10
FORCE IT/NO HEAVY PETTING/LIGHTS OUT/ THE WILD THE WILLING AND THE INNOCENT – 9.5
MAKING CONTACT/WALK ON WATER – 9.0
NO PLACE TO RUN/HIGH STAKES & DANGEROUS MEN/MOGG-WAY – CHOCOLATE BOX – 8.5
PHENOMENON/MOGG-WAY – EDGE OF THE WORLD/COVENANT/ THE MONKEY PUZZLE – 8.0
MISDEMEANOR/YOU ARE HERE/THE VISITOR - 7.5
AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’/A CONSPIRACY OF STARS – 7.0
SEVEN DEADLY – 6.5
SHARKS – 6.0
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As for UFO, I have a tiny expectation that, even with the announcement of their retirement, they still have some breath and release one last album with Neil Carter also composing, since I like Mechanix and Making Contact so much.
Man do I wish!
Since they have rescheduled dates for next year, they are technically not done. I have been surely hoping that with everything shut down because of Covid, that they may come up with an unexpected album.
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Yes, who knows? A lot of bands in this pandemic, instead of playing live, are composing new albums... so, even not being delusionally optimistic, I think there's still a real chance of this happens! :tup
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I have not been able to procure a means to listen to Conspiracy. I did listen to the samples in iTunes. All I can say right now is that it sounds a little better than the last few Vinnie albums. I have not been particularly kind to the Vinnie era aside from You Are Here and a small smattering of other tracks.
As we have reached the end of the threads namesake, I figured I would take stock of what this thread has brought me. I had always heard of UFO, but never knew anything about them aside from several musicians that I deeply respect have always cited them. As for Schenker, I have owned his Adventures instrumental album since release but never explored beyond that. I tend to get side-tracked. It was the combo of Pete's death and TAC's heartfelt posts that finally made me sit down and dig into UFO's catalog. I literally ordered the 10 disc set of albums just before this thread was started.
I stuck with all of the UFO stuff from the get-go and only strayed to the addendum's if they happened to catch my attention. I ate up Waysted and Mogg/Way. Schenker has been the tough one to follow. I have been clear that I did not care for most of his vocalists on his early releases. However, Michael picked up the slack for me when UFO started to wane. I even like Crooner Barden where I do not like early Barden. As the Vinnie era lost me, Michael has brought some killer records to fill the void. Granted, I am still waiting on a few to arrive to actually listen to them, but I am not worried.
I can't even begin to even think about rating things. I am a classic over-thinker anyway, and I don't have clearly enough listens to even think about that. By my count, I have purchased 27 albums as a result of this thread. There is another 3 that I would like to purchase but have struggled to find copies to meet my standards. That's a smooth 30 records if I complete what I am looking for.
Big thanks to Tim for sharing this music with us and to Kade and Stadler for making this a fun thread to chat in. I know others have been in and out, but those 3 amigos stood out to me. Extra special kudos to Stads for giving me the hookup on some hard to find material.
With that said, here is what this thread has brought me so far:
UFO 1
UFO 2
Phenomenon
Force It
No Heavy Petting
Lights Out
Obsession
Strangers In The Night
No Place To Run
The Wild, The Willing And The Innocent
Mechanix
Making Contact
Misdemeanor
Ain't Misbehavin' - still need to purchase
Walk On Water - would love to purchase, but not for a king's ransom
Covenant
You Are Here
Strangers In The Night Deluxe
Waysted
Vices
Waysted
The Good The Bad The Waysted
Back From The Dead
The Harsh Reality
Mogg/Way
Edge Of The World
Chocolate Box
Schenker Stuff
Tales Of Rock 'N' Roll
In The Midst Of Beauty
Gipsy Lady
Bridge The Gap (waiting for delivery)
Spirit On A Mission (waiting for delivery)
Resurrection (waiting for delivery)
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Great post Prof and many thanks for the shoutout, it's been great chatting UFO with you too. I too have been on a great discovery myself but more on that at a later date.
I use this site for albums I find hard to get. Conspiracy is on there and how I'm listening to it.
https://www.mp3va.com/
This is the only Vinnie album I don't own and having a listen right now.
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A few songs in and this is WAY better than I remembered. Left Hand Gun is excellent and Vinnie fucking owns on Sugar Cane.
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Messiah of Love could have come straight from the Covenant sessions.
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Really cool album this one. Don't know what I was thinking earlier, this rivals any of the other Vinnie albums. I like the harder edge throughout also.
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All the Vinnie era albums have been decent but pretty interchangeable. This one is no exception. Great performances all round. Again, nothing I’m likely to play very often, but enjoyable all the same.
Played Hey Stoopid today and Vinnie rips it up - Vinnie rips a great solo on Dirty a Dreams. That’s the Vinnie I want to hear on UFO albums, but he never really lets loose.
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I skip Dirty Dreams every time...
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I have not been able to procure a means to listen to Conspiracy. I did listen to the samples in iTunes. All I can say right now is that it sounds a little better than the last few Vinnie albums. I have not been particularly kind to the Vinnie era aside from You Are Here and a small smattering of other tracks.
As we have reached the end of the threads namesake, I figured I would take stock of what this thread has brought me. I had always heard of UFO, but never knew anything about them aside from several musicians that I deeply respect have always cited them. As for Schenker, I have owned his Adventures instrumental album since release but never explored beyond that. I tend to get side-tracked. It was the combo of Pete's death and TAC's heartfelt posts that finally made me sit down and dig into UFO's catalog. I literally ordered the 10 disc set of albums just before this thread was started.
I stuck with all of the UFO stuff from the get-go and only strayed to the addendum's if they happened to catch my attention. I ate up Waysted and Mogg/Way. Schenker has been the tough one to follow. I have been clear that I did not care for most of his vocalists on his early releases. However, Michael picked up the slack for me when UFO started to wane. I even like Crooner Barden where I do not like early Barden. As the Vinnie era lost me, Michael has brought some killer records to fill the void. Granted, I am still waiting on a few to arrive to actually listen to them, but I am not worried.
I can't even begin to even think about rating things. I am a classic over-thinker anyway, and I don't have clearly enough listens to even think about that. By my count, I have purchased 27 albums as a result of this thread. There is another 3 that I would like to purchase but have struggled to find copies to meet my standards. That's a smooth 30 records if I complete what I am looking for.
Big thanks to Tim for sharing this music with us and to Kade and Stadler for making this a fun thread to chat in. I know others have been in and out, but those 3 amigos stood out to me. Extra special kudos to Stads for giving me the hookup on some hard to find material.
With that said, here is what this thread has brought me so far:
UFO 1
UFO 2
Phenomenon
Force It
No Heavy Petting
Lights Out
Obsession
Strangers In The Night
No Place To Run
The Wild, The Willing And The Innocent
Mechanix
Making Contact
Misdemeanor
Ain't Misbehavin' - still need to purchase
Walk On Water - would love to purchase, but not for a king's ransom
Covenant - still need to purchase
You Are Here
Strangers In The Night Deluxe
Waysted
Vices
Waysted
The Good The Bad The Waysted
Back From The Dead
The Harsh Reality
Mogg/Way
Edge Of The World
Chocolate Box
Schenker Stuff
Tales Of Rock 'N' Roll
In The Midst Of Beauty
Bridge The Gap (waiting for delivery)
Spirit On A Mission (waiting for delivery)
Resurrection (waiting for delivery)
I read this post at 6am this morning when I got to work, and it made my day. Thank you so much for participating.
That's a lot to take in all at once. The Vinnie Era doesn't exactly hit you over the head, and your reaction to it is totally understandable. Being honest, I was disappointed too. You'd think these albums would be stronger, and by that I mean heavier, but they go the complete opposite direction.
I think once you have an appreciation of what Phil Mogg is all about, and give the Vinnie albums some time to age, I think you'll enjoy them more. Phil's lyrics are really strong on these albums. He is as much of a storyteller and introduces us to as many characters as he ever has.
These albums show a whole other side of the band, and even if you don't agree with the direction, they are all very well executed.
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Really cool album this one. Don't know what I was thinking earlier, this rivals any of the other Vinnie albums. I like the harder edge throughout also.
To me, this album encapsulates all of the Vinnie albums in one place. It doesn't mean every song is great, but I love the way this album sounds, and as I mentioned in my post for the album, it feels like Vinnie's band on this album. He just sounds more in charge musically. And I was kind of saying to Professor above, that the Vinnie Era doesn't just show you a different side of UFO, but it also shows a different side of Vinnie. And I like that.
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Just ordered the Resurrection CD/DVD.
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I also just dropped a few more bucks. I ordered the 2 disc version of Covenant. I was going down a Schenker rabbit-hole and stumbled onto this album:
(https://img.discogs.com/TNO_WW96vnFGBdXuyYlT4STWASg=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-3021518-1506415903-1524.jpeg.jpg)
Needless to say, Crooner Barden is tailor-made for this. Amazon had it for only $10 and the samples sounded good enough to me to drop the cash.
They also had Waysted's Save Your Prayers for a nice price on CD. I listened to a bit of it again and still don't feel it so I skipped it.
Funny thing was, I was listening to You Are Here again while on my Schenker search. No logic there.
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Tim would be able to retire off the two of us if he actually got commission. :lol
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Messiah of Love could have come straight from the Covenant sessions.
Hello? That caught my attention!
I'm behind on this a little becuase of the holiday. I want to check some of the MSG stuff and while I liked what I heard so far (Monkey Puzzle and the followup) I'm not rushing out to get the Vinnie stuff, but that may make me listen to this last one.
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I have not been able to procure a means to listen to Conspiracy. I did listen to the samples in iTunes. All I can say right now is that it sounds a little better than the last few Vinnie albums. I have not been particularly kind to the Vinnie era aside from You Are Here and a small smattering of other tracks.
As we have reached the end of the threads namesake, I figured I would take stock of what this thread has brought me. I had always heard of UFO, but never knew anything about them aside from several musicians that I deeply respect have always cited them. As for Schenker, I have owned his Adventures instrumental album since release but never explored beyond that. I tend to get side-tracked. It was the combo of Pete's death and TAC's heartfelt posts that finally made me sit down and dig into UFO's catalog. I literally ordered the 10 disc set of albums just before this thread was started.
I stuck with all of the UFO stuff from the get-go and only strayed to the addendum's if they happened to catch my attention. I ate up Waysted and Mogg/Way. Schenker has been the tough one to follow. I have been clear that I did not care for most of his vocalists on his early releases. However, Michael picked up the slack for me when UFO started to wane. I even like Crooner Barden where I do not like early Barden. As the Vinnie era lost me, Michael has brought some killer records to fill the void. Granted, I am still waiting on a few to arrive to actually listen to them, but I am not worried.
I can't even begin to even think about rating things. I am a classic over-thinker anyway, and I don't have clearly enough listens to even think about that. By my count, I have purchased 27 albums as a result of this thread. There is another 3 that I would like to purchase but have struggled to find copies to meet my standards. That's a smooth 30 records if I complete what I am looking for.
Big thanks to Tim for sharing this music with us and to Kade and Stadler for making this a fun thread to chat in. I know others have been in and out, but those 3 amigos stood out to me. Extra special kudos to Stads for giving me the hookup on some hard to find material.
With that said, here is what this thread has brought me so far:
UFO 1
UFO 2
Phenomenon
Force It
No Heavy Petting
Lights Out
Obsession
Strangers In The Night
No Place To Run
The Wild, The Willing And The Innocent
Mechanix
Making Contact
Misdemeanor
Ain't Misbehavin' - still need to purchase
Walk On Water - would love to purchase, but not for a king's ransom
Covenant - still need to purchase
You Are Here
Strangers In The Night Deluxe
Waysted
Vices
Waysted
The Good The Bad The Waysted
Back From The Dead
The Harsh Reality
Mogg/Way
Edge Of The World
Chocolate Box
Schenker Stuff
Tales Of Rock 'N' Roll
In The Midst Of Beauty
Bridge The Gap (waiting for delivery)
Spirit On A Mission (waiting for delivery)
Resurrection (waiting for delivery)
:tup
And likewise! I got a LOT out of this, and a good portion of it was the interaction and hearing what others' were taking from the music I was listening to. Now let's just keep the good vibes flowing until we get our copies of Strangers!!!! :)
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Well, Adrian is my favorite guitar player. The man does not waste notes. Must have picked that up from Schenker.
I just broke out Psycho Motel's Welcome To The World recently and Adrian is just the man.
That's a great, underrated album. It's surprising how much I listen to that record, given all the other stuff Adrian has done (though I'm a Dave guy).
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Messiah of Love could have come straight from the Covenant sessions.
Hello? That caught my attention!
I'm behind on this a little becuase of the holiday. I want to check some of the MSG stuff and while I liked what I heard so far (Monkey Puzzle and the followup) I'm not rushing out to get the Vinnie stuff, but that may make me listen to this last one.
Yeah this album needs a listen. And a report.
As does Bridge The Gap...
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Messiah of Love could have come straight from the Covenant sessions.
Hello? That caught my attention!
I'm behind on this a little becuase of the holiday. I want to check some of the MSG stuff and while I liked what I heard so far (Monkey Puzzle and the followup) I'm not rushing out to get the Vinnie stuff, but that may make me listen to this last one.
Yeah this album needs a listen. And a report.
As does Bridge The Gap...
I'm listening to Bridge The Gap now. I don't know if the article about the audition with Maiden triggered it or not, but I was struck by how close to Dickinson White sounds on "Where The Wild Winds Blow".
(Oh, and as an aside, did someone in Michael's camp say "hey, let's find a way to make it as hard as we can for people to find his music!"?? I went on Spotify to hear the "Temple..." material and you have to actually search that specifically. If you put in just "Michael Schenker", it only gives you a portion of his catalogue. Frustrating!)
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So.... I really liked Bridge The Gap. I'm not a huge Doogie White fan, but I think I liked his work here as much as anything I've heard by him... until I got to Spirit On A Mission. WHOA. I'm at "Something Of The Night" and WOW. Live And Let Live is how you open an album, Communion is insane, Vigilante Man is stupendous, and I'm anxious to go back to Saviour Machine.
Do I have this right: these are the only two records with Herman and Francis?
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So.... I really liked Bridge The Gap. I'm not a huge Doogie White fan, but I think I liked his work here as much as anything I've heard by him... until I got to Spirit On A Mission. WHOA. I'm at "Something Of The Night" and WOW. Live And Let Live is how you open an album, Communion is insane, Vigilante Man is stupendous, and I'm anxious to go back to Saviour Machine.
Do I have this right: these are the only two records with Herman and Francis?
I'll share my thoughts when Tim gets to it but yeah, Spirit is a more than worthy follow up to Bridge.
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I have not been able to procure a means to listen to Conspiracy. I did listen to the samples in iTunes. All I can say right now is that it sounds a little better than the last few Vinnie albums. I have not been particularly kind to the Vinnie era aside from You Are Here and a small smattering of other tracks.
As we have reached the end of the threads namesake, I figured I would take stock of what this thread has brought me. I had always heard of UFO, but never knew anything about them aside from several musicians that I deeply respect have always cited them. As for Schenker, I have owned his Adventures instrumental album since release but never explored beyond that. I tend to get side-tracked. It was the combo of Pete's death and TAC's heartfelt posts that finally made me sit down and dig into UFO's catalog. I literally ordered the 10 disc set of albums just before this thread was started.
I stuck with all of the UFO stuff from the get-go and only strayed to the addendum's if they happened to catch my attention. I ate up Waysted and Mogg/Way. Schenker has been the tough one to follow. I have been clear that I did not care for most of his vocalists on his early releases. However, Michael picked up the slack for me when UFO started to wane. I even like Crooner Barden where I do not like early Barden. As the Vinnie era lost me, Michael has brought some killer records to fill the void. Granted, I am still waiting on a few to arrive to actually listen to them, but I am not worried.
I can't even begin to even think about rating things. I am a classic over-thinker anyway, and I don't have clearly enough listens to even think about that. By my count, I have purchased 27 albums as a result of this thread. There is another 3 that I would like to purchase but have struggled to find copies to meet my standards. That's a smooth 30 records if I complete what I am looking for.
Big thanks to Tim for sharing this music with us and to Kade and Stadler for making this a fun thread to chat in. I know others have been in and out, but those 3 amigos stood out to me. Extra special kudos to Stads for giving me the hookup on some hard to find material.
With that said, here is what this thread has brought me so far:
UFO 1
UFO 2
Phenomenon
Force It
No Heavy Petting
Lights Out
Obsession
Strangers In The Night
No Place To Run
The Wild, The Willing And The Innocent
Mechanix
Making Contact
Misdemeanor
Ain't Misbehavin' - still need to purchase
Walk On Water - would love to purchase, but not for a king's ransom
Covenant - still need to purchase
You Are Here
Strangers In The Night Deluxe
Waysted
Vices
Waysted
The Good The Bad The Waysted
Back From The Dead
The Harsh Reality
Mogg/Way
Edge Of The World
Chocolate Box
Schenker Stuff
Tales Of Rock 'N' Roll
In The Midst Of Beauty
Bridge The Gap (waiting for delivery)
Spirit On A Mission (waiting for delivery)
Resurrection (waiting for delivery)
:tup
And likewise! I got a LOT out of this, and a good portion of it was the interaction and hearing what others' were taking from the music I was listening to. Now let's just keep the good vibes flowing until we get our copies of Strangers!!!! :)
For me, this thread has been a revelation. I've discovered a whole new world of music. It's been sensational but more on that later as I said.
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Vinnie fucking owns on Sugar Cane.
No shit. That solo is :hefdaddy
Do I have this right: these are the only two records with Herman and Francis?
Yes, but they also play on the Temple Of Rock Live In Europe, which I featured earlier, and they also play on On A Mission: Live In Madrid, which I'll highlight when I post Spirit On A Mission later this week.
A few people owe me some UFO reviews first!!
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I'll try and run through ACOS again at some point and add some more thoughts. Wouldn't be before we move on however.
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Messiah of Love could have come straight from the Covenant sessions.
Hello? That caught my attention!
I'm behind on this a little becuase of the holiday. I want to check some of the MSG stuff and while I liked what I heard so far (Monkey Puzzle and the followup) I'm not rushing out to get the Vinnie stuff, but that may make me listen to this last one.
Yeah this album needs a listen. And a report.
As does Bridge The Gap...
I'm listening to Bridge The Gap now. I don't know if the article about the audition with Maiden triggered it or not, but I was struck by how close to Dickinson White sounds on "Where The Wild Winds Blow".
(Oh, and as an aside, did someone in Michael's camp say "hey, let's find a way to make it as hard as we can for people to find his music!"?? I went on Spotify to hear the "Temple..." material and you have to actually search that specifically. If you put in just "Michael Schenker", it only gives you a portion of his catalogue. Frustrating!)
Talking about making it hard to find Schenker music, I went on Amazon Canada to buy the remastered version of the second MSG album. The tracks listed in the product description are from that album but the image of the front and back album cover is for the McAuley Schenker MSG album. So I didn't buy it because I wasn’t sure which album I’d end up with. :facepalm: I reported the product inaccuracy and hope they actually fix it.
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I reported the product inaccuracy and hope they actually fix it.
We solve the world's problems in this thread! :lol
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Zoom E In Concert!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xl-2HQBTmT4
;D
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Zoom E In Concert!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xl-2HQBTmT4
;D
:lol. She slayed it. :hefdaddy
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Many apologies for my untimely dropping out. Unfortunately there's far too much going on just now, even on weekends. I don't see things improving much yet as schools here in China are now fighting over what foreign teachers are left... so some teachers are behaving like spoiled royalty just now.
My thanks to Tim for reaching out and nudging me that's it's been so long, and also for arranging this thread which has taken me back to many memories and also reacquainted me to some great music... I'm even starting to appreciate Built to Destroy now haha.
I won't bore everyone with breakdowns of every album covered, and of course many still need to be listened to, especially MS later stuff. So I will stick purely with UFO that I have or heard up to date:
High Stakes... IMO Borderline is one of the best openers UFO have done signalling intent to get back to what they used to do. It's a shame the remainder of the album isn't of the same standard although Love Deadly Love is another high point.
WOW... A true return to form and a top 5 album for me. Again, Self Made Man signals intent, but this time the quality is carried right through to Dreaming of Summer. I even liked Knock Knock despite my ex behaving exactly as Mogg described at the time.
Covenant and Sharks... I missed out on these at the time of release for reasons long forgotten, although I have played them each once on YT. It would be unfair to judge very much, although first impressions were not of WOW's standard.
You Are Here... The last UFO album I bought on release, and initially I thought it great, even if it is a little different. These days, although it's good, it's not great and too many songs pass me by without grabbing my attention.
This is as far as I have got, but I can give a favourite top 5 even if I cannot rank them in any order. I will not mention SITN, as that's one of, if not my favourite live of all time.
Lights Out
Obsession
No Place To Run or possibly Mechanix
The Wild...
Walk On Water
I guess this kind of reflects my changing tastes. By WOW I had already been a DT fan for three years and was listening to other genres too. However the quality of the classic line up is undoubted (each player individually too).
It took me two hours just to write this in between interruptions, so in the spirit of Tim's last posting, heres another hot chick I bumped into haha
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcp6lT2j55Y
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Zoom E In Concert!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xl-2HQBTmT4
;D
That was really good. Kid's got enthusiasm, I'll give her that!
The backing band was hilarious, though. The guy on the left looks like he's playing Wembley with the real Michael Schenker, the bass player looks like he's playing Austin City Limits with Stevie Ray Vaughan, and the drummer looks like he's trying to see where his order of tacos is.
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Very aleatory, but this caught my atention...
from "Girls at the Gig" lyrics off McStine & Minnemann II, just released today at bandcamp:
"...But I married my sweetheart
I never got no action on the road
And I don't drive a fast car
We live in a basement, but we paid off all the loans
And I've got my record collection
And a lot of time for introspection
Now, I gotta go thank her
For letting me solo like Michael Schenker"
.. and a very nice solo by McStine (using a very Schenker-y guitar timbre) :metal
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Hah! That is awesome!!!
Speaking of Michael Schenker...
Spirit On A Mission
(https://img.discogs.com/ut_jHuEBJHZX40y-Mg5Lngo7LJI=/fit-in/300x300/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(40)/discogs-images/R-7945892-1452427687-9806.jpeg.jpg)(https://cover.box3.net/newsimg/dvdmov/max1427628658-back-cover.jpg)
https://open.spotify.com/album/5CNYe4vuZHJJH6nl4wB0rp?si=FBaAKOIfRJ2rGOFQ0zzUfA
Released 2015
1. Live And Let Live
2. Communion
3. Vigilante Man
4. Rock City
5. Saviour Machine
6. Something Of The Night
7. All Our Yesterdays
8. Bulletproof
9. Let The Devil Scream
10. Good Times
11. Restless Heart
12. Wicked
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Doogie White-Vocals
Francis Buchholz-Bass
Herman Rarebell-Drums
Wayne Findlay-Keyboards
The is the outstanding follow up to the excellent Bridge The Gap. Same lineup on this one too. This, along with Bridge The Gap, are easily Michael's best albums since the early 80's. I definitely like Bridge The Gap more, but I love Spirit On A Mission.
Lots of heavy and fast tempo tracks. Something Of the Night features Michael doing something I've never heard before, like a hive of bees in a mosh pit. Kade, please explain?!
Nasty riffage in Saviour Machine, and a perfectly catchy poppish tune with Good Times. Great lyrics on that one too.
Once again we get Viagra Herman on this. Where was this kind of drumming 35 years ago?
This is a fantastic lineup with all kinds of chemistry.
On A Mission: Live In Madrid
(https://media.cdr.nl/COVER/MEDIUM/FRONT/JK206761/On-a-mission-Live-in-Madrid.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51dpItzn4rL.jpg)
https://open.spotify.com/album/18179Sfjc28ry5iX6ZBAMF?si=2REvoaGOS96algeULZZ6pQ
Disc 1 Disc 2
1. Ocean Odyssey-Intro 1. Saviour Machine
2. Doctor Doctor 2. Too Hot To Handle
3. Live And Let Live 3. Only You Can Rock Me
4. Lights Out 4. Land Of The Lost And Lonely
5. Where The Wild Winds Blow 5. Rock You Like A Hurricane
6. Natural Thing 6. Rock Bottom
7. Before The Devil Knows You're Dead 7. Horizons
8. Victim Of Illusion 8. Attack Of The Mad Axeman
9. Lovedrive 9. Communion
10. Coast To Coast 10. Blackout
11. Vigilante Man
12. Rock My Nights Away
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Doogie White-Vocals
Francis Buchholz-Bass
Herman Rarebell-Drums
Wayne Findlay-Keyboards/Guitar
The great chemistry of this lineup is on display again on this live album. Fantastic setlist.
See for yourself!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzqKSgyhtIo&list=PLuUpS2Y0AFq7I-sVwxM7gAz7d_exSUswU&index=7
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Ugh, would love to listen to Bridge and Spirit but I made a big mistake with who I bought them from. Seller took just over 7 days before shipping. Then to add insult to injury, they used DHL. Their super power is being 10x slower than the USPS has become. What's worse, is DHL will hand this off to the USPS. I'm calling 2 weeks before I see these.
I have recently made 2 orders from a seller on Discogs that is in Taiwan. In both cases I got my orders in 7 days. Anything sent domestically via DHL is usually a firm 2 weeks.
Did I say ugh? >:(
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Ugh, would love to listen to Bridge and Spirit but I made a big mistake with who I bought them from. Seller took just over 7 days before shipping. Then to add insult to injury, they used DHL. Their super power is being 10x slower than the USPS has become. What's worse, is DHL will hand this off to the USPS. I'm calling 2 weeks before I see these.
I have recently made 2 orders from a seller on Discogs that is in Taiwan. In both cases I got my orders in 7 days. Anything sent domestically via DHL is usually a firm 2 weeks.
Did I say ugh? >:(
This is coming from someone who has ordered hundreds upon hundreds of items online. I would much rather have something come snail mail and I miss it.....I know it is being left at the post office by Canada Post.....easy to pick up.....but when I see something is being delivered by UPS, Purolator.....and yeah especially DHL ::)....I know it will be an effort on my part to get it.......snail mail, Canada post.....easy peasy
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This is a really great album. I too love BTG a lot more but this is a brilliant follow up. I was a bit thrown at first, the first four tracks head into a more classic rock direction but then we get a slab of heavy ass 7 string laden songs.
Something of the Night is a really interesting and unique song. This is Schenker heading into fusion territory. Tim, your description of the bee have is quite spot on. The heavy helps that but the melodies seem to incorporate a lot of chromatic notes in that intro giving that uneasy, sliding bee like feel. Great track.
Good Times is actually a fav too, great lyrics and atmosphere. Wicked is a little underwhelming, but the rest is fabulous.
Check the bonus track too, Searching For Freedom.
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https://youtu.be/gcWTT_nKp0w
Lol wut? :lol
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https://youtu.be/gcWTT_nKp0w
Lol wut? :lol
Watching him talk is fascinating. It's like watching that husband that went out for a couple drinks with his work buddies after work, but came home the next day missing one shoe and with lipstick on his collar trying to explain himself to his wife. Makes no sense whatsoever.
I will say this: he looks better at 65 than I did at 35. He's a good lookin' man, I'll give him that.
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He has dreamy eyes truthfully haha.
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Lol @ the misprint on the back of that CD. Too Ho To Handle. :lol
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😆
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https://youtu.be/gcWTT_nKp0w
Lol wut? :lol
:rollin
"You have three hints..." :lol
He is wonderfully nuts. Youtube is littered with his interviews over the last decade. I've spent hours going down that rabbit hole multiple times. I cannot listen and watch him talk and not smile. The guy is a riot.
Especially when he's ripping Rudolph. :lol
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Tim, when you have some free time, link a couple of interviews worthwhile. I'm really interested in his rift with his brother too.
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Tim, when you have some free time, link a couple of interviews worthwhile. I'm really interested in his rift with his brother too.
I'll work on it tonight.
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Tim, when you have some free time, link a couple of interviews worthwhile. I'm really interested in his rift with his brother too.
Watch this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNX_gYyVxng
It's a fucking riot! :lol
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Here's another one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nsr2kAfGJU&t
"Money making gobble machine" :lol :lol
He starts talking about the Scorps at the 9:58 mark, but he is his amazing self in this. :lol
Here's an Old School one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8WyOo8utO8
He is out to lunch here. :lol
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I'll check these tonight.
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Tim, when you have some free time, link a couple of interviews worthwhile. I'm really interested in his rift with his brother too.
Watch this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNX_gYyVxng
It's a fucking riot! :lol
2:38, 'well, what do I do with you?' :rollin
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Here's another one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nsr2kAfGJU&t
"Money making gobble machine" :lol :lol
He starts talking about the Scorps at the 9:58 mark, but he is his amazing self in this. :lol
Here's an Old School one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8WyOo8utO8
He is out to lunch here. :lol
I've watched that second one before. He's baked AF.
I love his attitude even though he's bitter as fuck. What exactly happened that they shit on him?
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Once again we get Viagra Herman on this. Where was this kind of drumming 35 years ago?
On A Mission: Live In Madrid
Disc 1 Disc 2
1. Ocean Odyssey-Intro 1. Saviour Machine
2. Doctor Doctor 2. Too Hot To Handle
3. Live And Let Live 3. Only You Can Rock Me
4. Lights Out 4. Land Of The Lost And Lonely
5. Where The Wild Winds Blow 5. Rock You Like A Hurricane
6. Natural Thing 6. Rock Bottom
7. Before The Devil Knows You're Dead 7. Horizons
8. Victim Of Illusion 8. Attack Of The Mad Axeman
9. Lovedrive 9. Communion
10. Coast To Coast 10. Blackout
11. Vigilante Man
12. Rock My Nights Away
The great chemistry of this lineup is on display again on this live album. Fantastic setlist.
Viagra Herman! :lol
Seriously, surprising performe of him in these two albums, including some interesting double bass drumming! Maybe the two best recordings of his career? Francis is also very good!
This live album is very interesting, it has a very uncommon setlist for Schenker :tup
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What makes the set list uncommon? Seems pretty on point for the band involved from the little I know.
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I was comparing to the regular MSG shows or his other live albums.
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Trying to find the best deal on the Live in Madrid CD and DVD without having to wait until next year! A shame there's only a BluRay/CD package and not a DVD/CD package.
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The Live In Europe and Live In Madrid are great companion pieces featuring this lineup. Even though there's 19 songs on Europe and 21 songs on Madrid, I think there's only 8 repeats.
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A Conspiracy of Stars, then... Just another surprise. :lol
Yep, I liked this one as well. If it turns out to be the band's final album of originals it's not a bum one to end on. It's actually a pretty great one from a band this late into the game. The boys sound good and confident here. I got a kick out of Vinnie's occasional Ronni Le Tekrø-esque muted picking runs. That was a neat new feature in his playing. Phil Mogg remains the star of the show though. He's never been a flashy singer and is even less so at this stage, but the man always delivers and has that special something. One of the best.
It'd be hard for me to put together a ranking of the band's discography beyond the Schenker years, but the Vinnie era seems simple enough:
The Monkey Puzzle
Seven Deadly
A Conspiracy of Stars
You Are Here
The Visitor
I <3 me some UFO, long may it oscillate!
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Awesome review! I'm glad you liked A Conspiracy Of Stars. It's a sneaky good album.
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Anyone tired of waiting to see if you'll get the Strangers deluxe set? Here ya go:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/UFO-Strangers-In-The-Night-8-CD-DELUXE-Box-Set-BRAND-NEW-IN-HAND-SOLD-OUT/254797540725?epid=2313629525&hash=item3b531ded75:g:oZQAAOSwYxxfwg-J
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Wow, only $34 a month for 12 months!
Thankfully, at least we have the download.
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Amazon UK still has it in stock. I'm still hoping they just get it from themselves and then ship it on to us. That, or the label does another run as this clearly had a much higher demand than anyone expected.
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Just finished listening to the Schenker Barden Acoustic Project. I really, really enjoyed it. Barden shines on this. It is a perfect accompaniment to his voice at that point and time.
I can see why TAC skipped it in the thread. Does not seem like his cup of tea.
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There's a handful of things Schenker did that I skipped. One of my working ideas was to add things like that in one post at the end.
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Michael Schenker Fest: Live Tokyo International Forum A
(https://media.guitarcenter.com/is/image/MMGS7/Michael-Schenker--Fest-Live-Tokyo-International-Forum-Hall-A-2CD-and-DVD/K35684000000000-00-1200x1200.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61PD5GpMPPL._SY400_.jpg)
https://youtu.be/q4Nd4ZAJtoo?t=1
Released March 24, 2017
Recorded August 24, 2016
Disc 1 Disc 2
1. Intro-Searching For Freedom 1. Captain Nemo
2. Into The Arena 2. This Is My Heart
3. Attack Of The Mad Axeman 3. Save Yourself
4. Victim Of Illusion 4. Love Is Not A Game
5. Cry For The Nations 5. Shoot Shoot
6. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie 6. Rock Bottom
7. Armed And Ready 7. Doctor Doctor
8. Coast To Coast .
9. Assault Attack .
10 Desert Song .
11. Dancer .
Michael Schenker-Guitars
Gary Barden-Vocals
Graham Bonnet-Vocals
Robin McAuley-Vocals
Chris Glen-Bass
Ted McKenna-Drums
Steve Mann-Guitar/Keyboards
Michael put together a project called the Michael Schenker Fest in the summer of 2016. After playing a few festivals, they would do 3 shows in Japan, featuring old band mates, including the three singers of his classic early eras, Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet, and Robin McAuley.
He also reunites with classic rhythm section Chris Glen and Ted McKenna, along with former McAuley Schenker member Steve Mann.
This is an amazing show in a beautiful venue. The place is huge and loaded with fans. So many classic tracks, with Michael playing an instrumental before each singer takes the stage. Really nice transitions.
(https://blogimg.goo.ne.jp/user_image/72/28/d6e3e51f3ca57cf68a4bb1e71f362661.jpg)
I posted the entire show above, but this clip is set to Save Yourself! :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
https://youtu.be/q4Nd4ZAJtoo?t=3725
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Was this released on blu ray or DVD?
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Was this released on blu ray or DVD?
Both I think.
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So I'll be honest. I met this release with an eyeroll. I know Michael just had his 30th Anniversary Tour live album a few years earlier, and I generally meet bands reverting to strictly old material with doubt. I'm really not a fan of that kind of thing. But as we have seen, Michael stayed very active in releasing live music.
But he had just released the two best albums of his career since the early 80's and I hated to lose that momentum.
But this is a great album and video. Great performances. Great camera work and sound.
Was this released on blu ray or DVD?
Definitely on DVD.
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I linked the video from youtube. It's definitely worth checking out!
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Was this released on blu ray or DVD?
Both I think.
I looked, released on DVD. I was looking at the bonus features, which is a slide show and soundcheck. Would’ve been cool to have a bonus of a behind the scenes documentary on the former singers returning and the interactions
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I’ll be checking this out for sure. This is where my interest returns with the 80s singers all coming back :metal
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Would’ve been cool to have a bonus of a behind the scenes documentary on the former singers returning and the interactions
That would be. I'll mention it later as we're going chronologically, but when I saw them, the vibe on stage between everyone was amazing.
And in this video, everyone is all smiles. Seems like they all got on very well, which is cool.
I’ll be checking this out for sure. This is where my interest returns with the 80s singers all coming back :metal
Jason the two albums that preceeded this, Bridge The Gap and Spirit On A Mission are incredible. Be sure to take the time to check them out at some point.
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I’ll be checking this out for sure. This is where my interest returns with the 80s singers all coming back :metal
Fuck dude, the 2 Doogie albums is where it's at.
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I’ll be checking this out for sure. This is where my interest returns with the 80s singers all coming back :metal
Fuck dude, the 2 Doogie albums is where it's at.
I mentioned how kick ass Bridge the Gap was and how it was my clear favorite post 80s MSG/UFO album. Really good stuff. But the 80s MSG would have my main interest and the staying power for me.
This live show is awesome :metal. The guys look like they are having a blast and are playing great. Looks like a pretty large venue too. I can’t see MSG ever playing something that size in North America right?
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How did “Anytime” not make the setlist?
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This live show is awesome :metal.
:metal
How did “Anytime” not make the setlist?
Good question. When I saw the Michael Schenker Fest in 2018, the McAuley songs were:
Bad Boys
Save Yourself
Anytime
Heart And Soul (from Resurrection)
Love Is Not A Game
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I’ll be checking this out for sure. This is where my interest returns with the 80s singers all coming back :metal
Fuck dude, the 2 Doogie albums is where it's at.
I mentioned how kick ass Bridge the Gap was and how it was my clear favorite post 80s MSG/UFO album. Really good stuff. But the 80s MSG would have my main interest and the staying power for me.
This live show is awesome :metal. The guys look like they are having a blast and are playing great. Looks like a pretty large venue too. I can’t see MSG ever playing something that size in North America right?
Yes, I remember that now mate. My apologies.
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Kade, I’m assuming those two have already been ordered from Amazon lol
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Kade, I’m assuming those two have already been ordered from Amazon lol
You mean Bridge and Spirit? I managed to pick both up in-store about a month ago. Hadn't heard a note from each but Doogie being on both made them both a purchase. Two of the best blind purchases I've ever made
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Thank you! (ka-ching!) :metal
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I watched most of that MSF DVD on YouTube a week or so ago. It was enjoyable but IMO just didn't stack up against the Temple of Rock show. Doogie front Schenkers band is just too good.
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@ Stadler, you might like this. Gary Barden actually sounds pretty decent, and even his stage presence isn't bad.
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The Salentino Cuts
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bf/0644-UFO_SALENTINO_CUTS.jpeg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/911H7M2R2kL._SL1500_.jpg)
The Salentino Cuts (2017) (https://open.spotify.com/album/5FR0J3xqIWwJ3hgz4Lu0kO?si=r4CNLeq7QjuSamO6naUqKg)
Released September 29, 2017
1. Heart Full Of Soul (The Yardbirds)
2. Break On Through (To The Other Side) (The Doors)
3. River Of Deceit (Mad Season)
4. The Pusher (Steppenwolf)
5. Paper In Fire (John Mellencamp)
6. Rock Candy (Montrose)
7. Mississippi Queen (Mountain)
8. Ain't No Sunshine (Bill Withers)
9. Honey-Bee (Tom Petty)
10. Too Rolling Stoned (Robin Trower)
11. Just Got Paid (ZZ Top)
12. It's My Life (The Animals)
Phil Mogg-Vocals
Vinnie Moore-Guitar
Rob De Luca-Bass
Andy Parker-Drums
Paul Raymond-Keyboards/Guitar
What was stated as the final UFO album unfortunately is a Covers Album. Conflicted does not really begin to describe how I felt about that. I'm all over anything UFO, so I bought it on release. One thing the Vinnie Era has taught me is that these albums need to breath and age. The Salentino Cuts is no different.
Vinnie talks about doing the covers album in this interview. Interesting comments..
https://youtu.be/npV8Ywv40Hk?t=931
As usual with most cover albums, it comes down to the songs. I don't care to hear UFO on this run through Break On Through. I mean, there's not a more adventurous Doors track? Same with Mississippi Queen. I know Mountain has way more interesting songs. I'd much rather hear something like Silver Paper.
There are a few nice surprises though. They do a nice run through or Heartful Of Soul. Mad Season's River Of Deceit is a really interesting choice. While it's an iconic moment for Layne Staley, Phil singing this as a nearly 70 y/o man gives this a different but just as convincing spin.
Thankfully they did not cover Steppenwolf's Magic Carpet Ride or Born To Be Wild, and opted for The Pusher instead. This is a great song that could've easily fit right in on The Visitor or Seven Deadly.
John Mellencamp's Paper In Fire is another interesting choice. They rip through this and it's easily my favorite song on the album. Other highlights include Too Rolling Stoned and Just Got Paid.
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Never listened to this. The only song I'm remotely interested in hearing is the Mellancamp song.
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Never listened to this. The only song I'm remotely interested in hearing is the Mellancamp song.
Yeah, I totally understand. Paper In Fire is my go to track on this. I'd give The Pusher a listen. Even though it's an old Steppenwolf song, it could've easily come off of either of the last 2 or 3 Vinnie Era albums.
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Never listened to this. The only song I'm remotely interested in hearing is the Mellancamp song.
Yeah, I totally understand. Paper In Fire is my go to track on this. I'd give The Pusher a listen. Even though it's an old Steppenwolf song, it could've easily come off of either of the last 2 or 3 Vinnie Era albums.
I'll see if I can give it a spin.
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Aah, I’m falling behind again.
I listened to Spirit on A Mission today while I was working. Hadn’t heard this album before. There’s some really cool stuff on it, including the bee hive in a mosh pit song. I liked that! I was listening on YouTube and the last song Yin and Yang isn’t listed in your op as part of the track list. Is this a bonus song or did YouTube somehow just throw it on there? Anyway, it was a nice song, but would've been much nicer if Schenker himself wasn’t singing on it :lol. His singing style is reminiscent of German bands from the 70s, like Kraftwerk.
I also listened to a couple of songs from A Conspiracy of Stars and they were decent. Will listen to more of that album tomorrow.
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Aah, I’m falling behind again.
I listened to Spirit on A Mission today while I was working. Hadn’t heard this album before. There’s some really cool stuff on it, including the bee hive in a mosh pit song. I liked that! I was listening on YouTube and the last song Yin and Yang isn’t listed in your op as part of the track list. Is this a bonus song or did YouTube somehow just throw it on there? Anyway, it was a nice song, but would've been much nicer if Schenker himself wasn’t singing on it :lol. His singing style is reminiscent of German bands from the 70s, like Kraftwerk.
I also listened to a couple of songs from A Conspiracy of Stars and they were decent. Will listen to more of that album tomorrow.
Yin and Yang is a bonus track.
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No issues about falling behind.
My plan is to let this sit for the rest of the week. Give everyone a chance to catch up a bit.
We have two more Schenker albums to cover. I'll post one at the end of this week, and the other at the beginning of next week.
I'll then be posting a series of special posts that I'll leave as a surprise. Don't get too excited. ;D I did send Wolfking a sneak peak and got the thumbs up.
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@ Stadler, you might like this. Gary Barden actually sounds pretty decent, and even his stage presence isn't bad.
So I'm falling into the trap! Forget Rakutan, we should have TACutan! I just bought the newest Schenker-fest disk (it was like $4 from Nuclear Blast) and I have both Spirt and Bridge on order from Discogs. I'm looking at both live sets from that "era" and now I have the Tokyo show to look into. I saw the live show (I forget who asked, but I saw him at Irving Plaza, which is the same place I saw Mike Portnoy's Shattered Fortress; I think it's about 1,500 people) and it seemed they were having a BLAST. I got to meet Gary, Chris Glen and Ted McKenna out on the sidewalk (and waved at Dougie, who seemed... occupied), and even had a decent conversation with Gary.
(https://i.imgur.com/TFUtK39.jpg)
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Don't know what Rakutan is :lol
The Schenker Fest show live was so great. Gary really seemed happy to be there. But we'll probably cover the Schenker Fest a bit more in a few days. I also have a bunch of pics from the show.
The two live Temple Of Rock albums are great, as is the MS Fest Tokyo one.
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Rakutan basically gives you cash back for purchases. It's wierd, but TACutan would give you a slice of all these purchases your thread has triggered. :)
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OH, my 15%!!
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No issues about falling behind.
My plan is to let this sit for the rest of the week. Give everyone a chance to catch up a bit.
We have two more Schenker albums to cover. I'll post one at the end of this week, and the other at the beginning of next week.
I'll then be posting a series of special posts that I'll leave as a surprise. Don't get too excited. ;D I did send Wolfking a sneak peak and got the thumbs up.
:tup
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My haul for this thread is adding up too now. I ordered the Schenker Fest 2CD/DVD, Sharks and the Unforgiven live album from Amazon as they were all dirt cheap. I can't stop!
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My haul for this thread is adding up too now. I ordered the Schenker Fest 2CD/DVD, Sharks and the Unforgiven live album from Amazon as they were all dirt cheap. I can't stop!
:lol :metal
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My haul for this thread is adding up too now. I ordered the Schenker Fest 2CD/DVD, Sharks and the Unforgiven live album from Amazon as they were all dirt cheap. I can't stop!
:lol :metal
I need serious help!
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Hello my name is Kade and I’m an Amazon CD buying addict.
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:metal :metal
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I gave Salentino Cuts a go on release. Yeah, an album I have absolutely no need of.
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I went right to "Rock Candy" and I was less than impressed. I now LOVE Phil Mogg, but that song doesn't suit him.
There are some good choices in there, though, that I probably should check out at some point:
Heart Full Of Soul (The Yardbirds)
River Of Deceit (Mad Season)
Paper In Fire (John Mellencamp)
Just Got Paid (ZZ Top)
JGP is a classic, quintessential bar tune and Mogg is perhaps the pinnacle of great "bar tune" singers. And I'm always amazed at how much traction the Yardbirds have/had in music. I was just listening to Rainbow in Germany in '76 as well as the Doogie White show in '95, and Blackmore TEARS UP "Still I'm Sad". Rush, Aerosmith... all covered the Yardbirds at some point.
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Ugh, would love to listen to Bridge and Spirit but I made a big mistake with who I bought them from. Seller took just over 7 days before shipping. Then to add insult to injury, they used DHL. Their super power is being 10x slower than the USPS has become. What's worse, is DHL will hand this off to the USPS. I'm calling 2 weeks before I see these.
I have recently made 2 orders from a seller on Discogs that is in Taiwan. In both cases I got my orders in 7 days. Anything sent domestically via DHL is usually a firm 2 weeks.
Did I say ugh? >:(
8 days in and my prediction is tracking. 3 days ago, DHL says they handed it off to the USPS. USPS still says they are waiting for it. With the weekend approaching, no way I am getting this until sometime next week.
2 weeks to ship something form North Carolina to Illinois. Unbelievable.
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Wow, that's ridiculous.
I went right to "Rock Candy" and I was less than impressed. I now LOVE Phil Mogg, but that song doesn't suit him.
There are some good choices in there, though, that I probably should check out at some point:
Heart Full Of Soul (The Yardbirds)
River Of Deceit (Mad Season)
Paper In Fire (John Mellencamp)
Just Got Paid (ZZ Top)
Yeah, those are the better songs on the album, but I'd definitely check out The Pusher.
The video I linked with Vinnie mentions that they got to the studio with like 6 songs worked up. So I think some of the choices were definitely rushed.
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Ugh, would love to listen to Bridge and Spirit but I made a big mistake with who I bought them from. Seller took just over 7 days before shipping. Then to add insult to injury, they used DHL. Their super power is being 10x slower than the USPS has become. What's worse, is DHL will hand this off to the USPS. I'm calling 2 weeks before I see these.
I have recently made 2 orders from a seller on Discogs that is in Taiwan. In both cases I got my orders in 7 days. Anything sent domestically via DHL is usually a firm 2 weeks.
Did I say ugh? >:(
8 days in and my prediction is tracking. 3 days ago, DHL says they handed it off to the USPS. USPS still says they are waiting for it. With the weekend approaching, no way I am getting this until sometime next week.
2 weeks to ship something form North Carolina to Illinois. Unbelievable.
You could walk it there in that time. ;)
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Ugh, would love to listen to Bridge and Spirit but I made a big mistake with who I bought them from. Seller took just over 7 days before shipping. Then to add insult to injury, they used DHL. Their super power is being 10x slower than the USPS has become. What's worse, is DHL will hand this off to the USPS. I'm calling 2 weeks before I see these.
I have recently made 2 orders from a seller on Discogs that is in Taiwan. In both cases I got my orders in 7 days. Anything sent domestically via DHL is usually a firm 2 weeks.
Did I say ugh? >:(
8 days in and my prediction is tracking. 3 days ago, DHL says they handed it off to the USPS. USPS still says they are waiting for it. With the weekend approaching, no way I am getting this until sometime next week.
2 weeks to ship something form North Carolina to Illinois. Unbelievable.
You could walk it there in that time. ;)
No kidding. This is more for the pissed off thread, but last week I ordered diabetes test strips for my dog (before we knew what would happen this week - check the dog thread in the General forum). I ordered them on Monday. I upgraded to 3-day shipping because we were testing much more frequently. They shipped on Monday afternoon. I got the tracking info. This was from Missouri - a state that BORDERS MINE. They arrived yesterday, the day after he passed and 9 days after shipping. What's worse, USPS said the delivery date should have been 12/5 - 5 days after shipping, not 3. After Saturday, they just removed any guess of a date and just said Arriving Late.
Sorry, I've about had it with the USPS.
I'm venting, sorry. Like I said in the dog thread, it's been a rough week. Back to the music.
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Resurrection
(https://d3nxoulyw7bc8u.cloudfront.net/images/events/d264ccd1-b5a2-4f8f-a89f-fb5708a7f131.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/713woYL%2Bd7L._SL1200_.jpg)
https://open.spotify.com/album/2V0SPPVsUVbvXHMpDxkMNi?si=7JSD6BLHQBqVAxjLnzR7lQ
Released March 2, 2018
1. Heart And Soul (McAuley)
2. Warrior (All)
3. Take Me To The Church (White)
4. Night Moods (Bonnet)
5. The Girl With The Stars In Her Eyes (White)
6. Everest (Bonnet)
7. Messin' Around (Barden)
8. Time Knows When It's Time (McAuley)
9. Anchors Away (White)
10. Salvation
11. Livin' A Life Worth Livin' (Barden)
12. The Last Supper (All)
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Doogie White-Vocals
Gary Barden-Vocals
Graham Bonnet-Vocals
Robin McAuley-Vocals
Chris Glen-Bass
Ted McKenna-Drums
Steve Mann-Keyboards
Doogie White joins the lineup from the Michael Schenker Fest tour. Doogie sings three tracks and each other singer gets two.
This album is pretty strong all the way through.
The Doogie tracks carry on the great chemistry of the Temple Of Rock albums. The Bonnet sang Everest has probably the best solo, and the opening track Heart And Soul, a rocking tune sung by McAuley features Kirk Hammett trading solos with Michael.
Salvation is a nice instrumental that reminds me a little of Captain Nemo.
Even the two tracks with all of the vocals, Warrior and The Last Supper manage to be really good and stay out of corny territory.
This is an excellent album that I really like a lot.
Here's the promo video to Take Me To The Church (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9o34ooePv-E)
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To me, the MSFest albums differs from Temple of Rock ones because they are more explicit on re-create a MSG classic vibe, but sometimes a bit forced and a bit more inconsistent. Nevertheless, I think they have a lot of great songs to appreciate.
Resurrection has 7 killer songs: Heart and Soul, the 3 Doggie songs (Take Me to the Church is incredibly good… like TAC said, the Doggie songs are among the best in those MSFest albums), the 2 Bonnet songs and Salvation.
Time knows when it’s time is a bit too much commercial McAuley Schenker for my taste, which I don’t like. I think Livin’ a Live Worth Livin’, Salvation and Rock Steady are average. The Last Super is cool, but I do think Warrior is really corny (sorry TAC!).
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To me, the MSFest albums differs from Temple of Rock ones because they are more explicit on re-create a MSG classic vibe, but sometimes a bit forced and a bit more inconsistent. Nevertheless, I think they have a lot of great songs to appreciate.
Resurrection has 7 killer songs: Heart and Soul, the 3 Doggie songs (Take Me to the Church is incredibly good… like TAC said, the Doggie songs are among the best in those MSFest albums), the 2 Bonnet songs and Salvation.
Time knows when it’s time is a bit too much commercial McAuley Schenker for my taste, which I don’t like. I think Livin’ a Live Worth Livin’, Salvation and Rock Steady are average. The Last Super is cool, but I do think Warrior is really corny (sorry TAC!).
I agree with pretty much everything you said. I'm fine with Warrior though.
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Robin really hasn’t lost a step in his singing whatsoever. He had re-recorded Anytime and I bought it a couple years back on iTunes. Listening to that version along with the original there really isn’t much of a difference. Digging the songs on this album; cool concept bringing in all the previous singers so there is something for everyone.
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Yeah, Robin still sounds amazing.
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Zander? Yes, yes, he does. :)
(I'm kidding; I held a grudge against McAuley for years and years, but he won me when I saw him live and I kind of like the new stuff he's singing on. He's probably the best singer of the group, now. Graham has the best range, but his voice is so grating to me, and while I like Barden the best, he's an acquired taste and I know that.
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March 9, 2018
Berklee College Of Music
Boston
I loved how Michael walks out and introduces the band.
(https://i.imgur.com/y9OirZ6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/2t1Wm2R.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Ee8fNz2.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qhIsLFy.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/mq758PY.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/2t1Wm2R.jpg)
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(https://i.imgur.com/9fBDh4Z.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/5y5f3c2.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qUrqRmB.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/iJ6wVvm.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8C7vOY1.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/B2NTI66.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/bcPbxwI.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/jN546CY.jpg)
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:metal :metal :metal :metal
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Look at that muppet in the last shot ruining it and getting in the way! :lol
But seriously, those pics are fantastic. :metal
I got an order just yesterday that I haven't opened yet which I think has Resurrection in it. Might have to wait til Sunday though. There might also be another gem in that order too.....
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Hah!
One thing my wife hates about buying tickets is buying them so far out from the date of the show. The Schenker tix went on sale damn near a year out. But when I got a sniff of Schenker playing in Boston, I was on it. Knowing what side of the stage he stays on, we got seats like 3 rows back on the aisle.
The show was at Berklee, which is a surprisingly small auditorium. I saw Dream Theater there in 1994.
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Hah!
One thing my wife hates about buying tickets is buying them so far out from the date of the show. The Schenker tix went on sale damn near a year out. But when I got a sniff of Schenker playing in Boston, I was on it. Knowing what side of the stage he stays on, we got seats like 3 rows back on the aisle.
The show was at Berklee, which is a surprisingly small auditorium. I saw Dream Theater there in 1994.
Considering your pics. Buying them so early was a year out. You'd think a guy like Schenker most would be gunning for his side of the stage.
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Seeing Schenker was fantastic. But I've never seen Grahanm Bonnet live before. It was also great to see Chris Glen and Ted McKenna.
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:metal
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I just can't quite understand the look of the hat with the sunglasses. :lol I much preferred the baseball cap look.
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He took advice from Corey Hart
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He took advice from Corey Hart
But he's not wearing the sunglasses.....hmmmmmm
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Well, a Christmas miracle occurred today. My 2 Fest albums, Bridge and Spirit arrived today. Odd, since the USPS still says they have not taken possession of them yet.
This is a cool nugget, both albums are the Deluxe versions and each has a bonus track. After I finished putting them into my iTunes library I checked my song count - a clean 30,000. I thought the Strangers Deluxe box would have gotten the honor, but I'm glad it stayed in the UFO family.
Now I need to listen to these. Resurrection is on order from the Nuclear Blast Black Friday sale. Don't think they have even shipped my order yet. No clue when I will get that.
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Well, a Christmas miracle occurred today. Bridge and Spirit arrived today.
Awesome, you deserve something good after the last week you've had. These are two excellent albums and we'll await your report. ;D
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Just out of curiosity, those MSFest albums I like much more hearing the mp3s grouped this way and in this order: Doogie songs, McAuley songs, Bonnet songs, Barden songs, instrumental song and all vocalists songs (working like a encore or bonus tracks). I think both albums begin very strong and flow better this way.
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Well, a Christmas miracle occurred today. My 2 Fest albums, Bridge and Spirit arrived today. Odd, since the USPS still says they have not taken possession of them yet.
This is a cool nugget, both albums are the Deluxe versions and each has a bonus track. After I finished putting them into my iTunes library I checked my song count - a clean 30,000. I thought the Strangers Deluxe box would have gotten the honor, but I'm glad it stayed in the UFO family.
Now I need to listen to these. Resurrection is on order from the Nuclear Blast Black Friday sale. Don't think they have even shipped my order yet. No clue when I will get that.
BRIDGE. THE. GAP.
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Wolf I don’t know about you but I would classify it as more of a Festivus
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Wolf I don’t know about you but I would classify it as more of a Festivus
Since it's Festivus, Prof is going to unload on USPS, he has a lot of problems with them! Nuclear Blast too by the sounds of it soon.
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(https://twobirds.ignotainment.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2019/12/e5b20e35ea5fd804c8a5d079b876e7865c9802f8-300x225.jpeg)
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Just out of curiosity, those MSFest albums I like much more hearing the mp3s grouped this way and in this order: Doogie songs, McAuley songs, Bonnet songs, Barden songs, instrumental song and all vocalists songs (working like a encore or bonus tracks). I think both albums begin very strong and flow better this way.
Funny you mention that. I haven't reordered both albums, but here's a couple shots of my iPod. I made a DoogEP. Get it? Doogie plus EP...err..nevermind. ;D
(https://i.imgur.com/RJfgebv.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/261p6sV.jpg)
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DoogEP with 13 bonus tracks (the entire Bridge the Gap album) :metal :metal :metal
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:metal :metal :metal
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Tim is that an iPod classic? :metal :metal :metal :metal
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Yes!
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New track
After The Rain (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLMn1nPqANM)
This song blows! Schenker sounds great of course, but when he said Michael Voss was singing some songs, that made me cringe. With good reason.
Shenker is a god though because somehow he was able to get Sam Kinison to play drums.
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Blows chunks?
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Big monkey ones!
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Bugger. Will check it out later.
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Bugger. Will check it out later.
Don't bother.
Michael Voss really needs to stay behind the scenes, where he does a great job. This is simply awful.
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I was a bit distracted, but I got a first listen in on Bridge The Gap. This is a hard-charging record. Like I said, I was distracted so I don't have much more to say at the moment. I can tell it's awesome, just need to focus on it some more. I will say, I hate Dokken, but Don did not bother me on the bonus track. It was actually a pretty nice song.
I try to squeeze another listen in tomorrow (I guess today since it's almost 1am) and also try to get to Spirit this weekend as well.
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I’ll have to give Resurrection a re-listen this weekend. I do own this on CD. I recall Warrior has a catchy chorus - can hear it in my head.
Absolutely loved the SchenkerFest live show :metal. Great photos, TAC.
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Don’t mind the song butting needs a better singer. Voss is just lost. Needs some oomph in the vocal. Some character.
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I was a bit distracted, but I got a first listen in on Bridge The Gap. This is a hard-charging record. Like I said, I was distracted so I don't have much more to say at the moment. I can tell it's awesome, just need to focus on it some more. I will say, I hate Dokken, but Don did not bother me on the bonus track. It was actually a pretty nice song.
It's probably because I was so familiar with Faith as an instrumental, that putting Dokken's voice on top of it just for the sake of is pretty weak.
Hard charging! :metal
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Just out of curiosity, those MSFest albums I like much more hearing the mp3s grouped this way and in this order: Doogie songs, McAuley songs, Bonnet songs, Barden songs, instrumental song and all vocalists songs (working like a encore or bonus tracks). I think both albums begin very strong and flow better this way.
Funny you mention that. I haven't reordered both albums, but here's a couple shots of my iPod. I made a DoogEP. Get it? Doogie plus EP...err..nevermind. ;D
Cool, add Before the Devil Knows You're Dead to it and make it a DoogSchenkerAlbum!
The new song could be a nice ballad, very old school Scorpions, but the vocals really ruined it.
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Here's a video from the Michael Schenker Fest show I saw in Boston.
Rock Bottom (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nde7JumkzgI)
Although I saw him play Rock Bottom in 1987, I was half an arena away.
Seeing Michael play Rock Bottom about 15 feet away was a dream come true.
And this was the setlist:
01. Into the Arena
02. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie (Gary Barden on vocals)
03. Cry for the Nations (Gary Barden on vocals)
04. Attack of the Mad Axeman (Gary Barden on vocals)
05. Messin' Around (Gary Barden on vocals)
06. Armed and Ready (Gary Barden on vocals)
07. Coast to Coast
08. Desert Song (Graham Bonnet on vocals)
09. Dancer (Graham Bonnet on vocals)
10. Night Moods (Graham Bonnet on vocals)
11. Searching for a Reason (Graham Bonnet on vocals)
12. Assault Attack (Graham Bonnet on vocals)
13. Captain Nemo
14. Bad Boys (Robin McAuley on vocals)
15. Save Yourself (Robin McAuley on vocals)
16. Anytime (Robin McAuley on vocals)
17. Heart and Soul (Robin McAuley on vocals)
18. Love Is Not a Game (Robin McAuley on vocals)
19. Searching for Freedom
20. Live and Let Live (Doogie White on vocals)
21. Vigilante Man (Doogie White on vocals)
22. Lord of the Lost and Lonely (Doogie White on vocals)
23. Take Me to the Church (Doogie White on vocals)
24. Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (Doogie White on vocals)
25. Warrior (Barden, Bonnet, McAuley, and White on vocals)
26. Rock Bottom (Barden, Bonnet, McAuley, and White on vocals)
27. Doctor Doctor (Barden, Bonnet, McAuley, and White on vocals)
28. Shoot Shoot (Barden, Bonnet, McAuley, and White on vocals)
29. Natural Thing (Barden, Bonnet, McAuley, and White on vocals)
30. Lights Out (Barden, Bonnet, McAuley, and White on vocals)
30 songs!!!!!! :metal
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:metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal
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Wow. I am halfway through Spirit On A Mission and this thing is absolutely kicking my butt. This is a stellar record. Saviour Machine really stuck out. That bees in a mosh pit tone in Something reminded me a lot of John 5. Sounds like one of his go-to tones.
I'll go back to Bridge, but right now my guess is Spirit will be the winner of the two for me.
EDIT: All done with Spirit. Phenomenal album. My copy also has Searching For Freedom and that was quite nice. Never a fan of fade-outs but, otherwise, cool instrumental. This is a top album of the party for me. Might be my favorite Schenker record right now. I'll give Bridge another listen maybe tomorrow.
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Just started a listen to Resurrection. Heart and Soul blisters. The track sounds like Yngwie again and Robin sounds like Mats Leven. Good stuff. :metal
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Wow. I am halfway through Spirit On A Mission and this thing is absolutely kicking my butt. This is a stellar record. Saviour Machine really stuck out. That bees in a mosh pit tone in Something reminded me a lot of John 5. Sounds like one of his go-to tones.
I'll go back to Bridge, but right now my guess is Spirit will be the winner of the two for me.
EDIT: All done with Spirit. Phenomenal album. My copy also has Searching For Freedom and that was quite nice. Never a fan of fade-outs but, otherwise, cool instrumental. This is a top album of the party for me. Might be my favorite Schenker record right now. I'll give Bridge another listen maybe tomorrow.
:metal Yeah, Spirit is a wonderful follow up to Bridge. It's a class record from start to finish. That's epic you got Searching for Freedom too mate!
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Here's a video from the Michael Schenker Fest show I saw in Boston.
Rock Bottom (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nde7JumkzgI)
Although I saw him play Rock Bottom in 1987, I was half an arena away.
Seeing Michael play Rock Bottom about 15 feet away was a dream come true.
And this was the setlist:
01. Into the Arena
02. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie (Gary Barden on vocals)
03. Cry for the Nations (Gary Barden on vocals)
04. Attack of the Mad Axeman (Gary Barden on vocals)
05. Messin' Around (Gary Barden on vocals)
06. Armed and Ready (Gary Barden on vocals)
07. Coast to Coast
08. Desert Song (Graham Bonnet on vocals)
09. Dancer (Graham Bonnet on vocals)
10. Night Moods (Graham Bonnet on vocals)
11. Searching for a Reason (Graham Bonnet on vocals)
12. Assault Attack (Graham Bonnet on vocals)
13. Captain Nemo
14. Bad Boys (Robin McAuley on vocals)
15. Save Yourself (Robin McAuley on vocals)
16. Anytime (Robin McAuley on vocals)
17. Heart and Soul (Robin McAuley on vocals)
18. Love Is Not a Game (Robin McAuley on vocals)
19. Searching for Freedom
20. Live and Let Live (Doogie White on vocals)
21. Vigilante Man (Doogie White on vocals)
22. Lord of the Lost and Lonely (Doogie White on vocals)
23. Take Me to the Church (Doogie White on vocals)
24. Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (Doogie White on vocals)
25. Warrior (Barden, Bonnet, McAuley, and White on vocals)
26. Rock Bottom (Barden, Bonnet, McAuley, and White on vocals)
27. Doctor Doctor (Barden, Bonnet, McAuley, and White on vocals)
28. Shoot Shoot (Barden, Bonnet, McAuley, and White on vocals)
29. Natural Thing (Barden, Bonnet, McAuley, and White on vocals)
30. Lights Out (Barden, Bonnet, McAuley, and White on vocals)
30 songs!!!!!! :metal
That's some setlist Tim. Needs more Bridge the Gap. Only one song, bah!
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Warrior continues that nice Temple of Rock style of heavy riffing going. Temple of the Holy or Live for the King comes to mind. Love the structure with the verse chorus, verse chorus and solo to end.
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Take Me To the Church is a top song. Firstly, it's Doogie and secondly, the riff is catchy as hell.
Night Moves is also a great old school Schenker track. Perfectly written for Graham.
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Girl with Stars in Her Eyes was pretty decent. Not sure on Everest on first listen.
I actually really enjoyed Messin' Around, even with Barden haha. Love the groove. I get a strong ACDC vibe, but I'll accept it.
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When it's Time was a bit cheesy, but I actually like that power metal style chorus. Get some Helloween vibes.
Anchors makes me laugh with the intro riff but this is a wonderful song. Love the Maiden chorus. Also reminds me a lot of Where the Wild Wind Blows. Love the atmosphere in the solo, again Bridge the Gap vibes!
Salvation is very fun. Definite Ulcer vibes going on but nice and melodic.
Life Worth Livin' was alright and to be honest, wasn't that blown away with the Last Supper.
Overall though a very very nice album.
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Alright guys, I'm going to make a couple of you very jealous right now. I actually feel a bit bad because since I've fell in love with this band and Schenker thanks to Tim and this thread, I don't deserve to have my hands on this before you lot. Anyway, of course I'm talking about the Strangers box. I've done a few unboxing pics to show you what it looks like. It's pretty standard, but very solid. I had zero expectations for this and wasn't going to go out of my way to get it, but I get a lot of stuff from Australias best metal store Utopia in Sydney and shipping only takes 2 days so I've been using them a bit lately. I saw last week they had this in stock so I nabbed it. It cost $87 bucks, so I dunno how that compares, but not to sound arrogant, that was a non issue. Haven't listened to anything yet.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Fsdt7Db4/Strangers-box-1.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/vHFB8g93/Strangers-box-2.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/nz9Fpphy/Strangers-box-3.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/RVLMMPvZ/Strangers-box-4.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/C5HVx1TQ/Strangers-box-5.jpg)
So there is a nice booklet which comes in its own slipcase which is very very nice. Nice and glossy and has a lot of old cool pics that look like single pics or maybe just promo pics from the album at the time. There's linear notes from a guy named Michael Hann also. The main album comes in it's own double slipcase with the original artwork. Every live show cd also comes in a cardboard slipcase but then comes in an additional slipcase which is excellent. No excuse for anything to get damage here. It's pretty simple, but as I said, I had no real expectations.
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New track
After The Rain (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLMn1nPqANM)
This song blows! Schenker sounds great of course, but when he said Michael Voss was singing some songs, that made me cringe. With good reason.
Shenker is a god though because somehow he was able to get Sam Kinison to play drums.
This would have been somewhat acceptable with strong vocalist. Even Ralf would have made this 1000 times better. I can hear him on this.
Voss forgot to take the peg off his nose when he recorded this.
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:metal strangers box set
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Wow. I am halfway through Spirit On A Mission and this thing is absolutely kicking my butt. This is a stellar record. Saviour Machine really stuck out. That bees in a mosh pit tone in Something reminded me a lot of John 5. Sounds like one of his go-to tones.
I'll go back to Bridge, but right now my guess is Spirit will be the winner of the two for me.
EDIT: All done with Spirit. Phenomenal album. My copy also has Searching For Freedom and that was quite nice. Never a fan of fade-outs but, otherwise, cool instrumental. This is a top album of the party for me. Might be my favorite Schenker record right now. I'll give Bridge another listen maybe tomorrow.
That's awesome, man! No matter how you slice it, Bridge The Gap and Spirit On A Mission are two of the best albums in his solo catalog.
Not since the early 80's has he made an album as strong as these.
Just started a listen to Resurrection. Heart and Soul blisters. The track sounds like Yngwie again and Robin sounds like Mats Leven. Good stuff. :metal
Anchors makes me laugh with the intro riff but this is a wonderful song. Love the Maiden chorus. Also reminds me a lot of Where the Wild Wind Blows. Love the atmosphere in the solo, again Bridge the Gap vibes!
Overall though a very very nice album.
Maiden chorus? Yeah, I'll buy that!
Yes it is a very nice album.
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Alright guys, I'm going to make a couple of you very jealous right now. I actually feel a bit bad because since I've fell in love with this band and Schenker thanks to Tim and this thread, I don't deserve to have my hands on this before you lot. Anyway, of course I'm talking about the Strangers box. I've done a few unboxing pics to show you what it looks like. It's pretty standard, but very solid. I had zero expectations for this and wasn't going to go out of my way to get it, but I get a lot of stuff from Australias best metal store Utopia in Sydney and shipping only takes 2 days so I've been using them a bit lately. I saw last week they had this in stock so I nabbed it. It cost $87 bucks, so I dunno how that compares, but not to sound arrogant, that was a non issue. Haven't listened to anything yet.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Fsdt7Db4/Strangers-box-1.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/vHFB8g93/Strangers-box-2.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/nz9Fpphy/Strangers-box-3.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/RVLMMPvZ/Strangers-box-4.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/C5HVx1TQ/Strangers-box-5.jpg)
So there is a nice booklet which comes in its own slipcase which is very very nice. Nice and glossy and has a lot of old cool pics that look like single pics or maybe just promo pics from the album at the time. There's linear notes from a guy named Michael Hann also. The main album comes in it's own double slipcase with the original artwork. Every live show cd also comes in a cardboard slipcase but then comes in an additional slipcase which is excellent. No excuse for anything to get damage here. It's pretty simple, but as I said, I had no real expectations.
(https://thumbs.gfycat.com/ThreadbareAnnualArmyant-size_restricted.gif)
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I’ve been considering this for Xmas.
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(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.michaelschenkerhimself.com%2Fimages%2Fschenker_christmas_card_2020.jpg&hash=4b533d835bec20c0fc51b97280f9c922f1b9b510)
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Why are you posting a Christmas card from Chichi Schemp?
(I'm kiddding; that is very very cool!)
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Chichi Schemp
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/stooges/images/f/f3/Shemp.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/340?cb=20110423102445)
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(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.michaelschenkerhimself.com%2Fimages%2Fschenker_christmas_card_2020.jpg&hash=4b533d835bec20c0fc51b97280f9c922f1b9b510)
Nice touch.
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Revelation
(https://img.discogs.com/8ek1ptnzQ9ewOUi19bIjxzNWZJQ=/fit-in/600x596/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-14227863-1570285479-5054.jpeg.jpg)(https://static-eu.insales.ru/images/products/1/1352/250537288/michael-schenker-fest-revelation-rucd.jpg)
https://open.spotify.com/album/4GZM9qezqhfF6HbRGnU82y?si=aGEaobkXQaqf5DH2Kv3HGA
Released September 20, 2019
1. Rock Steady (All)
2. Under A Blood Red Sky (White)
3. Silent Again (McAuley)
4. Sleeping With The Light On (All)
5. The Beast In The Shadows (Bonnet)
6. Behind The Smile (White)
7. Crazy Daze (Barden)
8. Lead You Astray (McAuley)
9. We Are The Voice (Romero)
10. Headed For The Sun (Barden)
11. Old Man (All)
12. Still In The Fight (Bonnet)
13. Ascension
Michael Schenker-Guitar
Doogie White-Vocals
Gary Barden-Vocals
Graham Bonnet-Vocals
Robin McAuley-Vocals
Chris Glen-Bass
Steve Mann-Keyboards
Simon Phillips & Bodo Schopf-Drums
Ronnie Romero-Vocals on Track 9
Recorded between tour legs, Michaels returns the follow up to Ressurection pretty quickly.
The songs featuring all of the singers are corny here, especially the cringeworthy Rock Steady. But Robin McAuley's chorus at least helps Sleeping With The Light On.
Personally I think the two Doogie songs are the strongest here. Is it me or does Doogie sound like Tobias Sammet in the prechorus of Behind The Eyes? Robin's Silent Again is really nice too, but holy shit does he sound like Marc Storace in the verse.
I think Heading For The Sun is the best Barden song between the two albums. Bonnet's Still In The Fight's riff reminds me of 1:49 of Fool's Gold off of Covenant. This is a cool song though and probably my favorite Bonnet song as well between the two albums as well..
With Ted McKenna having passed away earlier in the year, the drums were handled by Simon Phillips, with former McAuley/Schenker drummer Bodo Schropf playing on thee tracks (1,3, & 13).
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I think the Doogie and MacAuley songs all are excellent.
The Bonnet songs, Ascension, Sleeping in the Light On and Old Man are good.
The Barden songs are kinda average/forgettable, with cool solos.
The Romero song has, like Time Knows… from Resurrection, that very commercial McAuley Schenker vibe and also don’t like it.
I agree that Rock Steady is really weak.
Overall, I think the best songs on Resurrection are better than the best on Revelation and the same can be said about the worst songs on both albums. Resurrection is better, but Revelation is still a worthy and good album IMO.
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Resurrection is better, but Revelation is still a worthy and good album IMO.
I definitely agree.
And even though it'll be released under the MSG name, Immortal sounds so far like it'll follow suit. So far we've heard one great song, and one not so great song.
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I have been loving this thread ,,,
TAC knows I love my UFO ,... you all have been really great to read and enjoy
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I have been loving this thread ,,,
TAC knows I love my UFO ,... you all have been really great to read and enjoy
You wait until the last album of the thread to post! :P :P
Glad you've enjoyed the thread. I have some special posts coming up over the next week.
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Tonight I enjoyed this Conspiracy Of Stars show from Montreal in 2017..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zh5pUH799VY
Vinnie's solo on Love To love :hefdaddy
Same for Rock Bottom.
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Joe Lynn Turner, Graham Bonnet, Doogie White, Ronnie Romero... it's like Michael, Ritchie and Yngwie have a stable of singers and they just rotate them. :)
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Joe Lynn Turner, Graham Bonnet, Doogie White, Ronnie Romero... it's like Michael, Ritchie and Yngwie have a stable of singers and they just rotate them. :)
I’m sure it’s not a coincidence.
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https://bravewords.com/news/ufo-guitar-legend-vinnie-moore-tests-positive-for-covid-19-i-have-become-a-world-champion-at-napping
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Damn Vinnie. Glad he's okay now.
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I really wish UFO would surprise us with a quarantine album.
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I really wish they would just restock or make more of the Strangers Deluxe box. I am quickly losing hope that Amazon will come through. What's the point of pre-ordering and then not even fulfilling the order? It wasn't a surprise.
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I really wish they would just restock or make more of the Strangers Deluxe box. I am quickly losing hope that Amazon will come through. What's the point of pre-ordering and then not even fulfilling the order? It wasn't a surprise.
My order status says Expected by 12/31. Doesn't mean anything I'm sure. At least it came with Auto Rip.
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https://bravewords.com/news/ufo-guitar-legend-vinnie-moore-tests-positive-for-covid-19-i-have-become-a-world-champion-at-napping
About napping :D :D
A bit generic statement about music news... this could be UFO music?
Anyway, among the good things about this thread, now I appreciate a lot more Vinnie's solo work. I'll be happy if we have another solo album! :tup
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I really wish they would just restock or make more of the Strangers Deluxe box. I am quickly losing hope that Amazon will come through. What's the point of pre-ordering and then not even fulfilling the order? It wasn't a surprise.
Are you able to cancel and order from somewhere else?
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A bit generic statement about music news... this could be UFO music?
Anyway, among the good things about this thread, now I appreciate a lot more Vinnie's solo work. I'll be happy if we have another solo album! :tup
Well, he just put out a solo album last year. I would so love for it to be UFO music.
I really wish they would just restock or make more of the Strangers Deluxe box. I am quickly losing hope that Amazon will come through. What's the point of pre-ordering and then not even fulfilling the order? It wasn't a surprise.
Are you able to cancel and order from somewhere else?
I had mentioned The Gary Moore 5 CD Live At Montreaux box set. Amazon gave me multiple opportunities to cancel the order or see it through. It came with Auto Rip, so I had the music, but I still wanted the physical copy.
Ultimately, they let me know that they would be unable to fulfill the order. So I got a full refund......and a free Auto Rip! ;D
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That's fucking gold Tim. The only reason you'd need the pysical thing then is because you're a completist. There is nothing in the package you are missing out on truthfully.
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That's fucking gold Tim. The only reason you'd need the pysical thing then is because you're a completist. There is nothing in the package you are missing out on truthfully.
But I can't hold it and smell it and put it under my pillow at night. :lol
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That's fucking gold Tim. The only reason you'd need the pysical thing then is because you're a completist. There is nothing in the package you are missing out on truthfully.
But I can't hold it and smell it and put it under my pillow at night. :lol
Err....Yeah....That's true I guess. :lol
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I really wish they would just restock or make more of the Strangers Deluxe box. I am quickly losing hope that Amazon will come through. What's the point of pre-ordering and then not even fulfilling the order? It wasn't a surprise.
Are you able to cancel and order from somewhere else?
Nothing domestically has it in stock. Sellers on eBay are asking a fortune. Amazon UK had it for a while and now they look just like Amazon US, can't even order it. Nuclear Blast's German store has it, but after shipping it reaches ridiculous eBay prices.
I remember searching US online stores on release and they all had it out of stock and unavailable to even order. Seems the US got stiffed on this and it sold out like hotcakes overseas too.
I did take Tim's advice and downloaded the Auto-rip from Amazon just in case they cancel. I have the files already all set up and configured in my way as a fallback. Just haven't loaded them into my library as of yet. I continue to search for a decently priced hard copy in the meantime.
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I was going to link the Aussie store where I got it from but they are out of stock now too. :-\ shipping to you guys probably would have made it more expensive than what you could get it for anyway.
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I’m curious what shipping would be from Australia to North America?
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I found it on an Aussie site called Mighty Ape. They were showing $112 AU to the US, roughly $85 US. The $80-ish number is about what I am seeing from any foreign store that actually has it in stock.
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I found it on an Aussie site called Mighty Ape. They were showing $112 AU to the US, roughly $85 US. The $80-ish number is about what I am seeing from any foreign store that actually has it in stock.
Not bad.
I paid $86 AUS.
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So as we have officially run out of albums, I have a series of special posts to wind this thing down with...
And as always, any slowpokes....post your thoughts on anything you guys are listening to.
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Starting to run through the Strangers box. Working my way backwards and starting with the Louisville show. The sound is fantastic and the band is on absolute fire. Looking forward to working my way through these.
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In Memoriam
Ted McKenna
March 10, 1950 – January 19, 2019
(https://www.heraldscotland.com/resources/images/9309147.jpg?display=1&htype=0&type=responsive-gallery)
Born in Scotland, Ted would make his mark drumming for The Sensational Alex Harvey Band from 1972-1978. Alex Harvey was an interesting cat to say the least. Musically, they were like a cross between Alice Cooper and Slade. Future MSG bassist Chris Glenn was also a member of TSAHB.
I've never actually done a deep dive on Alex Harvey but I did buy The Sensational Alex Harvey band Live (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFeIcwdB32o&list=PLM0QWHFvEjTbz2cLWQNDDpz1Qg_-ovy8H) when I was a kid due to the McKenna/Glenn MSG connection.
(https://img.discogs.com/bFGvkHqDgManKqlb_zeGi9NUe6I=/fit-in/600x601/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-1685057-1236891565.jpeg.jpg)
Here they are on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert (https://youtu.be/1nEE87UqsXs?t=317).
Alex Harvey would pass away from heart failure the day before he would turn 47 in 1982.
Ted would leave Alex Harvey and join Rory Gallagher's band for 1978's Photo Finish (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFF4VP-EclU&list=PLDDAYQXk_M64uCDk0VcnxR-uS47h6tpnL), 1979's Top Priority (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCyy8qeJx7c&list=PL8a8cutYP7fpClbXIcIM9-n3tF_pucGIo), and the 1980 live album Stage Struck (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpkvNekADJE&list=PLdgFk-dTMiRhxcFO9IFmqktSOAxf1qMYh).
I actually had Top Priority on 8-track when I was a kid.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/d7/Toppriority.JPG/220px-Toppriority.JPG)
I literally never knew Ted McKenna was the drummer on it until I started researching this thread.
(https://i.pinimg.com/736x/79/7f/3a/797f3a2aa274db374cb988606b1876c0.jpg)
Ted would next play on Greg Lake's 1981 s/t (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpuKeOZWB-g). This album also features Gary Moore.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/37/Greg_Lake_-_Greg_Lake_%281981%29_Front_Cover.jpeg)
He would then join the Michael Schenker Group for the Assault Attack and Built To Destroy albums.
(https://iv1.lisimg.com/image/5381262/450full-michael-schenker-group.jpg)
He would play on assorted projects after that and even took on a lecturing job at North Glasgow University.
He and Chris Glen would once again join Michael Schenker for the Michael Schenker Fest in 2016, playing on the Live Tokyo International Forum A live album, and recording both Resurrection and Revelation.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/fdbr82G0iBf6GwCn8GzvNXbBSW53dMc8PPOh5-nSy60EfgKE6WOHLZugZyR8U0lQzEZJt6-xXPH87_NyM-laTg85ybZk933LGQ13DBW_qf6sni-fJCdecEpqtvk)
Sadly he passed away after hemorrhaging during a routine hernia surgery.
I am so very thankful I finally got to see him live with the Michael Schenkler Fest.
(https://i.imgur.com/AIIVz3J.jpg)
(https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/static/uploads/2019/01/Drummer-Ted-McKenna-has-died-aged-68--768x309.jpg)
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Starting to run through the Strangers box. Working my way backwards and starting with the Louisville show. The sound is fantastic and the band is on absolute fire. Looking forward to working my way through these.
After I Auto Ripped it, I spent two nights listening to it.It's a spectacular collection.
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I didn't talk to him much but I hung on the sidewalk with him for a spell (I wrote about that) and he was very kind and seemed to be having a good time. Him and Chris Glen were joking like brothers. My only words to him were "Great gig, Ted, you nailed it" or something equally stupid, and he just said "Thank you so much" or something equally polite.
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I didn't talk to him much but I hung on the sidewalk with him for a spell (I wrote about that) and he was very kind and seemed to be having a good time. Him and Chris Glen were joking like brothers. My only words to him were "Great gig, Ted, you nailed it" or something equally stupid, and he just said "Thank you so much" or something equally polite.
It's not the best concert pic I've ever taken but you can clearly see the chemistry between Chris Glen and Ted.
(https://i.imgur.com/36jAX1j.jpg)
I know Martin Birch did an incredible job with the sound on Assault Attack, but Ted's drumming is solid AF.
And I'm not an expert on it, but The Sensational Alex Harvey Band was quite interesting. You guys should at least check out the Don Kirshner's clip.
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Starting to run through the Strangers box. Working my way backwards and starting with the Louisville show. The sound is fantastic and the band is on absolute fire. Looking forward to working my way through these.
Is anything better sounding/or worth listening more than the original Strangers?
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Starting to run through the Strangers box. Working my way backwards and starting with the Louisville show. The sound is fantastic and the band is on absolute fire. Looking forward to working my way through these.
Is anything better sounding/or worth listening more than the original Strangers?
Jason, this is a must buy. You get the 6 shows they recorded. Different setlists.
One thing that is clear is that the band was on point for these shows.
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How is this deluxe edition not more easily available? Is there only 15 UFO fans on planet earth?
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How is this deluxe edition not more easily available? Is there only 15 UFO fans on planet earth?
This thread cleared them out! :lol
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I want to know your tax return from everything you have earned from this thread
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(https://i.imgflip.com/3cm658.jpg)
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:lol
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Great post Tim. A shame the way he passed away, so unfortunate.
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Starting to run through the Strangers box. Working my way backwards and starting with the Louisville show. The sound is fantastic and the band is on absolute fire. Looking forward to working my way through these.
Is anything better sounding/or worth listening more than the original Strangers?
How about another 6 versions of Strangers!?
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Lol copy
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HOLY CRAP!!!
I just got a shipping notice from Amazon that my Strangers Deluxe box is on the way! $46 US! Will be here on Monday.
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HOLY CRAP!!!
I just got a shipping notice from Amazon that my Strangers Deluxe box is on the way! $46 US! Will be here on Monday.
:metal
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Finishing up the Louisville show and really enjoyed it. On With the Action being an inclusion was an obvious highlight. Love the extended solos before the verses and Schenker is freestyling nicely. Looking forward to running through the rest of the shows, but that one was a highlight.
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Finishing up the Louisville show and really enjoyed it. On With the Action being an inclusion was an obvious highlight. Love the extended solos before the verses and Schenker is freestyling nicely. Looking forward to running through the rest of the shows, but that one was a highlight.
On With the Action might be the best song I’ve heard out of the hundreds mentioned in this thread
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Finishing up the Louisville show and really enjoyed it. On With the Action being an inclusion was an obvious highlight. Love the extended solos before the verses and Schenker is freestyling nicely. Looking forward to running through the rest of the shows, but that one was a highlight.
On With the Action might be the best song I’ve heard out of the hundreds mentioned in this thread
It's up there for me.
Coming up with a top 20 or 25 for this band is going to be tough.
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HOLY CRAP!!!
I just got a shipping notice from Amazon that my Strangers Deluxe box is on the way! $46 US! Will be here on Monday.
Damn! Haven't got my notice yet.
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Finishing up the Louisville show and really enjoyed it. On With the Action being an inclusion was an obvious highlight. Love the extended solos before the verses and Schenker is freestyling nicely. Looking forward to running through the rest of the shows, but that one was a highlight.
On With the Action might be the best song I’ve heard out of the hundreds mentioned in this thread
It's up there for me.
Coming up with a top 20 or 25 for this band is going to be tough.
Hopefully it makes top 26
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I've fallen behind again, but wanted to comment on the Revelation album cover. The Scorpion at the foot of the cross has to be some kind jab at Michael’s brother. Worship me, Rudy or something along those lines ? :lol
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Well, that's one way of looking at it. :lol
It's either that or he's acknowledging his past.
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Finishing up the Louisville show and really enjoyed it. On With the Action being an inclusion was an obvious highlight. Love the extended solos before the verses and Schenker is freestyling nicely. Looking forward to running through the rest of the shows, but that one was a highlight.
On With the Action might be the best song I’ve heard out of the hundreds mentioned in this thread
It's up there for me.
It's a great deep track. No Heavy Petting is my favorite UFO studio album. Phil's voice sounds so great and his lyrics, like in On With The Action, are really interesting.
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The Strangers set is awesome. Love the multiple shows and just enjoying going through each one. These songs don't get old, simple as that.
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:metal
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These songs don't get old, simple as that.
Nope. They never have. :metal
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Well, that's one way of looking at it. :lol
It's either that or he's acknowledging his past.
Hmmm. If it’s an acknowledgement of his past, shouldn’t there be a UFO flying around too? :P I really don't know what to make of that cover, and after listening to this interview I am none the more enlightened :lol
https://youtu.be/dPdyjUgOwRc
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Well, that's one way of looking at it. :lol
It's either that or he's acknowledging his past.
Hmmm. If it’s an acknowledgement of his past, shouldn’t there be a UFO flying around too? :P I really don't know what to make of that cover, and after listening to this interview I am none the more enlightened :lol
https://youtu.be/dPdyjUgOwRc
Graham Bonnet actually agrees with you. I think Tim posted his latest interview perhaps but that's the impression he got from the cover, like Schenker portraying himself as a God and the singers worshipping him.
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Well, that's one way of looking at it. :lol
It's either that or he's acknowledging his past.
Hmmm. If it’s an acknowledgement of his past, shouldn’t there be a UFO flying around too? :P I really don't know what to make of that cover, and after listening to this interview I am none the more enlightened :lol
https://youtu.be/dPdyjUgOwRc
Graham Bonnet actually agrees with you. I think Tim posted his latest interview perhaps but that's the impression he got from the cover, like Schenker portraying himself as a God and the singers worshipping him.
Ah right, I do recall that, but don’t think his explanation in that interview made sense either. He really is eccentric :lol
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Checked out the video that Zoom posted. I've seen that before. Yeah the concept is a bit much.
But then this very cool interview with Doogie popped up..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhcnhfgIi_E
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In Memoriam
Paul Raymond
November 16, 1945 – April 13, 2019
(https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/dimension=1920x400:format=jpg/path/scb5653f39c1ac2fe/image/i3408f2c2227340a9/version/1586263197/image.jpg)
Paul Raymond first gained notice as a member of Chickenshack in 1969. He actually replaced Christine McVie would would join Fleetwood Mac. He played on 1969's 100 Ton Chicken (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmMalA695Xs&list=PLvxWibFr0wiJguIuFCwcck3Uo7GwL3Ul7) and 1970's Accept (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0Yr5aKyCA4)
(https://img.discogs.com/3nTnU2Io1ga9pNOUyc3utUD1YWc=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-10993958-1507843586-4620.jpeg.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41Sabd-elAL._AC_.jpg)
He would soon join Savoy Brown and record six albums with them.
Street Corner talking-1971 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85LIsBLld0o)
Hellbound Train-1972 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OqVJKvb0_4&list=PL8a8cutYP7frR3qhOqTOAVJDHpzz28DXq)
Lion's Share-1972 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-6HuvH2dYg)
Jack The Toad-1973 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ronJihTbDtw&list=PLkNuuntMeM1zz9XklgexTGt78AXLL1A9D)
Wire Fire-1975 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxV3o-C9erc)
Skin N Bone-1976 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3SbgJq_Cd8)
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IiaCYdr4hqc/W8cw-pERcWI/AAAAAAAAMRE/IBPGdIXIZwADCPfPLQg4ZKu0pLx2_xgRgCLcBGAs/s1600/Front%2Bcopy.jpg)
Paul Raymond on far right.
I posted about seeing UFO in 1986, and took this pic of Paul. It was really cool to get a chance to see him.
(https://i.imgur.com/J8chFRF.jpg)
After bouncing around MSG, Waysted, and UFO again, Paul would form the Paul Raymond Project. He was very popular in Japan.
Full albums aren't really available on youtube. I'm honestly not all that familiar with them. Searching Paul Raymond Project on YouTube will yield a number of single tracks.
Paul rejoins UFO in 2004, and remained with them. He passed away of a heart attack following the first leg of their Last Orders tour on April 13, 2019.
Here is Paul's last show just eight days before he passed away:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MI62GfUxekw&list=PL1dmwfND6uERAN5P0Jsx_HbATx8QbT1Cd:
A couple of you have mentioned during the Listening Party that Paul Raymond really added something to the music. I totally agree. He had a way of lifting whatever he was playing on. He always found the perfect keyboard sounds to accompany the track. He was sneaky valuable to UFO's sound.
(https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/dimension=1920x400:format=jpg/path/scb5653f39c1ac2fe/image/ia24961e9f0201f1c/version/1586107373/image.jpg)
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:metal
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Raymond was such a huge part of UFO and the off shoots we’ve been enjoying. Very under appreciated.
A sad loss.
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Well, that's one way of looking at it. :lol
It's either that or he's acknowledging his past.
Hmmm. If it’s an acknowledgement of his past, shouldn’t there be a UFO flying around too? :P I really don't know what to make of that cover, and after listening to this interview I am none the more enlightened :lol
https://youtu.be/dPdyjUgOwRc
Graham Bonnet actually agrees with you. I think Tim posted his latest interview perhaps but that's the impression he got from the cover, like Schenker portraying himself as a God and the singers worshipping him.
Ah right, I do recall that, but don’t think his explanation in that interview made sense either. He really is eccentric :lol
No I meant the interview from Bonnet. Here it is;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-cNzL9aPL8&t=748s
He didn't like the cover either and mentions kinda what you were saying.
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Paul Raymond indeed was super important to the bands sound. So many underlying sounds, tones, keyboard parts that make the songs what they are. Seemed like the guy never wanting the spotlight but happy to provide what the song needed.
Another shocking loss.
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Schenker tears shit up on the Cleavland version of Action.
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Schenker tears shit up on the Cleavland version of Action.
Oh hell yes!! :metal
That intro really comes alive when it's played....live.
He is wicked in the chorus. What a sound!
Paul Raymond slips so effortlessly from keys in the chorus to rhythm in the solo. Andy Parker solid AF.
And that solo! :metal
And Paul's transition right into Doctor Doctor is masterful.
Fucking great stuff!
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Going to be difficult to pick a fav from tbese 6 shows. I think the last one Louisville is infront for me so far.
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I just downloaded my AutoRip; I'll be listening this week for sure.
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Going to be difficult to pick a fav from tbese 6 shows. I think the last one Louisville is infront for me so far.
I believe most of Strangers is the Louisville show. And I also believe the crowd is from the Chicago show.
I just downloaded my AutoRip; I'll be listening this week for sure.
Yeah, wise move. If you read my Gary Moore account, that's a smart move.
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Going to be difficult to pick a fav from tbese 6 shows. I think the last one Louisville is infront for me so far.
I believe most of Strangers is the Louisville show. And I also believe the crowd is from the Chicago show.
I just downloaded my AutoRip; I'll be listening this week for sure.
Yeah, wise move. If you read my Gary Moore account, that's a smart move.
Wait, so they've put the same show in twice?
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What do you mean?
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Yeah, wise move. If you read my Gary Moore account, that's a smart move.
What do YOU mean? :)
(Actually, seriously, I'm not really following....)
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Yeah, wise move. If you read my Gary Moore account, that's a smart move.
What do YOU mean? :)
(Actually, seriously, I'm not really following....)
THIS!
I ordered the Gary Moore Live At Montreax 5 CD set and it kept getting delayed...
I had mentioned The Gary Moore 5 CD Live At Montreaux box set. Amazon gave me multiple opportunities to cancel the order or see it through. It came with Auto Rip, so I had the music, but I still wanted the physical copy.
Ultimately, they let me know that they would be unable to fulfill the order. So I got a full refund......and a free Auto Rip! ;D
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What do you mean?
The box set has Strangers original but also a separate CD for the Louisville show but your saying the majority of Strangers is from that show anyway?
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Well, that's one way of looking at it. :lol
It's either that or he's acknowledging his past.
Hmmm. If it’s an acknowledgement of his past, shouldn’t there be a UFO flying around too? :P I really don't know what to make of that cover, and after listening to this interview I am none the more enlightened :lol
https://youtu.be/dPdyjUgOwRc
Graham Bonnet actually agrees with you. I think Tim posted his latest interview perhaps but that's the impression he got from the cover, like Schenker portraying himself as a God and the singers worshipping him.
Ah right, I do recall that, but don’t think his explanation in that interview made sense either. He really is eccentric :lol
Okay, I missed this one. Wow, Bonnett really looks his age now hat he’s let his hair go grey.
No I meant the interview from Bonnet. Here it is;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-cNzL9aPL8&t=748s
He didn't like the cover either and mentions kinda what you were saying.
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What do you mean?
The box set has Strangers original but also a separate CD for the Louisville show but your saying the majority of Strangers is from that show anyway?
So those were the six shows they recorded to compile the Strangers release. I read an interview with Ron Nevison and I believe he said that they took more from the Louisville show than any other show. He also mentioned that they used the crowd from Chicago because they were the loudest.
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What do you mean?
The box set has Strangers original but also a separate CD for the Louisville show but your saying the majority of Strangers is from that show anyway?
So those were the six shows they recorded to compile the Strangers release. I read an interview with Ron Nevison and I believe he said that they took more from the Louisville show than any other show. He also mentioned that they used the crowd from Chicago because they were the loudest.
Ah okay. I thought they were extra shows or something, that actually makes a lot of sense.
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Yeah, and that's what makes this set amazing. I mean, for me, it's not just because it is UFO.
This would be like Iron Maiden releasing a set of all 4 shows from Long Beach Arena in 1985.
Except the UFO set has different setlists.
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Yeah, and that's what makes this set amazing. I mean, for me, it's not just because it is UFO.
This would be like Iron Maiden releasing a set of all 4 shows from Long Beach Arena in 1985.
Except the UFO set has different setlists.
Yeah I get it now. Having all shows from LAD would be monumental, so I get the relevance of this set to a long time fan.
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Kade, at your suggestion, I'm listening to the Louisville show tonight.
Listening to the mid section of Let It Roll....amazing. Paul Raymond never overplays and lets Schenker breathe. So graceful.
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Kade, at your suggestion, I'm listening to the Louisville show tonight.
Listening to the mid section of Let It Roll....amazing. Paul Raymond never overplays and lets Schenker breathe. So graceful.
:metal
I think I'm midway through disc 5 and working backwards so two more to go after Cleavland.
That Louisville show, Schenker hardly puts a foot wrong.
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Love To Love from Louisville seems like it made the Strangers cut.
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Love To Love from Louisville seems like it made the Strangers cut.
Just working back, now that I know what I know about the box set, I would imagine a few would have found it's way onto the final cut from that show.
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I'm A Loser definitely sounds like the Columbus show, but there's a Schenker overdub in the intro that's not there on the three versions they recorded.
Rock Bottom is from Louisville.
3:35-8:55 is the best 5 minutes of music these ears have ever heard.
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Rock Bottom is from Louisville.
3:35-8:55 is the best 5 minutes of music these ears have ever heard.
Wow!
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UPS guy just dropped off a nice little box of goodness. I'll be digging into this today and tomorrow.
I'm shocked that I actually got it.
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Pics or it didn’t happen!
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UPS guy just dropped off a nice little box of goodness. I'll be digging into this today and tomorrow.
I'm shocked that I actually got it.
:tup
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Pics or it didn’t happen!
BOOM!
(https://i.imgur.com/YcaHJi8.jpg)
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Ouch.
That hurt! :lol
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That just made my week (I'm in the same boat as the Professor; I think we ordered it within a day of each other from the same place, if I understand what was posted here). I've got the COVIDs swirling around my family and I'm looking at a voluntary 14-day quarrantine (short answer, my stepson was exposed by his dad's wife while visiting this weekend) so if I get a present too, that will make the time go by a LOT faster.
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Yeah, and that's what makes this set amazing. I mean, for me, it's not just because it is UFO.
This would be like Iron Maiden releasing a set of all 4 shows from Long Beach Arena in 1985.
Except the UFO set has different setlists.
Yeah I get it now. Having all shows from LAD would be monumental, so I get the relevance of this set to a long time fan.
That's a seed planted. I'd kill for THAT box set. The video and the CD are (largely) from different nights as it is, and they are different enough to be interesting, so I'd go in for a "Long Beach Box" (phrasing).
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That just made my week (I'm in the same boat as the Professor; I think we ordered it within a day of each other from the same place, if I understand what was posted here). I've got the COVIDs swirling around my family and I'm looking at a voluntary 14-day quarrantine (short answer, my stepson was exposed by his dad's wife while visiting this weekend) so if I get a present too, that will make the time go by a LOT faster.
Ordered mine on 9/20 from Amazon.
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That just made my week (I'm in the same boat as the Professor; I think we ordered it within a day of each other from the same place, if I understand what was posted here). I've got the COVIDs swirling around my family and I'm looking at a voluntary 14-day quarrantine (short answer, my stepson was exposed by his dad's wife while visiting this weekend) so if I get a present too, that will make the time go by a LOT faster.
Ordered mine on 9/20 from Amazon.
9/21, Amazon. :tup
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Pics or it didn’t happen!
BOOM!
(https://i.imgur.com/YcaHJi8.jpg)
:metal enjoy!
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I spent a big chunk of today listening to the Strangers deluxe on Apple Music. Loved it.
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That just made my week (I'm in the same boat as the Professor; I think we ordered it within a day of each other from the same place, if I understand what was posted here). I've got the COVIDs swirling around my family and I'm looking at a voluntary 14-day quarrantine (short answer, my stepson was exposed by his dad's wife while visiting this weekend) so if I get a present too, that will make the time go by a LOT faster.
Ordered mine on 9/20 from Amazon.
9/21, Amazon. :tup
9/22, which was my birthday!
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Hopefully you lads are getting it before Xmas too then.
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Listening to On With The Action from Youngstown, and Paul Raymond's rhythm guitar underneath the solo is wicked,
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Any ideas why Action didn't make the Strangers album?
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Any ideas why Action didn't make the Strangers album?
Funny, as I was just thinking that. I would love to know the back story on that. It's the only pre Obsession song played at these shows that didn't make it.
Weird they opted to record Mother Mary and This Kids live in the studio instead.
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Any ideas why Action didn't make the Strangers album?
Funny, as I was just thinking that. I would love to know the back story on that. It's the only pre Obsession song played at these shows that didn't make it.
Weird they opted to record Mother Mary and This Kids live in the studio instead.
I’m glad they did because both are better than In With The Action. Even though these live versions are a lot better than the studio one. Thankfully, Mogg tones down the weird pronunciation on the chorus.
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You know, the first time I heard On With the Action, I just thought it would have been a fan fav, especially from more metal heads. But maybe, that's just me.
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Another one I would have loved to hear is Too Much of Nothing. Underrated it seems.
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In Memoriam
Paul Chapman
June 9, 1954 – June 9, 2020
(https://stargazed.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Paul-Chapman.jpg)
Paul briefly replaced Gary Moore in Skid Row in 1970-1971. Interesting to me that Paul replaced Gary Moore and Michael Schenker...my two favorite guitarists!
Anyway, Paul joined UFO in 1974 for part of the Phenomenon tour. Basically playing rhythm to Michael's leads, Paul would leave to form his own band, Lonestar.
I have well documented Lonestar when discussing the Chapman Era, and he even brought a couple of Lonestar tracks that became UFO songs.
Lone Star-1976 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlWzE5hUHB8&list=PLK6X2ZxsBQsdnVeaFAfyhwN-VZfDO2zRx)
Firing On All Six-1977 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asM8683vfzM&list=PLtJK_InIjqtRGMHPp1RupBVsIS-iIva0E)
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1vc_KlcPKM/WplGiiJ9R6I/AAAAAAAAT7Q/qdwGBjvlYkocdH_odj0XmjH7lZzaamJ-QCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/cover_Lone_Star76.jpg)(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/14/Firing_on_All_Six_cover.jpg/220px-Firing_on_All_Six_cover.jpg)
(https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AkRM3LqqemV5uQD2PegtS8.jpg)
Paul filled in for Michael Schenker for the first few weeks of the Lights Out US tour, before Schenker rejoined the band. He then finished the Obsession tour after Michael left for good. There are many that would argue that the Chapman Era is their favorite. I will say that The Wild The Willing And The Innocent is my second favorite UFO album.
(https://nextmosh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Paul_Chapman.jpg)
When the band reunited with Michael Schenker in 1993, Paul was also contacted about being the guitarist until Michael ultimately decided to do it.
In 2002, Paul released Ghost. with Carl Sentance on vocals. I have this. It's somewhat similar to the Save Your Prayers style.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSFyAK7i8E0
(https://img.discogs.com/tFAsm47Fo5qqurjGph3U7Ibg1-M=/fit-in/600x601/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-4985494-1554144694-9061.jpeg.jpg)
Paul would basically retire to Florida, but still did some odd sessions here and there. He would join Gator Country, which included former members of Molly Hatchet, Singer Jimmy Farrar, guitarist Duane Roland, and drummer Duane Crump.
After Roland passed away, Paul joined the band.
Paul is featured on their 2008 live album, Gator Country Live.
https://open.spotify.com/album/1UWxwBxXZWnXkhXdNt4z0N?si=xKww3UMOTs-mUdc17NwMvA
Paul in the left ear.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51Q8pFh2EKL._SY300_QL70_ML2_.jpg)
Here's a live clip:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ndqs9T2PkEM
He has great chemistry with the other lead guitarist, Linne Disse, who is pretty fucking good himself.
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ndqs9T2PkEM/hqdefault.jpg)
I am very thankful I got a chance to see Paul live when Waysted opened for Iron Maiden in 1987.
(https://i.imgur.com/rsBMWaP.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/2k2NqH9.jpg)
When I heard of Paul Chapman's death, I was really moved. Unexpectedly, actually. I always thought Paul was cool as hell. He looked cool. Played cool. And I liked that he wasn't intimidated by replacing Michael Schenker. I actually thought he improved some of the songs, as discussed earlier in the thread.
A few years ago, I had scratched out an outline for a UFO Discography Thread. When Paul passed, I decided that the UFO Discography thread must happen. I got right on it.
(https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/static/uploads/2020/06/Paul-Chapman-the-former-guitarist-of-UFO-has-died-aged-66.jpg)
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So some thoughts on the Vinnie Moore era...
I was kind of expecting the response it had, because I myself had the same reaction. Podaar bailed, Powerslave fell off, and it was clear they weren't Vinnie fans.
I hope Podaar carves out some time to give these albums a spin. It is anything that is shreddy or noodly.
After Schenker and Chapman, UFO recorded with a handful of guitarists...Tommy McClendon, Laurence Archer, George Bellas, and Jeff Kollman. And Schenker again.. These albums were all rooted in hard rock.
I still don't love You Are Here, but it showed some great promise to me. And then UFO threw a big time curveball with The Monkey Puzzle. It has a couple of great tunes (Drink Too Much and Who's Fooling Who) but it is totally dialed back. Followed up by the great, but Rolling Stones inspired The Visitor and the bluesy Seven Deadly, and ulitmately the sneaky strong A Conspiracy Of Stars, they just never achieved that hard rock reach.
I can think of only two reasons for this.
1. This was truly the direction Phil wanted to head in his latter years. Lyrically, these are some of his best work. Seriously. and,
2. This style of music was an itch Vinnie Moore needed to scratch. I totally respect that. I know he's said he sends Phil a bunch of ideas, and Phil picks the ones he wants to work with.
Another thing I've been thinking of...
Comparing the recent Schenker output, it is wrought with live material. Other than Showtime, which was recorded on the You Are Here tour (first with Vinnie), there are no live releases. I think this really detracts from this era. UFO has built their reputation as a live band, yet their management found no need to release any live material from over the last 15 years. I think that was a mistake.
They managed to play about a half dozen Chapman tunes, but the lack of live releases means us UFO fans never really get to study Vinnie's interpretations of the older material, nor can we celebrate the Vinnie tunes live.
We are only left with Youtube, and there are plenty of shows online. While it's tough to get a true band sound sometimes on these boots, it's great to see Phil, especially his between song banter.
UFO...Vinnie Moore...should've been a no brainer.
Thoughts?
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After Schenker and Chapman, UFO recorded with a handful of guitarists...Tommy McClendon, Laurence Archer, George Bellas, and Jeff Kollman. And Schenker again..
You're talking about Mogg/Way yeah?
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Another thing I've been thinking of...
Comparing the recent Schenker output, it is wrought with live material. Other than Showtime, which was recorded on the You Are Here tour (first with Vinnie), there are no live releases. I think this really detracts from this era. UFO has built their reputation as a live band, yet their management found no need to release any live material from over the last 15 years. I think that was a mistake.
They managed to play about a half dozen Chapman tunes, but the lack of live releases means us UFO fans never really get to study Vinnie's interpretations of the older material, nor can we celebrate the Vinnie tunes live.
We are only left with Youtube, and there are plenty of shows online. While it's tough to get a true band sound sometimes on these boots, it's great to see Phil, especially his between song banter.
UFO...Vinnie Moore...should've been a no brainer.
Thoughts?
This is all a fair point Tim. While they obviously weren't as energetic in their twilight years, Phil could still sing and Vinnie did do some interesting interpretations. Another live album wouldn't have gone astray now that you mention it. I would have LOVED to hear this Vinnie era lineup cover some Chapman songs. Which ones did they do?
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Long Gone (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0gCn73u1Hs)
Makin' Moves (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=at1AIsPs6mc)
The Wild The Willing And The Innocent (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFvNbHEepNE)
We Belong To The Night (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cm7LL0lGOf0)
Actually, I think that's it... :\
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So some thoughts on the Vinnie Moore era...
I was kind of expecting the response it had, because I myself had the same reaction. Podaar bailed, Powerslave fell off, and it was clear they weren't Vinnie fans.
I hope Podaar carves out some time to give these albums a spin. It is anything that is shreddy or noodly.
After Schenker and Chapman, UFO recorded with a handful of guitarists...Tommy McClendon, Laurence Archer, George Bellas, and Jeff Kollman. And Schenker again.. These albums were all rooted in hard rock.
I still don't love You Are Here, but it showed some great promise to me. And then UFO threw a big time curveball with The Monkey Puzzle. It has a couple of great tunes (Drink Too Much and Who's Fooling Who) but it is totally dialed back. Followed up by the great, but Rolling Stones inspired The Visitor and the bluesy Seven Deadly, and ulitmately the sneaky strong A Conspiracy Of Stars, they just never achieved that hard rock reach.
I can think of only two reasons for this.
1. This was truly the direction Phil wanted to head in his latter years. Lyrically, these are some of his best work. Seriously. and,
2. This style of music was an itch Vinnie Moore needed to scratch. I totally respect that. I know he's said he sends Phil a bunch of ideas, and Phil picks the ones he wants to work with.
Another thing I've been thinking of...
Comparing the recent Schenker output, it is wrought with live material. Other than Showtime, which was recorded on the You Are Here tour (first with Vinnie), there are no live releases. I think this really detracts from this era. UFO has built their reputation as a live band, yet their management found no need to release any live material from over the last 15 years. I think that was a mistake.
They managed to play about a half dozen Chapman tunes, but the lack of live releases means us UFO fans never really get to study Vinnie's interpretations of the older material, nor can we celebrate the Vinnie tunes live.
We are only left with Youtube, and there are plenty of shows online. While it's tough to get a true band sound sometimes on these boots, it's great to see Phil, especially his between song banter.
UFO...Vinnie Moore...should've been a no brainer.
Thoughts?
Although I can't say I got into the Chapman era because of their live stuff (it was because of the Chrysalis compilations) I think you're on to something. I got the first 10 UFO albums (well, albums three through 12, because they skipped the first two space rock records) through the Chrysalis compilations. To get into the Vinnie era I would have to buy records blind, or wade through Spotify, and it just didn't seem worth it. I like Monkey Puzzle, and the one that followed, I told you that, but not having the live stuff to sort of place it in the bigger picture is a detriment to that era of the band, IMO.
I also think it's different music, more different than Chapman was to Schenker. Chapman was his own guy with his own style (I've already written that the guy writes the best solo spots and transitions of just about anyone; most of his solos are weaved into the song rather than widdly widdly breaks) but he wasn't a huge leap from Schenker. IMO again, but the Vinnie era is a bigger leap and to your point about the "hard rock", it's not necessarily a leap that inspires me. Schenker/Chapman UFO is far more unique than they get credit for; who are they like? No one, really. It's like the Scorpions, Deep Purple and Bad Company rolled into one. There's no one like them. I don't need a UFO that is channeling the Rolling Stones; I have the Rolling Stones and 100 bands from LA doing the same thing. I know that's not fair to Vinnie, but resources are finite, if you follow me.
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I wrote this before, but I'll repeat it: Chapman retired to Melbourne, FL, on the east coast. My work has a main office in Melbourne, and I travel there frequently. I almost moved there, actually. Paul gave lessons and ran a music store in Melbourne, and after work, rather than sit in a hotel room, I would sometimes eat dinner and hang out at an Irish bar that is literally on the next block. I never got into the store, and I regret that. After his passing, the family did a tribute at another bar/live music place out on the beach that is right next door to the hotel I usually stay in. I wasn't there, but I understand it was a big deal in the area.
I have no connection myself to Paul, and never met him; I only say this to point out how he was a humble part of a community, well-loved and respected.
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My copy of Revelation came the other day; I think I like this more than Resurrection. It seems like the various singers blend better on this. And shout out to Graham Bonnet; he sounds different. BETTER, but different. It seems he's hitting all the notes he used to but without that grating, abrasive sounds he frequently gets (listen to "Sleeping With The Light On" for an example of that).
I like Rock Steady a LOT more than most of you it seems.
I agree with TAC about Doogie sounding like Marc Storace. Someone in Sleeping With The Light On sounds like Klaus Meine a little bit; at first I thought that was Ronnie Romero, but he's not on that song, it seems. Is that Robin?
Speaking of which, he really impresses me on this record. I feel kinda bad for all the dirt I've dealt him over the years (though the Macauley Schenker albums still aren't that good to me). He slays on Lead You Astray.
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My copy of Revelation came the other day; I think I like this more than Resurrection. It seems like the various singers blend better on this. And shout out to Graham Bonnet; he sounds different. BETTER, but different. It seems he's hitting all the notes he used to but without that grating, abrasive sounds he frequently gets (listen to "Sleeping With The Light On" for an example of that).
I purchased a copy of this but haven't listened to it. I forgot about it to be honest and the Strangers box got in the way.
I've listened to Resurrection again though and I like this one. This feels more of an 80's MSG record.
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I own Resurrection but have never listened to Revelation, other than Rock Steady, which put me right off. I’ll see if I can get a listen in this week. I do enjoy the songs on Resurrection where all of the vocalists are involved.
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That was a great post from Tim about Chapman. He gave me a sneak peak and I really loved reading it. The Gator video is some cool, raw shit haha.
I will say, getting into the Chapman stuff as this thread progressed, I wasn't thrilled with the first couple. I still have to go back and check them again with a new perspective but they were a step down from the Schenker stuff. Making Contact though blew me away, that's an amazing 80's record. Top 3 UFO album for sure, my appreciation for Chapman grew from there. His work on You and Me is incredible, that short solo is fucking incredible.
At first I didn't really care for his work on the old Schenker stuff. How he changed the middle of Love to Love didn't sit well with me yet now I really apprecaite his take. The Rockpalast concert is amazing and I've gotten a copy of that on CD/DVD although haven't watched it yet. That's a top UFO live release IMO. Even Rock Bottom he does a very good job.
I love Save Your Prayers now too, that's a great record that I've also acquired a copy of. My top 3 Chapman moments would be his work on Heroes Die Young, especially the ending from 5:00 onwards, so simple but amazing. The solo on So Long is unbelievable also, I've fallen in love with that one and of course You and Me.
Great, great rock guitarist. A shame he passed so young. He had a cool as fuck stage presence too.
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That was a great post from Tim about Chapman. He gave me a sneak peak and I really loved reading it. The Gator video is some cool, raw shit haha.
I will say, getting into the Chapman stuff as this thread progressed, I wasn't thrilled with the first couple. I still have to go back and check them again with a new perspective but they were a step down from the Schenker stuff. Making Contact though blew me away, that's an amazing 80's record. Top 3 UFO album for sure, my appreciation for Chapman grew from there. His work on You and Me is incredible, that short solo is fucking incredible.
At first I didn't really care for his work on the old Schenker stuff. How he changed the middle of Love to Love didn't sit well with me yet now I really apprecaite his take. The Rockpalast concert is amazing and I've gotten a copy of that on CD/DVD although haven't watched it yet. That's a top UFO live release IMO. Even Rock Bottom he does a very good job.
I love Save Your Prayers now too, that's a great record that I've also acquired a copy of. My top 3 Chapman moments would be his work on Heroes Die Young, especially the ending from 5:00 onwards, so simple but amazing. The solo on So Long is unbelievable also, I've fallen in love with that one and of course You and Me.
Great, great rock guitarist. A shame he passed so young. He had a cool as fuck stage presence too.
Thanks Kade. I appreciate that.
Yeah that Gator Country video is cool as shit. It totally rocks.
Paul Chapman was cool AF, and like I said, he had giant stones.
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To get into the Vinnie era I would have to buy records blind, or wade through Spotify, and it just didn't seem worth it. I like Monkey Puzzle, and the one that followed, I told you that, but not having the live stuff to sort of place it in the bigger picture is a detriment to that era of the band, IMO.
Yup, and that's what I'm saying. Even Tommy McClendon and Laurence Archer got live albums. The one with Archer is amazing!
I just think it would resonate more if we had more live material.
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Lesley West passed away the other day. Michael Schenker always mentions West in interviews and hold him in the highest regard. I went to Michael's website tonight to see if he had posted anything. Sure enough...
My Dear Lesley West,
You were my Hero.
What you did with your Lead Guitar Playing was out of this World and You were the kindest Man I have known.
Such a Lovely Character with so much Love.
I am so sad that You are gone but I know that You are in a better place now.
Enjoy Heaven and keep me with You in Spirit.
I am looking forward to meet You again when my time comes.
We will make Heavenly Music together. See You then.
I will never forget You my Hero. I am Your little Brother.
Thank You for what You have done for me.
Rest In Peace my Dearest Friend.
All my Love to You and all my Condolences to Your Loved Ones.
From the depth of my Heart.
I Will Always Love You,
Michael Schenker
XXX
That is some serious homage.
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In Memoriam
Pete Way
August 7, 1951 – August 14, 2020
(https://townsquare.media/site/295/files/2020/08/GettyImages-86096694.jpg?w=980&q=75)
We have pretty much covered Pete Way musically in this thread. Pete Way, along with Michael Schenker and Phil Mogg, have been so meaningful to me in my musical life. The Waysted albums in the 80's, specifically the EP and The Good The Bad The Waysted contain some of my favorite music I've ever heard. And with UFO, well, I wouldn't even know where to start.
I do want to mention his book, as it was sourced quite a bit in this thread.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51QkunXOKTL.jpg)
I've read a lot of rock n roll autobiographies. I really found this one to as real as it gets. Pete Way was an alcoholic, drug addict, even a heroin addict. He had an ex girlfriend that OD'd and died. He had a wife that OD's and died. And to his credit, one thing he never does in his book is feel sorry for himself, or ask for sympathy. He takes total responsibility, and I can respect that. Unfortunately, after reading it, I didn't feel bad for him. At all. But by all accounts, he was never nasty, never an asshole, and considered quite generous and a good soul. I don't think he and Neil Carter ever saw eye to eye, but that's about it.
Some shots:
(https://www.metalsucks.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/pete_way-1000x515-1597601860.jpg)
(https://www.metaltalk.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/peteway.jpg)(https://images.fineartamerica.com/images/artworkimages/mediumlarge/1/pete-way-of-ufo-day-on-the-green-july-4th-1979-daniel-larsen.jpg)
As with Paul Chapman, I only got to see Pete Way live once when Waysted opened for iron Maiden in 1987. Pete was way on the other side of the stage, but had a big crowd in front of him. Me, I had Paul Chapman about 20 feet away!
(https://i.imgur.com/s5FbAHX.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/5VVaXTO.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8ViSoBL.jpg)
In the past few years, Pete had formed the Pete Way Band. He gave up the bass duties and was the singer. Unfortunately, it's kind of cringe worthy. Apparently he has an album in the can, produced by Mike Clink. I'll be all over that when it come out for sure.
After a number of years without contact between UFO and Pete Way, in the summer of 2019, they were both booked at the Sweden Rock Festival. By all accounts, they had a wonderful clearing of the air.
It's funny, but for years, I would always have the same thought when turning on my computer. I'm going to turn it on to find out Pete Way died. That's weird. He's survived a heart attack, liver damage, cancer, but ultimately wouldn't survive falling down his own stairs.
(https://consequenceofsound.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Pete-Way.jpg?quality=80)
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Lesley West passed away the other day. Michael Schenker always mentions West in interviews and hold him in the highest regard. I went to Michael's website tonight to see if he had posted anything. Sure enough...
My Dear Lesley West,
You were my Hero.
What you did with your Lead Guitar Playing was out of this World and You were the kindest Man I have known.
Such a Lovely Character with so much Love.
I am so sad that You are gone but I know that You are in a better place now.
Enjoy Heaven and keep me with You in Spirit.
I am looking forward to meet You again when my time comes.
We will make Heavenly Music together. See You then.
I will never forget You my Hero. I am Your little Brother.
Thank You for what You have done for me.
Rest In Peace my Dearest Friend.
All my Love to You and all my Condolences to Your Loved Ones.
From the depth of my Heart.
I Will Always Love You,
Michael Schenker
XXX
That is some serious homage.
Jesus, that's deep. I thought of Schenker when I saw he passed as he mentioned him in that great 3 minute interview where he's slamming the Scorpions and Rudolf. To my shame, I've never heard Leslie West and reading the people that have paid their respects makes me even more ashamed.
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Great post in regards to Pete Way Tim. He died by falling down his own stairs? Jesus! :o
Tim, I'm curious, with guys like Schenker, Way and Gary Moore so influential to you, did you never get around to playing an instrument?
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Great post in regards to Pete Way Tim. He died by falling down his own stairs? Jesus! :o
I had posted this interview when he died, but his wife went on a podcast and discusses all of the issues he had related to the fall. He actually fell down his stairs TWO months before he died. It's an awful story.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WWWlixxSjY
Made me think that maybe Bruce Dickinson's ex wife maybe suffered a similar fate..'you know a tragic accident at home."
Tim, I'm curious, with guys like Schenker, Way and Gary Moore so influential to you, did you never get around to playing an instrument?
Yes, I played the drums. My biggest influence on that was Andy Parker. My parents really couldn't afford a nice drumset when I was a teenager, but my cousin who had moved left me his set for a couple of years and that's what I played on. Even jammed with a couple of bands as a kid.
I bought my current drumset when I got divorced in 1995. It was the first damn thing I did! ;D
I don't play it hardly at all. It was always too loud when the kids were young. But I ain't getting rid of it no matter how much dust is on it.
I have tried guitar countless times and I just can't figure it out. At all. I have known plenty of guys that have tried to help me. I even tried bass when I was a kid thinking that would be easier. I just couldn't figure out notes, chords, finger arrangements, etc... I could play Bringin' On The Heartbreak on bass, but that's as far as I ever got.
I'm sure I just need to sign up for the GuitarDojo! ;D
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Pete's death and the outpouring of love and respect to him is what made me finally dig into UFO and pull the trigger on the UFO boxset. Then this thread came along right on its heels. The rest is history. It led to an avalanche of new music for me.
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It's funny how things time out.
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Get back on those drums Tim and we'll start our own UFO cover band. :metal
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:lol
:metal
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:lol
:metal
And with both of us in the band we can call ourselves 'Too Hot to Handle.'
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:lol
:metal
And with both of us in the band we can call ourselves 'Too Hot to Handle.'
More like, 'Born to Lose'
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You have 4 albums to catch up on.
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:lol
:metal
And with both of us in the band we can call ourselves 'Too Hot to Handle.'
More like, 'Born to Lose'
Ouch.
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Checking some Leslie West, and this is brilliant. This song Schenker mentions in that same interview I mentioned.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVG7eQ1TcNo
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Wow! Fantastic.
I feel a rabbit hole coming!
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This one is a hoot too, they are absolutely fucked out of their mind. Great viewing. This particular song of course I know but I think may be the only Mountain/West song I know.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mwql7NyQI4k
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That is one of the tracks on The Salentino Cuts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDE0b-_occ8
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Here ya go, Kade!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zK7YQ0uhiyg
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That is one of the tracks on The Salentino Cuts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDE0b-_occ8
HA, didn't even catch on to this.
Not bad. I laughed at Phil's tough guy voice at the start. Vinnie does really well here too. He restrains himself nicely and adds to the song nicely.
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Here ya go, Kade!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zK7YQ0uhiyg
Schenker is an awe watching him play. Like he's in a trance. He really idolized this guy.
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Here ya go, Kade!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zK7YQ0uhiyg
Schenker is an awe watching him play. Like he's in a trance. He really idolized this guy.
While air-humping his guitar.
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Here ya go, Kade!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zK7YQ0uhiyg
Schenker is an awe watching him play. Like he's in a trance. He really idolized this guy.
While air-humping his guitar.
Lol. Best of both worlds.
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This one is a hoot too, they are absolutely fucked out of their mind. Great viewing. This particular song of course I know but I think may be the only Mountain/West song I know.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mwql7NyQI4k
I can only IMAGINE how loud it was in that studio. Holy crap. (The guy on the left, by the way, was in Frehley's Comet with Ace Frehley).
My favorite Mountain song is Nantucket Sleighride. What a vibe. I've not heard ANYONE speak of Leslie West in anything less than glowing terms.
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Always loved Nantucket Sleighride. It was used as the theme tune for a news programme back in the 80s in the UK so that’s how I initially knew it.
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This one is a hoot too, they are absolutely fucked out of their mind. Great viewing. This particular song of course I know but I think may be the only Mountain/West song I know.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mwql7NyQI4k
I can only IMAGINE how loud it was in that studio. Holy crap. (The guy on the left, by the way, was in Frehley's Comet with Ace Frehley).
Yes, but I thought Scarlett was post Comet. I'd seen him with Ace a couple of times. He may have been in an early Comet version though, I'm not sure. Looks like he was in Mountain during the Comet years.
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Checking some Leslie West, and this is brilliant. This song Schenker mentions in that same interview I mentioned.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVG7eQ1TcNo
Wow, that is really impressive. Just checked out Nantucket Sleighride and that was really good too.
I only knew Mississippi Queen from the radio and that wasn't my thing so I never checked out Mountain any further.
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Checking some Leslie West, and this is brilliant. This song Schenker mentions in that same interview I mentioned.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVG7eQ1TcNo
Wow, that is really impressive. Just checked out Nantucket Sleighride and that was really good too.
I only knew Mississippi Queen from the radio and that wasn't my thing so I never checked out Mountain any further.
I've watched this vid a couple more times, it's absolutely unbelievable. What a live performance, his solos on this are immense.
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This one is a hoot too, they are absolutely fucked out of their mind. Great viewing. This particular song of course I know but I think may be the only Mountain/West song I know.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mwql7NyQI4k
I can only IMAGINE how loud it was in that studio. Holy crap. (The guy on the left, by the way, was in Frehley's Comet with Ace Frehley).
My favorite Mountain song is Nantucket Sleighride. What a vibe. I've not heard ANYONE speak of Leslie West in anything less than glowing terms.
I'll check that tune out Bill.
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I'm still planning on doing a top 20 or 25 UFO song list too. It will kill some time until the new MS album.
Just realised I still have to listen to Revelation.
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I went back and forth about a In Memoriam Leslie West post. ;D
I posted Michael's comments. That will suffice. I've never gotten into Mountain. Never tried, honestly. But I'll go back and check some out.
I should put together some lists too.
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So...
We've basically made it to the end of The UFO Discography And Listening Party Thread. I've alerted Chad to put us to Completed status.
I had been asked to do the UFO Discography Thread a number of times in the past, but I didn't want to just wing it. I didn't just want to make a list of albums followed by "Cool album" or "I like it" styled comments.
I wanted to hopefully provide a bit more than that. That is why I was so hesitant to actually start it. How could I do this band justice? How do I treat the Michael Schenker albums? As you all saw, they are all intertwined.
I started an outline while recuperating from hernia surgery back in 2017. I thought how am I going to get through this. A rough outline sat for a few years. That is until the day I found out Paul Chapman passed away. I don't know why it hit me....but it just did. It was then that I said to myself...LET'S DO THIS!
I knew I could get through the UFO discography. But what do I do about Schenker. His second album is my favorite studio album of the entire bunch. I thought maybe do the old stuff and then highlight a couple here and there. That felt like a disservice, honestly. And what about the Waysted albums that were so important to me?
It's a UFO thread dammit-I told myself.
But I can't leave the other stuff out-I then reminded myself.
In the end, I decided to do the whole fucking thing. It's the only thing I knew how to do. Come for the UFO, and listen to the other stuff if you want to.
I was always worried about the Vinnie Moore Era. It's a bit anticlimactic. If that's how I feel about it, how can I expect everyone else to hang. We did lose a few people towards the end, but if they find some time to ultimately check it out, I hope they post about it. It's a totally different vibe that has taken me a long time to put in its proper place in the ban's history.
I know a few people fell behind. That's cool. There was a shitload to chew on here. When you ultimately get around to it, post in the thread and we'll...talk about it. That's what it's all about. Sharing music...reliving old memories and creating new ones.
I am humbled and grateful for everyone's participation. It was way more than I ever expected honestly. You guys (and gal) really made it worth it.
Four months, SEVENTY fucking albums!
You guys rule!
Tim
(https://i.imgur.com/Zugnbjx.jpg)
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Thanks Tim for doing this, it seriuosly has been a relevation for myself and I've discovered so much thanks to you. I've discovered what an incredible band UFO are and the magic of Schenker has come to light for me. I can't thank you enough for the music you've opened me up to. I'll post all my purchases thanks to this thread a bit later, there's been a few.
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Kade, thank you to you as as well. Your participation really helped drive me through all of this.
We will have a new Schenker album in a few weeks which will of course, be covered!
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Kade and I throughout this thread:
(https://memegenerator.net/img/instances/76947556/take-my-money.jpg)
I'll update my purchase list as well. Not today, but in the next few.
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Kade, thank you to you as as well. Your participation really helped drive me through all of this.
We will have a new Schenker album in a few weeks which will of course, be covered!
I knew how much you loved them so I wanted to really dig in. It paid off dividends.
I'll hopefully start running through my top 25 in a couple of days to keep the thread going.
-
Kade and I throughout this thread:
(https://memegenerator.net/img/instances/76947556/take-my-money.jpg)
I'll update my purchase list as well. Not today, but in the next few.
:lol Yep!!
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Excellent job on this Tim. I know I was only interested in 70s/80s/early 90s UFO/MSG and basically fell behind from there, but I still followed and respected the heck out of the effort on your part. I read all the posts and your loyalty and love for UFO/MSG is heartfelt. I’m glad to see Prof and Wolfster spend an excess amount of money based on your hardwork! Once again, fantastic effort :metal
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Having followed along while adding to Orbert's Jethro Tull discography, I saw how much extra work these things entail. 70 albums? Holy crap!
I've made it through the 70s releases. Hoping that life will allow for some catching up next year.
And, a great closing post, with quite the memorable pic. Well done, Tim!
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Tim,
Thanks for doing this thread. I've really enjoyed it...well, up until I got bored anyway. :lol
For me, adding in every band member's solo career, etc., was just too much, but from the looks of it your instincts were good for the rest of your audience. So a big :tup I recognize and applaud the effort, care, and passion up put into this thread.
I will get back to the Moore albums some day. I need to clear my head of the notion of "that ain't UFO" and just listen to it for what it is.
As for Schenker's solo career, yeah, I'm just not interested. I love the man's playing, but in my opinion, his bands are a complete mess. I'm guessing his personality is primarily the issue. He appears to be one of those people who are so fearful of success that they constantly self-sabotage. I mean, a page or so ago, y'all were raving about a new song from him so I clicked the link. Honestly, and this is as nice as I can say it, I have no idea why you folks called that good music. For me, Schenker is such a shadow of himself that it makes me sad to see him, really. It's not funny anymore.
-
I'm just glad this forced me into listening to those Schenker albums I had written off without hearing, just because of the sheer number he was putting out. There was alot of great stuff in there. Plus Walk On Water, that one alone was worth the thread.
Thanks for doing this Tim. Awesome job.
-
Thanks a lot TAC, for taking your time doing this and sharing a lot of cool/deep information that I think many of us didn't know before. It was an amazing thread, with a lot of interesting perspectives from all involved (thanks you all for the great posts!) and, above all, with a very positive vibe - I do think we are here to really have fun and forget a bit the problems in the real world. Also I'm really happy to see a lot of UFO/Michael Schenker fans in a DT forum, it kind of reafirms the quality of their music to me, very nice!
-
One of the best threads I've ever been a part of. Amazing, Tim, and I'm so happy I got exposed to a ton of good music. I realize now that as much of a UFO/Schenker fan I thought I was, I was just getting my feet wet.
This was great!
-
Plus Walk On Water, that one alone was worth the thread.
Quoting this statement for truth.
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Excellent job on this Tim. I know I was only interested in 70s/80s/early 90s UFO/MSG and basically fell behind from there, but I still followed and respected the heck out of the effort on your part. I read all the posts and your loyalty and love for UFO/MSG is heartfelt. I’m glad to see Prof and Wolfster spend an excess amount of money based on your hardwork! Once again, fantastic effort :metal
Thanks Jason for participating. And people accuse ME of being stuck in the 80's... :lol
Tim,
Thanks for doing this thread. I've really enjoyed it...well, up until I got bored anyway. :lol
Gee thanks Gregg, I think...
I was hopeful of your participation early in the thread. One of the few guys that was there while those early albums were being released and I appreciate your comments on those. So thank you.
I'm just glad this forced me into listening to those Schenker albums I had written off without hearing, just because of the sheer number he was putting out. There was alot of great stuff in there. Plus Walk On Water, that one alone was worth the thread.
Thanks for doing this Tim. Awesome job.
Thanks, Paul. Still can't believe you weren't in on Walk On Water when it happened. Glad you found it here.
Having followed along while adding to Orbert's Jethro Tull discography, I saw how much extra work these things entail. 70 albums? Holy crap!
I've made it through the 70s releases. Hoping that life will allow for some catching up next year.
And, a great closing post, with quite the memorable pic. Well done, Tim!
Thanks Joe! Chime in anytime.
Thanks a lot TAC, for taking your time doing this and sharing a lot of cool/deep information that I think many of us didn't know before. It was an amazing thread, with a lot of interesting perspectives from all involved (thanks you all for the great posts!) and, above all, with a very positive vibe - I do think we are here to really have fun and forget a bit the problems in the real world. Also I'm really happy to see a lot of UFO/Michael Schenker fans in a DT forum, it kind of reafirms the quality of their music to me, very nice!
Thanks D! So glad you enjoyed it and I was real happy to have you on board. Great posts throughout.
One of the best threads I've ever been a part of. Amazing, Tim, and I'm so happy I got exposed to a ton of good music. I realize now that as much of a UFO/Schenker fan I thought I was, I was just getting my feet wet.
This was great!
WOW Bill, I appreciate that. I really do. We have a lot in common and I'm glad you were part of this too.
Guys, it was my pleasure.
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Tim,
Thanks for doing this thread. I've really enjoyed it...well, up until I got bored anyway. :lol
Gee thanks Gregg, I think...
Poor wording from me. I was never bored of your presentation. My attention wanders sometimes. All apologies.
Guys, it was my pleasure.
Prove it. :eyebrows:
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You'll really be bored then. :lol
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Gregg, I wanted to talk about a couple of points.
I will get back to the Moore albums some day. I need to clear my head of the notion of "that ain't UFO" and just listen to it for what it is.
I think Vinnie Moore joining the band brought all sorts of false expectations. I thought it was totally gonna metal/rock, and it doesn't. You thought, I think, that it would just be shreddy, and it's not even close to that.
If you subscribe to "It ain't Schenker, it ain't UFO", I can understand that. But It's Phil Mogg, Andy Parker, Pete Way (on 2 albums) and Paul Raymond. It's really just a change in guitarist when you think about it. Don't be fooled by You Are Here. The Vinnie Era is totally dialed back. And you know what? It's nice music.
As for Schenker's solo career, yeah, I'm just not interested. I love the man's playing, but in my opinion, his bands are a complete mess. I'm guessing his personality is primarily the issue. He appears to be one of those people who are so fearful of success that they constantly self-sabotage. I mean, a page or so ago, y'all were raving about a new song from him so I clicked the link. Honestly, and this is as nice as I can say it, I have no idea why you folks called that good music. For me, Schenker is such a shadow of himself that it makes me sad to see him, really. It's not funny anymore.
His solo career is definitely a minefield, as are most bands' discographies. He talked about using various members in an interview I had seen, and he mentioned it really came down to money. They don't share in the songwriting and are in most cases touring musicians. Michael beats to his own drum for sure, and if he wants to do an acoustic album, well, there goes the current band.
What's amazing about him is that he has never stopped writing and recording music. Not everything is great, but he's been quite prolific. Also, 2013's Bridge The Gap and 2015's Spirit On A Mission are literally two of his best albums in his entire solo career.
I saw him 2 years ago and he played THIRTY songs. No short versions, no medleys. Thirty tracks. He still pushes himself, especially in the Rock Bottom solo section which has been twice as long as the classic version, but all killer.
I'm a little cautious about the new album. Michael Voss sings on a number of tracks and he fucking blows. I think you mentioned Drilled To Kill. Yeah, it's a bit campy, but a speedy double bass power metal track is practically non existent in his catalog. So I give him props for writing a song in that vain.
I don't think he's a shadow of himself at all. Maybe during the Be Aware Of Scorpions or Arachnophobiac Era, but not now.
Plus, he's 65!
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Regardless of what I now think of UFO, Bridge the Gap is the winner for me out of this whole thread. That album is incredible.
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So, this is what I've purchased since Tim started this thread. All physical cd's and dvd's;
UFO - 10 album cd collection - 1974 - 1986
UFO - Rockpalast 1980 CD/DVD
UFO - Walk on Water
UFO - Covenant 2CD
UFO - Sharks
UFO - Strangers in the Night 8CD
Michael Schenker - Unforgiven live 2cd
Michael Schenker - 30th Anniversary DVD
Michael Schenker - Temple of Rock - live CD
Michael Schenker - Temple of Rock - live DVD
Michael Schenker - Bridge the Gap
Michael Schenker - Spirit on a Mission
Michael Schenker - On A Mission Live - CD
Michael Schenker - On A Mission Live - DVD (on order)
Michael Schenker - MS Fest Tokyo - 2CD/DVD
Michael Schenker - Resurrection CD/DVD
Michael Schenker - Revelation
Waysted - Save Your Prayers
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Damn, that's awesome!
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So now, the only UFO cd's I'm missing are UFO 1 and 2, Ain't Misbeahvin', ACOS and Salentino Cuts. Not bad.
I'm probably not going to try and collect all Schenker's ones though! :lol
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Not bad at all. ACOS is a grower.
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Not bad at all. ACOS is a grower.
Yeah, I think I just never saw it instore anywhere so didn't buy it. The rest of the Vinnie stuff popped up instore when they were released. When I get the itch again, I might hunt the rest out. I'd like a copy of Ain't Misbehavin' truthfully.
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So, this is what I've purchased since Tim started this thread. All physical cd's and dvd's;
UFO - 10 album cd collection - 1974 - 1986
UFO - Rockpalast 1980 CD/DVD
UFO - Walk on Water
UFO - Covenant 2CD
UFO - Sharks
UFO - Strangers in the Night 8CD
Michael Schenker - Unforgiven live 2cd
Michael Schenker - 30th Anniversary DVD
Michael Schenker - Temple of Rock - live CD
Michael Schenker - Temple of Rock - live DVD
Michael Schenker - Bridge the Gap
Michael Schenker - Spirit on a Mission
Michael Schenker - On A Mission Live - CD
Michael Schenker - On A Mission Live - DVD (on order)
Michael Schenker - MS Fest Tokyo - 2CD/DVD
Michael Schenker - Resurrection CD/DVD
Michael Schenker - Revelation
Waysted - Save Your Prayers
:metal
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I'd like a copy of Ain't Misbehavin' truthfully.
You actually helped me to appreciate that more than I ever did.
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I'd like a copy of Ain't Misbehavin' truthfully.
You actually helped me to appreciate that more than I ever did.
Yeah nice. I didn't understand the dislike but you know me, I use to love my 80's style melodic rock so it was up my alley. Plus not having any expectations helped.
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Here's my final tally. Really only 2 other records that I would like to purchase. Walk On Water is an enigma. Anyone selling a copy wants a fortune.
All are physical unless otherwise specified. The Waysted stuff is just as bad as Walk On Water in terms of availability and price.
UFO 1
UFO 2
Phenomenon
Force It
No Heavy Petting
Lights Out
Obsession
Strangers In The Night (digital)
No Place To Run
The Wild, The Willing And The Innocent
Mechanix
Making Contact
Misdemeanor
Covenant 2 CD
You Are Here
Strangers In The Night 8 CD Deluxe
Waysted (all digital)
Vices
Waysted
The Good The Bad The Waysted
Back From The Dead
The Harsh Reality
Mogg/Way
Edge Of The World
Chocolate Box
Schenker Stuff
Tales Of Rock 'N' Roll
In The Midst Of Beauty
Gipsy Lady
Bridge The Gap Deluxe
Spirit On A Mission Deluxe
Resurrection Deluxe
Would like to purchase
Ain't Misbehavin'
Walk On Water (Thanks to Stadler for the hook up on this one)
I could buy Sharks for a decent price but I'm not sure I want to. I did listen to all of the UFO albums aside from Conspiracy and Salentino. I sampled most of Schenker and only bought what grabbed me. Like I said earlier, his later material saved me from the later UFO material.
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That's amazing!
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Here's my final tally. Really only 2 other records that I would like to purchase. Walk On Water is an enigma. Anyone selling a copy wants a fortune.
All are physical unless otherwise specified. The Waysted stuff is just as bad as Walk On Water in terms of availability and price.
UFO 1
UFO 2
Phenomenon
Force It
No Heavy Petting
Lights Out
Obsession
Strangers In The Night (digital)
No Place To Run
The Wild, The Willing And The Innocent
Mechanix
Making Contact
Misdemeanor
Covenant 2 CD
You Are Here
Strangers In The Night 8 CD Deluxe
Waysted (all digital)
Vices
Waysted
The Good The Bad The Waysted
Back From The Dead
The Harsh Reality
Mogg/Way
Edge Of The World
Chocolate Box
Schenker Stuff
Tales Of Rock 'N' Roll
In The Midst Of Beauty
Gipsy Lady
Bridge The Gap Deluxe
Spirit On A Mission Deluxe
Resurrection Deluxe
Would like to purchase
Ain't Misbehavin'
Walk On Water (Thanks to Stadler for the hook up on this one)
I could buy Sharks for a decent price but I'm not sure I want to. I did listen to all of the UFO albums aside from Conspiracy and Salentino. I sampled most of Schenker and only bought what grabbed me. Like I said earlier, his later material saved me from the later UFO material.
Jesus! You win!
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At 15%.....I WIN!!!!
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At 15%.....I WIN!!!!
(https://media.giphy.com/media/LNkjG1IS3AgPtzSUcw/giphy.gif)
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I should try and find a copy of Edge of the World too. I liked that one.
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Thanks, TAC. It was fun to re-listen to the old UFO and Schenker albums and also hear some of the releases I hadn’t checked out before.
I already owned a good chunk of the UFO and Schenker catalogues but I do have a few albums I intend to purchase as a result of this thread: Covenant, Tales of the Imagination and Spirit on A Mission.
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Hey, not to prolong this, but I've been immersed in the Revelation and Resurrection albums, and it struck me.... I like Doogie and I'm really sold now on Robin, but the fact is, they don't really have distinctive voices. I'm listening to the Warrior video (from the bonus DVD on Resurrection) and I was surprised to see who was singing what. I only really could tell Gary and Graham. And to top it all off, I was listening to Warrior, and I could have sworn that it was Tony Martin from Sabbath.
There's more to being a great singer than just volume and lung power. When certain singers sing, you know EXACTLY who they are. There's something to be said for that (Phil Mogg is in that category).
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Prolong it as long as you want. We’re not going anywhere. :)
I think Doogie is pretty distinctive. What did you think of Stranger In Us All?
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Yeah, I think it's pretty easy to tell Doogie apart. I can kind of understand about Robin though.
-
Although, honestly if there was one that I feel doesn't gave a distinctive voice it would be Gary.
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Thanks, TAC. It was fun to re-listen to the old UFO and Schenker albums and also hear some of the releases I hadn’t checked out before.
I already owned a good chunk of the UFO and Schenker catalogues but I do have a few albums I intend to purchase as a result of this thread: Covenant, Tales of the Imagination and Spirit on A Mission.
Thank you for your participation.
Here's the Strangers unboxing with Rob DeLuca on Mitch Lafon's show.
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Prolong it as long as you want. We’re not going anywhere. :)
I think Doogie is pretty distinctive. What did you think of Stranger In Us All?
Good not great. I watched the live release not long ago - Black Masquerade - and it was WAY better than I remembered. He's a great singer, no doubt. I just don't think he's so distinctive that you go "Oh, Doogie.", especially when compared to the other singers that were in Rainbow.
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I'm probably not going to try and collect all Schenker's ones though! :lol
I'm a complete sucker and a fool. Just pulled up to work but will post why a bit later. :facepalm:
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Prolong it as long as you want. We’re not going anywhere. :)
I think Doogie is pretty distinctive. What did you think of Stranger In Us All?
Good not great. I watched the live release not long ago - Black Masquerade - and it was WAY better than I remembered. He's a great singer, no doubt. I just don't think he's so distinctive that you go "Oh, Doogie.", especially when compared to the other singers that were in Rainbow.
He's more distinctive than Joe Lyn Turner, who will also be on the new Schenker album too.
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So........I think I just shouldn't step foot into cd stores at all. Being New Years Eve I started work a little later and JB (cd store chain) has 20 percent off cd's ending today. Went to one I hadn't visited for a while but normally has a good selection. I got up to S and saw a good selection of Schenker cd's. Now, there was 3 there that I didn't have and really didn't need. I thought about it and thought about it, but simply could not leave without them. The 3 were;
Temple of Rock
In the Midst of Beauty
30th Anniversary double CD
:facepalm: :loser:
I didn't even make it through Temple of Rock when I listened, Didn't care for the couple of Beauty songs and already have 3 other live cd's so really didn't need the live one. $20 each though but I seriously couldn't leave without them. Why? What the fuck is wrong with me. I'll be listening to these and liking them too. I'll make myself. :lol
Updated purchase list;
UFO - 10 album cd collection - 1974 - 1986
UFO - Rockpalast 1980 CD/DVD
UFO - Walk on Water
UFO - Covenant 2CD
UFO - Sharks
UFO - Strangers in the Night 8CD
Michael Schenker - Unforgiven live 2cd
Michael Schenker - In the Midst of Beauty
Michael Schenker - 30th Anniversary DVD
Michael Schenker - 30th Anniversary 2CD
Michael Schenker - Temple of Rock
Michael Schenker - Temple of Rock - live CD
Michael Schenker - Temple of Rock - live DVD
Michael Schenker - Bridge the Gap
Michael Schenker - Spirit on a Mission
Michael Schenker - On A Mission Live - CD
Michael Schenker - On A Mission Live - DVD (on order)
Michael Schenker - MS Fest Tokyo - 2CD/DVD
Michael Schenker - Resurrection CD/DVD
Michael Schenker - Revelation
Waysted - Save Your Prayers
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:hefdaddy
The 30th Anniversary CD is awesome.!
-
So........I think I just shouldn't step foot into cd stores at all. Being New Years Eve I started work a little later and JB (cd store chain) has 20 percent off cd's ending today. Went to one I hadn't visited for a while but normally has a good selection. I got up to S and saw a good selection of Schenker cd's. Now, there was 3 there that I didn't have and really didn't need. I thought about it and thought about it, but simply could not leave without them. The 3 were;
Temple of Rock
In the Midst of Beauty
30th Anniversary double CD
:facepalm: :loser:
I didn't even make it through Temple of Rock when I listened, Didn't care for the couple of Beauty songs and already have 3 other live cd's so really didn't need the live one. $20 each though but I seriously couldn't leave without them. Why? What the fuck is wrong with me. I'll be listening to these and liking them too. I'll make myself. :lol
Updated purchase list;
UFO - 10 album cd collection - 1974 - 1986
UFO - Rockpalast 1980 CD/DVD
UFO - Walk on Water
UFO - Covenant 2CD
UFO - Sharks
UFO - Strangers in the Night 8CD
Michael Schenker - Unforgiven live 2cd
Michael Schenker - In the Midst of Beauty
Michael Schenker - 30th Anniversary DVD
Michael Schenker - 30th Anniversary 2CD
Michael Schenker - Temple of Rock
Michael Schenker - Temple of Rock - live CD
Michael Schenker - Temple of Rock - live DVD
Michael Schenker - Bridge the Gap
Michael Schenker - Spirit on a Mission
Michael Schenker - On A Mission Live - CD
Michael Schenker - On A Mission Live - DVD (on order)
Michael Schenker - MS Fest Tokyo - 2CD/DVD
Michael Schenker - Resurrection CD/DVD
Michael Schenker - Revelation
Waysted - Save Your Prayers
:lol :lol :lol
99.999% of the world population would think you are nuts, but I understand :metal
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:hefdaddy
The 30th Anniversary CD is awesome.!
Have both the CD and DVD dig into along with so much other stuff. Barden is the only thing making me lukewarm about it but live Schenker is always worthy and shouldn't judge until I've checked it I guess. The cd version of Temple of Rock too is a killer cd. Been cranking that one.
-
So........I think I just shouldn't step foot into cd stores at all. Being New Years Eve I started work a little later and JB (cd store chain) has 20 percent off cd's ending today. Went to one I hadn't visited for a while but normally has a good selection. I got up to S and saw a good selection of Schenker cd's. Now, there was 3 there that I didn't have and really didn't need. I thought about it and thought about it, but simply could not leave without them. The 3 were;
Temple of Rock
In the Midst of Beauty
30th Anniversary double CD
:facepalm: :loser:
I didn't even make it through Temple of Rock when I listened, Didn't care for the couple of Beauty songs and already have 3 other live cd's so really didn't need the live one. $20 each though but I seriously couldn't leave without them. Why? What the fuck is wrong with me. I'll be listening to these and liking them too. I'll make myself. :lol
Updated purchase list;
UFO - 10 album cd collection - 1974 - 1986
UFO - Rockpalast 1980 CD/DVD
UFO - Walk on Water
UFO - Covenant 2CD
UFO - Sharks
UFO - Strangers in the Night 8CD
Michael Schenker - Unforgiven live 2cd
Michael Schenker - In the Midst of Beauty
Michael Schenker - 30th Anniversary DVD
Michael Schenker - 30th Anniversary 2CD
Michael Schenker - Temple of Rock
Michael Schenker - Temple of Rock - live CD
Michael Schenker - Temple of Rock - live DVD
Michael Schenker - Bridge the Gap
Michael Schenker - Spirit on a Mission
Michael Schenker - On A Mission Live - CD
Michael Schenker - On A Mission Live - DVD (on order)
Michael Schenker - MS Fest Tokyo - 2CD/DVD
Michael Schenker - Resurrection CD/DVD
Michael Schenker - Revelation
Waysted - Save Your Prayers
:lol :lol :lol
99.999% of the world population would think you are nuts, but I understand :metal
I actually thought when buying, "it's okay, Jason will understand, so it's fine."
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Wolfster, anytime you want to add something into your Amazon cart, I'm legitimately giving you the Robert Redford nod.
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Wolfster, anytime you want to add something into your Amazon cart, I'm legitimately giving you the Robert Redford nod.
:lol best gif ever.
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I was going to post the gif, but when I searched I found this one......
....which is what every CD in the store looks like to Kade.
(https://media1.tenor.com/images/da2c558680e4466fa0a1f52038063aee/tenor.gif?itemid=4459035)
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Haha, and I fuck every one of them too!
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On top of all of that, my Live in Madrid DVD turned up today! :metal
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That's a great show! Happy New Year!
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That's a great show! Happy New Year!
Yeah, I'm very keen to sit back and watch this one over the weekend.
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That's a great show! Happy New Year!
Yeah, I'm very keen to sit back and watch this one over the weekend.
You need kids - that'll sort your music buying addiction. Did it to me! :lol
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UFO on Don Kirshner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onpb6ZCD7dQ
HPNY to all my brothers here at DTF
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So it's a dark day. I got the email today saying my order of Strangers Box was cancelled. I'm really bummed. I'm also delusional, though, so I'm holding out hope that it might be magically delivered anyway. :(
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So it's a dark day. I got the email today saying my order of Strangers Box was cancelled. I'm really bummed. I'm also delusional, though, so I'm holding out hope that it might be magically delivered anyway. :(
I hope you autoripped it.
I got the same email. :|
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So it's a dark day. I got the email today saying my order of Strangers Box was cancelled. I'm really bummed. I'm also delusional, though, so I'm holding out hope that it might be magically delivered anyway. :(
I hope you autoripped it.
I got the same email. :|
I did. Whew.
By the way, if anyone wants a copy of Resurrection, let me know. I have two. I am going to list it on eBay if no one takes it, but I thought I would offer it up to the group if anyone's interested (If I can send it media mail I'll even pop for the shipping! It's Christmas!)
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If you are willing to drop somewhere in the area of $80 on it after shipping, the Nuclear Blast store still has it in stock.
https://www.nuclearblast.de/en/products/tontraeger/cd/cd-boxset/ufo-strangers-in-the-night-deluxe-edition-.html
Another one that is around $80 after shipping.
https://townsendmusic.store/cart/product.php?id=70386
Seems the best you can do when buying from overseas.
Another one:
https://www.banquetrecords.com/ufo/strangers-in-the-night-%282020-remaster%29/5060516095889
This German store seems like it comes in at around $52.
https://www.jpc.de/jpcng/poprock/detail/-/art/ufo-strangers-in-the-night/hnum/10308220?lang=en
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I’ll just wait until Amazon restocks it. I have the music on my iPod and computer.
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So it's a dark day. I got the email today saying my order of Strangers Box was cancelled. I'm really bummed. I'm also delusional, though, so I'm holding out hope that it might be magically delivered anyway. :(
I hope you autoripped it.
I got the same email. :|
:blush fuck.
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Tim, if the place I ordered it from ever gets it back in stock I'll buy it and send it to you. I'm not sure if they'll get anymore though. :|
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Thanks Kade, not necessary.
I’ll wait till Amazon gets it. That’s where my $$ is
No biggie. I have the files
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Thanks Kade, not necessary.
I’ll wait till Amazon gets it. That’s where my $$ is
No biggie. I have the files
Do they not refund your money if it's cancelled though?
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Yes. Refund and free files! Thank you auto rip!!
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Yes. Refund and free files! Thank you auto rip!!
Not bad.
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Yes. Refund and free files! Thank you auto rip!!
Bargain!
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Yup. The same thing happened with my Gary Moore Live At Montreaux. 5 free albums!! ;D
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Nice. I do remember you saying all that not long ago.
I'll look to start a top UFO list on Sunday I think. Might have to be a top 30 haha. This is way harder than I thought it was going to be.
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Really cool interview with Vinnie Moore conducted today by Mitch "Lords Of THE Black" Lafon.
Lots of good UFO talk on this., as it is mostly all UFO. 25 minutes, but really good. Vinnie seems like a real cool guy.
https://youtu.be/OUUae582GSU?t=1
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Really cool interview with Vinnie Moore conducted today by Mitch "Lords Of THE Black" Lafon.
Lots of good UFO talk on this., as it is mostly all UFO. 25 minutes, but really good. Vinnie seems like a real cool guy.
https://youtu.be/OUUae582GSU?t=1
:lol I don't know how Ronnie didn't give him a serve.
I'll check it later. From his guitar videos he's always seemed like a decent bloke.
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Got through a chunk of the Madrid DVD. The set list is incredible and Schenker is on fire.
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Got through a chunk of the Madrid DVD. The set list is incredible and Schenker is on fire.
Yeah, I love that show. Looks like Herman Rarebell is about to keel over at any time... :lol
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Got through a chunk of the Madrid DVD. The set list is incredible and Schenker is on fire.
Yeah, I love that show. Looks like Herman Rarebell is about to keel over at any time... :lol
There was a couple of quick shots where I thought if he was playing or having some sort of fit. :lol
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Coming up with a top list is harder than first thought. This band has really made an impression that it's making it impossible to leave songs out.
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I should have asked Tim if he minded me running down a top list based on the discovery due to this thread.
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GO FOR IT!!!!!!!
Can't wait to check this out.
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Oh shit, you've changed the thread title. No turning back now. :lol I'll post the first few here at work today when I can.
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I just saw the new title. When's the list coming? :) :) :) :)
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Now...
I've made no secret that I've known a bit of UFO for years, but never got stuck in. That changed thanks to Tim and this thread and discovering everything from them has been a breath of fresh air, and one of the greatest discoveries I've had in a long long time. I always have a bit of a hot take on most things it seems. I always like different things from bands and always like to have an open mind. This list was very difficult to come up with. Truthfully, the top 10 was the easiest and then it got hard from there. 10-30 could cover so much of their catalog, you can place songs in and out and never lose anything. 20-30 was especially difficult. The list went from 20, to 25 to 30 as there's a few songs I wanted to mention regardless. I'm not sure how exciting this will be for you long term fans and this is a pretty fresh list. It may change over time but I think is a solid 30 songs that represent this band for me.
I'm doing these first few from work so I'd love to listen along as I'm writing to add more thoughts but this will get us started;
30. The Writer (Mechanix)
I wasn't a big fan of this album truthfully. It does need more listens but it was a little underwhelming. However, this song is fantastic. That riff at the start is totally my style and the groove is nice. The whole tone and atmosphere is definitely my thing and I wish the rest of the album was more like this. Great Chapman solo and I LOVE the sax, that's one aspect that's all class IMO. Great song, great rocker.
29. Long Gone (The Wild, The Willing, The Innocent)
This one only came into my list the last couple of days. It has that melody that made me go back and listen again and it grew on me pretty quickly. That melody is superb and the chorus too is just a addictive. Really great solo from Chapman here, he rips it up. I really dig the outro too, nice touch. The live version from Rockpalast is cool too.
28. Wonderland (Seven Deadly)
One of the more rocking songs from the Vinnie era. This style as we know is rare during that era so this one stands out nicely for me. I love that Judas Priest type riffing there, very solid. I love the lyrics here too, love the monkey references and 'winos and black albinos' gets me everytime. The chorus is pure old school UFO and Vinnie absolutely shreds here. The key change into his solo is monstrous. Great, rocking song. Man I do wish they did more hard rock stuff like this in their later career.
27. Diesel in the Dust (Making Contact)
This one has a really nice mood to it. It has a great vibe and the riff is simple but addictive. I like Phil here, he sounds great for the style and he's in his storytelling mode he does so well. The chorus is superb. The "Ted Mckinley' line leading into the rest of that chrous has such a smooth melody and sticks in your head. It maintains that nice laid back atmosphere too. I think this is aptly placed as the second song of the album too. It's a great follow up to Blinded.
26. I'm A Loser (No Heavy Petting)
I think I stated when we were running through this album and maybe beyond that I didn't understand the love for this song. I think it was Bill or Prof that even said this was their fav UFO song? That blew my mind, but this one has grown on me, a lot! The mood of it is unique and I get Pearl Jam vibes from it which I've made known about a lot of early UFO. I dig the lyrics. The 'sleep on the couch' part is oh so good. That's a wonderful couple of lines and the melodies are awesome. The chorus melody is excellent too. Phil sounds great as you hear the desperation of the subject matter in his voice. I can see why this would be a fav UFO song. It's totally not my style, so that shows how good it is just missing out on the top 25. Hmm...maybe it should have been higher thinking about it now.
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I believe this might be what you are thinking about:
I'm A Loser is a Top 3 UFO track for me.
Huh, interesting.
I have never mentioned a favorite track, but off the top of my head, I could go Rock Bottom or A Self-Made Man without really thinking. I go back to those a lot.
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I believe this might be what you are thinking about:
I'm A Loser is a Top 3 UFO track for me.
Huh, interesting.
I have never mentioned a favorite track, but off the top of my head, I could go Rock Bottom or A Self-Made Man without really thinking. I go back to those a lot.
Looks like it mate. Thanks.
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I have never mentioned a favorite track, but off the top of my head, I could go Rock Bottom or A Self-Made Man without really thinking. I go back to those a lot.
You can go after Wolfking. ;D
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Don't know about that. I'm lucky that I can come up with a top 5 albums for a year. You bring in songs, and I might have an aneurysm. It's one of the reasons I quit fantasy football. I suffer from analysis paralysis.
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Don't know about that. I'm lucky that I can come up with a top 5 albums for a year. You bring in songs, and I might have an aneurysm. It's one of the reasons I quit fantasy football. I suffer from analysis paralysis.
:lol Fantasy for Aussie rugby league over here has literally controlled my life for the last five years. I am always less active here during my winter as fantasy is ruling my life. I've wanted to quit but had my best year yet last year so that's out of the equation. It's crazy hey. So much time, wasted energy and even sleepless nights for something that has the same significance as a speck of dust in the air.
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26. I'm A Loser (No Heavy Petting)
I think I stated when we were running through this album and maybe beyond that I didn't understand the love for this song. I think it was Bill or Prof that even said this was their fav UFO song? That blew my mind, but this one has grown on me, a lot! The mood of it is unique and I get Pearl Jam vibes from it which I've made known about a lot of early UFO. I dig the lyrics. The 'sleep on the couch' part is oh so good. That's a wonderful couple of lines and the melodies are awesome. The chorus melody is excellent too. Phil sounds great as you hear the desperation of the subject matter in his voice. I can see why this would be a fav UFO song. It's totally not my style, so that shows how good it is just missing out on the top 25. Hmm...maybe it should have been higher thinking about it now.
What I really love about 70's live albums, and why I think they're so popular, is that they bring an energy and vibrance that's often missing from the studio versions. Think KISS Alive, Frampton Comes Alive, Unleashed In The East. And Live And Dangerous, and of course Strangers In The Night.
Live albums also create a certain ambiance as well, especially in the quiet moments. In my early days with Strangers, I'm A Loser jumped out at me for a couple reasons. Paul Raymond's keyboard intro and keys throughout, and of course Michael Schenker's solo. I loved the vocals, words, the fantastic solo, and then the little extra solo to close it out. Oh, and some 70's double bass drumming. I just thought it was amazing.
I remember getting No Heavy Petting and I couldn't wait to hear the studio version. The first difference was the nice acoustic opening. But that solo was still totally powerful.
And the other thing that I really love about NHP is Phil's voice. There's just something about it. It's raw, but musically raw, if that makes any sense. There's an innocence about it, but yet a confidence in those weird experience lyrics. I've always thought this was what has always made Phil great, especially early on.
27. Diesel in the Dust (Making Contact)
This one has a really nice mood to it. It has a great vibe and the riff is simple but addictive. I like Phil here, he sounds great for the style and he's in his storytelling mode he does so well. The chorus is superb. The "Ted Mckinley' line leading into the rest of that chorus has such a smooth melody and sticks in your head. It maintains that nice laid back atmosphere too. I think this is aptly placed as the second song of the album too. It's a great follow up to Blinded.
I'm glad to see this song made the cut. This is a song I personally underrate. But when it's on, I totally dig it. I love the solo section, and the music underneath where the band is totally together.
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I think it was the live version of Loser actually that made it open up to me and fully appreciate it.
And yeah, Diesel has a certain charm about it. Great song.
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I'll try and pound through a batch every couple of days. Even one or two a day might be easier and more fun to keep some chatter going until the new MS comes out.
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Live albums also create a certain ambiance as well, especially in the quiet moments. In my early days with Strangers, I'm A Loser jumped out at me for a couple reasons. Paul Raymond's keyboard intro and keys throughout, and of course Michael Schenker's solo. I loved the vocals, words, the fantastic solo, and then the little extra solo to close it out. Oh, and some 70's double bass drumming. I just thought it was amazing.
I think I know just what you mean, and I agree. I don't know if this is what you're thinking of, but there's a moment on Kiss Alive! on the beginning of side four, when you hear the crowd, the echo of the room, and the acoustic part of Rock Bottom starts, and you almost feel you're at the show. I get the exact same feeling on what is side two of Strangers In The Night. There's a similar moment on All The World's A Stage, too.
There's a reason those albums are still widely regarded over 40 years later, even with the rumors and rumblings about "studios" and "retouching".
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Live albums also create a certain ambiance as well, especially in the quiet moments. In my early days with Strangers, I'm A Loser jumped out at me for a couple reasons. Paul Raymond's keyboard intro and keys throughout, and of course Michael Schenker's solo. I loved the vocals, words, the fantastic solo, and then the little extra solo to close it out. Oh, and some 70's double bass drumming. I just thought it was amazing.
I think I know just what you mean, and I agree. I don't know if this is what you're thinking of, but there's a moment on Kiss Alive! on the beginning of side four, when you hear the crowd, the echo of the room, and the acoustic part of Rock Bottom starts, and you almost feel you're at the show. I get the exact same feeling on what is side two of Strangers In The Night. There's a similar moment on All The World's A Stage, too.
There's a reason those albums are still widely regarded over 40 years later, even with the rumors and rumblings about "studios" and "retouching".
Yup, and speaking of All The World's A Stage, it's that version of In The End that makes it one of my favorite Rush songs.
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I was actually listening to Unleashed in the East yesterday too. Holy shit!
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Diesel in the Dust and I’m a Loser are right up there for me too. Great songs.
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Diesel in the Dust and I’m a Loser are right up there for me too. Great songs.
It's great to see appreciation for this excellent song.
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Diesel in the Dust and I’m a Loser are right up there for me too. Great songs.
:tup
I love I'm A Loser.
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Another classic Schenker interview by the looks; :lol I'll listen to the whole thing later but this excerpt it funy.
https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/michael-schenker-on-eddie-van-halens-guitar-playing-i-was-blown-away-by-what-he-did/
"The weirdest thing is actually VAN HALEN was supporting UFO at the Starwood [club in Los Angeles]," Michael said (see video below). "I was 19 years old, I guess. That would have been '74 or '75. I heard that some people were saying a phenomenal guitarist was there, but it was five years before they broke out with 'Van Halen I', which, even though I'm not listening to any music for the last 50 years, sometimes [you would] hear things coming out of speakers everywhere. And when I heard Eddie, I went, like, 'Wow! This is amazing.' But I didn't know that he actually was doing the tapping technique. Because I was always wondering how on earth he got such a smooth guitar sound. Everybody was doing tapping later, and trashed Eddie. Just like they did with me — they copied my style; people copied my style; 80 percent of all guitarists in the '80s — and trashed my style too. But I always come up with something fresh, so I'm always a step ahead anyway.
"But with the tapping that was so extreme, it was, actually, in the end, it appeared to be easy to do for overnight success," he continued. "So there was thousands of guitarists going to guitar school, learning tapping to be a star in one or two years. Well, that shows that tapping is not all, and actually doesn't create much emotion.
"But the thing with Eddie Van Halen, he had rhythm [and] style," Michael added. "And by the way, Rudolf [Schenker, Michael's brother and SCORPIONS guitarist] told me that he actually heard something Eddie did earlier, because it looks like Eddie was actually a bit influenced by me. There was a melody line or several things that he did that sounded like me, and people were actually saying, 'Wow! It sounds like Michael Schenker.' But the thing is he took it — in the next five years — so far forwards that I was blown away by what he did. And his drummer, his brother being a drummer, so it's in the family gene that his sense of rhythm, his sense of melody, his sense of sound, tone quality, the way he actually entertained was so complete. He's the best."
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I actually got through the first 10 minutes or so of that interview last night. I hadn't gotten up to the EVH part.
In the beginning he calls Ronnie Romero ..Ronnie James.. :lol
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I actually got through the first 10 minutes or so of that interview last night. I hadn't gotten up to the EVH part.
In the beginning he calls Ronnie Romero ..Ronnie James.. :lol
He seems like my kind of guy. "I don't know or care who the fuck you are or what your name is, just sing my fucking songs. :lol
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I actually got through the first 10 minutes or so of that interview last night. I hadn't gotten up to the EVH part.
In the beginning he calls Ronnie Romero ..Ronnie James.. :lol
He seems like my kind of guy. "I don't know or care who the fuck you are or what your name is, just sing my fucking songs. :lol
Is that why you're not in a band? :lol :lol :lol
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I actually got through the first 10 minutes or so of that interview last night. I hadn't gotten up to the EVH part.
In the beginning he calls Ronnie Romero ..Ronnie James.. :lol
He seems like my kind of guy. "I don't know or care who the fuck you are or what your name is, just sing my fucking songs. :lol
Is that why you're not in a band? :lol :lol :lol
Haha, you may be onto something there.
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Two more;
25. Hunger in the Night (Ain't Misbehavin')
I could see why the album along with Misdemenor would have gotten shit, but I enjoyed both of them and the production on AM over Misdemenor made it a bit more enjoyable for me. This song inparticular grabbed me straight away. This is an excellent rocker. Great groove and vibe. Phil sounds great, love him on the pre chorus for starters and the chorus rips. I love the backup vocals and Phil's more adlib restrained vocal lines, it's a great contrast. The solo too is some non-apologetic shred too from Tommy and I like it. Great song, worthy of it's place in the top 25 for mine. I still want to track this one down on CD.
24. Darker Days (Walk on Water)
This one was a real grower. The riff is nice and crunchy. I wasn't thrilled with the verses at the start, and with the Jesus line it does have that christian rock feel IMO. The hero of this song is the wonderful chorus. I grew to appreciate the verses and the contrast to the chorus is really quite good. The lyrics in the chorus are wonderful;
Darker days surround me now I'm older
Longer nights freeze me it seems colder
Darker days they will take me under now
So help me please
Wow, excellent. Schenker's soloing on this one tops it off, some nice improv as usual from him. Tim mentioned that this song could have come straight from Obsession and you know what, that's fucking spot on!
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Two more;
25. Hunger in the Night (Ain't Misbehavin')
I could see why the album along with Misdemenor would have gotten shit, but I enjoyed both of them and the production on AM over Misdemenor made it a bit more enjoyable for me. This song inparticular grabbed me straight away. This is an excellent rocker. Great groove and vibe. Phil sounds great, love him on the pre chorus for starters and the chorus rips. I love the backup vocals and Phil's more adlib restrained vocal lines, it's a great contrast. The solo too is some non-apologetic shred too from Tommy and I like it. Great song, worthy of it's place in the top 25 for mine. I still want to track this one down on CD.
You opened my eyes a bit to this song. I still don't think it's great, but I do have a new appreciation for it. The beginning of the solo sounds like Alex Lifeson from Grace Under Pressure, but I love the guitar at the very end, a little sort of outro.
24. Darker Days (Walk on Water)
This one was a real grower. The riff is nice and crunchy. I wasn't thrilled with the verses at the start, and with the Jesus line it does have that christian rock feel IMO. The hero of this song is the wonderful chorus. I grew to appreciate the verses and the contrast to the chorus is really quite good. The lyrics in the chorus are wonderful;
Darker days surround me now I'm older
Longer nights freeze me it seems colder
Darker days they will take me under now
So help me please
Wow, excellent. Schenker's soloing on this one tops it off, some nice improv as usual from him. Tim mentioned that this song could have come straight from Obsession and you know what, that's fucking spot on!
Great tune! Nice choice. What really makes that chorus special is Paul Raymond. He blends so nicely with Schenker and really sets the mood.
Yeah, I get a total Obsession vibe from this the way Schenker weaves in and out. A sort of You Don't Fool Me feel.
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:metal
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https://youtu.be/nUBbP2jSi9E?t=1
:hefdaddy
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Great solo compilation that.
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Following your ranking, wolking, I really love your very detailed analysis and your insight as a guitar player. And I love our love for Making Contact and our consideration for Ain't Misbehavin! :coolio
I'm curious if Between a Rock and a Hard Place will make your cut... personally I love this song.
Darker Days I've always felt a bit more like Lights Out than Obsession, because of the mix of acoustic guitar on the main guitar riff (I'm right about this?). But, hearing again, the constant soloing by Schenker on this song really reminds his approach on Obsession.
That's why I like to read the comments on this thread, they really open a lot of new things that I didn't pay attention before, really cool!
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Following your ranking, wolking, I really love your very detailed analysis and your insight as a guitar player. And I love our love for Making Contact and our consideration for Ain't Misbehavin! :coolio
I'm curious if Between a Rock and a Hard Place will make your cut... personally I love this song.
Darker Days I've always felt a bit more like Lights Out than Obsession, because of the mix of acoustic guitar on the main guitar riff (I'm right about this?). But, hearing again, the constant soloing by Schenker on this song really reminds his approach on Obsession.
That's why I like to read the comments on this thread, they really open a lot of new things that I didn't pay attention before, really cool!
Thanks for your kind words dev! Yeah I love talking music and what's going on. Haven't done that too much with this list but will try and breakdown more as we go.
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In the beginning he calls Ronnie Romero ..Ronnie James.. :lol
That's why I guess:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmWYrhIYhEw
I loved this one!
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It's not available here yet!
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I saw this one though that I'd never seen.
Michael talking about writing Rock Bottom..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mqnn2EboT9s
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In the beginning he calls Ronnie Romero ..Ronnie James.. :lol
That's why I guess:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmWYrhIYhEw
I loved this one!
Hmmm....not sure about this one. Found it a tad mediocre.
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I saw this one though that I'd never seen.
Michael talking about writing Rock Bottom..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mqnn2EboT9s
This was a good one. He's very humble and gracious in this.
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In the beginning he calls Ronnie Romero ..Ronnie James.. :lol
That's why I guess:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmWYrhIYhEw
I loved this one!
I like it! Great solo and great outro. Romero sounds pretty decent. I don't like when he over sings, but when he lets the song come to him, he's pretty good.
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In the beginning he calls Ronnie Romero ..Ronnie James.. :lol
That's why I guess:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmWYrhIYhEw
I loved this one!
I like it! Great solo and great outro. Romero sounds pretty decent. I don't like when he over sings, but when he lets the song come to him, he's pretty good.
As Paul I think said, the over exposure is more my issue too. I'll try this song again though.
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24. Darker Days (Walk on Water)
This one was a real grower. The riff is nice and crunchy. I wasn't thrilled with the verses at the start, and with the Jesus line it does have that christian rock feel IMO. The hero of this song is the wonderful chorus. I grew to appreciate the verses and the contrast to the chorus is really quite good. The lyrics in the chorus are wonderful;
Darker days surround me now I'm older
Longer nights freeze me it seems colder
Darker days they will take me under now
So help me please
Wow, excellent. Schenker's soloing on this one tops it off, some nice improv as usual from him. Tim mentioned that this song could have come straight from Obsession and you know what, that's fucking spot on!
But, but, the religious imagery is meant to be ironic, right? At the very least desperation. That's the way I always took it when balanced against the rest of the lyrics. Of course, as Stadler likes to point out, Phil can be a tiny bit obscure. :)
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So Amazon has the Strangers Box Set listed at $60, with free international shipping (a savings of $13). I bought it! :metal
Also preordered the new Schenker, along with the new Accept and Tribulation.
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<Be RIGHT back....>
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<Be RIGHT back....>
I was actually going to ask TAC why he didn't pick one up for you.
This is probably what they did with mine. I wondered if they would just fulfill it from UK stock. Now they are just flat out selling it from there to the US.
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I've been checking. It's been unavailable for the last couple of weeks. I just happened to punch it up and it was there. Say's it'll be here on the 28th. I could've had it here next week for $10 but I skipped that.
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So did I; I waited this long...
I also decided to celebrate, uh, Saturday, by adding Bridge The Gap and Spirit On A Mission to the order. Pretty psyched.
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Yay Saturday!!
Those are great albums. His best since his classic era.
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Yay Saturday!!
Those are great albums. His best since his classic era.
You can take your cut on those two as well.... :) :)
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(https://thumbs.gfycat.com/AdmiredEachDegu-size_restricted.gif)
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So Amazon has the Strangers Box Set listed at $60, with free international shipping (a savings of $13). I bought it! :metal
Also preordered the new Schenker, along with the new Accept and Tribulation.
Fuckin' A!
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So did I; I waited this long...
I also decided to celebrate, uh, Saturday, by adding Bridge The Gap and Spirit On A Mission to the order. Pretty psyched.
Fuckin' A!
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23. Can't Buy A Thrill (The Vistor)
Even though I was always pretty hot and cold on the Vinnie era, and even though I had most the albums I didn't know them all too well. This song though always stuck out and was one of my favs, and stays that way even when I've become familiar with the rest of their catalog. This is a great song, great dark tone and Vinnie shreds all over this. His intro is excellent and throughout I get a lot of that Schenker/Mogg call and answer type of thing which reminds me of old school UFO. Phil sounds great, he has a nice tone here and carries the mood really nicely.
I love Vinnie's fill at 2:12 just quietly. Simple but very nice. I like the lyrics too, fits the mood well. The chord progression in Vinnie's solo also is something I haven't tried to figure out but has a great sound and a bit of a twist in the tune. Just overall a really great song.
22. Meanstreets (Misdemeanor)
For me, this is easily the highlight of this album. The riff straight away grabs your attention and has a rolling like effect for me. The overall groove is really great and Jim Simpsons drum line is tasty. The verses are great, very melodic and a nice tasty pre chorus too which helps the resolve into the excellent chorus. Paul Raymond is the star here with those moody keys in the chorus, perfect touch there. Tommy's leads shrieks in but I don't mind his style. His freestyle shred fits really well. For some reason I get a Janick Gers feel with the solo. Not much more to say, just an awesome 80's hard rock tune.
21. This Kids/Between the Walls (Force It)
This one grew on me just lately and not sure why. Should have grabbed me right away really. Something just grabbed me with that riff all of a sudden though, it's addictive and even though I'm not a Zeppelin fan, it reminds me of them I think. The first section of the song is nice and melodic. The chorus is excellent and I like the production here, Phil's vocals are nice, strong and clear, very good.
That breakdown though, oh yeah, now we're talking, vintage Schenker. It starts off pure blues and Schenker even starts off nice and restrained. He soon takes this to another level and rips shit up. Pure expression, pure feel and pure groove. You can really feel in his leads that he's connecting with the tune here and knocks it out of the park. It could go for longer too truthfully but I love the reprise of the riff after that short break.
I'm not sure what Between the Walls is supposed to be or why it's here and apologies if Tim covered it, but this is a wonderful dreamy piece. I love it on the end of This Kids and it closer the album wonderfully.
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23. Can't Buy A Thrill (The Vistor)
Even though I was always pretty hot and cold on the Vinnie era, and even though I had most the albums I didn't know them all too well. This song though always stuck out and was one of my favs, and stays that way even when I've become familiar with the rest of their catalog. This is a great song, great dark tone and Vinnie shreds all over this. His intro is excellent and throughout I get a lot of that Schenker/Mogg call and answer type of thing which reminds me of old school UFO. Phil sounds great, he has a nice tone here and carries the mood really nicely.
I love Vinnie's fill at 2:12 just quietly. Simple but very nice. I like the lyrics too, fits the mood well. The chord progression in Vinnie's solo also is something I haven't tried to figure out but has a great sound and a bit of a twist in the tune. Just overall a really great song.
Yes I love this song. It's one of my favorites of the Vinnie Era. Phil is fantastic on this, and the mood is great on this song. A lot of the tunes in the Vinnie Era did a great job creating mood. Very unheralded quality on these albums.
That fill at 2:12 is great but I love the little thing he does at 3:24 behind Phil singing "I hear mama's footsteps.."
22. Meanstreets (Misdemeanor)
For me, this is easily the highlight of this album. The riff straight away grabs your attention and has a rolling like effect for me. The overall groove is really great and Jim Simpsons drum line is tasty. The verses are great, very melodic and a nice tasty pre chorus too which helps the resolve into the excellent chorus. Paul Raymond is the star here with those moody keys in the chorus, perfect touch there. Tommy's leads shrieks in but I don't mind his style. His freestyle shred fits really well. For some reason I get a Janick Gers feel with the solo. Not much more to say, just an awesome 80's hard rock tune.
Really happy to see this one here. I think half of Misdemeanor is A+. I don't even know where to rank it, honestly. So many great tunes. Meanstreets, obviously is the heaviest one.
That solo fucking rips. I can see the Janick comparison.
Also, isn't Paul Raymond great? He knows just what to play, and it always fits perfectly.
21. This Kids/Between the Walls (Force It)
This one grew on me just lately and not sure why. Should have grabbed me right away really. Something just grabbed me with that riff all of a sudden though, it's addictive and even though I'm not a Zeppelin fan, it reminds me of them I think. The first section of the song is nice and melodic. The chorus is excellent and I like the production here, Phil's vocals are nice, strong and clear, very good.
That breakdown though, oh yeah, now we're talking, vintage Schenker. It starts off pure blues and Schenker even starts off nice and restrained. He soon takes this to another level and rips shit up. Pure expression, pure feel and pure groove. You can really feel in his leads that he's connecting with the tune here and knocks it out of the park. It could go for longer too truthfully but I love the reprise of the riff after that short break.
I'm not sure what Between the Walls is supposed to be or why it's here and apologies if Tim covered it, but this is a wonderful dreamy piece. I love it on the end of This Kids and it closer the album wonderfully.
This Kids is similar to Let It Roll where it's totally Schenker's solos that make these songs. This Kids wouldn't make my list, but I don't not like it.
Remember, Schenker is only 19 here. Simply amazing.
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23. Can't Buy A Thrill (The Vistor)
Even though I was always pretty hot and cold on the Vinnie era, and even though I had most the albums I didn't know them all too well. This song though always stuck out and was one of my favs, and stays that way even when I've become familiar with the rest of their catalog. This is a great song, great dark tone and Vinnie shreds all over this. His intro is excellent and throughout I get a lot of that Schenker/Mogg call and answer type of thing which reminds me of old school UFO. Phil sounds great, he has a nice tone here and carries the mood really nicely.
I love Vinnie's fill at 2:12 just quietly. Simple but very nice. I like the lyrics too, fits the mood well. The chord progression in Vinnie's solo also is something I haven't tried to figure out but has a great sound and a bit of a twist in the tune. Just overall a really great song.
Yes I love this song. It's one of my favorites of the Vinnie Era. Phil is fantastic on this, and the mood is great on this song. A lot of the tunes in the Vinnie Era did a great job creating mood. Very unheralded quality on these albums.
That fill at 2:12 is great but I love the little thing he does at 3:24 behind Phil singing "I hear mama's footsteps.."
22. Meanstreets (Misdemeanor)
For me, this is easily the highlight of this album. The riff straight away grabs your attention and has a rolling like effect for me. The overall groove is really great and Jim Simpsons drum line is tasty. The verses are great, very melodic and a nice tasty pre chorus too which helps the resolve into the excellent chorus. Paul Raymond is the star here with those moody keys in the chorus, perfect touch there. Tommy's leads shrieks in but I don't mind his style. His freestyle shred fits really well. For some reason I get a Janick Gers feel with the solo. Not much more to say, just an awesome 80's hard rock tune.
Really happy to see this one here. I think half of Misdemeanor is A+. I don't even know where to rank it, honestly. So many great tunes. Meanstreets, obviously is the heaviest one.
That solo fucking rips. I can see the Janick comparison.
Also, isn't Paul Raymond great? He knows just what to play, and it always fits perfectly.
21. This Kids/Between the Walls (Force It)
This one grew on me just lately and not sure why. Should have grabbed me right away really. Something just grabbed me with that riff all of a sudden though, it's addictive and even though I'm not a Zeppelin fan, it reminds me of them I think. The first section of the song is nice and melodic. The chorus is excellent and I like the production here, Phil's vocals are nice, strong and clear, very good.
That breakdown though, oh yeah, now we're talking, vintage Schenker. It starts off pure blues and Schenker even starts off nice and restrained. He soon takes this to another level and rips shit up. Pure expression, pure feel and pure groove. You can really feel in his leads that he's connecting with the tune here and knocks it out of the park. It could go for longer too truthfully but I love the reprise of the riff after that short break.
I'm not sure what Between the Walls is supposed to be or why it's here and apologies if Tim covered it, but this is a wonderful dreamy piece. I love it on the end of This Kids and it closer the album wonderfully.
This Kids is similar to Let It Roll where it's totally Schenker's solos that make these songs. This Kids wouldn't make my list, but I don't not like it.
Remember, Schenker is only 19 here. Simply amazing.
Yeah a nice bit of slide to finish the section off, very classy.
Yeah mate, Paul Raymond really knows how to finish a song and make everything fill out yet breathe at the same time.
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IT shipped!!!!!!!!!!!
Arriving Jan 28th. :facepalm: :lol
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This Strangers box set is becoming the most legendary box set for delays and postponements I’ve ever seen lol.
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Happy Birthday Michael Schenker!! 66 today.
And Aynsley Dunbar turns 75 today. Yikes!
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IT shipped!!!!!!!!!!!
Arriving Jan 28th. :facepalm: :lol
Booyah!
This Strangers box set is becoming the most legendary box set for delays and postponements I’ve ever seen lol.
Make sure you're part of this history Jason.
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IT shipped!!!!!!!!!!!
Arriving Jan 28th. :facepalm: :lol
Mine too!! Yippee!
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IT shipped!!!!!!!!!!!
Arriving Jan 28th. :facepalm: :lol
Mine too!! Yippee!
Since it was done to me, I feel I need to return the favor. Seeing as me and Kade have posted ours:
Pics or it didn't happen!
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You can count on it!!
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20. Cherry (Obsession)
This is another that grew on me. At first I thought it was just okay but made its way into my top 20, I really love this one now. It's a very interesting song. Pete's peddling bass line is really infectious and groovy. The thing I love is that the 'We are golden,' line followed up by that explosion in the chorus with the line 'I'm out here on the road,' is just so damn good, they are both so melodic and memorable. The contrast of the song back and forth with that intro is really great too. Schenker's solo is short and to the point but the perfect length and placement in the song. You can simply get lost in the structure of this song also, it's over before you know it. That chorus though is so infectious. I think the live Strangers versions made me appreciate this song more also.
19. Born to Lose (Obsession)
This is one interesting song and a really great album closer. The intro and verses are so depressive and somber. The chord changes are F# minor to E minor, giving the depressed and uneasy fell. E minor is a subtle key change it seems in there. Michael's tone is excellent and Phil sounds great as usual. The contrast of the chorus took me by surprise at first but I grew to love it, I love the shortness of both verses and chorus leading into the epic solo. There are some nice things going on in the chorus too, nice chromatic climb in there too. The funny thing is, there's not much to this song really length and structure wise but the solo is the hero. The solo spans 1:10 of a 3:42 song, I like that.
Schenker's solo is a song within a song. The constant key changes are epic too. The first part shifts between the key changes of F# and E minor and Michael plays in those natural minor scales accordingly to the changes. It explodes at 2:22 with a key shift to B flat minor and then a shift to G minor. The chord progression of the whole thing is all minor chords and is really interesting. (F# minor/C# minor/E minor/B minor x2 then E flat minor/B flat minor/C minor/G minor) Creates that constant tension throughout and interesting as hell. One of Michael's best solos no doubt.
18. Stop Breaking Down (The Visitor)
Another Vinnie song and this one is catchy as hell. The mood on this one is wonderful. Vinnie's solo of course fits like a glove in the intro and sets up the mood nicely. Despite the production on Phil's voice, I really like his tone here. This song is pure C minor, nice key. Vinnie's solo is blistering, it builds really nicely. Pure C minor again and this is one I love to jam along to. That lick at 3:02 is tasty as fuck. His control on those high bends is really nice too. That section at 3:24 though is fucking nuts, WTF? So self indulgent but with the subject matter, it gives off that confusion and frustration of a lost love that's just disappeared or taken off. The ending of the solo with the whammy bar work is the acceptance and 'breaking down' too. The lyrics in this one are great too. The outro solo to me is the acceptance and walking away, kind of stopping the search and letting go. I didn't mention the chorus but it's very melodic and easy on the ears. Great song!
30. The Writer
29. Long Gone
28. Wonderland
27. Diesel in the Dust
26. I'm A Loser
25. Hunger in the Night
24. Darker Days
23. Can't Buy A Thrill
22. Meanstreets
21. This Kids/Between the Walls
20. Cherry
19. Born to Lose
18. Stop Breaking Down
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19. Born to Lose (Obsession)
This is one interesting song and a really great album closer. The intro and verses are so depressive and somber. The chord changes are F# minor to E minor, giving the depressed and uneasy fell. E minor is a subtle key change it seems in there. Michael's tone is excellent and Phil sounds great as usual. The contrast of the chorus took me by surprise at first but I grew to love it, I love the shortness of both verses and chorus leading into the epic solo. There are some nice things going on in the chorus too, nice chromatic climb in there too. The funny thing is, there's not much to this song really length and structure wise but the solo is the hero. The solo spans 1:10 of a 3:42 song, I like that.
Schenker's solo is a song within a song. The constant key changes are epic too. The first part shifts between the key changes of F# and E minor and Michael plays in those natural minor scales accordingly to the changes. It explodes at 2:22 with a key shift to B flat minor and then a shift to G minor. The chord progression of the whole thing is all minor chords and is really interesting. (F# minor/C# minor/E minor/B minor x2 then E flat minor/B flat minor/C minor/G minor) Creates that constant tension throughout and interesting as hell. One of Michael's best solos no doubt.
I've always loved that bit! Part despair, part anger. What I always admired about it is the story telling aspect. The key change, the flurry of notes, his attack on the strings, all gradually boil down to a calmer sadness. Then it explodes again at 2:51 in a similar vein only to sadly resolve itself again. I don't think either of these peaks in the solo would have been as effective without the other...and I don't think the overall sadness of the solo would be as poignant without these two moments of extreme tension. Beautifully crafted.
Also, I'm a big fan of the guitar intro to this song and especially the chosen effects.
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19. Born to Lose (Obsession)
This is one interesting song and a really great album closer. The intro and verses are so depressive and somber. The chord changes are F# minor to E minor, giving the depressed and uneasy fell. E minor is a subtle key change it seems in there. Michael's tone is excellent and Phil sounds great as usual. The contrast of the chorus took me by surprise at first but I grew to love it, I love the shortness of both verses and chorus leading into the epic solo. There are some nice things going on in the chorus too, nice chromatic climb in there too. The funny thing is, there's not much to this song really length and structure wise but the solo is the hero. The solo spans 1:10 of a 3:42 song, I like that.
Schenker's solo is a song within a song. The constant key changes are epic too. The first part shifts between the key changes of F# and E minor and Michael plays in those natural minor scales accordingly to the changes. It explodes at 2:22 with a key shift to B flat minor and then a shift to G minor. The chord progression of the whole thing is all minor chords and is really interesting. (F# minor/C# minor/E minor/B minor x2 then E flat minor/B flat minor/C minor/G minor) Creates that constant tension throughout and interesting as hell. One of Michael's best solos no doubt.
I've always loved that bit! Part despair, part anger. What I always admired about it is the story telling aspect. The key change, the flurry of notes, his attack on the strings, all gradually boil down to a calmer sadness. Then it explodes again at 2:51 in a similar vein only to sadly resolve itself again. I don't think either of these peaks in the solo would have been as effective without the other...and I don't think the overall sadness of the solo would be as poignant without these two moments of extreme tension. Beautifully crafted.
Also, I'm a big fan of the guitar intro to this song and especially the chosen effects.
Fuck yes Gregg! :metal It's a story within a story and the whole thing is perfectly crafted. I agree, it definitely wouldn't have been as effective with both those peaks in the solo. The key changes are so good and important to the tune.
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20. Cherry (Obsession)
This is another that grew on me. At first I thought it was just okay but made its way into my top 20, I really love this one now. It's a very interesting song. Pete's peddling bass line is really infectious and groovy. The thing I love is that the 'We are golden,' line followed up by that explosion in the chorus with the line 'I'm out here on the road,' is just so damn good, they are both so melodic and memorable. The contrast of the song back and forth with that intro is really great too. Schenker's solo is short and to the point but the perfect length and placement in the song. You can simply get lost in the structure of this song also, it's over before you know it. That chorus though is so infectious. I think the live Strangers versions made me appreciate this song more also.
Definitely yes to the bolded part, but this track doesn't really rate for me. I've honestly never cared for it.
19. Born to Lose (Obsession)
This is one interesting song and a really great album closer. The intro and verses are so depressive and somber. The chord changes are F# minor to E minor, giving the depressed and uneasy fell. E minor is a subtle key change it seems in there. Michael's tone is excellent and Phil sounds great as usual. The contrast of the chorus took me by surprise at first but I grew to love it, I love the shortness of both verses and chorus leading into the epic solo. There are some nice things going on in the chorus too, nice chromatic climb in there too. The funny thing is, there's not much to this song really length and structure wise but the solo is the hero. The solo spans 1:10 of a 3:42 song, I like that.
Schenker's solo is a song within a song. The constant key changes are epic too. The first part shifts between the key changes of F# and E minor and Michael plays in those natural minor scales accordingly to the changes. It explodes at 2:22 with a key shift to B flat minor and then a shift to G minor. The chord progression of the whole thing is all minor chords and is really interesting. (F# minor/C# minor/E minor/B minor x2 then E flat minor/B flat minor/C minor/G minor) Creates that constant tension throughout and interesting as hell. One of Michael's best solos no doubt.
I've always loved that bit! Part despair, part anger. What I always admired about it is the story telling aspect. The key change, the flurry of notes, his attack on the strings, all gradually boil down to a calmer sadness. Then it explodes again at 2:51 in a similar vein only to sadly resolve itself again. I don't think either of these peaks in the solo would have been as effective without the other...and I don't think the overall sadness of the solo would be as poignant without these two moments of extreme tension. Beautifully crafted.
Also, I'm a big fan of the guitar intro to this song and especially the chosen effects.
Yes and a hell yes.
Great song. I love it. I don't think it makes my Top 20, but damn it's a good one.
18. Stop Breaking Down (The Visitor)
Another Vinnie song and this one is catchy as hell. The mood on this one is wonderful. Vinnie's solo of course fits like a glove in the intro and sets up the mood nicely. Despite the production on Phil's voice, I really like his tone here. This song is pure C minor, nice key. Vinnie's solo is blistering, it builds really nicely. Pure C minor again and this is one I love to jam along to. That lick at 3:02 is tasty as fuck. His control on those high bends is really nice too. That section at 3:24 though is fucking nuts, WTF? So self indulgent but with the subject matter, it gives off that confusion and frustration of a lost love that's just disappeared or taken off. The ending of the solo with the whammy bar work is the acceptance and 'breaking down' too. The lyrics in this one are great too. The outro solo to me is the acceptance and walking away, kind of stopping the search and letting go. I didn't mention the chorus but it's very melodic and easy on the ears. Great song!
Great song here!
@Podaar, two great Vinnie songs so far!!
As Kade says, it gets a bit shreddy at the end of the solo, but it really relays a frustration in the protagonist.
Yeah, the vocal production is not great but man, The Visitor is a GREAT album.
Kade, you mention the lyrics....the Vinnie Era in general is lyrical gold. It really is.
I love the line:
"The telephone's disconnected, The papers fall out of the box"
Really classic imagery.
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That paper line struck me too. So grim.
Tim, a lot of my songs not making your cut really shows the strength of the band. Keep in mind, it's still early in my discovery of all these tunes so 6 months later it will be interesting if my list changes significantly.
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Your list so far is filled with great tunes. No complaints here. :)
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Your list so far is filled with great tunes. No complaints here. :)
There was a bit of shuffling around but I'm happy with it overall.
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I'm trying to think of a top 30.
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I'm trying to think of a top 30.
:lol good luck to you sir.
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Just scored my white whale on eBay. Had to actually bid. Haven't done that in I don't know how long.
(https://img.discogs.com/k-n5XhVgEOyTaWxiN_sCU1ZxM-w=/fit-in/300x300/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(40)/discogs-images/R-3105862-1316023017.jpeg.jpg)
Listed as Near Mint/Mint.
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Just scored my white whale on eBay. Had to actually bid. Haven't done that in I don't know how long.
(https://img.discogs.com/k-n5XhVgEOyTaWxiN_sCU1ZxM-w=/fit-in/300x300/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(40)/discogs-images/R-3105862-1316023017.jpeg.jpg)
Listed as Near Mint/Mint.
I like that cover more too than the main one.
Did you get it at a decent price?
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After shipping and tax, it came to $25. Honestly, still pricey for a CD but the best deal I have ever found on this.
And yes, this is the best of all the covers out there. This is the CMC US pressing with the 2 re-recorded bonus tracks.
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After shipping and tax, it came to $25. Honestly, still pricey for a CD but the best deal I have ever found on this.
And yes, this is the best of all the covers out there. This is the CMC US pressing with the 2 re-recorded bonus tracks.
That's a fine price.
I'm wondering if there was any version without the 2 re-records? The other white cover I have has the re-records plus the 3 random songs which I wish weren't on there really.
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It has cleared Customs! :metal
(https://i.imgur.com/Yg1zX7h.jpg)
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:metal :corn
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MIne did too.
I also received my Bridge The Gap and Spirit On A Mission CDs as well. I'm hopefully going to be painting tomorrow and so I'll get a good chance to listen to them again.
By the way, I had to return something else. It came to about $10.50. If I returned the item to Amazon, upon receipt of the goods, they would refund my original card. If I took the refund on an Amazon gift card (virtual), the return was returnless (i.e. I didn't have to send back the thing I bought). I'm sure they have a bot in there somewhere to make sure I don't do this willy-nilly. but that seems rife for abuse.
Unrelated, if anyone needs a windshield washer pump for a 2004-2007 BMW X3, I've got one that works for a reasonable price. ;)
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Unrelated, if anyone needs a windshield washer pump for a 2004-2007 BMW X3, I've got one that works for a reasonable price. ;)
Gee, and I just picked one up. (not true..)
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Unrelated, if anyone needs a windshield washer pump for a 2004-2007 BMW X3, I've got one that works for a reasonable price. ;)
Gee, and I just picked one up. (not true..)
My lucky day, I was heading out today to try and find this exact thing. (Also not true..)
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:lol
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Stadler taking the award for best purchase of the thread!
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(https://a.allegroimg.com/original/0372b4/5959f3ae4e57b4a49c60daaa1670/HONDA-CIVIC-UFO-VIII-06-11-2-2-POMPA-WODY-ROLKA)
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Stadler taking the award for best purchase of the thread!
Tim still gets 15%.
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<Hushed voices...>
It came.
(My phone died while I was taking pictures... I'll post them shortly.)
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WTF? My status hasn’t changed since Thursday.
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<Hushed voices...>
It came.
(My phone died while I was taking pictures... I'll post them shortly.)
Um, do we really want to see it? :rollin
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I'm so pissed. In DTF miles, Stadler isn't really that far from me.
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<Hushed voices...>
It came.
(My phone died while I was taking pictures... I'll post them shortly.)
Um, do we really want to see it? :rollin
HAHA, okay, so I'll only post the pictures of the set:
(https://i.imgur.com/fVy37Om.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/9RUqpPb.jpg)
I'm sorry TAC; I actually kind of feel bad (though I had nothing to do with it!) I had kind of figured you'd've posted right before/after I did. I'm rooting for you, though, buddy. I haven't listened to the CDs yet, but this looks like a first class package, for real.
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All I got was a lousy water pump!
We have almost the same countertops in our kitchen, Except mine doesn't have a fucking Strangers box set on it. :censored :censored
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Nice Bill! :metal
I love how we're all posting pics of the same thing. :lol
Sorry Tim. :'(
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I love how we're all posting pics of the same thing. :lol
:metal
@Stadler....
If you don't mind, can you tell me the shipping updates you got? I posted a pic from my laptop on Thursday saying it cleared customs, but that's the last update I have. Our CD's must've been travelling together, no? I think you ordered within an hour of me ordering.
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All I got was a lousy water pump!
We have almost the same countertops in our kitchen, Except mine doesn't have a fucking Strangers box set on it. :censored :censored
HAHAHAHAHAHA, that got a laugh out loud. (Sorry, bud, not at your expense.)
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Hopefully tomorrow based on your text. :)
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I love how we're all posting pics of the same thing. :lol
:metal
@Stadler....
If you don't mind, can you tell me the shipping updates you got? I posted a pic from my laptop on Thursday saying it cleared customs, but that's the last update I have. Our CD's must've been travelling together, no? I think you ordered within an hour of me ordering.
I sent the tracking by text (it was easier). yes, I saw you ordered and went on maybe an hour or so later and bought it too. As I said, mine went from "cleared customs" to "out for delivery" almost instantly. Actually, I received it before I saw it changed. It came by my mailman, too, not through the Amazon dudes.
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17. A Self Made Man (Walk on Water)
Michael Schenker's return to the band on Walk on Water brings possibly the heaviest riff he brings to the table. Mentioned it before but I hear a laid back War Ensemble. This is a catchy song, and one that can be listened to over and over and doesn't get old, it has wonderful lasting value. I love that verse, that's my kind of verse. That little riff fill at 0:45 is so good. In typical UFO style, the pre chorus and chorus offer a really excellent contrast to the verses. Great vocal melody in the chorus too. The contrast back into that verse is excellent and makes the verse more powerful.
The middle section is interesting and continues the more heavy side of the song. Each section fits well and I quite like how there's no real solo, it doesn't sound like it needs a solo too, which is important. I mean there's those Schenker fills under that Metallica style riff but love how ever section has it's place. A wonderful intro to a wonderful album this one.
16. Profession of Violence (The Wild, The Willing and The Innocent)
I knew this one quite well before this thread due to the Showtime bonus studio tracks. I love that version and still do, Vinnie does a great job but discovering the studio version at first it always sounds weird because you're not use to it, but I prefer it. The magic on this track is excellent. This definitely is like Try Me 2.0 with the mood and structure. Big shoutout to Paul Raymond, his piano work on this is fucking beautiful. Phil sounds wonderful as usual and like usual portrays a perfect mood. He does an amazing job on that Showtime version too.
This would be Chapman's finest hour. There's a few other solos I've his I mentioned I probably like more but this is a perfect and well written solo. It builds, has melody, is emotional, a little bit technical and proudly can stand next to any Schenker solo IMO. I love how it's a 2 minute solo but he doesn't 'go off' until like the last 30 seconds, so much restraint and focus on melody and pure creativity. That melody that gets repeated at 2:26 is just amazing, something about that. Repeats again at 2:45. The way he builds this is quite outstanding. How about that variation of that melody at 3:23, brilliant. I want to mention that high note he slides into start that section, it's like the guitar is crying. The next variation bend at 3:42 is the guitar crying even more again, there's more of that build. Then when he shreds at the end that's the climaxing and simply inconsolable crying from the guitar. So good.
30. The Writer
29. Long Gone
28. Wonderland
27. Diesel in the Dust
26. I'm A Loser
25. Hunger in the Night
24. Darker Days
23. Can't Buy A Thrill
22. Meanstreets
21. This Kids/Between the Walls
20. Cherry
19. Born to Lose
18. Stop Breaking Down
17. A Self Made Man
16. Profession of Violence
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I LOVE "A Self Made Man" ("the fruits of yes you can!").
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:metal
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17. A Self Made Man (Walk on Water)
Michael Schenker's return to the band on Walk on Water brings possibly the heaviest riff he brings to the table. Mentioned it before but I hear a laid back War Ensemble. This is a catchy song, and one that can be listened to over and over and doesn't get old, it has wonderful lasting value. I love that verse, that's my kind of verse. That little riff fill at 0:45 is so good. In typical UFO style, the pre chorus and chorus offer a really excellent contrast to the verses. Great vocal melody in the chorus too. The contrast back into that verse is excellent and makes the verse more powerful.
The middle section is interesting and continues the more heavy side of the song. Each section fits well and I quite like how there's no real solo, it doesn't sound like it needs a solo too, which is important. I mean there's those Schenker fills under that Metallica style riff but love how ever section has it's place. A wonderful intro to a wonderful album this one.
A Self Made Man is amazing. That opening riff gets your attention right away. The War Ensemble comparison is right on, you can't unhear it. :lol
This song sets the stage for a magnificent album. Schenker/Mogg is a great combo.
16. Profession of Violence (The Wild, The Willing and The Innocent)
I knew this one quite well before this thread due to the Showtime bonus studio tracks. I love that version and still do, Vinnie does a great job but discovering the studio version at first it always sounds weird because you're not use to it, but I prefer it. The magic on this track is excellent. This definitely is like Try Me 2.0 with the mood and structure. Big shoutout to Paul Raymond, his piano work on this is fucking beautiful. Phil sounds wonderful as usual and like usual portrays a perfect mood. He does an amazing job on that Showtime version too.
This would be Chapman's finest hour. There's a few other solos I've his I mentioned I probably like more but this is a perfect and well written solo. It builds, has melody, is emotional, a little bit technical and proudly can stand next to any Schenker solo IMO. I love how it's a 2 minute solo but he doesn't 'go off' until like the last 30 seconds, so much restraint and focus on melody and pure creativity. That melody that gets repeated at 2:26 is just amazing, something about that. Repeats again at 2:45. The way he builds this is quite outstanding. How about that variation of that melody at 3:23, brilliant. I want to mention that high note he slides into start that section, it's like the guitar is crying. The next variation bend at 3:42 is the guitar crying even more again, there's more of that build. Then when he shreds at the end that's the climaxing and simply inconsolable crying from the guitar. So good.
This is a great song, and one I actually rate higher. As you say, it is the definitive Chapman moment with the band. Good call, man!
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Thanks Tim.
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17. A Self Made Man (Walk on Water)
Each section fits well and I quite like how there's no real solo, it doesn't sound like it needs a solo too, which is important. I mean there's those Schenker fills under that Metallica style riff but love how ever section has it's place. A wonderful intro to a wonderful album this one.
I'm not in a spot where I can listen to it, but isn't the last minute or more just one big blistering solo?
Edit - Yeah, and Profession of Violence is worthy of it's position on this list. :tup
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17. A Self Made Man (Walk on Water)
Each section fits well and I quite like how there's no real solo, it doesn't sound like it needs a solo too, which is important. I mean there's those Schenker fills under that Metallica style riff but love how ever section has it's place. A wonderful intro to a wonderful album this one.
I'm not in a spot where I can listen to it, but isn't the last minute or more just one big blistering solo?
Edit - Yeah, and Profession of Violence is worthy of it's position on this list. :tup
No one does an outro like Michael Schenker.
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Listening to Walk On Water and during Venus, Schenker does a fill in the background at 3:13-3:21 which is subtle as hell but fucking amazing at the same time.
He rules that whole song, actually! :metal
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Listening to Walk On Water and during Venus, Schenker does a fill in the background at 3:13-3:21 which is subtle as hell but fucking amazing at the same time.
He rules that whole song, actually! :metal
Indeed. Stay tuned.
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Ooohhh! :o
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17. A Self Made Man (Walk on Water)
Each section fits well and I quite like how there's no real solo, it doesn't sound like it needs a solo too, which is important. I mean there's those Schenker fills under that Metallica style riff but love how ever section has it's place. A wonderful intro to a wonderful album this one.
I'm not in a spot where I can listen to it, but isn't the last minute or more just one big blistering solo?
Edit - Yeah, and Profession of Violence is worthy of it's position on this list. :tup
No one does an outro like Michael Schenker.
WORD. NEVER skip the fades on a Schenker track.
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A PACKAGE HAS BEEN DELIVERED!!!
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:omg: :metal
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I'm really happy for you (for real). I broke mine open and it's BEAUTIFUL, and I listed to the original LP on the way to the eye doctors. It sounds PRISTINE. This is amazing.
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We need pictures of Tim being intimate with it also.
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Oh don’t worry.
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That start to Hot 'n' Ready in Chicago is just SICK.
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(https://i.imgur.com/BSNoMWE.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/zMl9UxN.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tSXICKp.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/9yTFK5H.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/GPB2tt5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/PZJg9Gi.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/5R79upX.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/W4a8Fqb.jpg)
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Love the PJ bottoms!
Seriously though, great pics and well presented mate. You must be super stoked! :metal
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Love the PJ bottoms!
I had to slip into something a bit more comfortable for this, I tell you! :lol
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I love that shirt too. I might have to track something like that down, it's cool as fuck.
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Here it is..
https://www.amazon.com/Michael-Schenker-German-T-Shirt-Heather/dp/B08B4324WD/ref=sr_1_24?crid=2WK21XWKZSOGT&dchild=1&keywords=michael+schenker+shirt&qid=1611106878&s=apparel&sprefix=Michael+schenker%2Caps%2C164&sr=1-24
There's this one too, but I prefer the one I got..
https://www.amazon.com/Michael-Schenker-Always-Somewhere-T-Shirt/dp/B08B43SCBV/ref=sr_1_41?crid=13NC101220NAR&dchild=1&keywords=michael+schenker+t+shirts+for+men&qid=1611107055&sprefix=michael+schenker+%2Caps%2C172&sr=8-41
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Yeah nice mate, thanks. The first one is where it's at. I'll look into how much it will end up costing me to get it out here.
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I'm going to run through these in order so I'm listening to the Chicago show now. Love To Love, actually, and I mention this all of the time but Michael is 23 on this. 20 f'n 3. Think about that.
His sense of grace and melody is unexplainable, really.
So happy I have the day off tomorrow!
I may do a parallel Schenker Top 30 along with a UFO Top 30..
Paul Raymond's rhythm guitar on Ain't No Baby :metal
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I'm going to run through these in order so I'm listening to the Chicago show now. Love To Love, actually, and I mention this all of the time but Michael is 23 on this. 20 f'n 3. Think about that.
His sense of grace and melody is unexplainable, really.
So happy I have the day off tomorrow!
I may do a parallel Schenker Top 30 along with a UFO Top 30..
Fuck yeah!
I'll wrap mine up within a week then mate if you're waiting for me. I'll do a 5 song update in the morning tomorrow, one Sunday then maybe one next Tuesday when we have a holiday here.
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No rush. I just started compiling a UFO one.
I was listening to the Michael Schenker Fest live album (you can se it on the corner of my table in my pic) on my way to work this morning and I thought of it.
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Alright sweet, I'll see how I go.
Yeah, I picked up that Fest CD/DVD too. Haven't spun it yet but watched a bit on Youtube. I'd love to do a Schenker top 30 but there's still so many albums of his I'm yet to check out.
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great thread as always ,,,, Let it Roll...
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You guys and your fancy Strangers box sets are making me jealous :biggrin:
Enjoy :metal
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You guys and your fancy Strangers box sets are making me jealous :biggrin:
Enjoy :metal
Feel free to join our exclusive club!
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:lol
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Well, just looked at Amazon and they aren't selling it again. They have one 3rd party seller asking $130 for it. :eek
TAC and Stads sold'em out. Amazing how hard this thing was to come by.
I mean, even before this box was announced, I couldn't even get a physical copy of the original so I bought the digital.
Anyway, got a shipping notice today on my copy of Walk On Water. Waiting impatiently to finally get my hands on that.
EDIT: On a side note, thanks to TAC I just got the 4 Reticent albums in the mail today with one of them signed by Chris. Do you get 15% on that as well or is it just UFO-based stuff?
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I’m pretty sure I just read there is a 15 CD super deluxe edition of Strangers in the Night getting released at the beginning of March, everyone needs to pick up that one too.
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I’m pretty sure I just read there is a 15 CD super deluxe edition of Strangers in the Night getting released at the beginning of March, everyone needs to pick up that one too.
Where do I place my order?
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:lol
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Oh damn, I just realised you weren't serious. :-[
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I just realized you weren’t being serious about me not being serious.
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I’m pretty sure I just read there is a 15 CD super deluxe edition of Strangers in the Night getting released at the beginning of March, everyone needs to pick up that one too.
Where do I place my order?
Yeah, after what I've already heard on this box, I'm in too. Can't joke about that kind of stuff!!!
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TAC and Stads sold'em out. Amazing how hard this thing was to come by.
(https://i.gifer.com/7CBd.gif)
EDIT: On a side note, thanks to TAC I just got the 4 Reticent albums in the mail today with one of them signed by Chris. Do you get 15% on that as well or is it just UFO-based stuff?
The Reticent is on me! :)
I’m pretty sure I just read there is a 15 CD super deluxe edition of Strangers in the Night getting released at the beginning of March, everyone needs to pick up that one too.
(https://media1.tenor.com/images/2a1ee94d70ce3230f543d62d99000c6b/tenor.gif?itemid=7860683)
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Listening to the Kenosha Wisconsin show this morning.
Holy shit Schenker comes roaring out of the gates on Hot n Ready and Pack It Up. The HnR solo is ridiculous. :hefdaddy
I love the fills in the second verse of Pack It Up. At 1:13 he does this little amazing run. And both the middle and (especially) the ending solo. Fuck.
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Michael is particularly blistering on the Kenosha set. He was ON that night.
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15. One More For the Rodeo (Obsession)
I'm sure it wouldn't be rocket science to figure out that this song is my type of song. Pure hard rock, melodic, energetic and just a great song. Simple riff here but the whole thing has a wonderful driving groove that gets you tapping. This one is brilliant with Schenker and Mogg playing call and answer pretty much for the whole song. Schenker is simply all over this one. You know the one fill that gets me, 1:18, the 'I wish I was invisible,' and then Schenkers note choice actually sounds like he's trying to hide away, fucking amazing.
The solo rips as you'd expect and there's nothing fancy here, vintage Schenker and he throws a few different notes in there for good measure but the whole solo plays along with everything nicely. Lots of extra melodic phrasing in this one. And then his note choices at 2:52, I love that. Wonderful tune.
14. Serenity (Sharks)
As soon as I was running through this album for the first time this song knocked me over. This is exactly the type of song I was kind of waiting for. Something dark and really heavy. That Phrygian riff is so damn coo, simplel and different for the band. The hero of this song is the chorus. That chorus is fucking incredible to me. Schenker's phaser effect along with his arpeggios is so damn cool. I love Phil's transition in his vocals from the verse to the chorus too, perfect.
The middle section is different, but I love that riffing, I don't know what it reminds me of, kind of Beatles-esque but modern radio rock also, I don't know. Changes up again for Schenkers solo but I hear so much Bridge to the Gap in this solo. Same tones and stylings to songs like Temple, King, Bridges etc. Goes back to that cool ass riff and that chorus comes through to make me happy again. Great Schenker solo at the end too, of course. Not sure how this one rates among the masses but I love it.
13. Too Much of Nothing (Force It)
This is another one I liked right away, again another song right up my alley. Musically this one is damn simple, but Pete's bass here sounds like it came from the depths of hell. So detuned and fucking heavy. Almost doom metal the intro here. E minor this one, three chords perfect. Love the contrast between the verse and chorus. The lyrics aren't that clear but seems maybe a man who's addicted to drugs and can't get off or won't change letting his woman down and resulting in a relationship breakup? I love the lyrics in the chorus too, we all can relate no matter what mood we're in or what we're going through. Just gotta roll on.
I will shoutout to Andy Parker, his drums on this are fucking incredible. Reminds me of early Bill Ward style and Bonham too I guess even though I don't know that much Zep. The middle section is original. At first I was hoping after the big buildup it would explode and keep going Rock Bottom style, but now I love it as it is, it doesn't need that and I can see why the band structured it like this. It's perfect as it is. Schenker is so restrained but yet what he's doing is so fucking emotional and brilliant. That lick at 2:54 gets me everytime. Just a wonderful deep cut this song that seems underappreciated.
30. The Writer
29. Long Gone
28. Wonderland
27. Diesel in the Dust
26. I'm A Loser
25. Hunger in the Night
24. Darker Days
23. Can't Buy A Thrill
22. Meanstreets
21. This Kids/Between the Walls
20. Cherry
19. Born to Lose
18. Stop Breaking Down
17. A Self Made Man
16. Profession of Violence
15. One More For the Rodeo
14. Serenity
13. Too Much of Nothing
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15. One More For the Rodeo (Obsession
I'm sure it wouldn't be rocket science to figure out that this song is my type of song. Pure hard rock, melodic, energetic and just a great song. Simple riff here but the whole thing has a wonderful driving groove that gets you tapping. This one is brilliant with Schenker and Mogg playing call and answer pretty much for the whole song. Schenker is simply all over this one. You know the one fill that gets me, 1:18, the 'I wish I was invisible,' and then Schenkers note choice actually sounds like he's trying to hide away, fucking amazing.
The solo rips as you'd expect and there's nothing fancy here, vintage Schenker and he throws a few different notes in there for good measure but the whole solo plays along with everything nicely. Lots of extra melodic phrasing in this one. And then his note choices at 2:52, I love that. Wonderful tune.
Great tune and that fill it 1:18...amazing touch.
Not sure how one judges heaviness, but this song is one of their heaviest. I mentioned when we discussed the album that this is actually an uncredited Paul Raymond track. This song easily makes my list.
14. Serenity (Sharks)
As soon as I was running through this album for the first time this song knocked me over. This is exactly the type of song I was kind of waiting for. Something dark and really heavy. That Phrygian riff is so damn coo, simplel and different for the band. The hero of this song is the chorus. That chorus is fucking incredible to me. Schenker's phaser effect along with his arpeggios is so damn cool. I love Phil's transition in his vocals from the verse to the chorus too, perfect.
The middle section is different, but I love that riffing, I don't know what it reminds me of, kind of Beatles-esque but modern radio rock also, I don't know. Changes up again for Schenkers solo but I hear so much Bridge to the Gap in this solo. Same tones and stylings to songs like Temple, King, Bridges etc. Goes back to that cool ass riff and that chorus comes through to make me happy again. Great Schenker solo at the end too, of course. Not sure how this one rates among the masses but I love it.
Ooh here's a surprise. The thing about Sharks is that every song has a great part in it, but no song really pulls it all together. At least that's my opinion of it. I know people in this thread did like Covenant, but it's been my experience online that the masses prefer Sharks for some reason. I just think the songs never quite "get there".
Everything you say about Serenity is spot on though. That mid section you mention is something that Schenker likes to do. He does something similar in Dreaming Of Summer, where the non shred can be so meaningful.
No song from Sharks will make my Top 30, but my go to track on that album is Sea Of Faith. I love that "You can cover me in roses" part.
13. Too Much of Nothing (Force It)[/b]
This is another one I liked right away, again another song right up my alley. Musically this one is damn simple, but Pete's bass here sounds like it came from the depths of hell. So detuned and fucking heavy. Almost doom metal the intro here. E minor this one, three chords perfect. Love the contrast between the verse and chorus. The lyrics aren't that clear but seems maybe a man who's addicted to drugs and can't get off or won't change letting his woman down and resulting in a relationship breakup? I love the lyrics in the chorus too, we all can relate no matter what mood we're in or what we're going through. Just gotta roll on.
I will shoutout to Andy Parker, his drums on this are fucking incredible. Reminds me of early Bill Ward style and Bonham too I guess even though I don't know that much Zep. The middle section is original. At first I was hoping after the big buildup it would explode and keep going Rock Bottom style, but now I love it as it is, it doesn't need that and I can see why the band structured it like this. It's perfect as it is. Schenker is so restrained but yet what he's doing is so fucking emotional and brilliant. That lick at 2:54 gets me everytime. Just a wonderful deep cut this song that seems underappreciated.
This is a great song. Interesting doom metal reference. Your ears are good, man. The thing about the Leo Lyons albums is that as a bassist, he makes sure the bass is clear as day in the mix. It's the playing on this album that makes the fact that this lineup was done in about 3 years so tragic.
I love Schenker's playing behind the "I realized I'd hurt you, so I stayed just as I am". The spot at 2:28 coming out of the solo is spectacular touch.
Andy Parker is amazing on this album and Bill Ward is a great comp. I actually think it's Andy's best album. Andy would become a fairly straight forward player, but he's really free on Force It.
Great update!!
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Yeah I love how Pete is mixed as loud as Schenker. It's a great touch.
I would have thought I would be alone with Serenity, but again just shows the strength of the band.
I'd definitely class Rodeo as heavy. Heavy for UFO anyway.
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15. One More For the Rodeo (Obsession
I'm sure it wouldn't be rocket science to figure out that this song is my type of song. Pure hard rock, melodic, energetic and just a great song. Simple riff here but the whole thing has a wonderful driving groove that gets you tapping. This one is brilliant with Schenker and Mogg playing call and answer pretty much for the whole song. Schenker is simply all over this one. You know the one fill that gets me, 1:18, the 'I wish I was invisible,' and then Schenkers note choice actually sounds like he's trying to hide away, fucking amazing.
The solo rips as you'd expect and there's nothing fancy here, vintage Schenker and he throws a few different notes in there for good measure but the whole solo plays along with everything nicely. Lots of extra melodic phrasing in this one. And then his note choices at 2:52, I love that. Wonderful tune.
Great tune and that fill it 1:18...amazing touch.
Not sure how one judges heaviness, but this song is one of their heaviest. I mentioned when we discussed the album that this is actually an uncredited Paul Raymond track. This song easily makes my list.
For me, this is everything that I ever loved about UFO. Parker holding down the horse trot groove, Way cantering along, Raymond cropping the rump, Mogg crooning at the moon, and Schenker providing the triumphant whinny. Rodeo indeed!
I think I mentioned it before, but I felt cheated that the band broke up after this. This album, and this song in particular, showed a promise of world rock domination to come, but alas they broke up. The interplay between vocals and lead guitar was like nothing I'd ever heard. Kade, you mention one particular moment, but I suspect if the three of us were listening together in the same room, we would be grinning at each other for the dozen or more other such moments in just this one song.
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There's countless in that song Gregg. I did this write-up before work so if I had more time I would have mentioned a few more but you are right, we'd all pick out different ones along with agreeing with many others. It's just amazing Schenker basically just solos over the whole song. Yet each lick has extreme purpose.
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I think I mentioned it before, but I felt cheated that the band broke up after this. This album, and this song in particular, showed a promise of world rock domination to come, but alas they broke up.
Yes, that is exactly what I meant when I said this discussing Too Much Of Nothing:
It's the playing on this album that makes the fact that this lineup was done in about 3 years so tragic.
And I keep mentioning Michael's age because I am so blown away by his sensibilities. He's like a savant. He really is.
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And that restrained mid section shows off those sensibilities perfectly.
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Revisiting Sharks for the heck of it and, I'm enjoying it a bit more than the first time around. Sea Of Faith is just an awesome track. I know I called that out in my initial review but I had forgotten just how good that is. Those contrasting riffs over each other with Dunbar's groove. Such a tasty track. I can get this from Amazon for $18 new. Seriously thinking about it. At this point, why not? Would complete my Schenker UFO collection.
Edit: ......and.......... I just bought it.
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Revisiting Sharks for the heck of it and, I'm enjoying it a bit more than the first time around. Sea Of Faith is just an awesome track. I know I called that out in my initial review but I had forgotten just how good that is. Those contrasting riffs over each other with Dunbar's groove. Such a tasty track. I can get this from Amazon for $18 new. Seriously thinking about it. At this point, why not? Would complete my Schenker UFO collection.
Edit: ......and.......... I just bought it.
I liked it right away. I still don't get the negativity towards the album.
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My copy of Walk On Water arrived today. Sooner than expected. Very happy to finally have this. Replaced the jewel case with a new one and it looks wonderful!
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This UFO is kicking my ASS. I thought Chicago was good, then Kenosha beat it's ass, and now Youngstown is saying "whoa, Nelly! What about me!"
Phil Mogg is on FIRE!!!! Youngstown is the fourth consecutive night, and yet from about "Love To Love" through the end, he just sounds better and better on every track. I'm not the hugest fan of "Lights Out", but this version is on another level.
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This UFO is kicking my ASS. I thought Chicago was good, then Kenosha beat it's ass, and now Youngstown is saying "whoa, Nelly! What about me!"
Phil Mogg is on FIRE!!!! Youngstown is the fourth consecutive night, and yet from about "Love To Love" through the end, he just sounds better and better on every track. I'm not the hugest fan of "Lights Out", but this version is on another level.
Quite a few of these live versions really made me appreciate these songs even more. They simply have a new life live.
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This UFO is kicking my ASS. I thought Chicago was good, then Kenosha beat it's ass, and now Youngstown is saying "whoa, Nelly! What about me!"
Phil Mogg is on FIRE!!!! Youngstown is the fourth consecutive night, and yet from about "Love To Love" through the end, he just sounds better and better on every track. I'm not the hugest fan of "Lights Out", but this version is on another level.
Quite a few of these live versions really made me appreciate these songs even more. They simply have a new life live.
That's "Cherry" for me. It was an okay, if odd tune, but it really takes on a whole different vibe live. Once I make it through the set once, I'm going to rip to my harddrive so I can start comparing different versions. I can't tell for certain, but it just feels like each of these songs is different enough night after night to make this worthwhile.
Now I want the Maiden "Long Beach" box set.... :) :)
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Cherry and I'm A Loser for me. Lights Out too really.
That Maiden box is a wet dream alright.
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Michael is particularly blistering on the Kenosha set. He was ON that night.
He destroys Love to Love.
I love the inclusion of Ain't No Baby also. Strange they recorded Mary and Kids in the studio when they had two perfectly good songs in Baby and Action that could have easily filled those spots.
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I love the inclusion of Ain't No Baby also. Strange they recorded Mary and Kids in the studio when they had two perfectly good songs in Baby and Action that could have easily filled those spots.
And remember, they also left off Hot n Ready, Pack It Up, and Chery as well.
I would love to ask Ron Nevison about that.
And in On With The Action, Phil sings "You can't cut a Nevison" or something like that. :lol
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I love the inclusion of Ain't No Baby also. Strange they recorded Mary and Kids in the studio when they had two perfectly good songs in Baby and Action that could have easily filled those spots.
And remember, they also left off Hot n Ready, Pack It Up, and Chery as well.
I would love to ask Ron Nevison about that.
And in On With The Action, Phil sings "You can't cut a Nevison" or something like that. :lol
True, I forget Cherry and Hot n Ready were left off as I've always had the reissue.
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This UFO is kicking my ASS. I thought Chicago was good, then Kenosha beat it's ass, and now Youngstown is saying "whoa, Nelly! What about me!"
Phil Mogg is on FIRE!!!! Youngstown is the fourth consecutive night, and yet from about "Love To Love" through the end, he just sounds better and better on every track. I'm not the hugest fan of "Lights Out", but this version is on another level.
:metal
I don't even know what to say. This is freaking an amazing set. Think about what this is. Amazing.
And you mention Youngstown being the 4th night in a row. What amazing is that most of the original Strangers is from Louisville, and that's the 6th straight night. Scratch that...the 7th straight night (they played the 12th in DC)!
Schenker would only play 6 more shows after that..
Louisville is great, but that Kenosha set, for being in an out of the way place, is incredible. Not may favorite setlist in the set, but the energy, particularly Schenker's, is off the charts.
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Only You Can Rock Me from Louisville..
"I've had enough now of Nevison's stuff now"
And the intro to On With The Action :lol
Busting balls..
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Yeah it's a great package. I have the Kenosha set in the car currently.
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This UFO is kicking my ASS. I thought Chicago was good, then Kenosha beat it's ass, and now Youngstown is saying "whoa, Nelly! What about me!"
Phil Mogg is on FIRE!!!! Youngstown is the fourth consecutive night, and yet from about "Love To Love" through the end, he just sounds better and better on every track. I'm not the hugest fan of "Lights Out", but this version is on another level.
:metal
I don't even know what to say. This is freaking an amazing set. Think about what this is. Amazing.
And you mention Youngstown being the 4th night in a row. What amazing is that most of the original Strangers is from Louisville, and that's the 6th straight night. Scratch that...the 7th straight night (they played the 12th in DC)!
Schenker would only play 6 more shows after that..
Louisville is great, but that Kenosha set, for being in an out of the way place, is incredible. Not may favorite setlist in the set, but the energy, particularly Schenker's, is off the charts.
That's another good point; no offense to my midwestern brothers, but this is not exactly the LA Forum or Madison Square Garden, and yet they were delivering every single night.
There's a funny quote in the liner notes too, about Nevison. Schenker calls him "obnoxious".
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Three more;
12. Love to Love (Lights Out)
This was one of the few songs I did know and really like from old UFO before the inception of this thread. I won't lie, Vinnie's version is what made me enjoy it though and Schenker's version sounded funny to me at first when I rediscovered the album. Neverthless, we know my appreciation of Schenker now and it's great having different versions. I also really loved Paul Chapman's version of this song. That Rockpalast version is excellent.
This song is interesting with its structure. It goes through a variety of moods and atmospheres taking many twists and turns and is really a song of epic proportions. The heavy intro is excellent but the soft, happy yet somehow melancholic verses just shine and so does Phil. That melody from Schenker at 3:37 is one of his best melodies, that rips your heart out. I love how Vinnie plays this too, you can tell he loves this part and plays it true and with so much emotion. Just a brilliant melody. All E minor too, nothing tricky going on musically here at all. The end solo erupts with Schenker adding his own touch with a few off notes in there but of course he makes them work. The live versions are where its at and I'll mention again the Kenosha version, that one is amazing. Classic, brilliant song.
11. Natural Thing (No Heavy Petting)
What an opener this is and what a hard rock song. That riff is so damn simple but so damn good. The energy in this one is top notch. This is simple but the transitions through the verses then hitting the chorus works so well. There's something about the chorus I just love. I get that strong Pearl Jam vibe from the chorus, well the whole song really. That chorus though is so dirty, loves Phils delivery. And Schenker's blues rock 'n' roll riff underneath is so damn cool, works so well in contrast with the vocals. The solo is short and simple and then I'll mention Paul's rocking old school piano under there too. Just a great mix of styles and something normally for me that wouldn't rate that high but this one is just brilliant.
10. Only You Can Rock Me (Obsession)
Same vein as Natural Thing this one, but I'd take this one just over it. Again, we here 12 bar blues type riffing but works in this hard rock style so well. The groove is great here and sets a great tone for the album. That chorus though, holy shit that chorus gets me. It's so fucking catchy and Schenker's slightly altered even harmonized melody underneath is so damn addictive. I can't explain how fucking brilliant that is. That's the song right there.
The next thing I love is at 1:46 where Phil sings 'again' and it changes key, that's also just brilliant songwriting. Schenker's anthem type solo is interesting and a great change but works so well. The key change at the end mimicking Phil's key change is great stuff too. That chorus again sounds even better the second time around at the end. This song doesn't get old.
30. The Writer
29. Long Gone
28. Wonderland
27. Diesel in the Dust
26. I'm A Loser
25. Hunger in the Night
24. Darker Days
23. Can't Buy A Thrill
22. Meanstreets
21. This Kids/Between the Walls
20. Cherry
19. Born to Lose
18. Stop Breaking Down
17. A Self Made Man
16. Profession of Violence
15. One More For the Rodeo
14. Serenity
13. Too Much of Nothing
12. Love to Love
11. Natural Thing
10. Only You Can Rock Me
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I ordered these two books last night:
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71-JTwSkfKL.jpg) (https://www.wymeruk.co.uk/_webedit/cached-images/441-831-0-500-745.jpg)
They were $20 each on Amazon. It was a bitch trying to figure out my 15% upcharge! :lol
I already have this, and referenced it many times during this thread:
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/5199ZS6KTHL._SX318_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
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12. Love to Love (Lights Out)
This was one of the few songs I did know and really like from old UFO before the inception of this thread. I won't lie, Vinnie's version is what made me enjoy it though and Schenker's version sounded funny to me at first when I rediscovered the album. Neverthless, we know my appreciation of Schenker now and it's great having different versions. I also really loved Paul Chapman's version of this song. That Rockpalast version is excellent.
This song is interesting with its structure. It goes through a variety of moods and atmospheres taking many twists and turns and is really a song of epic proportions. The heavy intro is excellent but the soft, happy yet somehow melancholic verses just shine and so does Phil. That melody from Schenker at 3:37 is one of his best melodies, that rips your heart out. I love how Vinnie plays this too, you can tell he loves this part and plays it true and with so much emotion. Just a brilliant melody. All E minor too, nothing tricky going on musically here at all. The end solo erupts with Schenker adding his own touch with a few off notes in there but of course he makes them work. The live versions are where its at and I'll mention again the Kenosha version, that one is amazing. Classic, brilliant song.
This is a great song for sure and worthy of a top spot in any UFO countdown. Such a classic, and so much better than many of the so called "classic rock" hits of the late seventies that the radio crammed down our throat. Schenker's 78 version is phenomenal.
I too, enjoy Vinnie's versions of this.
11. Natural Thing (No Heavy Petting)
What an opener this is and what a hard rock song. That riff is so damn simple but so damn good. The energy in this one is top notch. This is simple but the transitions through the verses then hitting the chorus works so well. There's something about the chorus I just love. I get that strong Pearl Jam vibe from the chorus, well the whole song really. That chorus though is so dirty, loves Phils delivery. And Schenker's blues rock 'n' roll riff underneath is so damn cool, works so well in contrast with the vocals. The solo is short and simple and then I'll mention Paul's rocking old school piano under there too. Just a great mix of styles and something normally for me that wouldn't rate that high but this one is just brilliant.
I ain't gonna lie....probably in my Top 10 of least favorites of the classic Schenker Era..
10. Only You Can Rock Me (Obsession)[/b]
Same vein as Natural Thing this one, but I'd take this one just over it. Again, we here 12 bar blues type riffing but works in this hard rock style so well. The groove is great here and sets a great tone for the album. That chorus though, holy shit that chorus gets me. It's so fucking catchy and Schenker's slightly altered even harmonized melody underneath is so damn addictive. I can't explain how fucking brilliant that is. That's the song right there.
The next thing I love is at 1:46 where Phil sings 'again' and it changes key, that's also just brilliant songwriting. Schenker's anthem type solo is interesting and a great change but works so well. The key change at the end mimicking Phil's key change is great stuff too. That chorus again sounds even better the second time around at the end. This song doesn't get old.
Another track that when I hear them introduce it, I think "no not again". But then somehow in the middle of it, I'm totally loving it. This song is like a tootsie pop, a hard outer shell with a tootsie roll in the middle.
Still, you have this song at least 40 spots higher than I would..
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I shouldn't say this because every time I think I am done buying things from this thread, more ends up coming.
Was doing my finances today (still call it balancing the checkbook, because I'm old) and thought I should do a deep dive into what this thread cost me. I was actually looking at my cost breakdown for last year in my money app and saw that I dropped $2900 in physical releases and another $320 in digital (mainly Bandcamp and HD Tracks). I looked at past years and didn't hit $1000 total for each year. Wow, I went crazy.
Anyway, the breakdown for this thread was as follows:
31 releases - 25 physical (33 total CD's and 2 bonus DVD's), 6 digital
$329.20 spent
$49.38 - Tim's 15% :lol
Roughly 10% of my music spending for 2020 was just UFO and its various branches.
Wow.
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$329 is only 10%??
So you spent $3200 on music this year??
:hefdaddy
12. Love to Love (Lights Out)
I also really loved Paul Chapman's version of this song. That Rockpalast version is excellent.
Reading this comment this morning made me grab the Rockpalast CD for my ride to work.
Chapman does a great job on Love To Love. Those single notes at the end of the solo are really strong and impactful.
And Lettin' Go :metal
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$329 is only 10%??
So you spent $3200 on music this year??
:hefdaddy
Yeah, like I mentioned in the post, I went crazy in 2020. Based on years before that, I never topped $1000. 2020 ran me just over $3200. Blame it on the pandemic. Honestly, not sure what the true cause was. Just went nuts.
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My wife would kill me! :lol
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I would hate to think what my collection has cost me.
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Tim, those books look killer.
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Tim, I totally appreciate your thoughts. I guess, I'm discovering most of these for the first time, so they are sitting different with me at the moment compared to yourself who has known them for years. They are new to me. Maybe it's Strangers again that made me get drawn to them more, who knows. That Natural Thing comment is wild. Again, shows the strength of the band I guess.
Watching Schenkers Madrid DVD, I love the addition of Natural Thing and Only You Can Rock Me. Confirms their place in my list. The next update will have you all throwing eggs at me however.
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9. Blinded By A Lie (Making Contact)
Loved this one right away. I LOVED the 80's vibe right away and being slightly let down from the albums before it, this was much more like it. Again, Neil Carter's keyboards in that intro part are just so moody and perfect. The verse is pretty comical and pure 80's but that chorus is so damn catchy. I love the second time around that Chapman mimics Neil's keyboard line in there, really really nice touch.
I can see UFO purists hating this at the time and fair enough but I really enjoy this album and song. I think this tune is just very well written. The solo section kicks things up a notch. It's nice to hear something really heavy and a nice gallop. Great tone from Chapman and his solo almost floats over the backing there in places, especially at the start. Epic key change which is most welcome and builds the heavy vibe even more. You sense that chorus coming back in and it doesn't disappoint. Just a really damn catchy tune. Phil doesn't do much here but he doesn't need to, it's a great band song, everyone adds their part. Great kick off to the album also.
8. Unraveled (Covenant)
This one crept up on me a little but grew like an absolute monster. Wasn't impressed with Covenant at first but this song also pricked my ears. That opinion has changed and this song has stormed into the top 10. Obsession like riffing at the start, almost Natural Thing like. Great groove here too. I love the verses and Dunbar's drum work is excellent. The change into the chorus is beautiful and it's so simple and melodic. I love the backups, it works really well. What I especially love is the backing keeps saying 'unraveled,' even on the second time around where Phil says 'unstable.' That's a nice touch. The up in tempo is too good also.
Phil sounds quite tough and strong on this one, he sings it with a lot of conviction. Schenker's solo is most welcome too and he rips. Nothing fancy or long but he's really in sync here. I fucking love that lick at 3:15, and that bend at 3:18 is absolutely incredible. Subtle but melodic. His outro soloing is fucking nuts too. I wish it didn't fade out so quick. Just an absolute stormer of a song, love it. Underrated.
7. You and Me (Making Contact)
I mentioned how much I liked this one when we got to this album and that sentiment hasn't changed. This is one amazing track to me. Something about it is so haunting but calming at the same time. I love the lyrics, and Phil portrays a desperate, broken man pleading to his love to have faith. This time the music seems to showcase the depressive, melancholic subject matter. The verses seem to represent hope but the chorus seems to be unsure, there's hope but the realization that hope is fading and almost gone.
The middle section is almost like that door on the story is closing shut or thereabouts. Neil Carter on this track is incredible. His E/D/C arpeggios at 1:55 are just amazing and Chapman fucking cries here. His solo is the dude crying like his woman is giving up on him, It's fucking awesome. That note that he bends at 2:18 well before the start of the bar gives that desperation from the protagonist. The song finishes awkwardly like it could have gone either way. I just love this song, Phil is incredible here. I know not many will agree but something about this song just touches me.
30. The Writer
29. Long Gone
28. Wonderland
27. Diesel in the Dust
26. I'm A Loser
25. Hunger in the Night
24. Darker Days
23. Can't Buy A Thrill
22. Meanstreets
21. This Kids/Between the Walls
20. Cherry
19. Born to Lose
18. Stop Breaking Down
17. A Self Made Man
16. Profession of Violence
15. One More For the Rodeo
14. Serenity
13. Too Much of Nothing
12. Love to Love
11. Natural Thing
10. Only You Can Rock Me
9. Blinded By A Lie
8. Unraveled
7. You and Me
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10. Only You Can Rock Me (Obsession)
... That chorus though, holy shit that chorus gets me. It's so fucking catchy and Schenker's slightly altered even harmonized melody underneath is so damn addictive. I can't explain how fucking brilliant that is...
I can. It's FUCKING brilliant!
We can't wait from day to day
'Cause we've got something to say
We are here and there's no end
We just keep coming again
I've been waiting for some other band, any other band, how about UFO maybe, to find a way to do something similar. The potential for this idea is off the charts, IMO.
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Haha, I knew you'd appreciate that pick.
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12. Love to Love (Lights Out)
This was one of the few songs I did know and really like from old UFO before the inception of this thread. I won't lie, Vinnie's version is what made me enjoy it though and Schenker's version sounded funny to me at first when I rediscovered the album. Neverthless, we know my appreciation of Schenker now and it's great having different versions. I also really loved Paul Chapman's version of this song. That Rockpalast version is excellent.
This song is interesting with its structure. It goes through a variety of moods and atmospheres taking many twists and turns and is really a song of epic proportions. The heavy intro is excellent but the soft, happy yet somehow melancholic verses just shine and so does Phil. That melody from Schenker at 3:37 is one of his best melodies, that rips your heart out. I love how Vinnie plays this too, you can tell he loves this part and plays it true and with so much emotion. Just a brilliant melody. All E minor too, nothing tricky going on musically here at all. The end solo erupts with Schenker adding his own touch with a few off notes in there but of course he makes them work. The live versions are where its at and I'll mention again the Kenosha version, that one is amazing. Classic, brilliant song.
This is a great song for sure and worthy of a top spot in any UFO countdown. Such a classic, and so much better than many of the so called "classic rock" hits of the late seventies that the radio crammed down our throat. Schenker's 78 version is phenomenal.
I too, enjoy Vinnie's versions of this.
I still can't believe I didn't hear this (knowingly) until over 30 years after it was first released. It's a top 5 UFO song for me.
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Tim, I totally appreciate your thoughts. I guess, I'm discovering most of these for the first time, so they are sitting different with me at the moment compared to yourself who has known them for years. They are new to me. Maybe it's Strangers again that made me get drawn to them more, who knows. That Natural Thing comment is wild. Again, shows the strength of the band I guess.
Watching Schenkers Madrid DVD, I love the addition of Natural Thing and Only You Can Rock Me. Confirms their place in my list. The next update will have you all throwing eggs at me however.
Ha! No eggs!
It's great seeing your list unfold with a fresh set of ears. I can totally dig it. Lots of surprises.
9. Blinded By A Lie (Making Contact)
Loved this one right away. I LOVED the 80's vibe right away and being slightly let down from the albums before it, this was much more like it. Again, Neil Carter's keyboards in that intro part are just so moody and perfect. The verse is pretty comical and pure 80's but that chorus is so damn catchy. I love the second time around that Chapman mimics Neil's keyboard line in there, really really nice touch.
I can see UFO purists hating this at the time and fair enough but I really enjoy this album and song. I think this tune is just very well written. The solo section kicks things up a notch. It's nice to hear something really heavy and a nice gallop. Great tone from Chapman and his solo almost floats over the backing there in places, especially at the start. Epic key change which is most welcome and builds the heavy vibe even more. You sense that chorus coming back in and it doesn't disappoint. Just a really damn catchy tune. Phil doesn't do much here but he doesn't need to, it's a great band song, everyone adds their part. Great kick off to the album also.
I think it's great how you connected with Making Contact. I'm surprised honestly, but I'm very happy about it. As a guitar player, I knew you'd be impressed with Schenker. That's easy. But I was worried how you'd take to Chapman. I definitely like Blinded though. I think this and Diesel In The Dust have a nice charm to them.
8. Unraveled (Covenant)
This one crept up on me a little but grew like an absolute monster. Wasn't impressed with Covenant at first but this song also pricked my ears. That opinion has changed and this song has stormed into the top 10. Obsession like riffing at the start, almost Natural Thing like. Great groove here too. I love the verses and Dunbar's drum work is excellent. The change into the chorus is beautiful and it's so simple and melodic. I love the backups, it works really well. What I especially love is the backing keeps saying 'unraveled,' even on the second time around where Phil says 'unstable.' That's a nice touch. The up in tempo is too good also.
Phil sounds quite tough and strong on this one, he sings it with a lot of conviction. Schenker's solo is most welcome too and he rips. Nothing fancy or long but he's really in sync here. I fucking love that lick at 3:15, and that bend at 3:18 is absolutely incredible. Subtle but melodic. His outro soloing is fucking nuts too. I wish it didn't fade out so quick. Just an absolute stormer of a song, love it. Underrated.
Nice! I've always liked this song. It drives pretty hard. I totally see your connection of the riff to Natural Thing. I also agree how when it jumps to the chorus it gets a total lift. And hell yes, that fade is too quick.
I know Walk On Water rightly gets the attention but Covenant is fantastic.
7. You and Me (Making Contact)
I mentioned how much I liked this one when we got to this album and that sentiment hasn't changed. This is one amazing track to me. Something about it is so haunting but calming at the same time. I love the lyrics, and Phil portrays a desperate, broken man pleading to his love to have faith. This time the music seems to showcase the depressive, melancholic subject matter. The verses seem to represent hope but the chorus seems to be unsure, there's hope but the realization that hope is fading and almost gone.
The middle section is almost like that door on the story is closing shut or thereabouts. Neil Carter on this track is incredible. His E/D/C arpeggios at 1:55 are just amazing and Chapman fucking cries here. His solo is the dude crying like his woman is giving up on him, It's fucking awesome. That note that he bends at 2:18 well before the start of the bar gives that desperation from the protagonist. The song finishes awkwardly like it could have gone either way. I just love this song, Phil is incredible here. I know not many will agree but something about this song just touches me.
This is a wonderful tune and one of my favorite Phil vocal. He is such a great story teller and a gifted lyricist. I love the keys 1:22 where Neil behind the "It's so special" part. That is a nice solo too but that little lick at 2:53 by Chapman right before the song ends is all class.
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Thanks Tim, glad you rate these tunes, especially You and Me.
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12. Love to Love (Lights Out)
This was one of the few songs I did know and really like from old UFO before the inception of this thread. I won't lie, Vinnie's version is what made me enjoy it though and Schenker's version sounded funny to me at first when I rediscovered the album. Neverthless, we know my appreciation of Schenker now and it's great having different versions. I also really loved Paul Chapman's version of this song. That Rockpalast version is excellent.
This song is interesting with its structure. It goes through a variety of moods and atmospheres taking many twists and turns and is really a song of epic proportions. The heavy intro is excellent but the soft, happy yet somehow melancholic verses just shine and so does Phil. That melody from Schenker at 3:37 is one of his best melodies, that rips your heart out. I love how Vinnie plays this too, you can tell he loves this part and plays it true and with so much emotion. Just a brilliant melody. All E minor too, nothing tricky going on musically here at all. The end solo erupts with Schenker adding his own touch with a few off notes in there but of course he makes them work. The live versions are where its at and I'll mention again the Kenosha version, that one is amazing. Classic, brilliant song.
This is a great song for sure and worthy of a top spot in any UFO countdown. Such a classic, and so much better than many of the so called "classic rock" hits of the late seventies that the radio crammed down our throat. Schenker's 78 version is phenomenal.
I too, enjoy Vinnie's versions of this.
I still can't believe I didn't hear this (knowingly) until over 30 years after it was first released. It's a top 5 UFO song for me.
I have the Rockpalast CD blasting in the car this morning. I absolutely love Chapman's version here, it gives it a totally different colour.
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Thanks to you, I have the Rockpalast CD in my van. That's a great live album. Seriously.
I know how great and graceful Schenker is, but Chapman's playing is pure BALLS.
It's really too bad Phil Mogg was fucking spent by 1982 because Chapman and Carter are really good. It's a damn shame they couldn't keep their shit together.
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Thanks to you, I have the Rockpalast CD in my van. That's a great live album. Seriously.
I know how great and graceful Schenker is, but Chapman's playing is pure BALLS.
It's really too bad Phil Mogg was fucking spent by 1982 because Chapman and Carter are really good. It's a damn shame they couldn't keep their shit together.
Yeah, I like it. It's pretty rough sounding but cranks pretty hard. Really liking Chapman here.
Might look into the Live Sightings set you posted too in the other thread.
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Thanks to you, I have the Rockpalast CD in my van. That's a great live album. Seriously.
I know how great and graceful Schenker is, but Chapman's playing is pure BALLS.
It's really too bad Phil Mogg was fucking spent by 1982 because Chapman and Carter are really good. It's a damn shame they couldn't keep their shit together.
Down by the river? ;)
Is the Rockpalast in your writeup? (Sorry to be lazy, but we're 72 pages in now...)
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Is the Rockpalast in your writeup? (Sorry to be lazy, but we're 72 pages in now...)
YES!
The Wild The Willing And The Innocent
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71kcxwKQ7ML._SL1300_.jpg)(https://images.eil.com/large_image/UFO_THE%2BWILD%2BTHE%2BWILLING%2BAND%2BTHE%2BINNOCENT%2B-%2BSEALED-273815b.jpg)
The Wild The Willing And The Innocent (1981) (https://open.spotify.com/album/1idYXIlJPigVtPI7Bu1rtx?si=cSAvD1yQRwOYMQhnAKkTqA)
Released January 6, 1981
1. Chains Chains
2. Long Gone
3. The Wild The Willing And The Innocent
4. It's Killing Me
5. Makin' Moves
6. Lonely Heart
7. Couldn't Get It Right
8. Profession Of Violence
Phil Mogg-Vocals
Paul Chapman-Guitar
Pete Way- Bass
Andy Parker-Drums
Neil Carter-Keyboards/Sax
John Sloman (uncredited)-Keyboards
The No Place To Run tour would end in May 1980. Shortly after Paul Raymond was let go. Still some mystery as to if he was fired or he quit. Paul Raymond says he didn't see a future in with band and wanted to join Cozy Powell in Michael Schenker's band. Pete Way mentions that he was fired, by either Phil or their manager. Paul Raymond also says that the biggest misconception about him was that he was the quiet one. That is backed up by Pate Way as he says that Paul could be quite outspoken.
At any rate, the band would get right to work on their next album. It was put together that summer with Paul Chapman's ex Lone Star band mate John Sloman playing keyboards.
Neil Carter would join the band shortly before the Reading '80 show. The band would put the finishing touches on The Wild The Willing And The Innocent with Neil adding Sax on Lonely Hearts, and also some backing vocals. The band would tour Europe in the fall of 1980 featuring the new material. Shortly after the album was released UFO would tour the states in 1981.
Lonely Heart perforn=med on the BBC..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDikDqS0pEc
Paul Chapman's Lone Star work would show its head again, this time the track being Fool's Gold, which was reworked as Makin' Moves..
https://youtu.be/LQQC53M0EfI?t=2
Here is a great show from the Fall of 1980.
Here is the full Rockpalast show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-10GeqecPk&list=PLzD5eb0xSuIVr93z17RhSbc15iCZZCFGg&index=3&t=1s
Somewhere after Mystery Train it goes out of synch.
Here is an abridged version with better quality. I have it queued up at Rock Bottom.
https://youtu.be/G8M2J2rHp_g?t=1558
On a personal note, this is a Top 3 UFO album for me. I freaking love this album. This album has a consistency across the board. Great tunes.
Long Gone is an all time UFO track.
And Profession Of Violence is simply breathtaking, especially Paul's solo at the end. Chilling.
It's available here:
https://www.amazon.com/Rockpalast-Hardrock-Legends-Vol-1/dp/B015DIF8IM/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=UFO+rockpalast&qid=1611542562&s=music&sr=1-1
I also have it on DVD as well. It's a great show just before the release of WWI. Paul Chapman is fantastic on it.
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Thank you! That's next. :)
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Ka-ching! :lol
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:lol
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6. Let it Roll (Force It)
Another storming opener makes it high on the list. This one absolutely slays. That riffing and groove is just so good. This is one I actually haven't tried to play and I really should. The first thing I notice is the constant key changes through the song, gives it great colour throughout. That change at 1:24 is so brutal, love Schenker's melody there. I'll add that fucking awesome off time cowbell from Parker during the same section, so fucking good. Phil sounds different on this song too. Seems a bit higher than normal however the verses I think are in E. He has a cool tone though and almost metal like.
The breakdown is kind of unexpected the way the song was going but works so well Schenker on fire here with a lot of soulful playing. Again, I love the extra long instrumental section. Over a minute and a half for a four minute song, beautiful. That subtle half step down key change at 3:03 is so classy. Finishes pretty quickly and again, this is a song that has tremendous replay value and the endless live versions make it always fun to discover something new from it or a slightly different take.
5. On With the Action (No Heavy Petting)
This song was easily the highlight for me when running through No Heavy Petting. A seemingly underrated track and not sure why. I knew right away from the style this would be up there on a best of list at the end. Heavy, moody, dark and UFO's more metal side with a strong bluesy influence. First off, the lyrics are quite good and I can dig the subject matter. Phil sounds great and I even quite like what he was going for in the chorus. It's funny, but I got used to it. I guess Phil didn't need to sing the chorus like that to get the point and mood across. He's a good enough singer and lyric writer without having to do that. The one line I love is "But the ministers staring with a bible in his hand, is this God's children, he didn't understand." That's amazing.
Schenker simply destroys this track. D minor this one, so much fun to jam to. He adds quite a bit of D harmonic minor in there too to give it that more metal edge, but the bluesy groove accommodates his usual amazing blues licks. Again, there's lots of soloing going on which is certainly up my alley and the build of the main solo is something to behold. That change at 3:33 is so epic. The main solo of a whole minute just makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. I kind of like how quickly it fades at the end of the song after that long middle solo. I don't know, like Phil's got nothing else to add, a quick chorus and fade into more soloing, very cool. No hesitation this one making my top 5.
30. The Writer
29. Long Gone
28. Wonderland
27. Diesel in the Dust
26. I'm A Loser
25. Hunger in the Night
24. Darker Days
23. Can't Buy A Thrill
22. Meanstreets
21. This Kids/Between the Walls
20. Cherry
19. Born to Lose
18. Stop Breaking Down
17. A Self Made Man
16. Profession of Violence
15. One More For the Rodeo
14. Serenity
13. Too Much of Nothing
12. Love to Love
11. Natural Thing
10. Only You Can Rock Me
9. Blinded By A Lie
8. Unraveled
7. You and Me
6. Let It Roll
5. On With the Action
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What's with the introduction to "Only You Can Rock Me" in Louisville? :)
I think Phil Mogg writes about strippers and hookers a LOT.
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5. On With the Action (No Heavy Petting)
:tup :tup :tup
Yes! For years, NHP was simply "the album with On With the Action" for me. Great song, and way underrated in their catalog...except by those of us who truly recognize genius. :lol
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5. On With the Action (No Heavy Petting)
:tup :tup :tup
Yes! For years, NHP was simply "the album with On With the Action" for me. Great song, and way underrated in their catalog...except by those of us who truly recognize genius. :lol
:metal
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6. Let it Roll (Force It)
Another storming opener makes it high on the list. This one absolutely slays. That riffing and groove is just so good. This is one I actually haven't tried to play and I really should. The first thing I notice is the constant key changes through the song, gives it great colour throughout. That change at 1:24 is so brutal, love Schenker's melody there. I'll add that fucking awesome off time cowbell from Parker during the same section, so fucking good. Phil sounds different on this song too. Seems a bit higher than normal however the verses I think are in E. He has a cool tone though and almost metal like.
The breakdown is kind of unexpected the way the song was going but works so well Schenker on fire here with a lot of soulful playing. Again, I love the extra long instrumental section. Over a minute and a half for a four minute song, beautiful. That subtle half step down key change at 3:03 is so classy. Finishes pretty quickly and again, this is a song that has tremendous replay value and the endless live versions make it always fun to discover something new from it or a slightly different take.
Great song all the way around. The mid section is what makes it totally special. I could listen to that part all day long. And you're right about the many live versions. Great to hear them all. This song is featured quite a bit in the Vinnie Era as well.
5. On With the Action (No Heavy Petting)
This song was easily the highlight for me when running through No Heavy Petting. A seemingly underrated track and not sure why. I knew right away from the style this would be up there on a best of list at the end. Heavy, moody, dark and UFO's more metal side with a strong bluesy influence. First off, the lyrics are quite good and I can dig the subject matter. Phil sounds great and I even quite like what he was going for in the chorus. It's funny, but I got used to it. I guess Phil didn't need to sing the chorus like that to get the point and mood across. He's a good enough singer and lyric writer without having to do that. The one line I love is "But the ministers staring with a bible in his hand, is this God's children, he didn't understand." That's amazing.
Schenker simply destroys this track. D minor this one, so much fun to jam to. He adds quite a bit of D harmonic minor in there too to give it that more metal edge, but the bluesy groove accommodates his usual amazing blues licks. Again, there's lots of soloing going on which is certainly up my alley and the build of the main solo is something to behold. That change at 3:33 is so epic. The main solo of a whole minute just makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. I kind of like how quickly it fades at the end of the song after that long middle solo. I don't know, like Phil's got nothing else to add, a quick chorus and fade into more soloing, very cool. No hesitation this one making my top 5.
The song starts off with a 30 second guitar solo! :lol :metal
Great tune. Great lyric. That line about the minister is an epic line. Phil Mogg wrote some of the coolest lyrics ever. And he has continued that well into the Vinnie Era.
Yes! For years, NHP was simply "the album with On With the Action" for me. Great song, and way underrated in their catalog...except by those of us who truly recognize genius. :lol
We've talked about this. No Heavy Petting is my favorite UFO studio album. It's my favorite Schenker album with the band, and I also love how Phil sounds on this. I realize they added Danny Peyronel, but he was really good. I know there's a couple of mellow tunes on this, but Danny really sets a great mood on Martian Landscape and Belladonna.
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NHP really grew on me personally. It would probably be my second fav Schenker album after Obsession........and WOW but you know what I mean.
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I will post this in another topic here in DTF anyway, but here's my interview with Michael Schenker about his upcoming solo album:
https://www.sonicperspectives.com/interviews/interview-with-schenker-michael/
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Last three mornings, I've woken up with the melody to "Cherry" in my head. Is that a bad sign?
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Last three mornings, I've woken up with the melody to "Cherry" in my head. Is that a bad sign?
No, it's a great song.
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I will post this in another topic here in DTF anyway, but here's my interview with Michael Schenker about his upcoming solo album:
https://www.sonicperspectives.com/interviews/interview-with-schenker-michael/
Awesome mate. Look forward to checking this out.
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I will post this in another topic here in DTF anyway, but here's my interview with Michael Schenker about his upcoming solo album:
https://www.sonicperspectives.com/interviews/interview-with-schenker-michael/
Awesome mate. Look forward to checking this out.
It's more like a Schenker monologue that anything else, but you'll enjoy it. He wouldn't stop talking!!!! I had 20 questions, and was only able to ask 4, because the guy just wouldn't stop!
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:lol
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:rollin :rollin totally true! This way I could have interviewed Schencker myself! No ofense, Rodrigo! :rollin
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Bravewords picked it up!
https://bravewords.com/news/michael-schenker-the-scorpions-never-knew-how-to-write-songs-until-i-joined-them-when-i-was-15-years-old
I'll listen tonight. Looking forward to it.
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Bravewords picked it up!
https://bravewords.com/news/michael-schenker-the-scorpions-never-knew-how-to-write-songs-until-i-joined-them-when-i-was-15-years-old
I'll listen tonight. Looking forward to it.
Schenker is a walking clickbait. I'm expecting Blabbermouth to pick it up too.
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The man is a gift! :lol
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Question 1:
16 minute answer..
"Even Rudolph my brother still can't play it" :lol
Question 2:
9 minute answer..
"I discovered the infinite inner spring infinite creativity"
"I don't remember your original question." :lol
Question 3:
3 minute answer..
"It would've killed the Budokan"
Question 4:
14 minute answer..
"With so little talent, he (Rudolph) achieved so much." :rollin
This has been his standard interview fodder for this album cycle. But he never passes up a chance to throw Rudolph under the bus. :lol
Like I said before, that man is a gift. Everybody should know who he is.
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Bravewords picked it up!
https://bravewords.com/news/michael-schenker-the-scorpions-never-knew-how-to-write-songs-until-i-joined-them-when-i-was-15-years-old
I'll listen tonight. Looking forward to it.
Schenker is a walking clickbait. I'm expecting Blabbermouth to pick it up too.
He gets fucking roasted in the comments on Blabbermouth each time.
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Question 1:
16 minute answer..
"Even Rudolph my brother still can't play it" :lol
Question 2:
9 minute answer..
"I discovered the infinite inner spring infinite creativity"
"I don't remember your original question." :lol
Question 3:
3 minute answer..
"It would've killed the Budokan"
Question 4:
14 minute answer..
"With so little talent, he (Rudolph) achieved so much." :rollin
This has been his standard interview fodder for this album cycle. But he never passes up a chance to throw Rudolph under the bus. :lol
Like I said before, that man is a gift. Everybody should know who he is.
:rollin This guy is off the charts.
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I'm really liking Sail The Darkness. I can do without Ronnie's "There is no return" at the beginning, but when he lets the song come to him, he's good. He sounds like a raspier Robin McAuley on this tune.
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Question 1:
16 minute answer..
"Even Rudolph my brother still can't play it" :lol
Question 2:
9 minute answer..
"I discovered the infinite inner spring infinite creativity"
"I don't remember your original question." :lol
Question 3:
3 minute answer..
"It would've killed the Budokan"
Question 4:
14 minute answer..
"With so little talent, he (Rudolph) achieved so much." :rollin
This has been his standard interview fodder for this album cycle. But he never passes up a chance to throw Rudolph under the bus. :lol
Like I said before, that man is a gift. Everybody should know who he is.
Great breakdown of the interview, man. You summed it up quite well...
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I couldn't wait to hear it. You posted it this morning when I was at work. I love hearing him talk, even though he can be a bit repetitive. But he is a total trip.
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So, in the summer of 2019, the TACs vacationed in San Diego. We visited the Museum Of Making Music. It's funded by NAAM, and is a really cool place.
Anyway, in the small gift shop, there was a book about guitars. I didn't buy it, but I captured the three best pages. ;D
(https://i.imgur.com/5umQJLa.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/mixuIOJ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/iVGy75Z.jpg)
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I'm not much of a flying V guy, but I love that middle one.
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Had Save Your Prayers in the car today. Fuck I love this album. Perfect melodic rock.
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Danny Vaughn is incredible on it. One of my top vocals on any album.
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The Frontiers Factory should spin it in one of their board meetings to hear how it's done.
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Chapman rips on it too.
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That's all the arm twisting that I need. I grabbed it for the ride today.
Have 3 new albums arriving tomorrow so they'll be dominating my rides for the next couple of weeks.
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For anyone that has been watching this thread from here in the US and has been on the fence about the elusive Strangers box set, Laser CD just got it in stock and wants only $45 for it.
https://www.lasercd.com/cd/strangers-night-8cd-box-set
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For anyone that has been watching this thread from here in the US and has been on the fence about the elusive Strangers box set, Laser CD just got it in stock and wants only $45 for it.
https://www.lasercd.com/cd/strangers-night-8cd-box-set
That's a steal; I haven't stuck with a new release like this in a LONG LONG time.
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That's all the arm twisting that I need. I grabbed it for the ride today.
Have 3 new albums arriving tomorrow so they'll be dominating my rides for the next couple of weeks.
:metal
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In Search of The Peace of Mind
https://youtu.be/5gy69onDzXQ
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I'm really digging a lot Immortal, I think the vocalists made a great job, with Joe Lynn Turner surprising me a lot, since I'm not much a fan of his. Ralf Scheepers is excellent (Devil's Daughter and THAT riff, great song!) and Ronnie Romero is very good and destroying on Come On Over (a perfect McAuley Schencker's phase song!). Well, Michael Voss... let's say he almost compromised the songs that he's in, specially The Queen of Thorns... that is not bad, just a tad more commercial, but the guitar work still rescue it from failure. There's no instrumental song, but the last 3 minutes of In Search... makes up for it, no doubt! My first impression is that it's at same level of Resurrection - with a even more homogeneous quality in 45 minutes - and a bit above Revelation. Very happy of buying the CD + BD version of it!
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In Search of The Peace of Mind
https://youtu.be/5gy69onDzXQ
Dammit, Wolfie. I wasn't going to bite on this, based on some of the comments (particularly about the singers) but I LOVE Lonesome Crow (it's a top three or four Scorpions record for me, no lie) and I'm going to get Immortal just for this. I thought that was beautiful. Who's doing the "And I try!" part? Is that Ronnie Romero? That really sounds like Klaus; I like Ronnie in Rainbow and I always thought he had a little whiff of "Klaus" in him there, too.
And that solo.
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In Search of The Peace of Mind
https://youtu.be/5gy69onDzXQ
Dammit, Wolfie. I wasn't going to bite on this, based on some of the comments (particularly about the singers) but I LOVE Lonesome Crow (it's a top three or four Scorpions record for me, no lie) and I'm going to get Immortal just for this. I thought that was beautiful. Who's doing the "And I try!" part? Is that Ronnie Romero? That really sounds like Klaus; I like Ronnie in Rainbow and I always thought he had a little whiff of "Klaus" in him there, too.
And that solo.
Doogie was supposed to be on this song, was it him? Sounds like Barden at the start, then Ronnie, then Doogie?
I'll have to listen again. I liked the extended outro.
Lol @ Schenkers costume then next thing, bam, shirtless. :lol
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In Search of The Peace of Mind
https://youtu.be/5gy69onDzXQ
Dammit, Wolfie. I wasn't going to bite on this, based on some of the comments (particularly about the singers) but I LOVE Lonesome Crow (it's a top three or four Scorpions record for me, no lie) and I'm going to get Immortal just for this. I thought that was beautiful. Who's doing the "And I try!" part? Is that Ronnie Romero? That really sounds like Klaus; I like Ronnie in Rainbow and I always thought he had a little whiff of "Klaus" in him there, too.
And that solo.
Doogie was supposed to be on this song, was it him? Sounds like Barden at the start, then Ronnie, then Doogie?
I'll have to listen again. I liked the extended outro.
Lol @ Schenkers costume then next thing, bam, shirtless. :lol
His hats. Some of them come from the NWA merch website, some come from the Julie Christie Collection.
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It’s been delivered and I’m heading home from work!! :metal
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OK...first listen..
Love it! Musically I find it more consistent than the previous two Schenker Fest albums. Musically this album kicks ass. And I love that in the solo spots, Michael gives himself a few extra measures for his solos. And he is the master of the outro.
OK...Ronnie Romero. I don't not like him. But every time I turn around he's singing on another album. I bought the live Rainbow album when he sang with them a few years ago and I thought he did a great job covering Dio, Bonnet, and Turner. He's quite chameleon like.
I prefer his vocal in Sail The Darkness than I do in Knight Of The Dead. He sings great, he just doesn't need to over sing.
Ralf Sheepers..I don't love him, but he's fine here. Both of his songs kick ass, so I'm good.
Joe Lynn Turner. Excellent. He sounds great.
Michael Voss...fucking gag me. He blows. The songs are just fine, but he sucks.
In Search Of The Peace OF Mind came off way better then even I expected. Holy fuck does Doogie fucking nail it with the "and I try" part. God damn! :hefdaddy
And that solo.
What a beast!
This album has made a great first impression.
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Kade, you owe us two more songs!
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Kade, you owe us two more songs!
You read my mind. I just came home to sit down to do this. Give me half hour.
I kind of lost track of days and can't believe Immortal is out already. (If that makes sense). I'll have to put an order in next week.
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I kind of lost track of days and can't believe Immortal is out already. (If that makes sense). I'll have to put an order in next week.
The Tribulation too.
And Accept.. ;D
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I kind of lost track of days and can't believe Immortal is out already. (If that makes sense). I'll have to put an order in next week.
The Tribulation too.
And Accept.. ;D
Fuck, you're right about Tribulation. Not eager on the Accept but I'll get onto it no doubt.
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4. Venus (Walk on Water)
So, this one again was a big grower. When I first listened to WOW a couple of times I thought this was cool, but it took multiple listens to unveil itself. I guess that could be said about the whole album really thinking about it now. Anyway, interesting keyboards from Paul at the beginning but that simple riff that crashes in gets you nodding right away. One thing about UFO is their simple chord progression/riffs in songs. They are so straightforward but they always hit the mark. They sound more interesting and complication then they actually are if that makes sense.
Anyway, nice subtle change into the verse which is nice touch because that crashing riff comes straight back in with a fantastic melody from Phil over the top. The contrast there back and forth is fabulous. I love the change in melody at 1:40 with the same riff, that's cool. The section at 1:58 though is the hero of the song for me. Holy fucking shit is this part amazing. It's so short and only comes around once but this is one of the greatest most emotional bits of music I've heard. The same will be said about the top 3 but hot damn this section i so good. The key change is perfect and I love how it has that Only You Can Rock Me feel with Schenkel doing a different melody underneath Phil, it's so fucking good.
Schenker is on fire here with the solos. Perfect style for him. Nice splashes of Dorian mode in there but pure feel and expression. The outro solo is the fucking climax. That note at 4:03? Get the fuck out of here. Schenker goes off here but as usual it's all relative, it all makes sense. The tension he builds at 4:23 is so nice. Love that trill at 5:00. Nice long solo to a perfect fade out. Amazing song, amazing songwriting, amazing music.
3. Rock Bottom (Phenomenon)
This is the song that made me stand up and take notice of this thread. It was great that's on their third album because from here on and was a great ride. This fucker absolutely rips. First thing I loved was that dirty riff. One of the most dirtiest riffs I've ever heard, just so gritty and raw. It's so dirty Schenker could have played it with his cock out and I wouldn't be mad.
This is pure groove, and pure hard rock. Phil's somewhat laid back melodies in the chorus work really well with the riffing. The chorus is simple, catchy as fuck and in your face. You know what gets me? You get that break after the first verse but then when Andy chimes back in at 1:07, that's fucking cool. Love that half time section before the solo, great build up.
The solo is out of this world. I can't believe I had this album for years and this gem was on there that I never heard. Schenker's age when he came up with this is insane. Learning this one was tough, mainly for the phrasing. It made me realise Schenker's sense of phrasing and note placement. It's difficult to emulate. The overused Dorian mode in this is so interesting and few guitar players can make it work like he does. The buildup is enormous. I fucking love a long solo so this got me going right away. The explosion at 4:05 godly and Schenker really lets rip. Again, it's pure expression. That lick at 4:23 is so tasty. Love everything about it. Heard this song live in so many different formats now and it never gets old and it's great hearing Schenker's different versions over the years. I gotta say, watching the Madrid DVD last week, that might be my fav, he destroys that for me. Amazing rock song and a proper introduction to a classic, wonderful band.
30. The Writer
29. Long Gone
28. Wonderland
27. Diesel in the Dust
26. I'm A Loser
25. Hunger in the Night
24. Darker Days
23. Can't Buy A Thrill
22. Meanstreets
21. This Kids/Between the Walls
20. Cherry
19. Born to Lose
18. Stop Breaking Down
17. A Self Made Man
16. Profession of Violence
15. One More For the Rodeo
14. Serenity
13. Too Much of Nothing
12. Love to Love
11. Natural Thing
10. Only You Can Rock Me
9. Blinded By A Lie
8. Unraveled
7. You and Me
6. Let It Roll
5. On With the Action
4. Venus
3. Rock Bittom
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I kind of lost track of days and can't believe Immortal is out already. (If that makes sense). I'll have to put an order in next week.
The Tribulation too.
And Accept.. ;D
Fuck, you're right about Tribulation.
The Tribulation is fucking great. You'll like it.
Check this song out..
Inanna
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9smQkWXUkA
You think the guitarist is a fan of Schenker or what?
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Bah, video unavailable!! I'll order this on Monday I think.
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It rocks hard in spots, but there's a gloomy epicness to the album. It's really cool. I love what they do.
I'm on the Accept now. I'm always on the lookout for music like this. Just a classic heavy metal style. They are so consistent, and this album doesn't have the same saminess that their last couple of albums have had. It actually has an old school vibe to it. But the lyrics..yeesh.
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In Search of The Peace of Mind
https://youtu.be/5gy69onDzXQ
Wow :hefdaddy
One of the comments on YouTube said, only guitar playing of this magnitude can distract from the egregious nature of that hat. :lol
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4. Venus (Walk on Water)
So, this one again was a big grower. When I first listened to WOW a couple of times I thought this was cool, but it took multiple listens to unveil itself. I guess that could be said about the whole album really thinking about it now. Anyway, interesting keyboards from Paul at the beginning but that simple riff that crashes in gets you nodding right away. One thing about UFO is their simple chord progression/riffs in songs. They are so straightforward but they always hit the mark. They sound more interesting and complication then they actually are if that makes sense.
Anyway, nice subtle change into the verse which is nice touch because that crashing riff comes straight back in with a fantastic melody from Phil over the top. The contrast there back and forth is fabulous. I love the change in melody at 1:40 with the same riff, that's cool. The section at 1:58 though is the hero of the song for me. Holy fucking shit is this part amazing. It's so short and only comes around once but this is one of the greatest most emotional bits of music I've heard. The same will be said about the top 3 but hot damn this section i so good. The key change is perfect and I love how it has that Only You Can Rock Me feel with Schenkel doing a different melody underneath Phil, it's so fucking good.
Schenker is on fire here with the solos. Perfect style for him. Nice splashes of Dorian mode in there but pure feel and expression. The outro solo is the fucking climax. That note at 4:03? Get the fuck out of here. Schenker goes off here but as usual it's all relative, it all makes sense. The tension he builds at 4:23 is so nice. Love that trill at 5:00. Nice long solo to a perfect fade out. Amazing song, amazing songwriting, amazing music.
Surprise pick.
Funny you mention OYCRM. This is another song that they love to play live. My first instinct is..yawn...but damn, I'm into it before I know it.
You mention the part at 1:40. That's a great call. Good on whoever wrote that change. And yes, the part at 1:58 makes the song IMO, followed by Paul Raymond's reentry.
3. Rock Bottom (Phenomenon)
This is the song that made me stand up and take notice of this thread. It was great that's on their third album because from here on and was a great ride. This fucker absolutely rips. First thing I loved was that dirty riff. One of the most dirtiest riffs I've ever heard, just so gritty and raw. It's so dirty Schenker could have played it with his cock out and I wouldn't be mad.
This is pure groove, and pure hard rock. Phil's somewhat laid back melodies in the chorus work really well with the riffing. The chorus is simple, catchy as fuck and in your face. You know what gets me? You get that break after the first verse but then when Andy chimes back in at 1:07, that's fucking cool. Love that half time section before the solo, great build up.
The solo is out of this world. I can't believe I had this album for years and this gem was on there that I never heard. Schenker's age when he came up with this is insane. Learning this one was tough, mainly for the phrasing. It made me realise Schenker's sense of phrasing and note placement. It's difficult to emulate. The overused Dorian mode in this is so interesting and few guitar players can make it work like he does. The buildup is enormous. I fucking love a long solo so this got me going right away. The explosion at 4:05 godly and Schenker really lets rip. Again, it's pure expression. That lick at 4:23 is so tasty. Love everything about it. Heard this song live in so many different formats now and it never gets old and it's great hearing Schenker's different versions over the years. I gotta say, watching the Madrid DVD last week, that might be my fav, he destroys that for me. Amazing rock song and a proper introduction to a classic, wonderful band.
You mentioned Andy coming back in at 1:07. That's interesting. It sounds like Lenny Kravitz Are You Gonna Go My Way a little.
Trying to timestamp parts of this solo is futile. Let's just say that 2:37-4:52 :metal :hefdaddy How's that?
To me, I will always hear the original Strangers version in my head, and it's what all other versions are held against. But it always refreshing to go back and hear the original solo. An amazing piece of work.
Predicting Try Me and Lights Out coming next. Maybe Dreaming Of Summer. ;D
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It rocks hard in spots, but there's a gloomy epicness to the album. It's really cool. I love what they do.
I'm on the Accept now. I'm always on the lookout for music like this. Just a classic heavy metal style. They are so consistent, and this album doesn't have the same saminess that their last couple of albums have had. It actually has an old school vibe to it. But the lyrics..yeesh.
Hmmm...I'll check the Accept then too mate.
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I'll post the final two tomorrow night. I love your comments to my picks Tim. Greatly appreciated.
Yeah, Venus flew up the rankings quick.
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Went to buy some groceries and stopped in at a JB Hi Fi and picked up the Accept haha. Tribulation and Schenker not even on the website so will have to order them in.
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Speaking of Accept, I'm checking out the Live 2017 Wacken concert on YouTube. Great show half way through. I love the Wolf Orchestra part, really entertaining. I didn't check that album but it's entertaining here.
Edit: Why the fuck am I posting this here?
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Well, to make it relevant, watching and listening to Wolf, it's easy to tell who one of his main influences is.
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Well, to make it relevant, watching and listening to Wolf, it's easy to tell who one of his main influences is.
Oh definitely. Of course I was on to that in 1984. ;D
Whenever I speak of Wolf Hoffman, I always mention his tone and how it cuts right through me. It's what makes albums like Metal Heart and Balls To The Wall so fucking addicting. His tone, and Scenker's are musical crack.
Seriously, without Wolf Hoffman, Accept is basically Krokus. But with Wolf, they are practically a Top 10 band for me.
Musically, I really liked the new Accept. They didn't try and knock you over. Seemed more riff oriented than a wall of sound. It had an old school feel.
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Funny you mention OYCRM. This is another song that they love to play live. My first instinct is..yawn...but damn, I'm into it before I know it.
That's me; I would never say "oh, I want to listen to OYCRM", but when it comes on, I almost always get into it.
Predicting Try Me and Lights Out coming next. Maybe Dreaming Of Summer. ;D
One can only hope! Either that or "Doing It All For You" (I'm not even going to mention "Heel Of A Stranger"; it appears I'm on an island alone with that one!)
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Funny you mention OYCRM. This is another song that they love to play live. My first instinct is..yawn...but damn, I'm into it before I know it.
That's me; I would never say "oh, I want to listen to OYCRM", but when it comes on, I almost always get into it.
Predicting Try Me and Lights Out coming next. Maybe Dreaming Of Summer. ;D
One can only hope! Either that or "Doing It All For You" (I'm not even going to mention "Heel Of A Stranger"; it appears I'm on an island alone with that one!)
Doing It All For You is one of UFO's best songs.
I like Heel Of A Stranger too, but yes, you're on an island there.
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There can't be a UFO top 30 that doesn’t include Doctor Doctor. Not in my universe anyway. :biggrin:
I was going to skip the new Accept album because the last two were just meh. Now TAC has me wanting to check it out.
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I thought The Rise of Chaos was excellent actually.
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There can't be a UFO top 30 that doesn’t include Doctor Doctor. Not in my universe anyway. :biggrin:
There's at least two. :lol
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There can't be a UFO top 30 that doesn’t include Doctor Doctor. Not in my universe anyway. :biggrin:
There's at least two. :lol
Three. Doctor Doctor is a waste of time.
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There can't be a UFO top 30 that doesn’t include Doctor Doctor. Not in my universe anyway. :biggrin:
There's at least two. :lol
Three. Doctor Doctor is a waste of time.
Whaaaaat? :omg: Does not compute.
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Doctor Doctor is not in my top 2, I'll say that. It wouldn't make my top 50.
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There can't be a UFO top 30 that doesn’t include Doctor Doctor. Not in my universe anyway. :biggrin:
There's at least two. :lol
Three. Doctor Doctor is a waste of time.
Whaaaaat? :omg: Does not compute.
UFO is so much more than this song.
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2. Try Me (Lights Out)
I guess it would seem rare for me to have a ballad like this in a number 2 position of any list, but this song is simply remarkable. I've mentioned before that Lights Out was an album I've had for years but never really got into it, and it never really clicked. I'd say UFO are very consistent but for me this album is anything but that. Nevertheless, rediscovering this album I fell in love with this song. Everyone can relate to this song I feel. We've all been in situations that the lyrics can relate to from a relationship point. Well, I know I can anyway.
Even though the song is a ballad, is depressing as hell, yet stunningly beautiful at the same time. Paul Raymond plays this piece amazingly and the strings are wonderful. The obvious star of this show is Schenker. This solo is one of the most well crafted, beautiful, well thought out, well performed climaxes to any song I've ever heard. The way it builds is masterful. The melodies are simply perfect and the emotions and feelings it gives you is chilling. Schenker makes you feel with this song and the echoes the lyrics so damn well.
C minor this one is in to start with. I love 2:59. That sequence could make a grown man cry. E flat it shifts to for the harmonized section, following the basic chords that the song started in the verses and chorus. Back to C minor for the build with some simple octaves, then the explosion at 3:59 is monstrous. Schenkers subtle notes, choking bends and limited note selection makes this solo tear you up. Everything is perfect. The feel and emotion he puts in here is a thing of legends, seriously. One can shred his ass off but the pure mastery on show here blows technicality out of the water. My favourite part is the last melody at 4:32, this does just about make me shed a tear. The brilliant thing is the note that it ends on. It ends on a b flat, the 7th degree of the c minor chord. It literally doesn't resolve. That is absolutely insane how he makes this work so well. It goes back to the lyrics of the guy not being complete without the one he loves. Seriously, ending the way it does is outstanding. One of the most perfectly crafted solos of all time. Brilliant music, brilliant tune.
1. Dreaming of Summer (Walk on Water)
There was simply no way that this song wouldn't be number one. This one was a hit with me right away. This song just has incredible play back value. There's really nothing wrong with this song. I can't think of anything that I would change about it. I love the Love to Love feel at the start here, I think that's a nice touch. I don't know where to start with this song or really explain why it's number one, it just is. I listen to this song and I feel safe, happy, and during these seven minutes, everything in life disappears.
It's a great story so I'll start with that. I can't think of many other vocalists that write lyrics like Phil. It's been said a lot but his story telling ability in songs is outstanding. You get perfect imagery from this song too. Again, in perfect UFO fashion we get lyrics about someone struggling but the music is so positive during that chorus especially. I love the tension at the start though with a real uncertain feel, just like the story. Phil's vocals in the chorus are sublime, and the melodies are just perfect, absolutely perfect. One line I like is the 'I really love my old lady, much more grief she can take. Wish I could take her some place fancy, still need that lucky break.' Wow!
The music here also breathes and has such a wonderful atmosphere. Paul again owns a lot of this thing, it's beautiful playing and melodies. Schenker now is is more subdued but this is sometimes where he is at his best. I will say right now, that the section of music from 3:40 to 5:00 might be easily one of the most amazing, beautiful and perfect sections of music I've ever heard. Schenker here is in Try Me mode. Simple E minor notes but his gentle touch you can hear. His tone is on point and even though there's a fair bit of overdrive in his tone, it's light and as I said his subtle gentle touch with these notes is music perfection. I love firstly how the note at 3:43 is not as loud, like he didn't even pick the note, a ghost note kind of. The melody builds so well and 4:15, holy fucking shit that simple melody we've heard from so many bands time and time again is hypnotic and gives me goosebumps.
What we get next is incredible, we go from E minor to Eb minor, so creative and unique. That change is so good, and Schenkers licks in there, well what can I say, but perfect. It then shifts back to E minor and Schenker gives us a little acoustic beauty. I can't say enough how fucking good that one minute and 20 seconds of music is, seriously.
The song finishes nicely, with that riff from the start and Schenker's out there solo really gives off no indication of the story how the guy gets on. The whole sounds sums up the panick, frustration and uncertainty in needing to support him and his partner. It's so clever. Seems like Schenker is using some blues notes, I think this is in Mixolydian mode too, but he also uses flattened second. I haven't dived into that outro just yet.
Nevertheless, not sure what else to say, but I looked at so many of the other songs to see if this song wasn't worthy of the top spot, but everything else came up short. The track is simply and amazing piece of music and I thank Tim for introducing me to it. Every music lover should hear the beauty of this song, it's a work of art.
30. The Writer
29. Long Gone
28. Wonderland
27. Diesel in the Dust
26. I'm A Loser
25. Hunger in the Night
24. Darker Days
23. Can't Buy A Thrill
22. Meanstreets
21. This Kids/Between the Walls
20. Cherry
19. Born to Lose
18. Stop Breaking Down
17. A Self Made Man
16. Profession of Violence
15. One More For the Rodeo
14. Serenity
13. Too Much of Nothing
12. Love to Love
11. Natural Thing
10. Only You Can Rock Me
9. Blinded By A Lie
8. Unraveled
7. You and Me
6. Let It Roll
5. On With the Action
4. Venus
3. Rock Bittom
2. Try Me
1. Dreaming of Summer
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Doctor Doctor is not in my top 2, I'll say that. It wouldn't make my top 50.
It doesn't even make my UFO playlist.
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2. Try Me (Lights Out)
1. Dreaming of Summer (Walk on Water)
No argument from me, Kade. Very worthy entries and beautifully presented. :tup :tup :clap:
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Much appreciated Gregg. Thanks for following.
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Doctor Doctor is not in my top 2, I'll say that. It wouldn't make my top 50.
It doesn't even make my UFO playlist.
I will say, I do like the re-recorded version on WOW. Nice production and Schenker makes it much more interesting than the original.
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There can't be a UFO top 30 that doesn’t include Doctor Doctor. Not in my universe anyway. :biggrin:
There's at least two. :lol
Three. Doctor Doctor is a waste of time.
Four. Not a waste of time, but there's so much better. It'd make the Top 50, probably, but certainly not the Top 25.
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The songs from Walk on Water aren't imprinted on my brain like all the earlier albums that I got into when I was a teenager, so I just gave Dreaming of Summer a re-listen to refresh my memory. That's a quality song, for sure, especially the 3:40 to 5:00 minute section that you mention, Wolfking. Loved your write-ups of all of the songs :tup
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Thanks Zoom.
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2. Try Me (Lights Out)
I guess it would seem rare for me to have a ballad like this in a number 2 position of any list, but this song is simply remarkable. I've mentioned before that Lights Out was an album I've had for years but never really got into it, and it never really clicked. I'd say UFO are very consistent but for me this album is anything but that. Nevertheless, rediscovering this album I fell in love with this song. Everyone can relate to this song I feel. We've all been in situations that the lyrics can relate to from a relationship point. Well, I know I can anyway.
Even though the song is a ballad, is depressing as hell, yet stunningly beautiful at the same time. Paul Raymond plays this piece amazingly and the strings are wonderful. The obvious star of this show is Schenker. This solo is one of the most well crafted, beautiful, well thought out, well performed climaxes to any song I've ever heard. The way it builds is masterful. The melodies are simply perfect and the emotions and feelings it gives you is chilling. Schenker makes you feel with this song and the echoes the lyrics so damn well.
C minor this one is in to start with. I love 2:59. That sequence could make a grown man cry. E flat it shifts to for the harmonized section, following the basic chords that the song started in the verses and chorus. Back to C minor for the build with some simple octaves, then the explosion at 3:59 is monstrous. Schenkers subtle notes, choking bends and limited note selection makes this solo tear you up. Everything is perfect. The feel and emotion he puts in here is a thing of legends, seriously. One can shred his ass off but the pure mastery on show here blows technicality out of the water. My favourite part is the last melody at 4:32, this does just about make me shed a tear. The brilliant thing is the note that it ends on. It ends on a b flat, the 7th degree of the c minor chord. It literally doesn't resolve. That is absolutely insane how he makes this work so well. It goes back to the lyrics of the guy not being complete without the one he loves. Seriously, ending the way it does is outstanding. One of the most perfectly crafted solos of all time. Brilliant music, brilliant tune.
Great writeup, Kade! I remember back in the 80's, Schenker used to cite this solo as one of his favorites. He had just turned 22 when they recorded Lights Out. What I find amazing about this solo is that the track is less than five minutes long, but the solo never feels rushed. It totally breathes, especially at the beginning. Those first notes of the passage, they're so gentle, but firm. Amazing.
The other thing that solo has is that at 4:13, it has my favorite air drumming fill in the catalog, the tom-tom-crash. I dare anyone to try and listen to this song, and not do it too!
Paul Raymond is amazing on this track. He has a great sense of pacing throughout.
And as we'll talk about with your next pick, Phil has a real believability in his vocals. To me, it is what really makes him special. He delivers a great lyric, but the performance totally backs it up.
1. Dreaming of Summer (Walk on Water)
There was simply no way that this song wouldn't be number one. This one was a hit with me right away. This song just has incredible play back value. There's really nothing wrong with this song. I can't think of anything that I would change about it. I love the Love to Love feel at the start here, I think that's a nice touch. I don't know where to start with this song or really explain why it's number one, it just is. I listen to this song and I feel safe, happy, and during these seven minutes, everything in life disappears.
It's a great story so I'll start with that. I can't think of many other vocalists that write lyrics like Phil. It's been said a lot but his story telling ability in songs is outstanding. You get perfect imagery from this song too. Again, in perfect UFO fashion we get lyrics about someone struggling but the music is so positive during that chorus especially. I love the tension at the start though with a real uncertain feel, just like the story. Phil's vocals in the chorus are sublime, and the melodies are just perfect, absolutely perfect. One line I like is the 'I really love my old lady, much more grief she can take. Wish I could take her some place fancy, still need that lucky break.' Wow!
The music here also breathes and has such a wonderful atmosphere. Paul again owns a lot of this thing, it's beautiful playing and melodies. Schenker now is is more subdued but this is sometimes where he is at his best. I will say right now, that the section of music from 3:40 to 5:00 might be easily one of the most amazing, beautiful and perfect sections of music I've ever heard. Schenker here is in Try Me mode. Simple E minor notes but his gentle touch you can hear. His tone is on point and even though there's a fair bit of overdrive in his tone, it's light and as I said his subtle gentle touch with these notes is music perfection. I love firstly how the note at 3:43 is not as loud, like he didn't even pick the note, a ghost note kind of. The melody builds so well and 4:15, holy fucking shit that simple melody we've heard from so many bands time and time again is hypnotic and gives me goosebumps.
What we get next is incredible, we go from E minor to Eb minor, so creative and unique. That change is so good, and Schenkers licks in there, well what can I say, but perfect. It then shifts back to E minor and Schenker gives us a little acoustic beauty. I can't say enough how fucking good that one minute and 20 seconds of music is, seriously.
The song finishes nicely, with that riff from the start and Schenker's out there solo really gives off no indication of the story how the guy gets on. The whole sounds sums up the panick, frustration and uncertainty in needing to support him and his partner. It's so clever. Seems like Schenker is using some blues notes, I think this is in Mixolydian mode too, but he also uses flattened second. I haven't dived into that outro just yet.
Nevertheless, not sure what else to say, but I looked at so many of the other songs to see if this song wasn't worthy of the top spot, but everything else came up short. The track is simply and amazing piece of music and I thank Tim for introducing me to it. Every music lover should hear the beauty of this song, it's a work of art.
Another fantastic writeup! There's so much in this song, it's hard to know where to start.
The way it begins, and ends, gives it that "day in the life" feel. It's a songwriting technique that band's have used before, but none more effectively done here. I love that little acoustic guitar right before the vocals start. To me, it represents sunrise, a dawn to a new day. The pacing of the song makes you feel like you're on a train into the city.
The chorus is amazing.
That whole solo section is one of my all time favorites. No shredding needed. Perfection at work, here. And that lick after Phil sings "I'm dreaming of summer, it's just me and you now".. Almost a hopeful lick
But then he follows the next line "But a love with no money, how long will it ring true now" with a soul crushing response.
This song is simply master class.
Kade, I really enjoyed your writeups. While responding, I always listened back. You were spot on on your ability to notice the subtleties of UFO's music.
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The way it begins, and ends, gives it that "day in the life" feel. It's a songwriting technique that band's have used before, but none more effectively done here. I love that little acoustic guitar right before the vocals start. To me, it represents sunrise, a dawn to a new day. The pacing of the song makes you feel like you're on a train into the city.
The chorus is amazing.
That whole solo section is one of my all time favorites. No shredding needed. Perfection at work, here. And that lick after Phil sings "I'm dreaming of summer, it's just me and you now".. Almost a hopeful lick
But then he follows the next line "But a love with no money, how long will it ring true now" with a soul crushing response.
This song is simply master class.
Kade, I really enjoyed your writeups. While responding, I always listened back. You were spot on on your ability to notice the subtleties of UFO's music.
Wow, I love your description in that first paragraph Tim, that's bloody spot on. The verse vocal melody gives that 'dawn of a new day' kind of feel too. Mate, those licks in that middle section from Schenker in between Phil's vocals are just incredible, and his tone is off the charts.
Thanks Tim for taking the time to listen to the songs while listening back. Your feedback and appreciation is very much appreciated. Glad you enjoyed it.
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:tup
So I think I have a Top 30 ironed out.
@Kade...I know you love Making Contact. I have two songs on my Top 30, actually sharing the same spot together... um anyway, they are two that you didn't list. These two go back to back and they get me every time.
Also, we have 10 songs in common. :)
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I've been trying to just do a top 5 and keep tripping over myself. I hate trying to do lists. I'm better at generalizations. Lists of Awesome, Good, and Nope. Stuff like that. I had gotten as far as a top 4 and locked up over 5. I then deleted and moved on. Maybe I'll try again.
Still routinely throwing on some UFO every now and then. Listening to Dreaming Of Summer as I type this. Haven't grown tired of them yet.
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It's extremely difficult.
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:tup
So I think I have a Top 30 ironed out.
@Kade...I know you love Making Contact. I have two songs on my Top 30, actually sharing the same spot together... um anyway, they are two that you didn't list. These two go back to back and they get me every time.
Also, we have 10 songs in common. :)
So looking forward to this mate. I might have a listen again to Making Contact and see if I can guess.
10 songs only in common shows the strength once again of this band.
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They were great song writers. I have a song with no guitar solo. :lol
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Crap. While trying to come up with a top 5 song list, I was revisiting some stuff and Seven Deadly has snuck up on me. I remember really liking the first 3 tracks and wrote off the rest of the album. I decided to continue listening and am now really enjoying it. Angel Station was excellent. Vinnie's solo on that thing. I might not be done spending. I might go after this one now and if my tune is changing on this, it might on the others as well. I said I needed to be in the right frame of mind. It appears I might be there.
As for the top 5, I actually got to 8 and am now stuck trying to make it an even 10. What's worse, I have no order. That might be the way I go. 10 favorites instead of top 10. We'll see. Of course, now that I am enjoying albums that I did not previously, it could blow it all up again.
This thread is killing me.
EDIT: And I just put in an order at Amazon. They claim to have it for $13 and that it will be in stock soon. We'll see. For that price, I figured, why not? Guess it's time to revisit Monkey and Visitor. Might have a fresh perspective. Vinnie's solos on Seven were fantastic. Not sure where my head was the first time through.
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The key to enjoying the Vinnie Era is not getting bogged down with what it isn't...Schenker 2.0.
It's more about enjoying what it is..really nice music that is made to age well. It doesn't hit you all at once. Vinnie is great, but if you're expecting a shredfest, then you'll be disappointed.
Phil, musically, has mellowed, but that doesn't take away from any of the performances. Paul Raymond is excellent on all of these albums, as is Vinnie. And Phil's lyrics are as nuts as they have ever been.
Seven Deadly is sneaky really good. It's quite bluesy, and is a good spot for Phil. And it scratches a non metal itch for Vinnie, as he excels on it.
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To me it's really hard to make song lists, specially because there's always a lot of different sides of any great band to be represented. And because of this specific reason I think it's even harder to put the songs in preference's order (maybe I could choice the best 10, the best 11 to 20 etc). In UFO's case, that I really like/love so many albums and songs, it's quite a task! Well, it’s a bit more “safe” than Wolfking’s list (again, Wolf, GREAT writings!), but here is my best attempt to do a top 30 UFO songs (more one amazing cover!), in chronological order and with some comments on some songs:
Rock Bottom (SitN version)
Let it Roll (SitN version)
Mother Mary (SitN version)
Natural Thing (SitN version) – This song has a special place in my heart, since it was the first UFO song that I ever heard! A friend of mine, an UBER UFO fan recorded to me a K7 with a "best of". This one was the first song on the A-side.
Try Me - The most beautiful UFO’s ballad with THAT unbelievable final solo.
Lights Out
Love to Love – Maybe the only UFO truly prog song? So unique in their catalog.
Pack Up and Go
Ain't No Baby
Looking Out for No 1
Hot 'n' Ready
Alpha Centaury/Lettin’ Go – This space/alien intro is excellent and really creates a mood for the amazing Lettin’ Go.
Mystery Train - Incredible version, that it took the original composition to another whole level.
Long Gone
Profissional of Violence - The almost (almost!) most beautiful UFO’s ballad, also with THAT unbelievable final solo.
The Writer – The riff on this song has that “fat/full”quality that I associate to a lot of Chapman’s riffs. And the solo trade off between guitar, keyboard and sax is amazing. :hefdaddy
Doing It All for You – Great song with wonderful outro.
We Belong to the Night
Blinded by a Lie -
When It's Time to Rock - I love the riff and that ending with tunnel effect and orchestration.
Meanstrets – Commercial hard rock at its finest with a very inspired riff.
Wreckless – Excellent song, but THAT first minute is so hauting and beautiful... :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Boderline – Monstrous opener with great personality.
Backdoor Man – This song has a really great swagger (well, I guess this is the word in english! :biggrin:)
Love Deadly Love – it’s totally a homage reverencial to the Schenker phase and also so incredible well done.
A Self-Made Man – Schenker back with the 2 feet on the door! :metal :metal
Dreaming of Summer – like Love to Love, it's kind of a rare UFO prog/epic, so good!
Love is Forever - Although I’m not a super fan of Covenant, the album begins amazingly with this song and the next.
Unraveled
Baby Blue – So beautiful and not a obvious ballad.
Wonderland - It does sound sooo Chapman phase to me. I just wish Moore/Mogg have done more songs in this style.
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@Rodrigo, This guy's questions obviously weren't as good as yours. Michael's answers were so short! :lol
https://www.eonmusic.co.uk/michael-schenker-eonmusic-interview-january-2021.html
"but of course Rudolph is a trickster" :lol
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Schenker clearly has issues with Phil. Well, he has issues in general, but he seems to really have it out for Phil. Saying Phil destroyed UFO after he left and such (he did not).
Michael seemed to like everyone else in the band, just had a big ego clash with Phil. Needless to say, I don't see Michael throwing the UFO fanbase a bone and doing any sort of reunion before the end, especially with Pete and Paul being gone.
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Michael is on record as saying he would not participate in that anyway.
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Michael is on record as saying he would not participate in that anyway.
Yeah, I read that recently too.
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To me it's really hard to make song lists, specially because there's always a lot of different sides of any great band to be represented. And because of this specific reason I think it's even harder to put the songs in preference's order (maybe I could choice the best 10, the best 11 to 20 etc). In UFO's case, that I really like/love so many albums and songs, it's quite a task! Well, it’s a bit more “safe” than Wolfking’s list (again, Wolf, GREAT writings!), but here is my best attempt to do a top 30 UFO songs (more one amazing cover!), in chronological order and with some comments on some songs:
Rock Bottom (SitN version)
Let it Roll (SitN version)
Mother Mary (SitN version)
Natural Thing (SitN version) – This song has a special place in my heart, since it was the first UFO song that I ever heard! A friend of mine, an UBER UFO fan recorded to me a K7 with a "best of". This one was the first song on the A-side.
Try Me - The most beautiful UFO’s ballad with THAT unbelievable final solo.
Lights Out
Love to Love – Maybe the only UFO truly prog song? So unique in their catalog.
Pack Up and Go
Ain't No Baby
Looking Out for No 1
Hot 'n' Ready
Alpha Centaury/Lettin’ Go – This space/alien intro is excellent and really creates a mood for the amazing Lettin’ Go.
Mystery Train - Incredible version, that it took the original composition to another whole level.
Long Gone
Profissional of Violence - The almost (almost!) most beautiful UFO’s ballad, also with THAT unbelievable final solo.
The Writer – The riff on this song has that “fat/full”quality that I associate to a lot of Chapman’s riffs. And the solo trade off between guitar, keyboard and sax is amazing. :hefdaddy
Doing It All for You – Great song with wonderful outro.
We Belong to the Night
Blinded by a Lie -
When It's Time to Rock - I love the riff and that ending with tunnel effect and orchestration.
Meanstrets – Commercial hard rock at its finest with a very inspired riff.
Wreckless – Excellent song, but THAT first minute is so hauting and beautiful... :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Boderline – Monstrous opener with great personality.
Backdoor Man – This song has a really great swagger (well, I guess this is the word in english! :biggrin:)
Love Deadly Love – it’s totally a homage reverencial to the Schenker phase and also so incredible well done.
A Self-Made Man – Schenker back with the 2 feet on the door! :metal :metal
Dreaming of Summer – like Love to Love, it's kind of a rare UFO prog/epic, so good!
Love is Forever - Although I’m not a super fan of Covenant, the album begins amazingly with this song and the next.
Unraveled
Baby Blue – So beautiful and not a obvious ballad.
Wonderland - It does sound sooo Chapman phase to me. I just wish Moore/Mogg have done more songs in this style.
Nice list, and thanks again. Lots of variety to mine but all great songs.
One song I regret now missing out on my list is Ain't No Baby. Hmmm.....that probably should have made the cut, that's a great song.
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Yeah, Ain't No Baby was always one my favorite songs from Obsession and Obsession always was my fave album, so it has to be in the list!
But, my first version of the top 30 had around 50 songs, it wasn't easy to cut almost half of them! I'm sure you have left out a lot of songs that deserved to be your list, in your own point of view.
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Yes, that is a nice list. I meant to comment on it earlier. Lots of variety and so many great songs. Doing a Top 30 was really tough.
Yeah, Ain't No Baby was always one my favorite songs from Obsession and Obsession always was my fave album, so it has to be in the list!
But, my first version of the top 30 had around 50 songs, it wasn't easy to cut almost half of them! I'm sure you have left out a lot of songs that deserved to be your list, in your own point of view.
Same here!
If no one has an issue, I may start my countdown tonight.
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I'm ready Tim.
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OK, I think I'll do 5 songs at a time. 3 UFO/2 Schenker and then 2 UFO/3 Schenker. Somewhere around 10-15, I'll add a Waysted tune.
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Cool, TAC, very curious about your list and commentaries. :corn
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:hefdaddy
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I'll trust both wolfking's and TAC's lists to put together my 'best ofs'. Looking forward to the host's <drum roll.....>
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UFO
30 History Of Flames (Edge Of The World)
We'll start this off with a fucking ripper. George Bellas makes his presence known right out of the gate. His playing is wicked under the verse.
And I love the prechorus. It's a different thing for them as they don't use a backing vocal lead vocal back and forth like..ever.
I like the Covenant style bridge. Gives you a breather without losing it's pace. Bellas has a Yngwie style solo, and then the song resumes with the main riff, along with a fantastic groove by Aynsley Dunbar.
And as nice as the soloing is, especially underneath the chorus as the song is closing out, this song runs on some fantastic rhythm guitar.
When I heard Vinnie Moore joined UFO, I immedeately thought of this song and started drooling.
29 Stranger In Town (The Visitor)
I rate The Visitor as my favorite Vinnie Era album. Stranger In Town closes it out in grand fashion.
It riffs and rocks pretty hard with more off the wall lyrics by Phil. But it's the "chorus" that slays. The "Everybody's at the party" part. That gives me goosebumps when I hear it. And Paul Raymond's excellence totally makes that section glow. And to Kadestamp a part, at 1:55-2:16, Paul and Vinnie play this glorious section before the solo.
The solo is great. After a brief setup the money shot comes at 2:30 (with a nice total band widdle down in the seconds before).
This is actually one of my favorite Vinnie solos. And it blends quite smoothly with the return of that great chorus.
And I'd be remiss to mention just how perfect Andy's ride cymbal sounds during the chorus. What a nice blend of sounds.
And then the last 30 seconds of this song.. :hefdaddy
BTW, without looking, does anyone know WTF a gibbet is? At first I thought it was a Mogg made up word. :lol I had to look it up.
28 Call My Name/All Over You (Making Contact)
Sure Blinded/Diesel is a great combo, but in the back half of the album, I love the back to back of Call My Name and All Over You.
Someone mentioned in the thread that Phil writes a lot of songs about hookers and strippers. Well, he does! And here's two of 'em.
I love Call My Name. It is such a catchy song and gets me head bobbing everytime.
Considering it's a song about a prostitute, I find Neil's "church wedding" intro quite interesting.
Again, Phil paints a vivid story.."I met you, watching the cars go by."
The prechorus is fantastic ending with a double flam that I cannot help but air drum to.
In the second verse, Paul starts tastefully chiming in between lines. He sounds nice here. And speaking of nice, his solo is melodic and beautiful. Perfect, really. It's one of my favorites from him.
The song ends with a wonderful outro by Paul.
And then Call My Name's evil twin comes calling with All Over You. Call My Name speaks of love where All Over You takes a turn for the wicked.
This song sports a thumping bass line in the verse. I assume it's Neil, since he wrote the song, but I'm not really sure. Anyway, Phil weaves another interesting tale.
"Well, you think you're the queen of Texas
Who you foolin' now?"
This has another great Chapman solo and I love the switch at 2:14, and then it goes to another level briefly at 2:22.
The final verse crushes it.
"Well I bet your mama doesn't know
What her baby's into now
And you know how much she can cost
When you pay by the hour
And I guess that you can fool yourself
Oh, you do most of the time
But in whose bed do you sleep tonight
Oh, babe, that's the bottom line"
30 History Of Flames
29 Stranger In Town
28 Call My Name/All Over You
Michael Schenker
30 Bittersweet (Tales Of Rock N Roll)
Tales Of Rock n Roll is an interesting album, made up of some catchy quick hitters than seemingly run together. It's filled with great moments, but Bitterweet is the one that I find to be totally addicting.
It starts out with a great driving pace. I happen to love Jari's vocal on this. There's something endearing about it.
Great intro by Michael, and then he hits this tone for the verses, I don't even know how to descibe it. But it's wild.
I love the solid drumming from Jeff Martin.
The passage at :52 has such a nice feel.That same passage is repeated at 2:35 after a short but sweet solo, but that time, Michael is totally working his magic underneath.
29 Cry For The Nations (Michael Schenker Group)
Cry For The Nations is a song that has always made me feel good. I fell in love with it on the One Night At Budokan album.
Cozy Powell helps to fill the song out, as I have always found the original studio version somewhat thin, a complaint I have about the entire first album.
There's nothing remarkable about the verse or the chorus, but it is just enjoyable. And the 1:15 solo is fantastic. I am always happy when Michael takes an extra measure or two for his solo.
The Studio outro is nice enough, but the Budokan outro is where it's at. The band, Powell, Glen, and of course Paul Raymond is tight, and that outro is enhanced by that.
30 Bittersweet
29 Cry For The Nations
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Lots to chew through here Tim. I'll add some thoughts when I'm at home. I love you included an Edge of the World tune in your UFO list. Nice touch that.
All Over You just missed the cut for my list. That's a fabulous song.
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Lots to chew through here Tim. I'll add some thoughts when I'm at home.
Cool, looking forward to it.
I love you included an Edge of the World tune in your UFO list. Nice touch that.
History Of Flames is so strong. George Bellas plays a wicked rhythm guitar.
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He's a great guitar player.
Yeah, I'll listen through the songs and post my thoughts too. :tup
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UFO
30 History Of Flames (Edge Of The World)
We'll start this off with a fucking ripper. George Bellas makes his presence known right out of the gate. His playing is wicked under the verse.
And I love the prechorus. It's a different thing for them as they don't use a backing vocal lead vocal back and forth like..ever.
I like the Covenant style bridge. Gives you a breather without losing it's pace. Bellas has a Yngwie style solo, and then the song resumes with the main riff, along with a fantastic groove by Aynsley Dunbar.
And as nice as the soloing is, especially underneath the chorus as the song is closing out, this song runs on some fantastic rhythm guitar.
When I heard Vinnie Moore joined UFO, I immedeately thought of this song and started drooling.
That riff at the start of this one fucking rips. I like your Covenant comparison with the pre chorus, and it's indeed very good, very unique but powerful and strong.
I have to buy a copy of this album. Getting more listening to WOW, Covenant and Sharks, this is a perfect companion album it seems just with Bellas. Mate, you nailed it with the Yngwie style solo, spot on. Interesting you classed this in a UFO countdown but I have no problem with that at all.
29 Stranger In Town (The Visitor)
I rate The Visitor as my favorite Vinnie Era album. Stranger In Town closes it out in grand fashion.
It riffs and rocks pretty hard with more off the wall lyrics by Phil. But it's the "chorus" that slays. The "Everybody's at the party" part. That gives me goosebumps when I hear it. And Paul Raymond's excellence totally makes that section glow. And to Kadestamp a part, at 1:55-2:16, Paul and Vinnie play this glorious section before the solo.
The solo is great. After a brief setup the money shot comes at 2:30 (with a nice total band widdle down in the seconds before).
This is actually one of my favorite Vinnie solos. And it blends quite smoothly with the return of that great chorus.
And I'd be remiss to mention just how perfect Andy's ride cymbal sounds during the chorus. What a nice blend of sounds.
And then the last 30 seconds of this song.. :hefdaddy
BTW, without looking, does anyone know WTF a gibbet is? At first I thought it was a Mogg made up word. :lol I had to look it up.
This one slipped by me originally. I mean, I always liked this one back in the day but the two I had on my list always were the standouts for me. Going with the thread, this one jumped out indeed. that chorus got me right away, That section from 1:55 is right up my alley Tim, definitely my style. And yeah, Parker underneath is fantastic.
Vinnie's tone is strong on the solo here, love that little lick at 2:33, so smooth.
I had to look up gibbet too, brutal!
28 Call My Name/All Over You (Making Contact)
Sure Blinded/Diesel is a great combo, but in the back half of the album, I love the back to back of Call My Name and All Over You.
Someone mentioned in the thread that Phil writes a lot of songs about hookers and strippers. Well, he does! And here's two of 'em.
I love Call My Name. It is such a catchy song and gets me head bobbing everytime.
Considering it's a song about a prostitute, I find Neil's "church wedding" intro quite interesting.
Again, Phil paints a vivid story.."I met you, watching the cars go by."
The prechorus is fantastic ending with a double flam that I cannot help but air drum to.
In the second verse, Paul starts tastefully chiming in between lines. He sounds nice here. And speaking of nice, his solo is melodic and beautiful. Perfect, really. It's one of my favorites from him.
The song ends with a wonderful outro by Paul.
And then Call My Name's evil twin comes calling with All Over You. Call My Name speaks of love where All Over You takes a turn for the wicked.
This song sports a thumping bass line in the verse. I assume it's Neil, since he wrote the song, but I'm not really sure. Anyway, Phil weaves another interesting tale.
"Well, you think you're the queen of Texas
Who you foolin' now?"
This has another great Chapman solo and I love the switch at 2:14, and then it goes to another level briefly at 2:22.
The final verse crushes it.
"Well I bet your mama doesn't know
What her baby's into now
And you know how much she can cost
When you pay by the hour
And I guess that you can fool yourself
Oh, you do most of the time
But in whose bed do you sleep tonight
Oh, babe, that's the bottom line"
Interesting you put these together. Is this counted as cheating? I'll let you off. ;D Nah seriously, this wasn't one of my favs from the album, but it's very catchy and it gets stuck in your head. It's placed well in the album too. I verses have such an old 60's vibe to them. It's cool, I dig it.
As I said before All Over You just missed out. This is a cracking song. Love the whole vibe of this one when it gets going. nice subtle notes from Chapman in intro too. I love the smooth groove of this one, and I love the simple, melodic chorus.
Chapman is great as you say on this one. That lick at 2:25 is so interesting. Chapman shreds at the end too. I love what he does at 4:06.
Listening to both these songs, I can kind of see why you lumped them together.
Michael Schenker
30 Bittersweet (Tales Of Rock N Roll)
Tales Of Rock n Roll is an interesting album, made up of some catchy quick hitters than seemingly run together. It's filled with great moments, but Bitterweet is the one that I find to be totally addicting.
It starts out with a great driving pace. I happen to love Jari's vocal on this. There's something endearing about it.
Great intro by Michael, and then he hits this tone for the verses, I don't even know how to descibe it. But it's wild.
I love the solid drumming from Jeff Martin.
The passage at :52 has such a nice feel.That same passage is repeated at 2:35 after a short but sweet solo, but that time, Michael is totally working his magic underneath.
I dig this album. Loved going through the thread and knowing I had this in my collection. Was blown away truthfully, it's so unique. I really liked the vocals right away too. I can't say this one was a highlight for me, but again placed nicely in the album and has a great groove. I love at 2:18 when Michael explodes into that solo, nice feel. And yeah, that repeated part at 2:35 is excellent actually a great reprise.
29 Cry For The Nations (Michael Schenker Group)
Cry For The Nations is a song that has always made me feel good. I fell in love with it on the One Night At Budokan album.
Cozy Powell helps to fill the song out, as I have always found the original studio version somewhat thin, a complaint I have about the entire first album.
There's nothing remarkable about the verse or the chorus, but it is just enjoyable. And the 1:15 solo is fantastic. I am always happy when Michael takes an extra measure or two for his solo.
The Studio outro is nice enough, but the Budokan outro is where it's at. The band, Powell, Glen, and of course Paul Raymond is tight, and that outro is enhanced by that.
I agree, I didn't really pick up on this song from the album. I found it pretty bland and honestly, not very interesting. I really started enjoying it from the live version on the first Temple of Rock DVD. That version really made me like it more. As you say, the studio version is thin but this version with Doogie is very strong. I'll have to relisten to the Budokan version.
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Gibbet? It's the cock-ring I'm going to string you two up by if you don't broaden your vocabularies. It's just another word for gallows, FCOL.
Yeah, and other than Cry for the Nation, I'm not feeling this batch. Next!
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I had never heard of a gibbet. Is that what they called it in the old days, Pods? ;D
Methinks you'll like Kade's list more than mine.
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Yup. Tha's what we called it afore all these fancy new motor cars comed abou' an brung learnin' ta da mashes.
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Interesting you classed this in a UFO countdown but I have no problem with that at all.
The only reason it's not called UFO is because, without Schenker, it could not be called UFO. That was part of the agreement to get him to come back in the 90's.
It's as much a UFO album as High Stakes and Misdemeanor, both of which will also be represented here.
I also had Jerusalem on my master countdown list. If I went 40 deep, it'd likely have made it.
If I did my count right, 19 of Kade's Top 30 were Schenker tunes which is 5 more Schenker tunes than me.
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Next!
OK...
UFO
27 Who's Fooling Who (The Monkey Puzzle)
The Vinnie Era has a lot of great tunes, and they are not heavy rockers either. Who's Fooling Who is one of them.
The acoustic intro, paired with Paul Raymond's keyboards set the stage for a real tasty track. The first verse and chorus are sung without the rhythm section. A nice touch. And right before the first chorus starts Paul hits a note right at :46 that is perfectly timed. And that chorus is exquisite.
As the band joins in, Vinnie goes electric, but Paul, still dances around with the perfect keyboard line.
I mentioned in the Stranger In Town writeup, but there's something about Andy's ride cymbal that blends perfectly with Paul's keys and Vinnie's guiter. The second chorus bears that out.
Vinnie's solo is incredible, and Vinnie wonderfully closes out the song after the final chorus.
This is a song with great mood and feeling. A real gem.
26 Fool's Gold (Covenant)
I loved Covenant right away, as I mentioned when we did the album ITT. But it was Fool's Gold that jumped off the CD for me. This song is loaded with great moments.
It's hard to believe this song is only 5:36 long.
Starts out with a really tasteful intro from Schenker. During the vocal intro what really stands out are Pete Way's bass note bends, the first at :29.
Phil's lyrics are filled with great imagery in this opening part. "The ghosts of the disappeared". Nice!
The song then goes full on band. Aynsley Dunbar's drumming stands out as always, but it's Kevin Carlson's keyboard part that stands out.
Michael's solo runs just over a minute, but he uses so many different lines in it, but it all blends together perfectly. Michael closes out the track with another ridiculous flurry.
30 History Of Flames
29 Stranger In Town
28 Call My Name/All Over You
27 Who's Fooling Who
26 Fool's Gold
Michael Schenker
28 The Dogs Of War (Built To Destroy)
Built To Destroy is an interesting album. At first, it was great to have Gary Barden back, but the production on the original was so bad, it was tough to really appreciate the songs. The remasters are better, but this album still could use some help.
One track I always like was The Dogs Of War. Though it starts out pretty straightforward, there's some nice treatments from Michael in the beginning. I like Barden on this song..on this album actually.
The chorus is strong and memorable. The first solo starts at 2:04 and it is amazing. Unfortunately the album's sound sucks ass, but this solo somehow still shines as the beast that it is. At 2:44, after the ripping solo, he strikes this amazing tone as the song cycles back to the verse.
I'm Kadestamping the US Remaster. The solo is longer, though the sound is worse.
27 Good Times (Spirit On A Mission)
The first of a number of Doogie tracks is Good Times.
Listening to the track, there's not much to point out at various spots. It's a relatively poppy track, with great lyrics and a fantastic vocal.
The imagery in the lyric is something everyone growing up can relate to. And there's a warmth in Doogie's vocal that really conveys the emotion of looking back.
Even with an unspectacular solo, this is a simple and brilliantly written song.
26 Land Of Thunder (Bridge The Gap)
This song comes out of the gate with a driving rhythm from Michael. Doogie joins with a great vocal with some effective phrasing. After a very brief prechorus, the song flexes its muscle with a fantastic chorus featuring Doogie's strong vocal lines supported by Michael underneath.
Michael takes it for a nice 40 second solo before returning to that addicting chorus.
Doogie really shows his strength in this track.
30 Bittersweet
29 Cry For The Nations
28 The Dogs Of War
27 Good Times
26 Land Of Thunder
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Loving the Schenker selections so far. Those two Dougie records (Bridge and Spirit) are so FRIGGIN' good.
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Loving the Schenker selections so far. Those two Dougie records (Bridge and Spirit) are so FRIGGIN' good.
Haha, yep.
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I'll listen through these ones tonight. Love those two Doogie picks also. Good Times stuck out for me but I personally love the solo section on that song. Land of Thunder is pure Malmsteen IMO, great tune.
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Since I ended up changing my tune on Seven Deadly, I gave The Visitor another go last night.
Nope. Same result as the first time. Couldn't get halfway through the album before I pulled the rip cord. That album just does not work for me. Still need to give Monkey another go.
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Since I ended up changing my tune on Seven Deadly, I gave The Visitor another go last night.
Nope. Same result as the first time. Couldn't get halfway through the album before I pulled the rip cord. That album just does not work for me. Still need to give Monkey another go.
That's interesting.
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UFO
27 Who's Fooling Who (The Monkey Puzzle)
The Vinnie Era has a lot of great tunes, and they are not heavy rockers either. Who's Fooling Who is one of them.
The acoustic intro, paired with Paul Raymond's keyboards set the stage for a real tasty track. The first verse and chorus are sung without the rhythm section. A nice touch. And right before the first chorus starts Paul hits a note right at :46 that is perfectly timed. And that chorus is exquisite.
As the band joins in, Vinnie goes electric, but Paul, still dances around with the perfect keyboard line.
I mentioned in the Stranger In Town writeup, but there's something about Andy's ride cymbal that blends perfectly with Paul's keys and Vinnie's guiter. The second chorus bears that out.
Vinnie's solo is incredible, and Vinnie wonderfully closes out the song after the final chorus.
This is a song with great mood and feeling. A real gem.
This album was a pleasant surprise when revisiting. Much much better than I remembered. This one was a standout. The chorus is bloody excellent, very somber, and melodic.
The verses have a nice groove and the transition into the chorus with the full band is fabulous. As you say Tim, the mood of the whole thing is great. I like the half time feel of the solo on this one. Breathes nicely and lets Vinnie shine. Great song. His subtle whammy bar work back into the chorus is classy too.
26 Fool's Gold (Covenant)
I loved Covenant right away, as I mentioned when we did the album ITT. But it was Fool's Gold that jumped off the CD for me. This song is loaded with great moments.
It's hard to believe this song is only 5:36 long.
Starts out with a really tasteful intro from Schenker. During the vocal intro what really stands out are Pete Way's bass note bends, the first at :29.
Phil's lyrics are filled with great imagery in this opening part. "The ghosts of the disappeared". Nice!
The song then goes full on band. Aynsley Dunbar's drumming stands out as always, but it's Kevin Carlson's keyboard part that stands out.
Michael's solo runs just over a minute, but he uses so many different lines in it, but it all blends together perfectly. Michael closes out the track with another ridiculous flurry.
Covenant for me was a massive grower, this song included. This one was hard for me to get into. I've grown to enjoy it however. I like the prog elements of it. Schenker does some really tasteful stuff in the instrumental section. I love his Iron Maiden type section at 3:57 and the whole thing I even get a DT vibe from, cool shit. It's an interesting song for me.
Michael Schenker
28 The Dogs Of War (Built To Destroy)
Built To Destroy is an interesting album. At first, it was great to have Gary Barden back, but the production on the original was so bad, it was tough to really appreciate the songs. The remasters are better, but this album still could use some help.
One track I always like was The Dogs Of War. Though it starts out pretty straightforward, there's some nice treatments from Michael in the beginning. I like Barden on this song..on this album actually.
The chorus is strong and memorable. The first solo starts at 2:04 and it is amazing. Unfortunately the album's sound sucks ass, but this solo somehow still shines as the beast that it is. At 2:44, after the ripping solo, he strikes this amazing tone as the song cycles back to the verse.
I'm Kadestamping the US Remaster. The solo is longer, though the sound is worse.
I've only listened to this album once and I thought it was shit. I'll revisit it eventually though. Listening to this song again now, it's not bad, but not wowing me. The chorus is pretty decent enough, I don't mind it. That solo at 2:04 is ripping though.
27 Good Times (Spirit On A Mission)
The first of a number of Doogie tracks is Good Times.
Listening to the track, there's not much to point out at various spots. It's a relatively poppy track, with great lyrics and a fantastic vocal.
The imagery in the lyric is something everyone growing up can relate to. And there's a warmth in Doogie's vocal that really conveys the emotion of looking back.
Even with an unspectacular solo, this is a simple and brilliantly written song.
I loved the mood and feel of this one right away. It was a nice change from the group of heavy songs that come before it. The lyrics are definitely fun and instantly makes you think of past loves and friendships and drunken nights for me. The chorus is simple but effective. Doogie as you say mate, does have a fantastic vocal here. But yeah, I LOVE the mood of this solo. I love at the beginning how the drums kind of get going but hold back but then at 2:13 it finally gets going. Great stuff if you ask me.
26 Land Of Thunder (Bridge The Gap)
This song comes out of the gate with a driving rhythm from Michael. Doogie joins with a great vocal with some effective phrasing. After a very brief prechorus, the song flexes its muscle with a fantastic chorus featuring Doogie's strong vocal lines supported by Michael underneath.
Michael takes it for a nice 40 second solo before returning to that addicting chorus.
Doogie really shows his strength in this track.
The riffing at the start is nice and intense. The pre chorus is a nice touch but that chorus soars. I get such a Malmsteen vibe from the chorus. At 1:51, again that is so Yngwie and his type of songwriting. Schenker lets rip and I absolutely love at 2:20 those major blues notes in there, so classy. Great tune.
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Built To Destroy has a couple of issues. Mainly, the production was AWFUL. There are decent songs, but they're buried in shit.
I like The Dogs Of War, has a nice chorus and some nice Schenker parts.
Fool's Gold hooked me right away. That intro is really cool, and I had no idea where they were taking it. I loved when it really got going. The solo spots has Schenker doing a number of things over a cool (for UFO) rhythm underneath. Mentioning Dream Theater is a bit generous, but the section is definitely notable.
I'll post the next batch when I get home from work tonight.
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I didn't quite mean DT from a technical point of view, more like the feel between the changing parts in that section. The transitions just remind me of them.
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UFO
25 On With The Action (No Heavy Petting)
A popular song ITT, On With The Action proves you can write an epic that is only 5:00 minutes long.
For some reason, I really never took notice of Schenker's intro until much later on. It was during a live performance that it really stood out.
This song has some of Phil's coolest lyrics. He paints an incredible scene with all of the characters and debauchery.
One of my main reasons for liking No Heavy Petting is because I think Phil sounds great on it. Vocally, it might be my favorite album of his.
It also might be my favorite Schenker album. And Michael is amazing on this too. Love what he's doing underneath the chorus. He has such a unique tone.
You can totally lose yourself in this solo, especially in its first 30 seconds before Michael starts ripping. And that short fading outro shows some real feeling and restraint. I wish it went on another 20 seconds.
24 Gone In The Night (No Place To Run)
Gone In The Night is another great lyric.
Love Paul's intro setting the stage for a smoky tale. Nice piano during the verses. Again, Chapman hazes through the prechorus with some great tones.
Paul Chapman turns in a great solo here at the end of the track. I could easily take another 20 seconds of that.
It's a short tune but it oozes all kinds emotion. A classic and overlooked track.
23 Name Of Love (Misdemeanor)
Misdemeanor is filled with great tracks. There's some great melodic hard rock here on display with Name Of Love. To me, it's almost a perfectly written song.
Starting out with a nice simple riff, with the verse, along with a nice bassline from Paul Gray, slowly building to to the prechorus.
Great imagery from Phil here:
"Every night I spend alone
I've never been so low
And this room is closing in
If I die, who will know"
I think the chorus is catchy as hell.
There's a nice mini solo at 2:45 that is almost Schenker like leading to the really cool part at 3:10. The main solo kicks in with all its glory at 3:38. This is probably my favorite Tommy solo on the album. He doesn't rely on just shredding in this song. What he does at 3:43 makes me stand up and take notice. And those notes at 3:56 leading back to the final chorus..wow!
Great song!
30 History Of Flames
29 Stranger In Town
28 Call My Name/All Over You
27 Who's Fooling Who
26 Fool's Gold
25 On With The Action
24 Gone In The Night
23 Name Of Love
Michael Schenker
25 Dance For The Piper (Bridge The Gap)
To me, Dance For The Piper is all about that first verse. Straightforward beat and real nice guitar line by Michael. But it's Doogie that knocks it out of the park. To me, that vocal in the verse totally earworms me.
After the Dance For The Piper part, at :50 the song hits a great spot. "The "That's why they call me, I will be the last man standing" part. Love that.
The song has a great solo before nicely winding down into the last abbreviated verse. And I love where Michael picks up a short outro at 3:23. A great way to end this fantastic album.
24 Samurai (Assault Attack)
Michael comes right out of the gate with a great melodic intro.
The verse is ok, but the chorus has some serious punch.
Love the doubled (tripled?) guitars to lead into the solo at 2:20. The solo is fantastic, with Chris Glen and Ted McKenna showing off their tightness, especially at 3:00.
And the song ends with the great melodic lines that it opened with.
This song really goes by in a flash and feels much shorter than its five minutes. It just has that wonderful Schenker guitar sound that I can't get enough of.
30 Bittersweet
29 Cry For The Nations
28 The Dogs Of War
27 Good Times
26 Land Of Thunder
25 Dance For The Piper
24 Samurai
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Whoa! Slow down Tim. I'll try and add my thoughts on these tomorrow.
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OK.. ;D
I don't have anything pre-written at this point so I might get something up Friday afternoon, but then it'll be on Monday.
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Tim, did you just get the standard edition of Immortal, or did you get one of the deluxe versions?
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I just got the regular CD. Are their deluxe versions? What do you get with them?
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More specifically for me, do any of the deluxe versions have additional songs?
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More specifically for me, do any of the deluxe versions have additional songs?
That would be the only reason I'd get a deluxe version. I didn't know there was one. I preordered the regular one.
And I'm liking it a lot.
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I just got the regular CD. Are their deluxe versions? What do you get with them?
There is a CD/Bly Ray version with Live at Bang Your Head 2019 concert. That one is No good for me but there's also an earbook with a double cd of the same show. If I had a Blu Ray I'd probably get the 4CD but might just get the standard.
I don't think there's any actual extra songs on album.
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I just got the regular CD. Are their deluxe versions? What do you get with them?
There is a CD/Bly Ray version with Live at Bang Your Head 2019 concert. That one is No good for me but there's also an earbook with a double cd of the same show. If I had a Blu Ray I'd probably get the 4CD but might just get the standard.
Ooh..that sounds interesting. I'm always a sucker for a live album. Gotta check the price.
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I just got the regular CD. Are their deluxe versions? What do you get with them?
There is a CD/Bly Ray version with Live at Bang Your Head 2019 concert. That one is No good for me but there's also an earbook with a double cd of the same show. If I had a Blu Ray I'd probably get the 4CD but might just get the standard.
Ooh..that sounds interesting. I'm always a sucker for a live album. Gotta check the price.
85 bucks for me here. If it was a DVD I'd already have it ordered. Bugger. Could buy a blu Ray player I guess. :lol
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That's too much $$. Amazon doesn't have it. I can probably find the show online somewhere.
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That's too much $$. Amazon doesn't have it. I can probably find the show online somewhere.
Yeah, it's a bit excessive.
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I bought Immortal CD+BD on Nuclear Blast USA, but now it seems that it’s not avaible at the store.
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Tim, is the Headstone live album worth getting?
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Tim, is the Headstone live album worth getting?
I have the original Headstone, which I featured ITT. But that is not what is now being sold as Headstone. Supposedly, it's the final UFO show on April 15, 1983. But the setlist does not match the live album. Not even close. Lonely Heart and Doing It All For You are included, but they weren't even played on that tour.
On the live album, only Blinded By A Lie is included from Making Contact..
It's a collection of live tracks from God knows when, packaged as the last show. I've never bothered to buy it., I'd prefer to settle on a bootleg from that tour. Rockpalast is probably the best live document of the Chapman Era. Regenerator Live 1982 is also good. That's Hammersmith '82.
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Tim, is the Headstone live album worth getting?
I have the original Headstone, which I featured ITT. But that is not what is now being sold as Headstone. Supposedly, it's the final UFO show on April 15, 1983. But the setlist does not match the live album. Not even close. Lonely Heart and Doing It All For You are included, but they weren't even played on that tour.
On the live album, only Blinded By A Lie is included from Making Contact..
It's a collection of live tracks from God knows when, packaged as the last show. I've never bothered to buy it., I'd prefer to settle on a bootleg from that tour. Rockpalast is probably the best live document of the Chapman Era. Regenerator Live 1982 is also good. That's Hammersmith '82.
Thanks mate, I won't bother with it then. :tup
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£32 here in the uk but out of stock at Amazon. I have voucher from Xmas that will just about cover it. Hmm.
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Can I just say I am baffled by the talk of disappointment over having a Blu-ray over a DVD? For years I have been cursing the very fact that DVD's still even exist. At best, they will give you a resolution of 720x480. A 1080p TV is 1920x1080. DVD's look like hot garbage on my tv. Not to mention that about the only TV's you can buy now are 4K. That's 3840x2160. I can't even imagine how hideous a DVD would look like on that, let alone my Blu-rays which is why I usually buy BD/4K combo packs to future proof myself, at least until 8K or whatever comes about.
Sorry, rant over. Don't even get me started on 4K TV's. They have no business existing as the content is so limited. I need to stop.
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Michael looks a bit wasted, but here are the guitarists in my all time band:
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/19/e1/66/19e16616bfe166490647669ccb840f4d.jpg)
Love this too!
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/Kt8AAOSwxGpe2cYg/s-l400.jpg)
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Michael looks a bit wasted, but here are the guitarists in my all time band:
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/19/e1/66/19e16616bfe166490647669ccb840f4d.jpg)
A bit wasted?? :lol
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UFO
25 On With The Action (No Heavy Petting)
A popular song ITT, On With The Action proves you can write an epic that is only 5:00 minutes long.
For some reason, I really never took notice of Schenker's intro until much later on. It was during a live performance that it really stood out.
This song has some of Phil's coolest lyrics. He paints an incredible scene with all of the characters and debauchery.
One of my main reasons for liking No Heavy Petting is because I think Phil sounds great on it. Vocally, it might be my favorite album of his.
It also might be my favorite Schenker album. And Michael is amazing on this too. Love what he's doing underneath the chorus. He has such a unique tone.
You can totally lose yourself in this solo, especially in its first 30 seconds before Michael starts ripping. And that short fading outro shows some real feeling and restraint. I wish it went on another 20 seconds.
Well, I've expressed my love for this one, being so high on my list and all. It's incredible.
24 Gone In The Night (No Place To Run)
Gone In The Night is another great lyric.
Love Paul's intro setting the stage for a smoky tale. Nice piano during the verses. Again, Chapman hazes through the prechorus with some great tones.
Paul Chapman turns in a great solo here at the end of the track. I could easily take another 20 seconds of that.
It's a short tune but it oozes all kinds emotion. A classic and overlooked track.
Had to go back to listen this one. Surprising pick Tim. Not really feeling this one, as most of this album. Chapman does some cool shit though. His melodies in the chorus are very cool. That's quite a catchy chorus I will say. His solo is great too. The verses actually have a real Australian old school rock vibe, like Aussie Crawl, Little River Band, Sherbet and reminds me of old Countdown type music like that. (Music tv show in the 70's)
23 Name Of Love (Misdemeanor)
Misdemeanor is filled with great tracks. There's some great melodic hard rock here on display with Name Of Love. To me, it's almost a perfectly written song.
Starting out with a nice simple riff, with the verse, along with a nice bassline from Paul Gray, slowly building to to the prechorus.
Great imagery from Phil here:
"Every night I spend alone
I've never been so low
And this room is closing in
If I die, who will know"
I think the chorus is catchy as hell.
There's a nice mini solo at 2:45 that is almost Schenker like leading to the really cool part at 3:10. The main solo kicks in with all its glory at 3:38. This is probably my favorite Tommy solo on the album. He doesn't rely on just shredding in this song. What he does at 3:43 makes me stand up and take notice. And those notes at 3:56 leading back to the final chorus..wow!
Great song!
This is a great song. This is one that is definitely my style and wouldn't be out of place on my list. You mentioned before Tim, but heaps of Rush 80's sounds going on in this one for me. That solo is magic and love the keys underneath. Love that buildup to 3:38. I really love Phil's vocals on this album actually.
Michael Schenker
25 Dance For The Piper (Bridge The Gap)
To me, Dance For The Piper is all about that first verse. Straightforward beat and real nice guitar line by Michael. But it's Doogie that knocks it out of the park. To me, that vocal in the verse totally earworms me.
After the Dance For The Piper part, at :50 the song hits a great spot. "The "That's why they call me, I will be the last man standing" part. Love that.
The song has a great solo before nicely winding down into the last abbreviated verse. And I love where Michael picks up a short outro at 3:23. A great way to end this fantastic album.
While not my fav song on the album, I think this is my fav performance from Doogie on the album. His vocals on the verses especially are fucking amazing. Nice and heavy this one too. Lots of Dio vibes in this song. Love the double time into the solo. Mentioned before but I love that section at 2:22. So heavy and Michael using tasty blues licks, so good.
24 Samurai (Assault Attack)
Michael comes right out of the gate with a great melodic intro.
The verse is ok, but the chorus has some serious punch.
Love the doubled (tripled?) guitars to lead into the solo at 2:20. The solo is fantastic, with Chris Glen and Ted McKenna showing off their tightness, especially at 3:00.
And the song ends with the great melodic lines that it opened with.
This song really goes by in a flash and feels much shorter than its five minutes. It just has that wonderful Schenker guitar sound that I can't get enough of.
Great to see a song from this album on your list Tim considering your views on it. I can never get over the production on this album, it's perfect, and Schenkers tone is amazing. That chorus is indeed excellent, Graham does great work here. I love that transition back into that groovy verse. It's a interesting solo section with tasty melodies at the start. That driving rhythm you mention is so powerful.
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24 Gone In The Night (No Place To Run)
Had to go back to listen this one. Surprising pick Tim. Not really feeling this one, as most of this album. Chapman does some cool shit though. His melodies in the chorus are very cool. That's quite a catchy chorus I will say. His solo is great too. The verses actually have a real Australian old school rock vibe, like Aussie Crawl, Little River Band, Sherbet and reminds me of old Countdown type music like that. (Music tv show in the 70's)
Sherbet?? :lol
This is a cool song. Nice and classy.
24 Samurai (Assault Attack)
Great to see a song from this album on your list Tim considering your views on it.
There's two more songs coming from it! And yes the production is indeed perfect.
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The production IS very good; I have a hard time with Bonnet on that record. He's recorded very "hot" so you hear a lot of breathing and what not (something happens sometimes with David Coverdale). Takes away some of the enjoyment for me. But Michael sounds AMAZING.
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Ended up just ordering the standard edition of Immortal. Hopefully have it by the end of the week. :metal
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Nice. Been thinking about posting a recap of it. I like it a lot. So much better than Revelation.
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Nice. Been thinking about posting a recap of it. I like it a lot. So much better than Revelation.
I still have Revelation still in its wrapping waiting to listen too, although with a couple others haha.
I also ordered Where the Gloom Becomes Sound, Down Below and Children of the Night. Finally stoked to get my hands on CD copies of the last two, plus the new one.
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UFO
22 Lonely Heart (The Wild The Willing And The Innocent)
So I don't expect anyone to agree with me on Lonely Heart, but I'm sorry. I have always loved this song.
Jon Sloman's piano starts this off very nicely. In fact, Jon Sloman's piano work on the entire WWI album is amazing.
Song builds up nice, and Neil Carter's added sax late in the game lifts the song IMO.
Typical Phil lyric about some girl having a tough time. But when I was younger, the lyrics really kind of spoke to me. As a teen, I'd here all the songs about hard luck and life lessons, and they just appealed to me.
I like Chapman's solo, particularly coming out of it at 2:42. But I find that next part with Sloman and Carter so damn powerful. Still gives me goosebumps after all these years.
21 You Don't Fool Me (Obsesion)
Buried smack dab in the middle of Obsession is You Don't Fool Me.
As with the entire Obsession album, Schenker puts on a clinic with his lead fills. In fact, he doesn't even wait for the second verse. He's right there from the beginning.
A shout out to Pete Way too, because while the verse has a thumping driving pulse to it, his bass playing really stands out underneath the chorus.
But what really takes this song to another level is everything going on with the guitar solo. Nevermind the fact that the solo is ridiculous on it's own, but I love the rhythm arrangement underneath between Pete and Andy. It's air drumming heaven.
A deep track, but a great one.
30 History Of Flames
29 Stranger In Town
28 Call My Name/All Over You
27 Who's Fooling Who
26 Fool's Gold
25 On With The Action
24 Gone In The Night
23 Name Of Love
22 Lonely Heart
21 You Don't Fool Me
Michael Schenker
23 Live And Let Live (Spirit On A Mission)
Really quirky intro leading into a great riff.
Great chorus, and Doogie sounds awesome hear. Classic Schenker solo and I honestly don't have much to say about it. It just hits a nice groove and never lets you go. Ends on a great SChenker rip too.
It does come right out and makes a statement that Bridge The Gay was no fluke.
22 Red Sky (Built To Destroy)
Typical Buit To Destroy track, an album that is way better than what this awful production presents.
The intro is strong and hits you straight on. The chorus is nice very good too.
The solo starts at 2:00 and smokes until the breakdown at 2:30. Nice orchestration by Michael in this slow part.
After the final solo, the master of the outro takes over and brings it home. And incredible ending solo.
21 Armed And Ready (Michael Schenker Group)
This song has aged really well for me. Not sure why, but when I was a kid, I never really cared for it. Now I love hearing it.
It's a classic overused opening riff. Other than White Spirit, I think Michael's predates the many others.
This is another song that I much prefer the live versions of.
Again, it's due to the extreely thin sounding debut.
But this song is all about that solo. It is a killer. Kadestamping 2:02, 2:07, 2:13, 2:17, and finally 2:29.
AMAZING solo.
30 Bittersweet
29 Cry For The Nations
28 The Dogs Of War
27 Good Times
26 Land Of Thunder
25 Dance For The Piper
24 Samurai
23 Live And Let Live
22 Red Sky
21 Armed And Ready
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I also ordered Where the Gloom Becomes Sound, Down Below and Children of the Night. Finally stoked to get my hands on CD copies of the last two, plus the new one.
:metal :metal
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A couple of deep UFO cuts there. I'll post thoughts tonight.
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UFO
22 Lonely Heart (The Wild The Willing And The Innocent)
Jon Sloman's piano starts this off very nicely. In fact, Jon Sloman's piano work on the entire WWI album is amazing.
Song builds up nice, and Neil Carter's added sax late in the game lifts the song IMO.
I like Chapman's solo, particularly coming out of it at 2:42. But I find that next part with Sloman and Carter so damn powerful. Still gives me goosebumps after all these years.
This song didn't make my top 30, but it would be totally worthy... just to add to your perfect comment above about the piano/sax interaction, I think the pre-chorus and chorus are very strong. Amazing song, it was always one of my favorites from WWI!
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Gonna be anything from Walk On Water in your top 30? :corn
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Lonely Heart - Yeah, this is a nice song, can see why you like it Tim. Has a nice classic UFO sound. The chorus is really cool and lifts the song from the verses. I like Chapman's solo too, I get a strong Point of Entry Priest vibe from it. Great sax too.
You Don't Fool Me - Obsession is such a brilliant album, there are no bad songs and this is up there with the rest. I love the chorus, and special mention to Schenker's melody line in the chorus, so good. Great solo of course, as you mention Tim. Great deep forgotten track.
Live and Let Live - I like the contrast of the riff after that intro. I get a punk feel in the verses on this one actually. The chorus is a ripper however. Very nice opener.
Red Sky - Wow, this one was good. Have to revisit this album. Sounds silly but I get a real Crimson Glory vibe from this song. Cool riff and yeah, that solo at 2:00 is wonderful. Actually get a Priest vibe from that one.
Armed and Ready - Love this track and never tire hearing it on live releases. You're right Tim, it's all about that amazing solo. It's so good. That section at 2:29 is simply fucking incredible.
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Gonna be anything from Walk On Water in your top 30? :corn
:corn
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I spent almost an hour last night trying to find a reasonable copy of the Immortal CD with the Blu-ray that didn't cost me a blood sample. I think I found one, but they're not guaranteeing delivery until April 1.
Also, can I just say, for all of Michael's hippy dippy "live life to the fullest and Rudy blows" schtick, his business team SUCKKKKSS. There are I think four different versions of Spirit On A Mission, and different bonus track/configurations to each. The fuck, dude; its not like Oasis where you're only out $1.99 for a CD single with a couple'a b-sides. Anything that isn't a straight up US release is minimum $16, $17 bucks. I want to support you, bro, but I'm not paying $17 for one song that may - or may not - be up to snuff (and with Michael Voss singing, the odds are a tossup).
Michael is now probably my second favorite guitarist ever (Ritchie Blackmore will always be my number one - :heart) but he doesn't make it easy.
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Bill, have you heard the album yet, because I have a thought on one of the songs that you might be interested in. I wonder if you might hear the same thing.
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Bill, have you heard the album yet, because I have a thought on one of the songs that you might be interested in. I wonder if you might hear the same thing.
No, not yet. I might listen on Spotify; I've been busy listening to a couple CDs I'm writing reviews for as well as slipping in some UFO when I have a moment.
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Bill, have you heard the album yet, because I have a thought on one of the songs that you might be interested in. I wonder if you might hear the same thing.
No, not yet. I might listen on Spotify; I've been busy listening to a couple CDs I'm writing reviews for as well as slipping in some UFO when I have a moment.
OK. I have a KISS related thought when you get around to it.
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Red Sky - Wow, this one was good. Have to revisit this album. Sounds silly but I get a real Crimson Glory vibe from this song. Cool riff and yeah, that solo at 2:00 is wonderful. Actually get a Priest vibe from that one.
Look, not every song on Built To Destroy is great, but there a bunch of excellent tracks on it. If it had half of the production that Assault Attack had, you'd likely feel differently about the album. Even when this came out, I had to work to overlook the production on it. It is so fucking bad.
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UFO
20 Back Into My Life (Mechanix)
Might be a surprise here, but Back Into My Life is a track that I can never get enough of. Phil weaves a great vocal and treats us to another character in his storybook.
Love the clean guitar from Chapman that opens the track. Reminds me a bit of Alex Lifeson 2112 Era.
Phil draw us in right away..
"It's another night, down on the avenue.."
The verse has a pace where you actually can feel someone is walking. Love Chapman's strumming in this part as well.
The prechorus is really uplifting, and I love it when they go right into the second verse and skip the chorus.
And then this great line leading into the pleading chorus:
"If there's a loser that loser's me"
At 2:40, there's a brief Schenker styled solo before the bridge.
The bridge in this song is one of my favorite spots in their catalog. So much emotion.
Love the use of the backing vocals with them going "oooh" during the first two lines and going "aaah" bringing the song to a climax in the second two lines.
"Every shadow's like a ghost that comes and haunts you
Angel of the night plays her tricks these days, it's true
With every step, every step you see her slip away
Not just today" (which I've always heard as night turns to day), which brings us back where we started.
19 Let It Roll (Force It)
We've talked a lot about this song in Kade's countdown.
Sports a great metal riff and vocal. Cool short solo between the verses. But like Armed And Ready, this song is all about the breakdown. To me that's what makes Let It Roll special. And amazing passage.
The solo jumps at 2:07 with the really cool bends underneath.
The studio version is really good, but the Strangers' version is great.
18 Wreckless (Misdemeanor)
The closing track on Misdemeanor "So this is it, have we come to the end.."
Starts off slow but even in the intro you can feel a subtle building. You just know the songs explodes and it does at 1:10.
I love at 1:36 how the prechorus suddenly appears out of the verse. I think Phil is great on this song.
At 2:40 when Phil sings "I can't stand one lonely night", he makes is believable as he always does.
I love the bridge too at 2:50, the part where Jim Simpson is doing a sort of drum roll.
Tommy has a great solo at 2:59, where it is really melodic and restrained. Yeah, there's a nice flurry at 3:19 before a great band part to close out the section. And a fantastic outro by Tommy.
30 History Of Flames
29 Stranger In Town
28 Call My Name/All Over You
27 Who's Fooling Who
26 Fool's Gold
25 On With The Action
24 Gone In The Night
23 Name Of Love
22 Lonely Heart
21 You Don't Fool Me
20 Back Into My Life
19 Let It Roll
18 Wreckless
Michael Schenker
20 Shine On (Bridge The Gap)
Not generally a fan of mid tempo tracks, but Schenker keeps the rhythm interesting enough, and Doogie crushes this. Very Dio-ish. That brief and simple chorus is really powerful.
I don't even know where to start with the solo. Michael doesn't really overdo it, but he really just shows what a master he is.
This song has a much larger impact on this album than you'd think for a three minute track.
19 Under A Blood Red Sky (Revelation)
This is the standout track on Revelation, and my favorite song off the two Michael Schenker Fest albums.
The opening guitar reminds me a lot of Victim Of Illusion. Thankfully this song is much better.
Doogie shines on this, especially in the chorus, which is amazing. Unfortunately, I think Schenker is doing some great stuff under it, but it seems buried in the mix.
And I also love when bands periodically run a solo over just bass and drums, similar to Maiden did in Coming Home.
Nice solo in total, and the great chorus to close this out.
30 Bittersweet
29 Cry For The Nations
28 The Dogs Of War
27 Good Times
26 Land Of Thunder
25 Dance For The Piper
24 Samurai
23 Live And Let Live
22 Red Sky
21 Armed And Ready
20 Shine On
19 Under A Blood Red Sky
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I'm really surprised by the amount of NPTR-Misdemenor tracks Tim. Will add thoughts later.
Shine On though. :metal
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I'm really surprised by the amount of NPTR-Misdemenor tracks Tim.
There's more to come!
The 4 Chapman albums are equally important to me as the 5 Schenker albums. It's easy to be mesmerized by Schenker's playing, but the Chapman albums are filled with great songs. There are plenty of people out there that prefer the Chapman Era. I love them both equally. But again, this is music that I was listening to when I was young. It is all important to me. A lot of the Chapman tracks are stories Phil sang, and it was like watching your favorite TV episodes. You really lose yourself in the stories and start to live through them.
It's really too bad the band couldn't take a bit of a break around 1981-82. They were so spent by that time. Pete was fed up, Phil was grinding down, Chapman had his things going on, leaving Neil Carter to basically write Making Contact by himself.
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I'll knuckle down and try to revisit them soon. All these songs so far are a lot better than the last time I listened to them.
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I'll knuckle down and try to revisit them soon. All these songs so far are a lot better than the last time I listened to them.
It's hard to breeze through so many songs in a thread like this, so no worries. Many of these songs have had lasting qualities for me.
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I'll knuckle down and try to revisit them soon. All these songs so far are a lot better than the last time I listened to them.
It's hard to breeze through so many songs in a thread like this, so no worries. Many of these songs have had lasting qualities for me.
I can certainly see why. I think going into them right after discovering the magic of the Schenker era was always going to be a tough act to follow.
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I'm with you, Tim, on the Chapman years. I'm pretty sure I like them just as much as the Schenker years, even if there are more "WTF" moments in the Schenker years, and those live sets are just so consistently amazing.
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I'll knuckle down and try to revisit them soon. All these songs so far are a lot better than the last time I listened to them.
It's hard to breeze through so many songs in a thread like this, so no worries. Many of these songs have had lasting qualities for me.
I can certainly see why. I think going into them right after discovering the magic of the Schenker era was always going to be a tough act to follow.
A lot of people feel the same way. Heck, I think Podaar is one of them, and he experienced it in real time. Many people were very disappointed that Schenker left.
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Come for TAC,,,, Stay for UFO WIN-WIN
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UFO
22 Lonely Heart (The Wild The Willing And The Innocent)
So I don't expect anyone to agree with me on Lonely Heart, but I'm sorry. I have always loved this song.
Jon Sloman's piano starts this off very nicely. In fact, Jon Sloman's piano work on the entire WWI album is amazing.
Song builds up nice, and Neil Carter's added sax late in the game lifts the song IMO.
Typical Phil lyric about some girl having a tough time. But when I was younger, the lyrics really kind of spoke to me. As a teen, I'd here all the songs about hard luck and life lessons, and they just appealed to me.
I like Chapman's solo, particularly coming out of it at 2:42. But I find that next part with Sloman and Carter so damn powerful. Still gives me goosebumps after all these years.
21 You Don't Fool Me (Obsesion)
Buried smack dab in the middle of Obsession is You Don't Fool Me.
As with the entire Obsession album, Schenker puts on a clinic with his lead fills. In fact, he doesn't even wait for the second verse. He's right there from the beginning.
A shout out to Pete Way too, because while the verse has a thumping driving pulse to it, his bass playing really stands out underneath the chorus.
But what really takes this song to another level is everything going on with the guitar solo. Nevermind the fact that the solo is ridiculous on it's own, but I love the rhythm arrangement underneath between Pete and Andy. It's air drumming heaven.
A deep track, but a great one.
30 History Of Flames
29 Stranger In Town
28 Call My Name/All Over You
27 Who's Fooling Who
26 Fool's Gold
25 On With The Action
24 Gone In The Night
23 Name Of Love
22 Lonely Heart
21 You Don't Fool Me
Michael Schenker
23 Live And Let Live (Spirit On A Mission)
Really quirky intro leading into a great riff.
Great chorus, and Doogie sounds awesome hear. Classic Schenker solo and I honestly don't have much to say about it. It just hits a nice groove and never lets you go. Ends on a great SChenker rip too.
It does come right out and makes a statement that Bridge The Gay was no fluke.
22 Red Sky (Built To Destroy)
Typical Buit To Destroy track, an album that is way better than what this awful production presents.
The intro is strong and hits you straight on. The chorus is nice very good too.
The solo starts at 2:00 and smokes until the breakdown at 2:30. Nice orchestration by Michael in this slow part.
After the final solo, the master of the outro takes over and brings it home. And incredible ending solo.
21 Armed And Ready (Michael Schenker Group)
This song has aged really well for me. Not sure why, but when I was a kid, I never really cared for it. Now I love hearing it.
It's a classic overused opening riff. Other than White Spirit, I think Michael's predates the many others.
This is another song that I much prefer the live versions of.
Again, it's due to the extreely thin sounding debut.
But this song is all about that solo. It is a killer. Kadestamping 2:02, 2:07, 2:13, 2:17, and finally 2:29.
AMAZING solo.
30 Bittersweet
29 Cry For The Nations
28 The Dogs Of War
27 Good Times
26 Land Of Thunder
25 Dance For The Piper
24 Samurai
23 Live And Let Live
22 Red Sky
21 Armed And Ready
:tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal
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I also want to say everyone in this thread ARE AWESOME .... Love ya all so much goodness in this thread youv all nailed it
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I also want to say everyone in this thread ARE AWESOME .... Love ya all so much goodness in this thread youv all nailed it
Looks like you nailed it! ;D
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Sorry Tim, been busy so will add my thoughts on the current batch when I can.
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I also want to say everyone in this thread ARE AWESOME .... Love ya all so much goodness in this thread youv all nailed it
Thanks mate. Tim knocked this one out of the park.
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6. Let it Roll (Force It)
Another storming opener makes it high on the list. This one absolutely slays. That riffing and groove is just so good. This is one I actually haven't tried to play and I really should. The first thing I notice is the constant key changes through the song, gives it great colour throughout. That change at 1:24 is so brutal, love Schenker's melody there. I'll add that fucking awesome off time cowbell from Parker during the same section, so fucking good. Phil sounds different on this song too. Seems a bit higher than normal however the verses I think are in E. He has a cool tone though and almost metal like.
The breakdown is kind of unexpected the way the song was going but works so well Schenker on fire here with a lot of soulful playing. Again, I love the extra long instrumental section. Over a minute and a half for a four minute song, beautiful. That subtle half step down key change at 3:03 is so classy. Finishes pretty quickly and again, this is a song that has tremendous replay value and the endless live versions make it always fun to discover something new from it or a slightly different take.
As Tim said, we've talked about this, and above were my thoughts too. Tim's right, that long instrumental section is what Let it Roll is all about. However the trimmings either end are just as satisfying.
Shine On: Holy shit, how creative are those intro melodies, seriously!? The pulsing style riff from Wild Wind returns too and I LOVE the lyrics on this one. They are just amazing to me and Doogie portrays them just so damn well. Like he's actually singing to his lady who is hurting. These type of positive spirit lyrics always hit me. Beautiful soaring chorus that just makes you feel good, it's amazing. I like the shorter solo here too and the key change into F# from E is nice. I really appreciate Wayne's 7 string work on this one too. That rhythm at 2:11 is heavy as hell and one of my fav sections of the album underneath Schenkers' sweet crying leads. At 2:11 it actually shifts back to E, very very clever. It quickly resolves into the main melody too. The outro soloing is icing on the cake. This track is too good. Top 3.
Here are my comments on Shine On that I posted when I purchased this album. It's fucking amazing.
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Back Into My Life - I like the Lifeson comparison with the guitar at the start Tim. While this is not my thing, I like the chorus, it's very catchy and radio friendly really. I get the Schenker type feel too here. No matter what this band has done, the songwriting has always been very purposeful with lots of substance. Nice song, appreciate the pick.
Wreckless - Yeah, this is a great track with wonderful melodies. This is a really great album actually. Love that shift at 1:10, so 80's. Like Phil's delivery in the verses here. The pre-chorus is great too.
Under a Blood Red Sky - Just listened to this song for the first time. Nice drive, but amazing chorus here. I do like that change into the solo too, very cool. This song could easily fit on Spirit, easily. Great, simple driving tune.
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https://www.loudersound.com/features/drugs-drink-and-disorder-ufo-look-back-at-the-making-of-strangers-in-the-night
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https://www.loudersound.com/features/drugs-drink-and-disorder-ufo-look-back-at-the-making-of-strangers-in-the-night
an amazing live album one of the best.....
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Nice Gregg. Enjoyed the read over lunch.
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https://www.loudersound.com/features/drugs-drink-and-disorder-ufo-look-back-at-the-making-of-strangers-in-the-night
I'll dig into this one later.
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My copy of Immortal has arrived. :metal Hopefully can make some time to listen to it today or tomorrow.
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I found a copy and it was shipped!!!! Yay!!!!
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My copy of Immortal has arrived. :metal Hopefully can make some time to listen to it today or tomorrow.
I found a copy and it was shipped!!!! Yay!!!!
Nice! Can't wait to hear your thoughts!
Overall, I like it better than the Revelation and Resurrection. Definitely not as good as the two Doogie albums though.
Definitely a good album.
@Bill, I definitely have a KISS thought on one of the songs that I can't unhear.
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Soon as I get it I'll let you know!
EDIT: SO, I finally heard the record. Hmmm. I LOVE the Temple of Rock records, I really really like the two Fest records... this isn't that good. In Search Of... is by FAR the best track on the record.
Tim, what's your question? I listened to it keeping my ears out for something that sounds like "Kiss", but didn't get it the first time through.
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Fuck, I hate to say this, but I'm up to Queen of Thorns and Roses and I actually think so far this album is pretty shit. I'm disappointed. The songs just seem so safe, bland and uninteresting. :'(
Might need to come back to it.
This album needs Doogie.
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Okay, Come on Over is more like it. That's old school MSG. Thorns would be killer if it didn't have Voss on it, he fucking sucks.
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Okay, Come on Over is more like it. That's old school MSG. Thorns would be killer if it didn't have Voss on it, he fucking sucks.
That's it for me; it's the vocalists. Even Ronnie Romero sounds generic on this. Love 'em or hate 'em, but when Gary, Graham, Robin and Dougie sing, you KNOW it's them.
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Sangria is nice too, even though the verse riff he's ripped himself off directly, just can't pick it. Peace of Mind is a nice closer. I'd just listened to this after the amazing new Tribulation, so I'll listen again later or tomorrow and see how it goes second time through.
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Okay, Come on Over is more like it. That's old school MSG. Thorns would be killer if it didn't have Voss on it, he fucking sucks.
That's it for me; it's the vocalists. Even Ronnie Romero sounds generic on this. Love 'em or hate 'em, but when Gary, Graham, Robin and Dougie sing, you KNOW it's them.
I liked Ralf on the opener but his other song sucked, didn't sound good there. Don't mind Ronnie actually, but he is generic as fuck here, but thinking the songs don't help. This would have been so much better with Doogie. Even Barden a song or two I reckon I could have warmed to.
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Soon as I get it I'll let you know!
EDIT: SO, I finally heard the record. Hmmm. I LOVE the Temple of Rock records, I really really like the two Fest records... this isn't that good. In Search Of... is by FAR the best track on the record.
Tim, what's your question? I listened to it keeping my ears out for something that sounds like "Kiss", but didn't get it the first time through.
Thought it might have been me. This doesn't give me any warm feeling I've been feeling from other Schenker stuff so far. First listen has left me a bit cold.
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Is that Doogie on the 'and I try'? Or is it Robin? Says both are on the song. ???
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It's Barden and Romero in the first half. When the song changes, it's Robin doing the "And I know..." part.
I feel like the first two "And I try"s could be Robin, but the third one you can tell it's definitely Doogie.
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It's Barden and Romero in the first half. When the song changes, it's Robin doing the "And I know..." part.
I feel like the first two "And I try"s could be Robin, but the third one you can tell it's definitely Doogie.
I'll listen more closely. That's completely taking the piss out of both of them regarding their involvement on the album but with the song, I get it.
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Maybe it's just in comparison to the rest of the album, but as much as like the last three or four records, "ISOTPOM" may be the best song from all of them. That is SO GOOD. I know I'll listen to Immortal again when I get the hard copy (I listened to a download) even if just to check the CD works, but the rest.... I will say that it gets better as it goes on; the last four songs are okay. "Drilled To Kill" sounds like my high school band through an AM radio. :tdwn
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Dressed to Kill was one song I actually did quite like.
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I ordered the SITN deluxe today. Can’t wait!
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I ordered the SITN deluxe today. Can’t wait!
Welcome to the party Paul. :metal
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UFO
17 Drink Too Much (The Monkey Puzzle)
Probably another surprise here, but this song is amazing.
Really nice intro by Vinnie. Vinnie even interjecting himself in the verses. Phil weaves another interesting tale that draws you into his world with a convincing and emotional delivery.
I love the chorus here. Really classy. I also like how the song has a great pacing to it.
Nice solo here by Vinnie and I love what Vinnie is doing under the chorus at 3:32.
And that last line from Phil to close this out:
"I guess that we've been here before
Oh baby now I think we know the score"
16 Self Made Man (Walk On Water)
The first time I heard Self Made Man, I wasn't 5 seconds into it and I was already blown away. That opening riff!!
And I love that the band basically comes in early and together. Makes a real statement for a Reunion album.
Love that little lick at :47 before the pre chorus.
It's cool that the opeing riff also introduces the solo. And the solo? Delicious!
Michael has a few great tricks and he uses one of them at 2:37. It cruises along nicely and then at 3:00 comes the struggle. Amazing and fitting with the song's theme.
That outro is fantastic.
Great track all the way around.
30 History Of Flames
29 Stranger In Town
28 Call My Name/All Over You
27 Who's Fooling Who
26 Fool's Gold
25 On With The Action
24 Gone In The Night
23 Name Of Love
22 Lonely Heart
21 You Don't Fool Me
20 Back Into My Life
19 Let It Roll
18 Wreckless
17 Drink Too Much
16 Self Made Man
Michael Schenker
18 Get Out (Perfect Timing)
I was so pumped when Michael resurfaced with Robin McAuley on Perfect Timing. The problem was, the album is so lame. But it did have this standout rocker.
Get Out has the classic Schenker sound in its main riff. Even though Mitch Perry does add some leads, I still love this song.
It's pretty straightforward but it does bring back a lot of memories. I used to crank this song all the time.
17 Rock Will Never Die (Built To Destroy)
I love the intro to this song. So fucking cool. Barden is great in this part, especially when he does his own harmonies. It's actually my favorite part of the song.
The chorus could use some filling out, but I love the fuller part that follows.
Really nice solo, even behind the bridge. And then a short cooling section. So classy.
And Schenker gently noodling behind the final verse. And of course a fantastic outro.
(Listening to the 5:55 2009 Remaster).
16 Horizons (Bridge The Gap)
This song hit me right away on my first listen to Bridge The Gap. Heavy rocking tune. I like how the verse just has the guitar and hi-hat behind it.
A little Dio in the prechorus "From here we will fly.."
And then the amazing chorus owned by Doogie.
And this solo RIPS!
30 Bittersweet
29 Cry For The Nations
28 The Dogs Of War
27 Good Times
26 Land Of Thunder
25 Dance For The Piper
24 Samurai
23 Live And Let Live
22 Red Sky
21 Armed And Ready
20 Shine On
19 Under A Blood Red Sky
18 Get Out
17 Rock Will Never Die
16 Horizons
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Amazon punted on my order of Seven Deadly. I kind of expected it. Just found a sealed copy on Discogs for $15 so it worked out anyway.
I'm still trying to settle on a top 10 songs list. I have 8. Need to fight myself over 2 more.
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I'm still trying to settle on a top 10 songs list. I have 8. Need to fight myself over 2 more.
Cool. Look forward to seeing the list.
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I missed this whole series of posts! :facepalm:
Soon as I get it I'll let you know!
EDIT: SO, I finally heard the record. Hmmm. I LOVE the Temple of Rock records, I really really like the two Fest records... this isn't that good. In Search Of... is by FAR the best track on the record.
Tim, what's your question? I listened to it keeping my ears out for something that sounds like "Kiss", but didn't get it the first time through.
When I listen to Come On Over, other then the Schenker opening, it feels like a (80's?)KISS song. I can totally picture Paul Stanley singing it . "Have you heard about a ruuuuumeeeerrr?" When I listen to it, I imagine Paul Stanley. I can't unhear it, actually.
Fuck, I hate to say this, but I'm up to Queen of Thorns and Roses and I actually think so far this album is pretty shit. I'm disappointed. The songs just seem so safe, bland and uninteresting. :'(
Might need to come back to it.
This album needs Doogie.
Sangria is nice too, even though the verse riff he's ripped himself off directly, just can't pick it. Peace of Mind is a nice closer. I'd just listened to this after the amazing new Tribulation, so I'll listen again later or tomorrow and see how it goes second time through.
Well considering that Tribulation is AOTY material....
Fuck, I hate to say this, but I'm up to Queen of Thorns and Roses and I actually think so far this album is pretty shit. I'm disappointed. The songs just seem so safe, bland and uninteresting. :'(
Might need to come back to it.
This album needs Doogie.
Okay, Come on Over is more like it. That's old school MSG. Thorns would be killer if it didn't have Voss on it, he fucking sucks.
Thorns is a great song and it has really grown on me. So much so, that I'm beginning to get past Voss. But yes he fucking blows.
That's it for me; it's the vocalists. Even Ronnie Romero sounds generic on this. Love 'em or hate 'em, but when Gary, Graham, Robin and Dougie sing, you KNOW it's them.
OK...
Love the posts here. If I am looking strictly at the songs... these are right in line with the two MS Fest albums. In fact, I think it's actually stronger as a whole. I like the slightly extended solos and Michael's playing is as good as ever.
That said, listening to music for me always comes down to the vocals. It's a huge deal. I'm not a Ralf fan to begin with so there's that. I was interested in JLT, but they went and gave him one of the worst songs on the albums (Don't Die On me). Voss....puleeze YOU SUCK! A hell of a producer but please don't sing. I even wince at the backing vocals of him that they left.
If you replaced ..
Ralf with Bonnet
JLT with Barden
Romero with Robin, you'd have a good album here, or..
Let Doogie sing the whole fucking thing!
Not for anything, but Barden SUCKED on the two MS Fest albums. He is fucking spent.
The only two songs I don't think are very good are After The Rain and Don't Die On Me. I actually like every other song. To me, the only flaws these songs have are the vocalists.
Remember the original plan was to have Romero do the whole album. I think he's good, but I don't love him. When he lets the song come to him, like in Sail The Darkness, he's excellent. But there's no need to oversing.
I love the vocal lines in Ralf's songs, but holy shit are the lyrics in Devil's Daughter shiite.
@ Stadler, check this song out..
Kade and I were PM'ing and I sent this to him. To further the conversation on the effect of vocalists....
Here's a track from 1999's Unforgiven. It's a great tune, but it features Kelly Keeling on vocals. He fucking blows too. But imagine Doogie singing this...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMzFAigsI3E
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Damn, that video is unavailable for me.
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Let Doogie sing the whole fucking thing!
This would be my suggestion.
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Tim, I don't know what I expected with your list truthfully, but I don't think it's the songs we're seeing so far. Loving the obscure, underrated choices.
Drink Too Much - This is a really beautiful song actually. The intro sounds like it could be a Vinnie solo song. I too really like Vinnie's fills in the verse. The pre chorus sets up a exploding type chorus, but the subdued pulled back chorus is fabulous. Great songwriting. Vinnie's passage at 1:45 is so fucking good.
I can see why this is on your list, it's a really great tune mate. Vinnie of course, rips shit up in the solo and again, you get that instrumental album vibe. He has some dazzling licks going back into the chorus too.
Self Made Man - Made my list, my comments are there. Brilliant song, brilliant album.
Get Out - I listened to this album once when we were going through this thread. I quite liked the direction of it honestly, but haven't revisited it. Listening to this song now, great intro, and cool simple riff. The chorus is the kicker here and is really good and straightforward. Nice little solo section too. Cool tune.
Rock Will Never Die - Another BTD track. Listening again, not really digging this track at all. I'm trying to find something nice to say about it, then the solo happens. Cool shit. Other than that, not doing much for me. I guess the laid back groove of the song is decent.
Horizons - This fucker rips. Reminds me of Malmsteen style songwriting. Mentioned my thoughts when I broke this album down, but the pre chorus and chorus are bloody excellent. I hear the Dio vibe too Tim, nice call. Just a great heavy metal song.
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@ Stadler, check this song out..
Kade and I were PM'ing and I sent this to him. To further the conversation on the effect of vocalists....
Here's a track from 1999's Unforgiven. It's a great tune, but it features Kelly Keeling on vocals. He fucking blows too. But imagine Doogie singing this...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMzFAigsI3E
I agree 100%. That's a GREAT tune, with horrible vocals.
Do the Immortal album notes say who sang what? I have to go back; I don't even recall hearing JLT, and I LIKE him. I'll listen to it again today.
Speaking of Doogie (and I apologize for misspelling his name; my computer autocorrects to Dougie), he's the new singer with Alcatrazz! The band and Bonnet split; Bonnet is forming his own version, and the rest of the guys (Shea, Waldo) brought in Doogie! Graham said he's "fine" with that, and that Doogie is a good friend and great singer, but I have to believe that is a more fragile situation than it was before... though the problem is apparently managers, so maybe Graham recommended it, or is okay with it.
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JLT sings Don't Die on Me Now and Sangria Morte.
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Speaking of Doogie (and I apologize for misspelling his name; my computer autocorrects to Dougie), he's the new singer with Alcatrazz! The band and Bonnet split; Bonnet is forming his own version, and the rest of the guys (Shea, Waldo) brought in Doogie! Graham said he's "fine" with that, and that Doogie is a good friend and great singer, but I have to believe that is a more fragile situation than it was before... though the problem is apparently managers, so maybe Graham recommended it, or is okay with it.
I posted a couple of interviews, one with Waldo and the manager, and the other with Graham, in The Cool Thread a couple of months ago.
They're both very interesting.
Here's Waldo and the manager:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCtVkDp_-zk
Here's Gramps:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-cNzL9aPL8
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Tim, I don't know what I expected with your list truthfully, but I don't think it's the songs we're seeing so far. Loving the obscure, underrated choices.
There's gonna be a few more! ;D
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Tim, I don't know what I expected with your list truthfully, but I don't think it's the songs we're seeing so far. Loving the obscure, underrated choices.
There's gonna be a few more! ;D
Excellent.
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I re-watched the Rush documentary, "Behind The Lighted Stage", and I was reminded of the scene where they talked of the time in... I want to say '77 (since they reference "Xanadu") that Rush toured with UFO, and Geddy talks of how important that tour was. They recount how the UFO guys made fun of Rush constantly, calling Geddy "Glee" and making fun of their shoes and lyrics.
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I recently read an interview where on of them, Geddy I think referred to Pete as Pway.
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UFO
15 Out In The Street (Force It)
Classic track from Force It. Great lyric from Phill setting the stage for a familiar tale that would be told numerous times.
Schenker is kind of quiet up until the 2:40 mark. His spot from 2:40 - 3:07 is magnificent.
Schenker really elevates the track, but I love the verses from Phil. He is so convincing in these types of songs.
The Strangers and various live versions really make this song shine.
14 The Wild One (You Are Here)
Love the intro riff and Phil's "hmmmm" before Vinnie's awesome lead before the verse.
The verses are interesting lyrically and the chous with Vinnie playing underneath is great, pretty much due to Vinnie.
And Vinnie weaves in and out during the second verse.
Vinnie basically starts his solo while Phil is still singing and then rips it at 2:44. But the whole solo section from 2:29-3:07 (Holy shit 3:01!) into some nice acoustic guitar.
Phil is great in this bridge and then Vinnie just takes over from there with a great tone and after some noodling Vinnie is in like a superhero at 4:10.
And it is amazing how Phil and Vinnie take this home.
This is an incredible song and still my favorite of the Vinnie Era. Even with great tunes, the Vinnie Era really would never sustain this level of song.
13 Time On My Hands (Phenomenon)
Might be unexpected here but Time On My Hands has always made me feel all warm inside. I've been known to shout this song while driving.
After a short verse, this chorus comes in and it is just great.
Everything up to this point is nice enough, but this song about Schenker's solo. In all of the Schenker moments, this is easily one of my favorites. This solo is lush and beautiful, so easily flowing. It runs a little over a minute. How old is he here? 18?
The tone and melody he generates is incredible. I could easily listen to it on a 10 minute loop.
30 History Of Flames
29 Stranger In Town
28 Call My Name/All Over You
27 Who's Fooling Who
26 Fool's Gold
25 On With The Action
24 Gone In The Night
23 Name Of Love
22 Lonely Heart
21 You Don't Fool Me
20 Back Into My Life
19 Let It Roll
18 Wreckless
17 Drink Too Much
16 Self Made Man
15 Out In The Street
14 The Wild One
13 Time On My Hands
Michael Schenker
15 Rock You To The Ground (Assault Attack)
I can't say I love the beginning of this song and the verses. I'm glad they get them out of the way. But the chorus on this is glorious.
And before we move on, I'd really like to shout out Ted McKenna. He's really good on this and I like how he mixes in his ride cymbal every now and them. He keeps a rather mundane beat, but tends to spice it up a bit with his ride and a little double bass.
And then at the 3:18 mark, this thing really takes off. The next two and a half minutes is a guitar clinic. I mean how do I even begin to Kadestamp this?
I still think it ends too soon. Then he starts something really cool right before it fades.
This entire solo is amazing, and he does so many different things. It's really just incredible. I can't pull it apart, as I'd be pausing it every 10 seconds to make a notation.
It's best to just listen all at once and let it wash over you.
14 But I Want More (MSG)
Nice opening by Paul Raymond. At :46, it almost sounds like Boston .
This song changes parts quite a bit, realll interesting arrangement to it. Seems the "Lies" part comes out of nowhere, but never feels out of place. Then it dials it back a bit for the chorus which really draws me in.
After the chorus, Michael plays this beautiful tone at 3:19.
And that final chorus is really moving "I can't stand and stargaze, cause I want more" at which point Michael takes over. An amazing minute and a half outro.
30 Bittersweet
29 Cry For The Nations
28 The Dogs Of War
27 Good Times
26 Land Of Thunder
25 Dance For The Piper
24 Samurai
23 Live And Let Live
22 Red Sky
21 Armed And Ready
20 Shine On
19 Under A Blood Red Sky
18 Get Out
17 Rock Will Never Die
16 Horizons
15 Rock You To The Ground
14 But I want More
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Another nice update. Will add some thoughts later. Absolutely love RYTTG however.
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I have an affinity for Time On My Hands too. There’s something about it.
Those are all great songs. And now I have a hankering to listen to Assault Attack. It’s been quite a few years since I last listened to it, but it’s always been a favourite. :metal
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I have an affinity for Time On My Hands too. There’s something about it.
Those are all great songs. And now I have a hankering to listen to Assault Attack. It’s been quite a few years since I last listened to it, but it’s always been a favourite. :metal
It's a brilliant album, I love it.
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I'm in the middle of listening to something now, but I have to go back to Assault Attack; it's clearly loved more by others than me. For me, there are two GREAT songs on the record - Samurai and Dessert Song - and the rest are as good as Michael's soloing.
I do love But I Want More (MSG) and Out In The Street (UFO). Both those are excellent tunes and would likely be higher on my list.
EDIT: The latter half of "Rock You To The Ground" IS pretty killer.
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Well, I actually came up with a Top 10 song list. No order or write-ups yet, but it's something. I might add a few thoughts to some of them and I think I can, at least, list the top 3 in order. The rest will probably be in no particular order. More of a Top 3 songs with 7 or 8 other favorites kind of thing. Been busy so need to work on the doing some write-up stuff.
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UFO
17 Drink Too Much (The Monkey Puzzle)
Probably another surprise here, but this song is amazing.
Michael Schenker
18 Get Out (Perfect Timing)
I was so pumped when Michael resurfaced with Robin McAuley on Perfect Timing. The problem was, the album is so lame. But it did have this standout rocker.
Another great choice, along with Back to My Life - Both didn't make my top 30, I guess because I've leaned toward the more rocker side of UFO. UFO always made great ballads, I love so many of them and they are so different one from another.
Also, I'm not much a fan of McAuley Shencker's phase, but, thanks to this thread I discovered this wonderful track! :metal
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I have an affinity for Time On My Hands too. There’s something about it.
It sets a great mood. And that solo!
EDIT: The latter half of "Rock You To The Ground" IS pretty killer.
Hell yes! :metal
Well, I actually came up with a Top 10 song list. No order or write-ups yet, but it's something. I might add a few thoughts to some of them and I think I can, at least, list the top 3 in order. The rest will probably be in no particular order. More of a Top 3 songs with 7 or 8 other favorites kind of thing. Been busy so need to work on the doing some write-up stuff.
You've got a couple of weeks and the floor is yours...
UFO
17 Drink Too Much (The Monkey Puzzle)
Probably another surprise here, but this song is amazing.
Michael Schenker
18 Get Out (Perfect Timing)
I was so pumped when Michael resurfaced with Robin McAuley on Perfect Timing. The problem was, the album is so lame. But it did have this standout rocker.
Another great choice, along with Back to My Life - Both didn't make my top 30, I guess because I've leaned toward the more rocker side of UFO. UFO always made great ballads, I love so many of them and they are so different one from another.
Also, I'm not much a fan of McAuley Shencker's phase, but, thanks to this thread I discovered this wonderful track! :metal
I'm glad people are finding out about Drink Too Much. It's an amazing song.
And Get Out rocks!
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For some reason, the Paul Chapman tribute showed up on my Youtube feed. It's 7 hours long. It has some hokey local cover bands playing music interspersed with some tribute messages.
I have this queued up to Phil Mogg/Andy Parker/Neil Carter.
https://youtu.be/N4eYLE3Nu9o?t=14285
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For some reason, the Paul Chapman tribute showed up on my Youtube feed. It's 7 hours long. It has some hokey local cover bands playing music interspersed with some tribute messages.
I have this queued up to Phil Mogg/Andy Parker/Neil Carter.
https://youtu.be/N4eYLE3Nu9o?t=14285
I just started listening to the Martin Popoff podcast series. I noticed that there is an episode about Paul Chapman (episode 51).
http://www.martinpopoff.com/html/podcast.html
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Thanks Zoom, I'll check that out today. I have the Popoff books on UFO. He actually prefers the Chapman Era and rates Assault Attack as the best album under the entire UFO Family Tree.
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Out in the Street - Definitely one that grew on me with Strangers. Another one that just missed the cut on my list too. I just love Phil's vocal melodies on this. They are all sublime. The keyboard work is of course amazing too. Schenkers solo as you say mate elevates the song again.
Wild One - Nice tune. Vinnie rips all over this track. I love the chorus too, very melodic. The interplay is fabulous too.
Time On My Hands - This song is fine. Nice song but not one of my fav. The chorus melody is nice and Schenker's solo is class. Interesting pick.
Rock You to the Ground - I love this song. I love everything about it. The heavy yet bluesy verses have such a killer groove and I love Graham's vocals. Nice contrast in the chorus and the build back into the main verse and then the solo is amazing. Graham at 3:18 with what Schenker is doing is just incredible. As you said Tim, you'd be timestamping every 15 seconds of this solo. It's a song within a song. I'd like to add I love the structure of the song. Love that verse/chorus/verse/chorus/solo to end. Class tune and I wish too it didn't fade where it does.
But I Want More - This is a great song. As you say Tim, the arrangement is indeed interesting. I love that riff behind that rocking verse part. Great solo at 3:19. And great outro also.
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SITN arrived today, listening now. :heart
Wasn’t expecting it for a few weeks given the estimated delivery date was March - April.
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Not sure if you are aware but you have to post pics! ;D
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Time On My Hands - This song is fine. Nice song but not one of my fav. The chorus melody is nice and Schenker's solo is class. Interesting pick.
That solo is is probably the most pleasant minute of music these ears have ever heard. I have never gotten tired of it.
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Not sure if you are aware but you have to post pics! ;D
Haha, this.
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Time On My Hands - This song is fine. Nice song but not one of my fav. The chorus melody is nice and Schenker's solo is class. Interesting pick.
That solo is is probably the most pleasant minute of music these ears have ever heard. I have never gotten tired of it.
Hmmm....I'll listen again more closely.
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Thanks Zoom, I'll check that out today. I have the Popoff books on UFO. He actually prefers the Chapman Era and rates Assault Attack as the best album under the entire UFO Family Tree.
Interesting. That is some high praise indeed for Assault Attack.
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Thanks Zoom, I'll check that out today. I have the Popoff books on UFO. He actually prefers the Chapman Era and rates Assault Attack as the best album under the entire UFO Family Tree.
Interesting. That is some high praise indeed for Assault Attack.
It's up there for me. Not the best, but could crack top 5.
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UFO
12 Borderline (High Stakes And Dangerous Men)
I mentioned ITT about how I came upon High Stakes. Having Pete and Phil back together was great.
After a number of years, just hearing Phil in the intro was comforting.
Phil presents us with another character. Something about it reminds me Deisel In The Dust. Maybe it's the trucks..
Well, the song really gets underway and it rocks. I love the "One step closer to the Devil" line. Love Laurence Archer's licks over the second chorus leading into a really nice solo at 2:45.
This song has a great arrangement, adding a secoind solo just after the 4:00 minute mark. And Phil's final "Borderline"s at the end are real emphatic.
Great tune and I also want to mention drummer Clive Edwards. He's excellent on this.
11 One More For The Rodeo (Obsession)
Now here's a song that gets me going. Phil's crazy lyrics. Schenker going ridiculously crazy.
I've always loved this song straight off. Kind of hidden in the back of the album but this song rules.
Believe it or not, this is an uncredited Paul Raymond track.
Something about Phil and Michael. They both shine in a pretty straightforward song. They really elevate it into something special. That closing Schenker outro is magnificent.
30 History Of Flames
29 Stranger In Town
28 Call My Name/All Over You
27 Who's Fooling Who
26 Fool's Gold
25 On With The Action
24 Gone In The Night
23 Name Of Love
22 Lonely Heart
21 You Don't Fool Me
20 Back Into My Life
19 Let It Roll
18 Wreckless
17 Drink Too Much
16 Self Made Man
15 Out In The Street
14 The Wild One
13 Time On My Hands
12 Borderline
11 One More For The Rodeo
Michael Schenker
13 Rock My Nights Away (Built To Destroy)
Another Built To Destroy track?? Yup!
Real interesting Schenker intro. Has an 80's vibe for sure. But that's ok.
The verse is fine, but it's the chorus that really stands out to me. This song has a lot of energy, especially live. It's a happy song.
I really like the solo. Starts off understated and then goes classic Schenker. It's a brief solo but the outro pays it off.
12 In Search Of The Peace Of Mind (Immortal)
Classic track redone on Immortal.
This is a phenomenal track and is the leader in the clubhouse for SOTY.
He uses his vocalists in just the right spots and really builds and modernizes the original. And of course the extended solo to close it out.
11 Assault Attack (Assault Attack)
I remember getting Assault Attack when it came out. It punches you in the face right away.
The production jumps out, as well as the McKenna/Glen rhythm section. You can here each person clearly, including the bass.
And of course there's Graham Bonnet. He's fucking awesome one this. This might be one of the best songs he's ever sang on.
I love the breakdown at 2:00, and at 2:23, Schenker in all his glory. And whatever he does at 2:50 to bring you back, it's sick.
As heavy as this track is, it doesn't have a scorching lead. I think that's interesting. And for just a 4 minute song, it feels way more epic than its length.
30 Bittersweet
29 Cry For The Nations
28 The Dogs Of War
27 Good Times
26 Land Of Thunder
25 Dance For The Piper
24 Samurai
23 Live And Let Live
22 Red Sky
21 Armed And Ready
20 Shine On
19 Under A Blood Red Sky
18 Get Out
17 Rock Will Never Die
16 Horizons
15 Rock You To The Ground
14 But I want More
13 Rock My Nights Away
12 In Search Of The Peace Of Mind
11 Assault Attack
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UFO
12 Borderline (High Stakes And Dangerous Men)
Great tune and I also want to mention drummer Clive Edwards. He's excellent on this.
11 One More For The Rodeo (Obsession)
Schenker going ridiculously crazy.
Believe it or not, this is an uncredited Paul Raymond track.
That closing Schenker outro is magnificent.
Michael Schenker
12 In Search Of The Peace Of Mind (Immortal)
I totally love Boderline, amazing opener! Clive is really good on that, also great drum sound on this album.
Really great to know that about One More For the Rodeo! It's hard to imagine a demo version of it without Schenker soloing the entire song.
I wonder if Paul Raymond recorded some rhythm guitars on Obsession, since Michael Schenker was already a bit unstable in the band at the time.
Hum, so Immortal is counting... or it was just a way to include In Search of the Peace of Mind here? ;) Anyway, to me, it's best version of this song, no doubt!
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Well, not sure if Immortal is counting, but In Search Of The Peace Of Mind definitely is.
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He is fucking beautiful! :lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xra4w6hO7ZU
"Rudolf knew zero English." :lol
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He is fucking beautiful! :lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xra4w6hO7ZU
"Rudolf knew zero English." :lol
awesome!!!
I saw MSG a few times including with Gary , no words needed amazing
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He is fucking beautiful! :lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xra4w6hO7ZU
"Rudolf knew zero English." :lol
Where is this conversation between God and the devil that he references in the lyrics? I hear nothing that can be interpreted that way. :lol
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He is fucking beautiful! :lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xra4w6hO7ZU
"Rudolf knew zero English." :lol
Where is this conversation between God and the devil that he references in the lyrics? I hear nothing that can be interpreted that way. :lol
He was referring to the solo. He said the solo sounds like a conversation to him. Not sure how but he certainly has a creative mind.
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Borderline - I'll need to revisit this album but this was a highlight. Listening to the tune again now, I totally get the Deisel in the Dust thing. It's a rocking song, and the chorus is great. Archer may feel a bit foreign with his style, but the dude can play.
Rodeo - Similary placed in my list, love it.
Rock My Nights - I actually quite like this one. The Madrid version is cool. I quite like the AOR keyboards in this one and it's catchy with a nice groove. Still have to revisit this album.
Peace of Mind - I checked out the original not long ago as Michael always mentions it. Didn't think much of it truthfully, but this remake has opened it up. The outro solo is exactly what the song needed IMO. Epic song, great performances.
AA - First thing I noticed too Tim with this song was the lack of solo. That is interesting. One of Schenkers rare metal moments but this kicks ass. Great riffing and great groove in the verse. Great kickoff to a great album.
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Not sure if you are aware but you have to post pics! ;D
can’t remember how!
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He is fucking beautiful! :lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xra4w6hO7ZU
"Rudolf knew zero English." :lol
Where is this conversation between God and the devil that he references in the lyrics? I hear nothing that can be interpreted that way. :lol
He was referring to the solo. He said the solo sounds like a conversation to him. Not sure how but he certainly has a creative mind.
Oh, okay. I’ll have to re-listen to the solo to see what he is talking about. Such a great song.
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UFO
10 Dreaming (Mechanix)
I was listening to a ton of UFO when I was 15, 16, 17 years old. And Phil's songs really spoke to me. Dreaming is another one of those songs. Kids hanging out, by the beach....dreaming. I felt like I was living in this song.
It's a great song in and of itself, but this song is really meaningful to me. I wouldn't trade my teen years with anyone, and this song really epitomizes that time.
As far as the song, Paul Chapman starts this off in grand form. Phil has an energetic delivery and he sounds great here.
I like the chorus, and I air drum Andy bringing us to the second verse.
I love the "oh yeah" leading into the solo. Paul does a great job here.
Love the vocal outro with Neil Carter singing off Phil. Just a great song all the way around.
9 Doing It All For You (Mechanix)
Another story from Phil, this time about a two bit criminal, a getaway driver, who is looking to provide for his girl.
An interesting intro, almost stalking like. I love the narrative in the first verse leading to the chorus which is quite interestingly different to the pacing and angst of the verse. It's him telling his girl "This time I'm coming through."
I love the second verse:
"I said I'm burning, I been rolling
This car's tuned up to make it fly
Don't worry darling just get ready
Tonight we're gonna be going out in style
If anyone comes calling around
Don't answer 'cause you're my alibi
So just trust me, kiss me and love me
We're chasing the Golden Mile"
I totally love the line, "Tonight we're gonna be going out in style". One of my favorite lines in the catalog.
The breakdown at 2:06 is fantastic right before Paul's actual solo. The main solo kicks in at 2:34 and I love Paul's tone to start it. Love the Schenker styled jump at 2:49.
Phil sings the final chorus quite dreamily leading into an incredible outro section. 70 seconds of Chapman/Carter goodness. That part still gives me goosebumps.
30 History Of Flames
29 Stranger In Town
28 Call My Name/All Over You
27 Who's Fooling Who
26 Fool's Gold
25 On With The Action
24 Gone In The Night
23 Name Of Love
22 Lonely Heart
21 You Don't Fool Me
20 Back Into My Life
19 Let It Roll
18 Wreckless
17 Drink Too Much
16 Self Made Man
15 Out In The Street
14 The Wild One
13 Time On My Hands
12 Borderline
11 One More For The Rodeo
10 Dreaming
9 Doing It All For You
Michael Schenker
10 Attack Of The Mad Axeman (MSG)
I remember the first time I heard Attack Of The Mad Axeman. With a title like that I had no idea what to expect. The song itself isn't nearly as scary as the title is.
Early double bass performance from Cozy in the chorus.
The "Time after time" part definitely cought me by surprise. But it's s great part and totally sets uo the solo. Gary's falsetto is a nice touch.
And then the solo! Total Schenker. And of course the money shot at 3:29.
This is such an enjoyable song all the way through. Great performances by all.
9 Save Yourself (Save Yourself)
This might be Michael's heaviest song. He fucking burns all over this. The intro reminds me of Gary Moore's End Of The World.
His playing to the lead up to the first verse rips, and also between lines.
Robin sounds great here with a great verse. Nice prechorus that sets up a kick ass chorus. Another great lick into the second verse.
The vocals flow quite freely and I like Robin's pacing and delivery. But fuck, those lyrics absolutely blow.
The lead off to the solo at 3:31 is so great (3:40 Yngwie!), but the solo builds at 3:45 and then next level at 4:07. I love that part. And another great outro.
I really wish the McAuley Schenker albums were more like this.
30 Bittersweet
29 Cry For The Nations
28 The Dogs Of War
27 Good Times
26 Land Of Thunder
25 Dance For The Piper
24 Samurai
23 Live And Let Live
22 Red Sky
21 Armed And Ready
20 Shine On
19 Under A Blood Red Sky
18 Get Out
17 Rock Will Never Die
16 Horizons
15 Rock You To The Ground
14 But I want More
13 Rock My Nights Away
12 In Search Of The Peace Of Mind
11 Assault Attack
10 Attack Of The Mad Axeman
9 Save Yourself
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Wowsers! 2 songs from Mechanix in the top 10. Will revisit.
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When you revisit Dreaming, think of a 16 y/o TAC. I had a car and a gf. That is a song of youth, which I was lucky enough to experience...in my youth. It has some meaningful lyrics that I always related to it.
And Doing It..great Phil story and vocal. Awesome Chapman solo, and what might be the best outro in the catalog.
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I always forget you were experiencing this band in real time. I'll post some thoughts when I do.
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I always forget you were experiencing this band in real time. I'll post some thoughts when I do.
Hah! I'm not that old. I really just missed them. I was in the 8th grade when I do remember them opening for Ozzy in 1982 . I was 13. They pretty much petered out just as I got into them. But they ended up being my most listened to band in quick order.
I guess MSG was the first album I experienced in real time. I wasn't into Mechanix right away. I do remember Making Contact, Assault Attack, and Vices being released, and I got them all right away.
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I did experience MSG in real time, but didn't get into UFO until WAY later (only a couple years ago, really). But I can so imagine listening to Mechanix on my kick ass car cassette stereo! :)
I'm all for two Mechanix songs in the top ten; I might even have one or two more. "Doing It All For You" is one of my favorite UFO songs of any of the eras.
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TAC - Give MP a call and get him in this thread.
https://twitter.com/MikePortnoy/status/1363965405635706883
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:lol
Even MP knows to post a pic!
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TAC - Give MP a call and get him in this thread.
https://twitter.com/MikePortnoy/status/1363965405635706883
Fuck yeah! :metal
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Dreaming - Okay, this is a very cool song. Great transitions between the verse and choruses. Chapman rips. I love the frantic start to his solo. Really good track. I can see how you love the lyrics of this one Tim.
Doing It All For You - This was nice too. Definitely have to revisit the album again. I think at first I wasn't keen on the shift to the chorus, but I'm warming to it. Love the verses and Chapman rips again. I actually thought of Schenker too at 2:49.
Mad Axeman - I found the structure of this one weird and I never really took to it to be honest. Always thought it was a little disjointed. Not a big fan of the middle quiet section but the last minute and a half is amazing.
Save Yourself - I haven't gotten around to checking this album yet and just listened to this song for the first time. Brilliant 80's hard rock. This might be Michaels most technical and fastest work ever. He has so much speed here, quite surprising. Great groove, nice and heavy and doesn't let up. Great tune.
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Mad Axeman - I found the structure of this one weird and I never really took to it to be honest. Always thought it was a little disjointed. Not a big fan of the middle quiet section but the last minute and a half is amazing.
Save Yourself - I haven't gotten around to checking this album yet and just listened to this song for the first time. Brilliant 80's hard rock. This might be Michaels most technical and fastest work ever. He has so much speed here, quite surprising. Great groove, nice and heavy and doesn't let up. Great tune.
Having listened to AOTMA for decades, it's hard to imagine it any other was, but the first time I heard it, it had a totally different feel than what I was expecting from its title.
Save Yourself rips. I wish he had more songs like this in his catalog. I really like Drilled To Kill because it has this kind of feel. The McAuley Schenker Group was really quite limp and overall very disappointing.
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Mad Axeman - I found the structure of this one weird and I never really took to it to be honest. Always thought it was a little disjointed. Not a big fan of the middle quiet section but the last minute and a half is amazing.
Save Yourself - I haven't gotten around to checking this album yet and just listened to this song for the first time. Brilliant 80's hard rock. This might be Michaels most technical and fastest work ever. He has so much speed here, quite surprising. Great groove, nice and heavy and doesn't let up. Great tune.
Having listened to AOTMA for decades, it's hard to imagine it any other was, but the first time I heard it, it had a totally different feel than what I was expecting from its title.
Save Yourself rips. I wish he had more songs like this in his catalog. I really like Drilled To Kill because it has this kind of feel. The McAuley Schenker Group was really quite limp and overall very disappointing.
That's what she said.
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So I've been doing a bit of digging and I found this. In 1985 Chris Glen and Robin McAuley formed a band with Phil Taylor, and for a while, Brian Robertson, though Brian didn't record with them.
I found this interesting because Chris was post MSG and Robin was pre MSG.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-04fbAC9d4
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I love Brian Robertson. Another Perfect Day and the Wild Horses records are solid. (I'm not ignoring Thin Lizzy, I'm just more familiar with his work on those other two gigs.)
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Yeah, I love Another Perfect Day. It's funny how so many of these bands are intertwined.
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UFO
8 Anyday (No Place To Run)
Paul Chapman plays the bass in the intro. Phil is great in this first verse, even hitting a falsetto, something he never did.
Nice heavy chorus. Love the short lead break between verses.
I have always liked the lyrics. "Should be out having fun".
"Picked up my coat and I'm putting on my haayaat."
Phil also kills it in the second chorus. His "Anyday"s are really powerful. And it all leads into a great Paul Chapman solo to close out the song. This solo is cut way too short. It is fantastic!
7 Long Gone (The Wild The Willing And The Innocent)
Long Gone is an amazing song with great imagery from Phil. Lots of cool musical elements, including the soft intro leading into the first verse.
The second half of the verse is really nice and I love what Paul is doing behind it. The main solo starts around 1:55 and it's pretty tasty and closes really classy leading into the intro verse again.
"Subtle rain kiss the streets that bleed like open wounds" WOW!
And finally the really interesting outro and Jon Sloman really shines again here.
Long Gong was played by the Laurence Archer version of UFO. They even rerecorded it. And it's been played live by Vinnie too.
30 History Of Flames
29 Stranger In Town
28 Call My Name/All Over You
27 Who's Fooling Who
26 Fool's Gold
25 On With The Action
24 Gone In The Night
23 Name Of Love
22 Lonely Heart
21 You Don't Fool Me
20 Back Into My Life
19 Let It Roll
18 Wreckless
17 Drink Too Much
16 Self Made Man
15 Out In The Street
14 The Wild One
13 Time On My Hands
12 Borderline
11 One More For The Rodeo
10 Dreaming
9 Doing It All For You
8 Anyday
7 Long Gone
Michael Schenker
8 At The End Of The Day (Adventures Of The Imagination)
Probably a bit of a surprise here, but At The End Of The Day is one of the most pleasant pieces of music these ears have ever heard. So much Schenker goodness going on here.
Really well orchestrated with so many guitar lines going on at once. Michael introduces the main melody at :17 with a chiling tone. It is joined by an alternate line at :34 which is just beautiful. And then the lead guitar's interpretation at :42.
Again, I could Kadestamp the shit out of this. But that last line at 3:09 kills me every time. It's best to just let it wash over you.
7 Secondary Motion (MSG)
This is a great lineup on this album. The intro to this song is spectacular. Very simply but damn it sounds so great.
The song goes to a pace in the verse that I don't normally love, but Cozy plays the shit out it.
This song has a fantastic chorus. Michael kicks it off with a little lick at :55.
And Gary is really good at the end of the chorus with the "Give me that chance" part with Michael in the background.
Michael doesn't exactly rip your face off but it's a cool solo with Cozy's double bass underneath.
And finally, the closing to this song is...incredible. It's the last remnant of this great album and it's glorious.
30 Bittersweet
29 Cry For The Nations
28 The Dogs Of War
27 Good Times
26 Land Of Thunder
25 Dance For The Piper
24 Samurai
23 Live And Let Live
22 Red Sky
21 Armed And Ready
20 Shine On
19 Under A Blood Red Sky
18 Get Out
17 Rock Will Never Die
16 Horizons
15 Rock You To The Ground
14 But I want More
13 Rock My Nights Away
12 In Search Of The Peace Of Mind
11 Assault Attack
10 Attack Of The Mad Axeman
9 Save Yourself
8 At The End Of The Day
7 Secondary Motion
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My sealed copy of Seven deadly showed up today! More commission for TAC.
At some point I need to put some thoughts down about the favorite tracks I picked. Kinda haven't done that yet.
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Wow, two more Chapman songs in the top 10. Long Gone is wonderful.
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Wow, two more Chapman songs in the top 10. Long Gone is wonderful.
There's one more to come!
My sealed copy of Seven deadly showed up today! More commission for TAC.
Kaching!
That's awesome!
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No clue which one it could be. Only one I'm thinking is POV.
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I hate to break it to Stadler, but it's not Heel Of A Stranger. ;D
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I would hope not lol!
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I'm heartbroken.
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I'm heartbroken.
Tim has put a scar on your heart that you can't cover up and hide.
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:lol
Nice!
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I'm heartbroken.
Tim has put a scar on your heart that you can't cover up and hide.
Hahaha.
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Wow, two more Chapman songs in the top 10. Long Gone is wonderful.
Yes it is.
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My CD copy of Immortal (with the Blu-ray) came today. I've been giving it a few spins. It's not as bad as I first thought, but it's still not as good as the couple that came before. I'm not a fan of Ralf Scheepers; not that he sucks, but I'd rather listen to Rob Halford. Joe Lynn Turner, who I generally love, is almost unrecognizable and not in a good way. I had no idea that was him on "Don't Die On Me Now".
It bears repeating: NO ONE does an outro like Michael Schenker. I think he has more songs whose best moments are in the last 1:30 than any artist on the planet.
TAC, did you mention Kiss for, I think, "Come On Over"? I hear Kiss in the start of "Knight Of The Dead"; sounds like it came right off Animalize to me. Not to bag on singers all day, but KOTD is a good tune, but Romero just sounds so generic on it. I like him in Rainbow a lot, but not here.
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Anyday - Moody, dark intro, I like it. When it gets going, it has a great groove. I love how quickly the solo comes into the song and then going back into that moody intro. Nice heavy outro too and is kicked up a gear with another ripper Chapman solo. I really like his playing. The key change just before the fade is excellent.
Long Gone - This one gets better and better for me. Excellent song, excellent chorus.
At the End of the Day - Listening to this one for the first time. Nice melodic intro. I really really like the melodies going on here, it's so smooth and the transitions between everything is really nice. I'll have to check this album out for sure, great tune.
Secondary Motion - This is one I loved right away. I love the 80's vibe right off the bat and Schenker's lead here is brilliant. Great tempo and groove of this one also. Simple riffing but so classy. The chorus is pretty cheesy but I like it a lot. Killer solo bit, Cozy is ripping too.
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Just been watching a YouTube guitar lesson video David Brewster’s 3 for all. He was showing some Warren De Martini licks from 91 and Schenker was playing guitar with him as Crosby had left. Never knew that had happened.
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Just been watching a YouTube guitar lesson video David Brewster’s 3 for all. He was showing some Warren De Martini licks from 91 and Schenker was playing guitar with him as Crosby had left. Never knew that had happened.
Sorry, but Michael Schenker playing with Ratt is like Albert Einstein teaching my 4-year old grandson how to count the number line.
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Just been watching a YouTube guitar lesson video David Brewster’s 3 for all. He was showing some Warren De Martini licks from 91 and Schenker was playing guitar with him as Crosby had left. Never knew that had happened.
Sorry, but Michael Schenker playing with Ratt is like Albert Einstein teaching my 4-year old grandson how to count the number line.
That’s a bit harsh. De Martini is a great player.
They get a bad rap because the singer was awful.
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Just been watching a YouTube guitar lesson video David Brewster’s 3 for all. He was showing some Warren De Martini licks from 91 and Schenker was playing guitar with him as Crosby had left. Never knew that had happened.
Sorry, but Michael Schenker playing with Ratt is like Albert Einstein teaching my 4-year old grandson how to count the number line.
That’s a bit harsh. De Martini is a great player.
They get a bad rap because the singer was awful.
Well, that's where I was going; if Schenker was playing with Crosby, DeMartini wasn't there. I'm not a fan of Steven Pearcy.
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De Martini is a player I haven't really explored but what I've heard he's a great player.
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Just been watching a YouTube guitar lesson video David Brewster’s 3 for all. He was showing some Warren De Martini licks from 91 and Schenker was playing guitar with him as Crosby had left. Never knew that had happened.
Yes, he played with Ratt for a bit. Believe it or not, I've never watched any footage. Or searched it out even. I've been afraid to see it. :lol
Michael was in LA at the time. Bobby Blotzer played on the Contraband album with Schenker.
I thought Ratt was decent musically, but holy fuck did Stephen Pearcy fucking blow monkey chunks. He sucked.
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At the End of the Day - Listening to this one for the first time. Nice melodic intro. I really really like the melodies going on here, it's so smooth and the transitions between everything is really nice. I'll have to check this album out for sure, great tune.
Yes, this track is so pleasant on the ears.
Anyday - Moody, dark intro, I like it. When it gets going, it has a great groove. I love how quickly the solo comes into the song and then going back into that moody intro. Nice heavy outro too and is kicked up a gear with another ripper Chapman solo. I really like his playing. The key change just before the fade is excellent.
It's a deep and underrated track.
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I think I'll put the Chapman albums in the car tonight and run through them again. All these songs are pretty damn nice.
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I think I'll put the Chapman albums in the car tonight and run through them again. All these songs are pretty damn nice.
:metal :metal
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Two epics!
UFO
6 Love To Love (Lights Out)
No surprise here. Love To Love is a classic UFO track played by pretty much all incarnations, though I'm not sure they did with Tommy.
Paul Raymond starts this out in dreamy fashion and Michael's accoustic guitar in the intro is a nice touch.
This song features a great vocal by Phil. He's really impressive here. He conveys the emotion really well.
The final solo by Michael is amazing, but honestly, it's the Strangers' version of Love To Love that I go to. Michael absolutely slays that final section.
I would also recommend the version on 1992's Lights Out In Tokyo with Laurence Archer. That version smokes. It's played at a quicker pace and I love it.
And Paul Chapman does a nice job on the Rockpalast show as well.
30 History Of Flames
29 Stranger In Town
28 Call My Name/All Over You
27 Who's Fooling Who
26 Fool's Gold
25 On With The Action
24 Gone In The Night
23 Name Of Love
22 Lonely Heart
21 You Don't Fool Me
20 Back Into My Life
19 Let It Roll
18 Wreckless
17 Drink Too Much
16 Self Made Man
15 Out In The Street
14 The Wild One
13 Time On My Hands
12 Borderline
11 One More For The Rodeo
10 Dreaming
9 Doing It All For You
8 Anyday
7 Long Gone
6 Love To Love
Michael Schenker
6 Lost Horizons (Michael Schenker Group)
This is an epic track of Michaels first album.
Michaels main lick at :43 is bone chilling. What an epic line that is.
I love this part:
"Can you see me now, can you feel the pain,
Can you heal the scars on me
Life within my heart, hope within my soul, is dying!"
Once the main solo starts, Michael is basically putting on a clinic.
I definitely prefer the live versions of this song. The Rockpalast version is amazing and the Budokan one is great too. I definitely prefer the power of Cozy Powell over the pitter patter of Simon Philips.
30 Bittersweet
29 Cry For The Nations
28 The Dogs Of War
27 Good Times
26 Land Of Thunder
25 Dance For The Piper
24 Samurai
23 Live And Let Live
22 Red Sky
21 Armed And Ready
20 Shine On
19 Under A Blood Red Sky
18 Get Out
17 Rock Will Never Die
16 Horizons
15 Rock You To The Ground
14 But I want More
13 Rock My Nights Away
12 In Search Of The Peace Of Mind
11 Assault Attack
10 Attack Of The Mad Axeman
9 Save Yourself
8 At The End Of The Day
7 Secondary Motion
6 Lost Horizons
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At first I didn't like Chapman's version of LTL, but now it might be my fav, I just love what he does with it. I'll check that Archer version again.
Lost Horizons is a great song. Amazing work all over it from Schenker.
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Lost Horizons RULES. That and Victim Of Illusion are my favorite songs on the debut record.
As for the lists, I am so happy that "Heel Of A Stranger" is going to make the top five (it can't possibly be outside of the top 30, and there's only five songs left!). I'm giddy!
I am also kidding; I do expect to see Victim Of Illusion in the top five of MSG, though.
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NPTR is a pretty enjoyable listen. I mist have taken Schenker leaving out on this album, and the next two probably.
Lettin' Go is a great song and love the structure. I can dig Mystery Train too. Gone in the Night is excellent and the title track too. Any day is indeed a strong song Tim, great closer.
Chapman is wonderful all over this album too. I love this guys playing.
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NPTR has a couple of duds and the production is a bit dry, but song wise it's actually pretty good. If I was going a Top 40 instead of a Top 30, Lettin' Go makes the list. That song kicks ass.
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NPTR has a couple of duds and the production is a bit dry, but song wise it's actually pretty good. If I was going a Top 40 instead of a Top 30, Lettin' Go makes the list. That song kicks ass.
Yeah a couple of flops but an enjoyable listen.
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I do expect to see Victim Of Illusion in the top five of MSG, though.
You have a better chance at seeing Heel Of A Stranger in my UFO Top 5..... :lol
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I thought I remember Tim saying he wasn't a big fan of VOI? Could be wrong.
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Right. I don't really care for it. The outro on one of the Walk The Stage shows is amazing though.
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I do expect to see Victim Of Illusion in the top five of MSG, though.
You have a better chance at seeing Heel Of A Stranger in my UFO Top 5..... :lol
I don't like your tone, sir! :) :) :)
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UFO
5 Profession Of Violence (The Wild The Willing And The Innocent)
You know right off with Paul's acoustic guitar that this is going to be epic. Once Jon Sloman comes in with the piano, I'm already sold.
Great vocal by Phil. The "Whisper on the wind" part is really nice.
Love the keyboard change midway through the chorus. Gets a bit more forceful, especially the second time around.
And then the entire second half of the song is a guitar solo!
Paul Chapman is amazing here. And Jon's textures behind it are wonderful.
At 3:13, it shifts slightly, and again at 3:52 the finish is incredible.
This is one of my all time favorite guitar solos by anyone.
Just amazing all the way around. 4 minutes of damn perfection.
Michael Schenker
5 Let Sleeping Dogs Lie (MSG)
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie, like But I Want More, really showcases some strong songwriting.
This intro riff is sneaky sinister. Same in the verse. Paul Raymond shows up in the very nice prechorus. Always has the right sound for any part.
The solo kicks in at the 2:19 mark after a nice bridge. Short but really nice.
After the third verse and prechorus is where this song totally blooms at 3:57. This next minute and a half is impeccable.
Cozy Powell rally adds some depth to this part with his double bass playing.
Watching Michael play this part live is one of my highlights from the MS Fest show. I was completely dialed in on him for this.
Waysted
5 Manuel (The Good The Bad The Waysted)
From one of my all time favorite albums, The Good The Bad The Waysted, is Manuel.
Really cool intro featuring Paul Chapman. Fin joins him to introduce the story. Love Paul's line over the top right before the verse starts.
Jerry Shirley plays drums on this album and he's really direct on the chorus.
Paul plays a nice melodic line behind the chorus too.
The main solo kicks in at 2:42. Pete Way and Jerry play a great rhythm underneath.
Nice keyboard line from Jimmy Dilella at 3:42 leading into the closing part. A great three piece performance. I remember playing this part on my drums in my bedroom was I was a kid.
Paul at 4:43 and then again at 4:56. Nice.
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POV has grown on me even more lately. That solo is indeed just incredible, I love this guy. Chapman was a fine player.
Sleeping Dogs is a worthy top 5 Schenker song IMO. It's a smooth, wonderful song.
I'll have to revisit that Waysted song.
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Running through TWTWTI. Fucking Makin' Moves is blistering. What a great tune. Chapman rips here.
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That's a great tune. I had mentioned when we did that album that Paul had actually brought that song with him from Lonestar.
They've played that live in the Vinnie Era too.
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I can see why TWTWTI would be a top 3 album for you Tim. It's a consistent and strong record start to finish.
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By coincidence, the epics Love To Love and Lost Horizons were paired together. And purely by coincidence, these two UFO/Schenker songs are also paired.
UFO
4 Belladonna (No Heavy Petting)
Pretty sure this will be a surprising pick, but this is one magical song.
Nice acoustic intro with lead accents. I love how it feels like the acoustic slows down slightly right before the vocals, and then speeds back up when the vocals start.
One of the reasons that I love NHP is this is probably my favorite Phil album.
I love this line in the first verse:
"The open letter just carelessly placed
And your moving silence, the tea so delicately laced"
Danny Peyronel plays some nice parts here, and I like how you can clearly hear Pete.
I love the solo here at 2:20. No shredding. Just spectacular tones. Just a beautiful section. It is truly mesmerizing to me and I never get tired of it.
This is a deep track in their catalog, but I'm hypnotized my it every time I hear it.
Michael Schenker
4 Never Ending Nightmare (MSG)
I remember hearing the third McAuley Schenker album and being quite disappointed. That is until the final song began.
Starts with a classic Schenker acoustic passage. Robin as usual sounds amazing.
The verse is really cool. Prechorus and especially the chorus is incredible.
Michael really starts to go after the second chorus. To Kadestamp it, again, would be pointless. I'd have to stop it every 15 seconds. It's just nicely orchestrated acoustic playing.
And everyone, when checking this out, be sure to click the FULL version, or you'll miss out on the electric solo at rthe end. Just spectacular.
Waysted
4 Heaven Tonight (The Good The Bad The Waysted)
Heaven tonight was actually rerecorded with Danny Vaughn on Save Your Prayers, but I'm talking the Fin version from The Good The Bad The Waysted. This is a really nice radio friendly track and it always hits the spot.
I used to play this album on drums in my room. One of my all time favorite drum fills is when Jerry Shirley comes in at 1:37. I love the drum sound on this albums.
This song sports a fantastic chorus that still gives me goosebumps. I think Fin sounds amazing on this song.
While the song doesn't really have a solo, I love what Paul Chapman is playing for basically the last minute or so. Real classy.
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Wow, Belladonna at number 4! :eek That is indeed a surprising pick. I do like the Maiden Hallowed/Infinite Dreams melody to kick things off. It's clean but but reminds me of that. Phil does sound great on this and the chorus is wonderful. Schenker does wonderful work on this. Get a Try Me feel in the beginning of the solo. 2:50 is brilliant!
Never Ending Nightmare I had to listen to for the first time. Reminds me of Dio at the start, in the music and a bit in Robins vocals. The chorus is really nice. I even get a Belladonna feel between that chorus and second verse. Great acoustic work in the solo too. Lots of Malmsteen vibes for me here. That solo at the end is perfect, wow! 5:48, holy fuck!
Heaven Tonight I prefer the Danny version, but I've been listening to that one a lot. This version is great too but I like the smoothness of Danny on this one.
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I watched the doco Too Hot to Handle on Youtube last night. Pretty fucking useless as most of it was just live clips but the short amount of interviews were solid. Even the Def Leppard guys had some good insight. 'Arry too, you can tell he's a fan. Weird they cover Chapman but then don't go any further, yet show clips from the High Stakes album WTF?
I was surprised at Pete's comments on Chapman, he was really quite negative towards him. Phil didn't say much and was nicer but you can tell he felt similar. Pete was quite brutal though. Poor fella, not his fault Schenker left. Steve was nice saying he still enjoyed the band in that incarnation.
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Been a long time since I've seen that. I pulled it up and watched the Chapman part.
Pete wasn't that happy during that period, especially with Neil Carter. And it's true that Paul wasn't as prolific a writer as Schenker was. But yeah, the tone against Chapman seemed a bit unnecessary.
The thing was done in the run up to High Stakes as a promo. It's cool the have Schenker interviewed though.
Heaven Tonight I prefer the Danny version, but I've been listening to that one a lot. This version is great too but I like the smoothness of Danny on this one.
Cool. Goes to show what a great song that is. I remember when Save Your Prayers came out and they released it as a single. Even made a video of it. Fucking weird imagery in it if you ask me. I was really hoping it would catch on.
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It's a wonderful catchy radio friendly song. The video is adequate for the era.
That explains the videos from High Stakes then in that documentary. I liked Schenkers honesty about him struggling with the limelight.
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UFO
3 Dreaming Of Summer (Walk On Water)
We've talked a lot about this song, and deservedly so. It's a magical track.
It's written in a great "day in the life" style. Phil weaves a great tale of hope, despair, and monotony. You can really feel his struggle.
Michael has a great classy understated solo. Who needs to shred? Such a great feel for tones.
Michael Schenker
3 Looking For Love (MSG)
This song hits you straight right out of the chute. The two things that jump out at me during the verses is Paul Raymond and Cozy Powell. Really nice rhythm. And Gary sounds strong on this song.
Nice chorus, but then Michael comes in with this amazing line right after it. One of the most memorable hooks on an album filled with them. This leads into a very nice short solo before the next verse. The second (main) solo starts with that gorgeous melodic line at 2:40. Michael shines here and from 2:50 to 3:05, Michael does some amazing work. But the song goes next level at 3:06. Absolutely incredible from that point on. Amazing finish.
Waysted
3 Land That's Lost The Love (The Good The Bad The Waysted)
After a short intro, this song jumps right into the verse with some nice pace to it. Paul Chapman's rhythm guitar is a bit buried, but he shines with some nice accents during the chorus.
And I have no idea what he's doing at 1:04 right after the chorus, but it's cool AF.
I love the whole musical break after the second chorus. Paul really shines on this whole section.
Jerry Shirley and Pete Way are fantastic together too.
Phil also sounds really badass on this track.
This is one of my favorite albums of all time.
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I've given my thoughts on DOS. Interested to see which 2 songs beat it. After the surprises in your list Tim, there's no way I could pick them.
LFL is incredible, simple as that. Perfect hard rock song with outstanding guitar work. Definitely top 3 material for me two from what I've covered from the great man.
Will check that Waysted song tonight.
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I remember this Waysted song instantly from when I checked the album. Seems like I'll have to go back to the album again. Great song. I wish they explored that intro a bit more. Great chorus and wonderful, expressive, extended solo section.
At 1:04 It's just some palm muted notes picked over a nice melody. Paul picks like each note 4 times it seems and creates a nice effect.
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It's a cool effect. Sounds awesome. The rhythm guitars on the album sound a bit strange due to the production, but the leads are pretty much all in tact.
There something about that album that I've always loved. I was 16 when it came out. Jerry Shirley's drumming has a real drive to it.
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I've given my thoughts on DOS. Interested to see which 2 songs beat it. After the surprises in your list Tim, there's no way I could pick them.
LFL is incredible, simple as that. Perfect hard rock song with outstanding guitar work. Definitely top 3 material for me two from what I've covered from the great man.
Will check that Waysted song tonight.
Yeah, I've kind of had it in my head that DoS would be first, and the mystery would be what led up to it. I can't possibly guess, given he's already nixed "Heel Of A Stranger". :) :) :) But I'm looking forward to it!
I'm at "S" for my CD/DVD ripping party, so I've been listening to a little more MSG (I file it under "Schenker") lately. It was almost 60 yesterday and I was banging out "Built To Destroy" while driving. I love that record, but given what came before (UFO) and after (the Fest and Temple records), we the listener have to fight SO HARD to get those tasty Michael nuggets. I don't know if that's the production or the mix, but it's a bummer, since I like those tunes.
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UFO
2 I'm A Loser (No Heavy Petting)
I was really familiar with the Strangers version of I'm A Loser well before I got No Heavy Petting. Just going off the Strangers version, the beginning sets a great mood, especially in the live setting. There's the great Phil Mogg lyrics and scenery. And then there's the ridiculous playing by Michael. It's a powerful track and I've never gotten sick of listening to it.
When first hearing the NHP version, when the acoustic guitar starts it off, I was expecting the song to be a shell of its live self. But it's really not at all, with the live version being quite faithful. Of course as I've mentioned a few times already, NHP has my favorite Phil sound, and Michael is just beyond words.
There's a really cool part at 2:28 right before the solo where Michael is bending some notes and it's a fantasting intro for the solo, which is one of the best I've ever heard. owards the end of Phil joining in with his "I'm A Loser" about the 3:13 mark, Michael does this...I don't know how to explain it, but it's a sort of tapping single notes. That blows me away.
And in case the main solo wasn't enough, the song ends with a little second helping.
30 History Of Flames
29 Stranger In Town
28 Call My Name/All Over You
27 Who's Fooling Who
26 Fool's Gold
25 On With The Action
24 Gone In The Night
23 Name Of Love
22 Lonely Heart
21 You Don't Fool Me
20 Back Into My Life
19 Let It Roll
18 Wreckless
17 Drink Too Much
16 Self Made Man
15 Out In The Street
14 The Wild One
13 Time On My Hands
12 Borderline
11 One More For The Rodeo
10 Dreaming
9 Doing It All For You
8 Anyday
7 Long Gone
6 Love To Love
5 Profession Of Violence
4 Belladonna
3 Dreaming Of Summer
2 I'm A Loser
Michael Schenker
2 Into The Arena (Michael Schenker Group)
I consider Into The Arena my all time favorite instrumental. It's amazing how much is crammed into its four minutes. Every lineup crushes this. But listening to the original here.
How do you even Kadestamp this? Every section is different but they all work together.
The part that really gives me goosebumps comes in at 2:56. Such a beautiful passage.
This track on his first solo album really cements his talent and writing.
30 Bittersweet
29 Cry For The Nations
28 The Dogs Of War
27 Good Times
26 Land Of Thunder
25 Dance For The Piper
24 Samurai
23 Live And Let Live
22 Red Sky
21 Armed And Ready
20 Shine On
19 Under A Blood Red Sky
18 Get Out
17 Rock Will Never Die
16 Horizons
15 Rock You To The Ground
14 But I want More
13 Rock My Nights Away
12 In Search Of The Peace Of Mind
11 Assault Attack
10 Attack Of The Mad Axeman
9 Save Yourself
8 At The End Of The Day
7 Secondary Motion
6 Lost Horizons
5 Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
4 Never Ending Nightmare
3 Looking For Love
2 Into The Arena
Waysted
2 Heroes Die Young (Save Your Prayers)
If someone made an album of the best songs from the 80's that no one has ever heard of, this would surely make the list.
I was extremely skeptical of Save Your Prayers when I first go it. No Fin, American singer...what's this a sell out?
In actuality, this album rocks pretty hard, and Danny Vaughn blew me away with his vocal. This album is a Top 10 all time vocal for me.
The best track, Heroes Die Young is an amazing song. Great arrangement. Paul Chapman shines all over the place, from the acoustic in the intro, to the main solo and breakdown, to the amazing outro.
This track should not be overlooked.
5 Manuel
4 Heaven Tonight
3 Land That's Lost The Love
2 Heroes Die Young
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I'm A Loser is a wonderful song and grown on me even more lately. I'll listen again tonight at those timestamps you mentioned Tim.
Into the Arena floored me when I heard it, so creative, fresh and a wonderful journey. Great pick.
Heroes Die Young is absolutely incredible. Perfect 80's hard rock/metal song. This might be my fav Chapman moment. That outro is just magical, perfect even.
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2:28 sounds like Schenker is using a slide. Good stuff.
3:13 Is a simple blues lick but he's picking out some single notes in between. Really interesting.
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UFO
1 Rock Bottom
Probably not a surprise here. I have probably heard this song more than any other ever. Especially the 5 minute solo from Strangers. That is pure musical bliss. Michael Schenker is a God! I mean the whole performance is ridiculous. I'm not going to bother Kadestamping it. It is simply a mind blowing performance.
Actually, the verse/chorus part of the song is ok, but this song makes its money on not only the solo, but on that amazing bridge section "With all darkness closing in..." That's a great part! That lifts the track right there.
Just to revisit the studio version, which definitely is a standout in its own right. The song blitzes out of the middle of Phenomenon, full of its bluesy and mellow numbers, with a heavy metal crash. I think Andy Parker and especially Pete Way are damn good on this. And the solo, so crafted. How old again was Michael when he wrote this?
Rock Bottom is an absolute giant.
Michael Schenker
1 On And On
I mentioned On And On in the OP, so this should also be no surprise. This song is one of the most musically influential songs of my musical life. It's structure is pretty basic. But it's filled with addicting sounds, from Paul Raymond's fluttering keyboards to Mihcaels lead playing, especially in the outro.
For as much as I never heard UFO on the radio, On And On used to get some airplay around here. As soon as I heard that airy intro I was like Holy Shit there it is!! I was 12 going on 13 and it really made an impact. It led me to UFO and a lifetime of fandom.
About the song itself..that Paul Raymond's airy opening juxtaposed with Cozy Powell's bombastic entrance.
A straightforward verse, but the chorus is magical. Gary Barden sounds great here, tickling a slight falsetto. But it's Paul's fluttering keys during the chorus that really drew me in.
I remember the guitar solo really sounding like nothing I'd ever heard. It was too damn short. But it was more than made up for during the last minute of the song. I love how after he solo during the third chorus how the full band plays through it. So fucking cool. I first heard this song almost 40 years ago and that outro STILL gives me chills.
Waysted
1 Night Of The Wolf
Well, sorry @Kade, no Paul Chapman here, but you gotta dig the title, right?
But we do have a Paul Raymond sighting! He sets a nice landscape in the intro. Great entry by Fin too. Ronnie Kayfield is the guitarist here and he plays the intro magnificently.
And then the song explodes with a driving kick ass pace. Roll the windows down and blast it! I love the prechorus "Dream on, Dream maker" Nice!
Fin is fucking awesome on this. The solo starts off a bit iffy, but Kayfield rescuses it at the end with Fin rejoining with the original prechorus and it rides out from there. Such a powerful ending.
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Agreed, the Strangers rendition of Rock Bottom is just incredible. No arguing with that choice for number one. :hefdaddy
On and On is a fine song as well. Haven't heard it in a while. I’ll have to remedy that.
The only Waysted album I have is Vices so I’m not familiar with most of the Waysted songs you've posted, TAC. I’ll head off to YouTube now and give Night of the Wolf a listen.
Great to see the lists of everyone who has posted them.
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So Night of the Wolf is from the one Waysted album I do own :blush. I seriously have not listened to Vices since the 80s. I do remember the song and it is pretty good, but I just never got into this album. If I want to listen to it to clear the cobwebs from my memory, I’ll have to dust off my turntable.
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So Night of the Wolf is from the one Waysted album I do own :blush.
Hah! I was going to point that out, but I figured you'd find out as soon as you hit youtube. Definitely check out the other Waysted tracks.
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Can't complain with Rock Bottom as you know. Phenomenal song. That song got me hooked on this adventure.
On and On is wonderful. I actually love the Anniversary live version. Schenker destroys that version. That melody in the outro is bliss.
Listening to Night of the Wolf, and yeah, I can't not like this due to the title haha. Cracking track, it sounds like the time it came out, but it rips. That solo is indeed interesting, I like it actually. The ending of the solo before the vox comes back in is pretty funny though, not sure about that bit. Great outro, great song.
Great fucking lists Tim! :metal
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Rock Bottom is one of the rock's finest moments and THAT RIFF is pure genious! I agree 100% about the SiTN version :hefdaddy
On and on is really nice and I totally get TAC's emotional attachment (I feel similar to Natural Thing - the first UFO's song I've heard). And the Schenker's solo in the middle is one of his wildest!
Thanks, especially to TAC and Wolking for such detailed commentaries, it was really fun to re-listen to the songs paying attention for what you commented. In fact, I made a top 90 UFO playlist, combining my list, my leftovers list, TAC's list and Wolfking's list. :D :D It's 7 hours of UFO music, but it's fun to hear in the random mode!
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7 hours of UFO. :metal
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Top 90! :metal
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This is something even more epic than the Snyder Cut! :corn :corn :corn
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The Snyder Cut is apparently so epic, I have no idea what it is. :lol
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Of course, TAC! :lol
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The Snyder Cut is apparently so epic, I have no idea what it is. :lol
I'm guilty too. No idea what you are on about. :lol
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No problem, we still can talk a lot about UFO! :D :D
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I have my list saved on my desktop. Still never did any write-ups. It won't be anything special. I'll just do a dump of it tonight, maybe. Didn't make one for Waysted, I need to spend more time with them, although, Song For Steve recently came up on shuffle and I really do like that track.
EDIT: And I just happened to stumble onto a sealed copy of the Vices reissue on Discogs. It's the only album I had to pirate as even Amazon didn't offer a digital option. More money out the door.
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I watched the live video from Scorpions on the 1979 tour this weekend, as well as the documentary on the recording of Lovedrive (all this is found on the bonus DVD with the 50th Anniversary Lovedrive edition).
Fascinating. Klaus sounds SO GOOD on We'll Burn The Sky and Life's Like A River. Matthias looks like he's literally shitting himself on stage, but he plays so good. Rudolf is as whacky as his brother is, just in a different way (he complains about eight times of having to write the music for the whole album; he says it so often that - coupled with what Michael says about him not being very good - you almost have to wonder what's the deal).
It's also fascinating to hear Herman Ze German and Klaus try to intellectually discuss the inspiration for Another Piece of Meat and Lovedrive, respectively. ;) :)
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I watched the live video from Scorpions on the 1979 tour this weekend, as well as the documentary on the recording of Lovedrive (all this is found on the bonus DVD with the 50th Anniversary Lovedrive edition).
Fascinating. Klaus sounds SO GOOD on We'll Burn The Sky and Life's Like A River. Matthias looks like he's literally shitting himself on stage, but he plays so good. Rudolf is as whacky as his brother is, just in a different way (he complains about eight times of having to write the music for the whole album; he says it so often that - coupled with what Michael says about him not being very good - you almost have to wonder what's the deal).
It's also fascinating to hear Herman Ze German and Klaus try to intellectually discuss the inspiration for Another Piece of Meat and Lovedrive, respectively. ;) :)
I've actually been weighing up whether to get this or not.
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Alright, the list no one has been waiting for. No particular order here. As I've said, I suffer from analysis paralysis. My OCD would never allow me to get through more that a top 3, if I was lucky.
So here is my Top 10 + 1. I literally just scribbled down thoughts just before posting this. I have had the list for a few weeks.
Rock Bottom
The first time I heard this, it blew me away. Shocking how young Schenker was.
This Kid's (Including Between The Walls)
Just a great contrast here that really works. The highlight here, for me, is clearly Between The Walls. Just love that whole ending.
A Self Made Man
I mean, we've all mentioned this one. One of UFO's heaviest riffs and a rocking song.
Gone In The Night
I remember calling this out as a highlight of No Place To Run. Lovely song.
Sea Of Faith
One of my absolute favorites. Schenker's contrasting riffs coupled with Dunbar's groove just make me tap my feet every time. Such a groove in this song.
Mr. Freeze
That mid-section is just killer. I know some think it out of place, but I love it.
Dreaming Of Summer
Tim and Kade have said all that needs to be said.
Love To Love
I mean, really, see above.
Angel Station
I came around to this one. Funny as I called out the first 3 tracks as being the only good ones and then I end up settling on this one as a favorite. Nice, bluesy track.
Alpha Centauri / Lettin' Go
Chapman announcing himself with gusto with his solo on Lettin' Go.
Midnight Train
My bonus 11th track is a just nice hard rocker. Just love the relentlessness of the riff.
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Nice top 10 Prof. Great variety and a few deep cuts too.
I still can't really get into Sea of Faith personally. Love the inclusion of This Kids and Mr Freeze too. A couple of nice Chapman songs too. Couple of no brainer classics too.
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Yeah, interesting list.
Lettin' Go just missed my Top 30, but I love that tune. Paul Chapman is great on that. Gone In The Night made my list and that's because it's a great deep track.
Mr. Freeze is a cool tune. and Angel Station? Wow, didn't see that coming.
I'm also a big fan of Sea Of Faith. The bright spot on Sharks.
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My copy of Vices arrived today. Not sure anyone else knew, but this happens to be a 2021 reissue by Rock Candy. I had no idea. Just released in February. It's a little pricey in the US, but it's out there if anyone needs a fresh copy.
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It's an uneven album but I've always liked it. Of course I always started at Sleazy as Love Loaded and Women In Chains are both pretty bad.
The modern day versions of Sleazy are a bit different. In the current version, at around 3:02, there's a part where Fin sings something like "I've been watching from a room". That section was not on the original album, and to me it totally detracts from a great song.
Right From The Start is a great deep cut in the UFO universe. I've always loved that song.
The Danny Vaughn fronted Waysted used to open their show with Toy With The Pasion. Great tune!
And of course Night Of The Wolf :metal
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiadcbbpfS8
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That's insane!
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Solo album by Doogie White:
https://www.thestoreformusic.com/shop.php?~~mode=product&~~id=324354007#!/Doogie-White-As-Yet-Untitled-Then-There-Was-This-Bonus-CD/p/324354007
Apparently one of the co-writers is Paul Lodge from Eden's Curse (I saw this announcement in his Facebook)
The bonus CD is all cover songs: some UFO (including Long Gone), some Iron Maiden (although misspelled, Clairvoyant and Bring You Daughter), some Whitesnake (including Judgement Day).
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Thanks for the info D! This is the first I've heard of it. He surely could've chosen better sings than Bring Your Daughter and Too Hot To Handle. Can't wait to hear Cryin' In The Rain and Emerald.
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Cool, Tim! Also thank's for the tip about Antrax's web episodes in the other thread. :tup
Bring Your Daughter isn't one of my favorites neither, but I think it will be interesting finally hear him singing some Maiden tunes. And I thought really nice that he choose to record Long Gone, Judgement Day and Crying in the Rain.
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They're not the greatest songs but I'm looking forward to hearing him on the Maiden stuff, considering he was beat out by Blaze for the job.
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Fuck yeah, I'm all over this one!
Bring You Daughter though!? :blush
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Alright, so which show should the Listening Party have a meetup? :lol
https://bravewords.com/news/ufo-to-embark-on-farewell-tour-in-summer-2022-final-show-to-take-place-in-athens-greece
Following a number of tours around the globe and countless spectacular shows, British rock legend UFO will embark on its final tour featuring a series of exclusive concerts in summer 2022 to bid farewell to its fans in style.
At the grand finale of a unprecedented success story, which began in 1969 and has spanned more than five decades, the band has announced a number of real highlights: The first one is scheduled to take place on Monday, June 20, 2022 at the Beatbox in Hannover, where UFO are planning a public rehearsal, with a strictly limited number of only 80 tickets available.
One day later, on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, the band will perform a private open-air concert in front of an audience of 300, presenting the full set-list of the subsequent tour, and coming into exceptionally close contact with their fans. Tickets for both concerts will be available exclusively from Eventim from October 1, 2021.
UFO will then play the very last concert of their long career on October 29, 2022 in Athens, Greece, where the band performed its first show featuring current guitarist Vinnie Moore in February 2004.
Singer and band founder Phil Mogg is anticipating this very special farewell show with mixed feelings, while also very much looking forward to UFO once again meeting their extensive fan base between summer and autumn 2022. Says Mogg: “After so many years with countless highlights, fantastic experiences and lots of beautiful memories - as well as some difficult moments, naturally - it’ll be a worthy finale to say goodbye to your fans in person. I know that there are bound to be some very emotional moments on both sides.”
2022 tour dates:
Part 1
June
20 - Hannover, Germany - Beatbox (indoors)
21 - Hannover, Germany - Beatbox (outdoors)
23 - Clisson, France - Hellfest
July
1 - Barcelona, Spain - Rockfest
3 - Munich, Germany - Backstage
5 - Memmingen, Germany - Kaminwerk
7 - Bremen, Germany - Modernes
8 - Berlin, Germany - Hole 44
9 - Torgau, Germany - Kulturbastion Open Air
11 - Tübingen, Germany - Sudhaus
12 - Bochum, Germany - Zeche
13 - Cologne, Germany - Kantine
15 - Frankfurt, Germany - Batschkapp
16 - Enderndorf, Germany - Lieder am See
Part 2
October
15 - Sint Niklaas, Belgium - De Casino
16 - Tilburg, Netherlands - 013
17 - Braunschweig, Germany - Westand
18 - Hamburg, Germany - Fabrik
20 - Prague, Czech Republic - Palac Akropolis
21 - Dresden, Germany - Tante Ju
22 - Erfurt, Germany - HsD
24 - Augsburg, Germany - Spectrum
25 - Speyer, Germany - Halle 101
26 - Nürnberg, Germany - Hirsch
28 - Thessaloniki, Greece - Principal Club
29 - Athens, Greece - Fuzz Club
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I saw that today. Very sad. I was surprised there are no London dates. Maybe something will get added.
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I noticed that after I posted it. They are playing like 30 shows in Germany and nothing in the UK. I found that really odd as well.
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Athens marked the spot for the band's end the first time in 1983.
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I wonder if Schenker makes an appearance at any stage for a guest spot?
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I wonder if Schenker makes an appearance at any stage for a guest spot?
Not a chance.
He's been pretty reflective over the last decade, but I believe this isn't something he would do. I thought I remembered that from some interview along the way. No way I could cite it.
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I think the only shot was if Pete and Paul were still alive. Even then, it stood a snowballs chance. He's been clear he does not get on with Phil and that he thinks the true UFO is with Phil, Pete, Paul and Andy. Anything else won't cut it for him.
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Pete's an interesting story because, as Michael will tell you, he did everything he could to "help" Pete out on numerous occasions.
Unfortunately, Pete was long unfit to play with UFO.
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True, I kind of didn't think about Pete and Paul. Yeah, there's no way he's do it just with Phil. Dunno why I'd think that.
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This also really confirms that they did no new music during the pandemic. They were pretty much writing over the webz as it was. I'm kind of bummed about it. I'm not really surprised, but I guess there was a small part of me holding out hope. The Vinnie Era definitely was not what I expected it to be when I heard he joined the band, but it did turn into something pretty cool on its own.
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Ending on a covers album is a bit of a shitter though.
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Ending on a covers album is a bit of a shitter though.
I think I posted a Vinnie interview in the thread where he mentioned that that came directly from the record company. Much like the Saxon cover album..who fucking cares? :lol
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I still didn't even give it the time for a single listen.
I will say ACOS was a decent ending though if you don't count the covers album. Was quite surprised with that one.
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Yeah, it was a grower for me. They were still making some nice music.
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Bummed that that means without a lengthy trip, my options to see UFO are now officially zero. That's totally my fault, since I missed I think three shows in my area over the past couple years, but sometimes the reality is enough to slap you in the face. :) :)
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Bummed that that means without a lengthy trip, my options to see UFO are now officially zero. That's totally my fault, since I missed I think three shows in my area over the past couple years, but sometimes the reality is enough to slap you in the face. :) :)
Yup, right down the street from you...
(https://i.imgur.com/MT3gP1k.jpg)
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Bummed that that means without a lengthy trip, my options to see UFO are now officially zero. That's totally my fault, since I missed I think three shows in my area over the past couple years, but sometimes the reality is enough to slap you in the face. :) :)
Yup, right down the street from you...
(https://i.imgur.com/MT3gP1k.jpg)
And, worse, FREE.
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So I was perusing new shows added to Dime this morning, and it seems that Michael Schenker is touring in Europe at the moment. Someone uploaded a show from last night in Wolverhampton.
Billed as MSG, but featuring:
Ronnie Romero-vocals
Steve Mann-guitar/keys
Bodo Schopf-drums
Barend Courbois-bass
It sounds pretty good, but what caught my eye were three songs added to the setlist..
Looking For Love, Red Sky, and Rock You To The Ground.
Looking For Love felt a bit slow, but was still cool. Red Sky was a great addition and was really excellent. Rock You To Ground was awesome, and Ronnie sounded really good on it.
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Lol Ronnie is everywhere.
Looking For Love and Rock You are two of my favs from his solo stuff. I'll have to check them out.
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Lol Ronnie is everywhere.
My main beef with him that that I'm a fan of bands, not projects. And you're right, he seemed to be everywhere. And that's no knock on his voice, which is excellent. He's a damn chameleon.
Being that he's with Schenker for the time being, I might as well just sit back and take it in.
He does a great job on Assault Attack. Wow!
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Lol Ronnie is everywhere.
My main beef with him that that I'm a fan of bands, not projects. And you're right, he seemed to be everywhere. And that's no knock on his voice, which is excellent. He's a damn chameleon.
Being that he's with Schenker for the time being, I might as well just sit back and take it in.
He does a great job on Assault Attack. Wow!
That's the thing sometimes hey, can't do anything about it so might as well try and enjoy haha.
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So is the "Fest" thing done or is it something he switches on and off? Man, that's one of the things I don't like about Schenker; it's sometimes so hard to follow the progression.
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So is the "Fest" thing done or is it something he switches on and off? Man, that's one of the things I don't like about Schenker; it's sometimes so hard to follow the progression.
So basically everything was released under the Michale Schenker Group label through 2010. In 2011, Michael tried to get a band off the ground with Pete Way, Herman Rarebell, and Michael Voss.
It was to be called Temple Of Rock.
I think the record company insisted it be under Michael Schenker's name.
Well, Pete Way was a mess at the time, and only played a few tunes. Michael Voss was on vocals, and Doogie White sang on one song. By the time they went and toured the album, Francis Buccholz joined on bass and Doogie took over full time vocals.
This lineup made Bridge The Gap and Spirit On A Mission, two of Michael's best albums.
So technically, 3 albums were released under the Michael Schenker's Temple Of Rock label.
He ended up getting an offer to tour Japan with his 3 original singers (Barden, Bonnet, and McCauley). Doogie White wasn't even part of it originally. He's not on the live album that was recorded.
They called it the Michael Schenker Fest celebrating Michael's career, or at least those classic years.
Michael brought Doogie back in so he could merge the classic singers with his current singer. The Michael Schenker Fest recorded two albums, Ressurection and Revelation.
Michael decided that he would to a Michael Schenker Group album to coincide with his 50th year in music. He thought he should move on from Doogie to keep things fresh. He chose Ronnie Romero to sing on the album. The problem was, due to Covid, Romero couldn't get there, so Michael continued recording without him. He had Michael Voss with him, who sang all of the guide vocals on the demos, and Ralph Scheepers was also in Germany, so he did a couple of songs. Somehow, Joe Lynn Turner was available and he did a couple of tunes. Ultimately, Romero finished the last few tracks.
Unfortunately, with the many vocalists, it does come off like the two MS Fest that preceeded it, but without the familiar vocalists. I think that threw you guys, but I'll be honest, Immortal is better than both Ressurection and Revelation.
So now Michael is back to touring as MSG, and he has Romero with him.
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That’s a good summary, TAC. :tup
I still haven't gotten around to checking out Immortal.
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That’s a good summary, TAC. :tup
I still haven't gotten around to checking out Immortal.
It was pretty disappointing if you ask me.
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That’s a good summary, TAC. :tup
I still haven't gotten around to checking out Immortal.
It was pretty disappointing if you ask me.
What was disappointing? TAC’s summary?....or Immortal? :lol
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That’s a good summary, TAC. :tup
I still haven't gotten around to checking out Immortal.
It was pretty disappointing if you ask me.
What was disappointing? TAC’s summary?....or Immortal? :lol
:lol
No comment.
Nah I thought Immortal was pretty weak. I compare everything of his to Bridge the Gap, which isn't fair really.
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That’s a good summary, TAC. :tup
I still haven't gotten around to checking out Immortal.
It was pretty disappointing if you ask me.
What was disappointing? TAC’s summary?....or Immortal? :lol
Haha! Good one!
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Oh hilarious ;D
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Jeez, Ronnie does sound good.
I wish Schenker would get a new hat though. Even back to the good old baseball cap.
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https://bravewords.com/news/michael-schenker-s-msg-to-release-universal-album-in-may
Woah! Where did this come from? I’m stoked.
Hell of a lineup too. Of course Ronnie is the main singer, and Ralf Sheepers is there again and…,
Michael Kiske!!!!!!!!!
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Wow, Michael Schenker really works a lot and fast!! It seems the Kiske’s song is THE song of the album!
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https://bravewords.com/news/michael-schenker-s-msg-to-release-universal-album-in-may
Woah! Where did this come from? I’m stoked.
Hell of a lineup too. Of course Ronnie is the main singer, and Ralf Sheepers is there again and…,
Michael Kiske!!!!!!!!!
I liked this little nugget:
The rock anthem "A King Has Gone" and its intro "Calling Baal" both have a special significance: The track, sung by Helloween frontman Michael Kiske, is a tribute to the immortal Ronnie James Dio, in particular to his performance on the 1976 hard rock classic Rainbow Rising. For this reason, Schenker has brought together an original Rainbow rhythm section consisting of Bobby Rondinelli and Bob Daisley, additionally enlisting keyboardist Tony Carey, who also played on Rainbow Rising, for a terrific Moog synth intro - a direct reference to the iconic intro of the 1976 album opener "Tarot Woman". The impressive result "Calling Baal"/"A King Has Gone" is already considered to be one of the most important and successful songs in Schenker’s career to date, both musically and lyrically.
That, and "The Universe", featuring an atmospheric duet by Ronnie Romero and Gary Barden. I still think Barden is my favorite Schenker singer.
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Kiske is an interesting and most pleasant surprise.
I really hope it's better than the last one.
That album cover though. :lol
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https://bravewords.com/news/michael-schenker-s-msg-to-release-universal-album-in-may
Woah! Where did this come from? I’m stoked.
Hell of a lineup too. Of course Ronnie is the main singer, and Ralf Sheepers is there again and…,
Michael Kiske!!!!!!!!!
I liked this little nugget:
The rock anthem "A King Has Gone" and its intro "Calling Baal" both have a special significance: The track, sung by Helloween frontman Michael Kiske, is a tribute to the immortal Ronnie James Dio, in particular to his performance on the 1976 hard rock classic Rainbow Rising. For this reason, Schenker has brought together an original Rainbow rhythm section consisting of Bobby Rondinelli and Bob Daisley, additionally enlisting keyboardist Tony Carey, who also played on Rainbow Rising, for a terrific Moog synth intro - a direct reference to the iconic intro of the 1976 album opener "Tarot Woman". The impressive result "Calling Baal"/"A King Has Gone" is already considered to be one of the most important and successful songs in Schenker’s career to date, both musically and lyrically.
That, and "The Universe", featuring an atmospheric duet by Ronnie Romero and Gary Barden. I still think Barden is my favorite Schenker singer.
Oh man...I didn't even see the end of the article on my phone at work. WOW, that sounds awesome!!!!!! I literally cannot wait for this. Damn, Schenker has been productive.
I really hope it's better than the last one.
Well, for starters, if has Kiske!!!
Actually the last one was pretty good, songwise. I thought it was better than the two Fest albums that came before it.
That album cover though. :lol
:lol
(https://bravewords.com/medias-static/images/news/2022/msgcd322.jpeg)
Classic! :lol
Can't wait for the next round of media interviews.
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How can he drive that thing while playing guitar?
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Well, it's a flying V.
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:lol Well spotted.
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:rollin you chaps are hilarious.
Looking forward to checking this one out.
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How can he drive that thing while playing guitar?
This is exactly what went through my head when I saw that, then I saw your comment. We really seem to be on the same wavelength at times. :lol
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How can he drive that thing while playing guitar?
This is exactly what went through my head when I saw that, then I saw your comment. We really seem to be on the same wavelength at times. :lol
:tup That's cool with me Prof.
He's sitting so casually too with his leg up. :lol But the look of his face is like he's going straight into a meteorite and he's thinking, 'oh shit I should be driving this thing not playing the single string.'
Maybe its his licks that is actually powering it.
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Saw this tweet today. Schenker has been putting a scorpion in his album covers.
https://twitter.com/mitchlafon/status/1499769172397641732?s=20&t=IzMFwvs4vLSx6iIjJae-4g
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I love that stuff. That's cool.
Now, this is real fantasy land, but I would LOVE to hear Klaus Meine and Michael Schenker write some songs. THAT would be an album.
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Saw this tweet today. Schenker has been putting a scorpion in his album covers.
https://twitter.com/mitchlafon/status/1499769172397641732?s=20&t=IzMFwvs4vLSx6iIjJae-4g
Nice little touch that.
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It's all part of him celebrating his history over the last few years and albums, ever since the Michael Schenker Fest.
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It's all part of him celebrating his history over the last few years and albums, ever since the Michael Schenker Fest.
So it's not a 'fuck you' to his brother? :lol
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No. I mean, if on the next album, he's stepping on the Scorpion, then sure.
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No. I mean, if on the next album, he's stepping on the Scorpion, then sure.
:lol Fair play.
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Like I said, a new album means a shit ton of new interviews are on the way on youtube. I can't wait. :lol
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Like I said, a new album means a shit ton of new interviews are on the way on youtube. I can't wait. :lol
That's a great point! :lol
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New Schenkah!
Emergency
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWRsuIo7wSg
Some interesting, maybe jarring drum patterns on first listen. Reminds me of Covenant. Great playing by Michael, but I may need to hear this a few times to figure it out.
He's coming to this area in October!
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That was pretty decent.
I see that Mikey is still wearing that dead animal on his head. How unfortunate :lol
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New Schenkah!
Emergency
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWRsuIo7wSg
Some interesting, maybe jarring drum patterns on first listen. Reminds me of Covenant. Great playing by Michael, but I may need to hear this a few times to figure it out.
He's coming to this area in October!
That was easily better than anything on the last one (besides ISOPOM). Could hear this on Bridge the Gap. Really quite excellent, Ronnie works well.
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Yeah, I have nothing against Ronnie, and actually think he's quite excellent. It was just that every album that came out over a two year span seemed to have him on it.
I'm really looking forward to this album, especially the Kiske tune.
Interesting that it's billed as Michael Schenker's MSG.
His last album was pretty good. Better on the whole than the two Michael Schenker Fest albums that preceeded it. Still, I'm happy he's been so productive. I'd rather not wait 6 or 7 years for a great 10 song album. I'm fine with 5 albums released where I can cull 10-12 excellent tunes from. I'll find something to like about the rest.
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Really cool and unexpectedly a bit prog for a 4 minute, first single, MSG's song.
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Yeah, that main riff is very very cool.
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I thought it was awful. Michael shitting on his own legacy by putting out substandard crap, an uninspired solo, and the fashion sense of a 12 year old. It's embarrassing, honestly.
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I thought it was awful. Michael shitting on his own legacy by putting out substandard crap, an inspired solo, and the fashion sense of a 12 year old. It's embarrassing, honestly.
Interesting take.
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I meant "uninspired" solo. I've edited it.
I know this is primarily a thread for fans and I probably should keep my negative comments to myself, but Michael was one of my idols growing up, and I can help feeling let down. He's only human, and a damned odd one at that, but I don't feel it's necessary to gush over everything he does just because it's him.
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I don't feel it's necessary to gush over everything he does just because it's him.
Who is doing that?
Zoom, Kade, and Deveira thought it was cool. I thought it had some nice playing, especially towards the ending. That's hardly gushing. Kade and Stadler are on record here as saying the last album stunk.
I know this is primarily a thread for fans and I probably should keep my negative comments to myself,
It's my thread, and I certainly don't have an issue with negative comments. I appreciate your opinion, honestly. This is a Listening Party and discussion thread. We have a new album coming out soon, and we'll discuss it. If it stinks, then it stinks. It's fine. I consider us all sitting having a beer talking music.
Michael shitting on his own legacy by putting out substandard crap,
I'd argue that he's spent the last 10 years RESTORING his legacy. This will be Michael's EIGTH album in the last 11 years. If I take 1974-1984 and consider that his 10 BEST years, then I'm taking 2012-2022 as the next 10 best years of his career. He put out a lot of crap for a long time. He's been clean and creative for the last decade.
The way he writes is when he has 10 songs, he records an album. He doesn't write 20 to find the 10 best. He has mentioned that. I'd rather get 8 albums with mixed results than 2 albums of all excellent songs. I can easily make a playlist of 20 excellent songs, and more, over these last 8 albums. I know how the new one will be. Same as all of them. 3 songs I love, 2 songs I hate, 3 that are pretty decent, and 2 that I don't go either way on.
After 2 listens, I can't say I love the new song. I'm not happy that Ronnie Romero is the lead singer on the album either. But I am sure as hell looking forward to it.
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I meant "uninspired" solo. I've edited it.
I know this is primarily a thread for fans and I probably should keep my negative comments to myself, but Michael was one of my idols growing up, and I can help feeling let down. He's only human, and a damned odd one at that, but I don't feel it's necessary to gush over everything he does just because it's him.
Negative comments are fine Gregg. I've only become a real fan since Tim created this thread. As Tim said, I didn't like the last album at all. I haven't liked everything I've heard from him either, but I do like this track.
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Two things contributed to the tone of my post yesterday, methinks. 1) I'm 60, and grumpiness tends rear its ugly head unlooked for. 2) While at the gym earlier in the morning, Self Made Man showed up on shuffle. So, I had the greatness of Michael's guitar work for that song fresh in my memory. By comparison (probably unfairly) the new song just didn't stack up. :biggrin:
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No worries Gregg. I’m 53 and grumpy as hell. It’s actually getting worse. :lol
Ain’t much gonna stack up with Walk On Water.
FTR, I’m not sold on this track either. I feel like it’ll probably end up being o e if the tracks that I could go both ways on.
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Two things contributed to the tone of my post yesterday, methinks. 1) I'm 60, and grumpiness tends rear its ugly head unlooked for. 2) While at the gym earlier in the morning, Self Made Man showed up on shuffle. So, I had the greatness of Michael's guitar work for that song fresh in my memory. By comparison (probably unfairly) the new song just didn't stack up. :biggrin:
Such a great song, and an amazing album.
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No worries Gregg. I’m 53 and grumpy as hell. It’s actually getting worse. :lol
I think we all should just call ourselves Carl while at home and on this forum ;)
(https://www.dvdizzy.com/images/t-v/up-ff01.jpg)
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I liked the song, the riff is excellent as is the solo, but I'm kind of over Ronnie Romero, to be honest. I thought he was an interesting choice for Blackmore; he kind of had the mix of Dio and Turner that Ritchie was always craving, but his voice is kind of bland, in my opinion. I can sort of understand why Blackmore didn't do a studio album with him (though I'm not at all suggesting that's the REAL reason there is no new Rainbow). I didn't really care for his work with Michael; I'm still into the "Fest" stuff, and want to hear more Barden and Bonnet and McAuley and White. So I'm not jazzed for this other than the song with Michael Kiske. I will buy it, though, since Michael has been playing his ass off lately.
I will say this, though: as much as he as resuscitated his career, this is typical Michael Schenker; it is SO hard to follow the trajectory of his career. Is it MSG? Is it McAuley Schenker? Is it Temple of Rock? Is it Michael Schenker Fest? Schenker Barden? Michael Schenker's MSG? He's got a different band name for every release it seems like. (And isn't "Michael Schenker's MSG" sort of like saying "ATM machine"?)
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(And isn't "Michael Schenker's MSG" sort of like saying "ATM machine"?)
Ha! In my line of work the equivalent to that is NIC card (network interface card). I had a teacher when I was getting my computer training who hated when people said that and would shame you every time. It became ingrained in me. To tell you how old I am, he was teaching us how to code in DOS. It was my favorite class.
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(And isn't "Michael Schenker's MSG" sort of like saying "ATM machine"?)
Ha! In my line of work the equivalent to that is NIC card (network interface card). I had a teacher when I was getting my computer training who hated when people said that and would shame you every time. It became ingrained in me. To tell you how old I am, he was teaching us how to code in DOS. It was my favorite class.
To tell you how old I am, I don’t even know what DOS is.
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(And isn't "Michael Schenker's MSG" sort of like saying "ATM machine"?)
Ha! In my line of work the equivalent to that is NIC card (network interface card). I had a teacher when I was getting my computer training who hated when people said that and would shame you every time. It became ingrained in me. To tell you how old I am, he was teaching us how to code in DOS. It was my favorite class.
To tell you how old I am, I don’t even know what DOS is.
:lol That doesn't relate to age, that's just you being you Tim.
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(And isn't "Michael Schenker's MSG" sort of like saying "ATM machine"?)
Ha! In my line of work the equivalent to that is NIC card (network interface card). I had a teacher when I was getting my computer training who hated when people said that and would shame you every time. It became ingrained in me. To tell you how old I am, he was teaching us how to code in DOS. It was my favorite class.
To tell you how old I am, I don’t even know what DOS is.
:lol That doesn't relate to age, that's just you being you Tim.
And DOS has been around since the 80s :lol
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More like D'oh for Tim!
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Oh it’s bad.
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Actually, DOS should be his operating system based on its release year.
Notable albums released the same year as DOS:
The Wild, the Willing and the Innocent
MSG
:rollin
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My two favorite albums from my favorite year of music.
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Michael's press tour has begun!
The Metal Voice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWMfgOSl5c0
Host: "I was surprised to see that Michael Kiske on the record"
Michael: "So was I!" :lol
Host: "Going back to The King Is Gone, it sounds like an homage to Richie Blackmore as well"
Michael: "To me it sounds like Michael Schenker" :rollin
Him talking about song lyrics is hilarious. KK Downing too.
He mentioned that Simon Phillips is the drummer on Emergency, the song that was released a couple of weeks ago.
And no, he has not made up with Rudolf. :lol
If you have 15 minutes and need a good laugh, check this out.
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Nice. I'll be watching this tonight.
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Nice. I'll be watching this tonight.
It's only his voice as it's a phone interview, but the hosts are on screen, and you can hear them chuckle to each other at some of the things he says. I was literally laughing.
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Can't wait.
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Michael's press tour has begun!
The Metal Voice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWMfgOSl5c0
Host: "I was surprised to see that Michael Kiske on the record"
Michael: "So was I!" :lol
Host: "Going back to The King Is Gone, it sounds like an homage to Richie Blackmore as well"
Michael: "To me it sounds like Michael Schenker" :rollin
Him talking about song lyrics is hilarious. KK Downing too.
He mentioned that Simon Phillips is the drummer on Emergency, the song that was released a couple of weeks ago.
And no, he has not made up with Rudolf. :lol
If you have 15 minutes and need a good laugh, check this out.
Classic Michael, right there.
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Seeing as he still claims that he does not listen to music other than his own, would he even know what Blackmore sounds like?
I can't fathom not listening to music. It's my lifeblood. That statement from him just baffles me.
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Seeing as he still claims that he does not listen to music other than his own, would he even know what Blackmore sounds like?
I can't fathom not listening to music. It's my lifeblood. That statement from him just baffles me.
That always baffled me, too. I can't imagine it either. But then again, I can also see being so consumed by your own music that other people's doesn't give you joy. It's kind of like knowing how a magic trick works; other magicians are probably respectful of Penn and Teller or David Copperfield for their craft, but it's not like they are fooled or tricked. I don't know.
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While I take that comment with a grain of salt, it wouldn't shock me if it's fairly close to the truth. He strikes me as really eccentric.
In the interview, it's interesting how he hands a song off to Michael Voss to write the lyrics. That part of the interview is quite hilarious.
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Michael's press tour has begun!
The Metal Voice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWMfgOSl5c0
Host: "I was surprised to see that Michael Kiske on the record"
Michael: "So was I!" :lol
Host: "Going back to The King Is Gone, it sounds like an homage to Richie Blackmore as well"
Michael: "To me it sounds like Michael Schenker" :rollin
Him talking about song lyrics is hilarious. KK Downing too.
He mentioned that Simon Phillips is the drummer on Emergency, the song that was released a couple of weeks ago.
And no, he has not made up with Rudolf. :lol
If you have 15 minutes and need a good laugh, check this out.
FANTASTIC! Lol, he loves that word.
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BULLY. He loves that word too. :lol
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Phil Mogg turns 74 today!
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Phil Mogg turns 74 today!
:metal
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And Rudolf responds to Michael.
https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rudolf-schenker-on-his-brother-michael-schenker-he-can-say-whatever-he-wants-to-say/
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And Rudolf responds to Michael.
https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rudolf-schenker-on-his-brother-michael-schenker-he-can-say-whatever-he-wants-to-say/
Rudy is taking the high road.
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And Rudolf responds to Michael.
https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rudolf-schenker-on-his-brother-michael-schenker-he-can-say-whatever-he-wants-to-say/
Just as bitter as his brother.
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Had my iPod on shuffle on my way to and from the Biffy Clyro show in Chicago tonight. Makin' Moves comes on while driving home. Man, that thing rips! Chapman is going off. Looked back at my top 10 and that track wasn't there. Not sure why because that was pretty awesome.
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Had my iPod on shuffle on my way to and from the Biffy Clyro show in Chicago tonight. Makin' Moves comes on while driving home. Man, that thing rips! Chapman is going off. Looked back at my top 10 and that track wasn't there. Not sure why because that was pretty awesome.
That one, plus a few others jumped out when I went back through the Chapman stuff. I too wondered how I missed it the first time around.
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Had my iPod on shuffle on my way to and from the Biffy Clyro show in Chicago tonight. Makin' Moves comes on while driving home. Man, that thing rips! Chapman is going off. Looked back at my top 10 and that track wasn't there. Not sure why because that was pretty awesome.
Thanks to you it’s gonna be a UFO day today at work.
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Michael Schenker did a Rainbow tribute song with Michael Kiske singing and the Rainbow rising rhythm section of Bob Daisley and Bob Rondinelli. I haven't checked out as much MSG lately but may need to check this upcoming album out...
https://youtube.com/watch?v=tW4UqC16nvM
Thank you Deathless. Oh shit!!
I cannot wait to get home and hear this!!
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I’m a little apprehensive about listening. This is a dream collaboration for me.
EDIT: Listened to the song a couple of times. With the subject matter, I guess I was expecting something a bit more...epic.
This is pretty much a straight ahead traditional track. I like the song much better than the first song released. Great to hear Kiske and Schenker on one song together. My ears are quite happy.
Schenker's tone is exquisite.
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Hmmmm.....Kiske makes an average song a pretty decent song.
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Hmmmm.....Kiske makes an average song a pretty decent song.
Everything is better with Kiske! :lol
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Hmmmm.....Kiske makes an average song a pretty decent song.
Everything is better with Kiske! :lol
It's funny, Kiske has been a grower for so many years. As you know the Andi era Helloween was where it was at for me and early on, (maybe around the Dark Ride, 2000) discovering Helloween, I couldn't take to Kiske's vocals at all. Funny now I agree that he is easily one of the greatest singers of all time with the greatest voice. Funny how time changes your opinions and thoughts.
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Hmmmm.....Kiske makes an average song a pretty decent song.
Everything is better with Kiske! :lol
It's funny, Kiske has been a grower for so many years. As you know the Andi era Helloween was where it was at for me and early on, (maybe around the Dark Ride, 2000) discovering Helloween, I couldn't take to Kiske's vocals at all. Funny now I agree that he is easily one of the greatest singers of all time with the greatest voice. Funny how time changes your opinions and thoughts.
And for me, I'm the opposite. I love Andi Deris now!
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Hmmmm.....Kiske makes an average song a pretty decent song.
Everything is better with Kiske! :lol
It's funny, Kiske has been a grower for so many years. As you know the Andi era Helloween was where it was at for me and early on, (maybe around the Dark Ride, 2000) discovering Helloween, I couldn't take to Kiske's vocals at all. Funny now I agree that he is easily one of the greatest singers of all time with the greatest voice. Funny how time changes your opinions and thoughts.
And for me, I'm the opposite. I love Andi Deris now!
Ha, yeah true!! :metal
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YQfGEJjE0D0/Wn_t96fSqYI/AAAAAAAAMgQ/olcY9HDTbc4vhkdfoTbB6HrGr0CVls6vgCLcBGAs/s1600/why-not-both-animated-gif-7.gif)
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Definitely. Helloween moved into my Top 5 bands because of Deris.
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Definitely. Helloween moved into my Top 5 bands because of Deris.
WOW!
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I’m a little apprehensive about listening. This is a dream collaboration for me.
EDIT: Listened to the song a couple of times. With the subject matter, I guess I was expecting something a bit more...epic.
This is pretty much a straight ahead traditional track. I like the song much better than the first song released. Great to hear Kiske and Schenker on one song together. My ears are quite happy.
Schenker's tone is exquisite.
That was a nice listen indeed. Somehow it was reminiscent of early MSG, with that “exquisite tone”.
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Well, that was underwhelming. I was expecting something more epic. And I’ve never liked Kiske’s vibrato. There, I said it.
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Well, that was underwhelming. I was expecting something more epic. And I’ve never liked Kiske’s vibrato. There, I said it.
His vibrato was one thing early on that troubled me and made it hard to warm to him. I don't have an issue with it at all now.
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I don't love when he uses it. He hasn't used it in years, and I was bummed it returned in this song. I enjoy the track though. I did have high hopes for it, but... It's still really nice.
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I don't love when he uses it. He hasn't used it in years, and I was bummed it returned in this song. I enjoy the track though. I did have high hopes for it, but... It's still really nice.
Really? Maybe I just enjoy his voice so much now I don't really notice.
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I don't love when he uses it. He hasn't used it in years, and I was bummed it returned in this song. I enjoy the track though. I did have high hopes for it, but... It's still really nice.
Really? Maybe I just enjoy his voice so much now I don't really notice.
You can hear it on the first Kiske Somerville album, and even on the first Unisonic album. Thankfully it's not their on Light Of Dawn. It's not there on the latest Helloween album either. It was something he was using in the 00's.
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I don't love when he uses it. He hasn't used it in years, and I was bummed it returned in this song. I enjoy the track though. I did have high hopes for it, but... It's still really nice.
Really? Maybe I just enjoy his voice so much now I don't really notice.
You can hear it on the first Kiske Somerville album, and even on the first Unisonic album. Thankfully it's not their on Light Of Dawn. It's not there on the latest Helloween album either. It was something he was using in the 00's.
Hmmm...interesting, yeah can't say I've really noticed. I really like that Kiske Somerville album. Decent melodic rock. Even the second one was damn good IMO.
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I enjoyed the first one....but I don't think I gave the second one a chance. He has made some sketchy music while he was "out of metal" but his voice has always been wonderful.
Kind of like Schenker. He's made loads of sketchy music, but for my ears, I just love hearing him.
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I enjoyed the first one....but I don't think I gave the second one a chance. He has made some sketchy music while he was "out of metal" but his voice has always been wonderful.
Kind of like Schenker. He's made loads of sketchy music, but for my ears, I just love hearing him.
The first one felt more organic and real......if that makes sense. The second one was kind of during the transition phase where Frontiers were churning out more and more albums just because. So it's kind of where Magnus just started writing to fulfill a contract. You can hear that and was the first album of his I started to raise my eyebrows.....but....it's a still a nice listen.
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Videos are starting to get posted from MSG's European tour.
There's some footage from Helsinki, and here's the full Norway show.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpmFXIYajgc
Notable is that Robin McAuley is doing this leg of the tour, and NOT Ronnie Romero.
Thankyouverymuch. Robin is amazing.
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^ That he is! Some set of pipes for a 69-year old!
I was at that Helsinki show. Pretty damn spectacular. They didn't play any songs from the McAuley Schenker albums, oddly enough. Although the all-UFO encore was enjoyable as such, I wouldn't have minded them throwing in a less obvious classic. Love To Love in particular would've been awesome.
Michael played great and sounded fantastic, touring with his own Marshall JCM800's and all. Such a treat to finally see him live! :metal
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Videos are starting to get posted from MSG's European tour.
There's some footage from Helsinki, and here's the full Norway show.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpmFXIYajgc
Notable is that Robin McAuley is doing this leg of the tour, and NOT Ronnie Romero.
Thankyouverymuch. Robin is amazing.
I've REALLY come around on Robin McAuley. I literally stopped listening to MSG when Gary left the second time and to this day don't own any of the McAuley Schenker albums. But this "Fest", listening to all the singers together, and seeing them live, I realize that it was the material not the singer. I'm burned out on Ronnie Romero, frankly (and as a Blackmore fanboy, I thought he was only okay on those latter day Rainbow records) and would much rather hear Robin singing that material.
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I am praying that Robin does the US tour, but I don't think he is.
I know you love Barden,. and I hear you..MSG and One Night At Budokan were landmark albums for me.
And the first McCauley Schenker album, Perfect Timing, was really disappointing. It's aged pretty well though. Now I just enjoy it for what it is, and not what I hoped it would be. Save Yourself is a lot heaver.
I think Barden is awful now though. Even In The Midst Of Beauty kind of blew. His songs and performances are easily the worst on the two Fest albums.
But he seems like a great guy.
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Barden sucks, don't like him at all.
I have ITMOB on CD that I found back instore when this thread was underway, it's still in the wrapping. :lol
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Barden sucks, don't like him at all.
I have ITMOB on CD that I found back instore when this thread was underway, it's still in the wrapping. :lol
I'd return it. :lol
The thing is, the second MSG album, with Barden, is a Top 5 album of all time for me. And while I never thought he was great, his voice is perfect for THAT album.
When I heard he was making an album with Schenker (ITMOB), I was psyched. But holy shit does it suck. And it's not even because of Barden. The album just blows all the way around.
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Barden sucks, don't like him at all.
I have ITMOB on CD that I found back instore when this thread was underway, it's still in the wrapping. :lol
I'd return it. :lol
The thing is, the second MSG album, with Barden, is a Top 5 album of all time for me. And while I never thought he was great, his voice is perfect for THAT album.
When I heard he was making an album with Schenker (ITMOB), I was psyched. But holy shit does it suck. And it's not even because of Barden. The album just blows all the way around.
The receipt is long gone. :lol
I might unwrap it and post some impressions later in the week or on the weekend.
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I might unwrap it and post some impressions later in the week or on the weekend.
Oh please do! :metal :lol
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I might unwrap it and post some impressions later in the week or on the weekend.
Oh please do! :metal :lol
Okay. Probably not til Saturday but I'll have a listen. Im sure I checked a song or two when you featured it but can't remember.
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For what it's worth, I actually really like In The Midst Of Beauty. It's one of the many albums I bought as a result of this thread.
I also really like the acoustic album, Gipsy Lady, that the 2 of them did.
EDIT: Oh yeah, and I still can't stand Robin. At all.
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The thing is, the second MSG album, with Barden, is a Top 5 album of all time for me.
(https://c.tenor.com/v6wlcV-G_0QAAAAC/yoda-star-wars.gif)
EDIT: Oh yeah, and I still can't stand Robin. At all.
This is why he is the Professor. :clap:
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Do you have anything positive to say?? WTF?
Seriously, I took your advice in the golf thread when I was being a dick...maybe you should do the same.
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I am praying that Robin does the US tour, but I don't think he is.
I know you love Barden,. and I hear you..MSG and One Night At Budokan were landmark albums for me.
And the first McCauley Schenker album, Perfect Timing, was really disappointing. It's aged pretty well though. Now I just enjoy it for what it is, and not what I hoped it would be. Save Yourself is a lot heaver.
I think Barden is awful now though. Even In The Midst Of Beauty kind of blew. His songs and performances are easily the worst on the two Fest albums.
But he seems like a great guy.
He shot the shit with me for about 15 minutes on the sidewalk outside Irving Plaza after the first Fest show there.
(https://i.imgur.com/TFUtK39.jpg)
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Do you have anything positive to say?? WTF?
Seriously, I took your advice in the golf thread when I was being a dick...maybe you should do the same.
Yes, yes I do. Michael Schenker is one of the greatest guitarist of all time...IMO. He has created lead guitar work that no matter how many times I hear it, it sends chills down my spine. The vast majority of his discography is wonderful.
I find it funny that you think a few of my negative comments about singers he had equates to me being a dick. Would it be better if I just used a TACism and said, "It blows" or "That sucks"? :lol
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In the Midst of Beauty. :lol
What an atrocious album. Halfway through I almost turned it off. No Schenker magic can save this steaming pile of shit. Although, the five song run from Wings of Emotion to I Am the One was a bit better, there were some cool moments in there. These were palatable, but what's the fucking point when you're buried in shit?! But then after those songs it finishes with Ride on My Way. WTF is this? :rollin
I had to laugh at the first song City Lights. Did Schenker sit down with Gary and say, "Hey Gary, remember On and On, that was a great song. Let's rip that song off yet water it down, take all the balls, crunch and sense of melody out of it, see what's left and we'll use it as the opener. I'll play the same solos at least to make it sound passable. Oh, and when you sing the chorus, do it as soon as you wake up from a 12 hour sleep."
Seriously, I can't fucking stand Barden. What a boring, plain, generic, stale fucking vocalist he is. The dude wouldn't know personality if it bit him on the dick.
Competition, what the fucking fuck kind of Hillary Duff kind of shit is this? The fuck is that chorus, seriously?! I think I'll stop now. What a waste of $25 this CD was. I wish I never unwrapped it. Maybe I'm just being harsh.......nah, I don't have time for this shit, Schenker is better than this, Barden though, is not.
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He shot the shit with me for about 15 minutes on the sidewalk outside Irving Plaza after the first Fest show there.
You were kind to give him 15 minutes of your time Bill. I hope he appreciated it.
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I do believe that Barden has reached the same level of reverence with Kade as Del Vecchio and Issa. Rarefied air up (down?) there. :lol
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He shot the shit with me for about 15 minutes on the sidewalk outside Irving Plaza after the first Fest show there.
You were kind to give him 15 minutes of your time Bill. I hope he appreciated it.
He appreciated the time I'm sure. He probably just didn't appreciate not getting a word in edgewise.
In the Midst of Beauty. :lol
What an atrocious album. Halfway through I almost turned it off. No Schenker magic can save this steaming pile of shit. Although, the five song run from Wings of Emotion to I Am the One was a bit better, there were some cool moments in there. These were palatable, but what's the fucking point when you're buried in shit?! But then after those songs it finishes with Ride on My Way. WTF is this? :rollin
I had to laugh at the first song City Lights. Did Schenker sit down with Gary and say, "Hey Gary, remember On and On, that was a great song. Let's rip that song off yet water it down, take all the balls, crunch and sense of melody out of it, see what's left and we'll use it as the opener. I'll play the same solos at least to make it sound passable. Oh, and when you sing the chorus, do it as soon as you wake up from a 12 hour sleep."
Seriously, I can't fucking stand Barden. What a boring, plain, generic, stale fucking vocalist he is. The dude wouldn't know personality if it bit him on the dick.
Competition, what the fucking fuck kind of Hillary Duff kind of shit is this? The fuck is that chorus, seriously?! I think I'll stop now. What a waste of $25 this CD was. I wish I never unwrapped it. Maybe I'm just being harsh.......nah, I don't have time for this shit, Schenker is better than this, Barden though, is not.
I told you it blows. :lol
It is literally one of the worst, if not The Worst album in his catalog. Barden sounds horrendous. I put it on last night while we were talking, and as soon as he started singing the first song, I knew you'd probably last 30 seconds. The production is quite punchless as well, and I've never been a fan of Simon Philips' pitter patter drum style.
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I get what you mean with the production, but I didn't have that much of a problem with it. But damn, I could have turned it off halfway through that first song, Barden is laughable on this album.
I do believe that Barden has reached the same level of reverence with Kade as Del Vecchio and Issa. Rarefied air up (down?) there. :lol
I actually knew this comment was probably going to come as I was typing. :lol To be fair, on the old stuff, I've said during the thread that I'm not a fan but I didn't really have an issue with him on those old albums but flat out sucks here.
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Yeah, it's embarrassing, really. And he's awful on the two Fest albums. His songs are easily the worst.
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Yeah, it's embarrassing, really. And he's awful on the two Fest albums. His songs are easily the worst.
I remember liking one of his songs on Resurrection quite a bit but yeah, he's up against it with the other singers for sure. Dude's punched above his weight his whole career.
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In the Midst of Beauty. :lol
What an atrocious album. Halfway through I almost turned it off. No Schenker magic can save this steaming pile of shit. Although, the five song run from Wings of Emotion to I Am the One was a bit better, there were some cool moments in there. These were palatable, but what's the fucking point when you're buried in shit?! But then after those songs it finishes with Ride on My Way. WTF is this? :rollin
I had to laugh at the first song City Lights. Did Schenker sit down with Gary and say, "Hey Gary, remember On and On, that was a great song. Let's rip that song off yet water it down, take all the balls, crunch and sense of melody out of it, see what's left and we'll use it as the opener. I'll play the same solos at least to make it sound passable. Oh, and when you sing the chorus, do it as soon as you wake up from a 12 hour sleep."
Seriously, I can't fucking stand Barden. What a boring, plain, generic, stale fucking vocalist he is. The dude wouldn't know personality if it bit him on the dick.
Competition, what the fucking fuck kind of Hillary Duff kind of shit is this? The fuck is that chorus, seriously?! I think I'll stop now. What a waste of $25 this CD was. I wish I never unwrapped it. Maybe I'm just being harsh.......nah, I don't have time for this shit, Schenker is better than this, Barden though, is not.
I told you it blows. :lol
It is literally one of the worst, if not The Worst album in his catalog. Barden sounds horrendous. I put it on last night while we were talking, and as soon as he started singing the first song, I knew you'd probably last 30 seconds. The production is quite punchless as well, and I've never been a fan of Simon Philips' pitter patter drum style.
In the Midst of Excrement?
That was the first Schenker album I had bought since Save Yourself, and it was the reason I didn’t buy another Schenker album until Bridge the Gap. So bad :lol
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Haha yep. Thank God he cleaned his ears out, got Doogie and added some balls for Bridge the Gap. :metal
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He shot the shit with me for about 15 minutes on the sidewalk outside Irving Plaza after the first Fest show there.
You were kind to give him 15 minutes of your time Bill. I hope he appreciated it.
HAHAHAHA, that made me laugh out loud. :) :) :) :)
He asked me about the weather in Philly (their next stop on that tour), so maybe he DOES owe me. :) What am I, a fuckin' weatherman?!?
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He shot the shit with me for about 15 minutes on the sidewalk outside Irving Plaza after the first Fest show there.
You were kind to give him 15 minutes of your time Bill. I hope he appreciated it.
HAHAHAHA, that made me laugh out loud. :) :) :) :)
He asked me about the weather in Philly (their next stop on that tour), so maybe he DOES own me. :) What am I, a fuckin' weatherman?!?
WTF?! :lol Just check your phone for the weather you dickhead.
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https://youtu.be/l1xgr-QUczw
Part of a recent MSG show.
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https://youtu.be/l1xgr-QUczw
Part of a recent MSG show.
Awesome Paul. Watching now.
There's been some pretty good footage coming out of Europe. Robin is crushing it.
So glad Red Sky is in the set. Sems like they've picked up the pace on it since the beginning of this leg.
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Hmmm......I have Temple of Rock still in its wrapping also. The cover is fucking hysterical. :lol
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Hmmm....Michael Voss sings on this one. He's not much better than Barden......
A host of stars on this one though.
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Hmmm......I have Temple of Rock still in its wrapping also. The cover is fucking hysterical. :lol
This was Michael trying to give Pete a chance. He formed a band with Way, Rarebell, and Voss. I remember the announcement, and even started a thread here on it. They had released a video to Saturday Night. A song that blows, and the video was even more lame.
Eventually, it was released under Schenker's name.
I ain't gonna lie. This album is disappointing. I haven't spun it properly since its release. it is better than In The Midst Of Beauty. Doogie on one track and Robin on another. But this album pretty much blows. Listen at your own risk.
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Hmmm......I have Temple of Rock still in its wrapping also. The cover is fucking hysterical. :lol
This was Michael trying to give Pete a chance. He formed a band with Way, Rarebell, and Voss. I remember the announcement, and even started a thread here on it. They had released a video to Saturday Night. A song that blows, and the video was even more lame.
Eventually, it was released under Schenker's name.
I ain't gonna lie. This album is disappointing. I haven't spun it properly since its release. it is better than In The Midst Of Beauty. Doogie on one track and Robin on another. But this album pretty much blows. Listen at your own risk.
I'd fucking hope so! :lol
Alright, I'll give it a go, I paid for it I guess.
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Intro - Can't help but to feel this is an over dramatic intro for what the album is going to be. Lol, Shatner.
How Long - This is okay. Can't help but to think it would be better without these weak ass vocals, but Schenker rips on the solos here. The chorus is a bit crud but I can handle it.
Fallen Angel - Right off the bat......uhh....fuck. The verses almost make me vomit, the lyrics also, what the fuck?! Skip to the solo.......okay, fuck off to this song.
Hanging On - I know this one from the Live in Europe release. It's a cool song, but I'd take the live version with Doogie every day of the fucking week. Fuck, this guy might be more annoying than Barden.
The End of An Era - Meh, this is passable but underwhelming. Nice little mid section from Schenker here. Nice touch with the key solo. Iron Maiden vibes in this instrumental section.
We'll keep going...
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Intro - Can't help but to feel this is an over dramatic intro for what the album is going to be. Lol, Shatner.
How Long - This is okay. Can't help but to think it would be better without these weak ass vocals, but Schenker rips on the solos here. The chorus is a bit crud but I can handle it.
Fallen Angel - Right off the bat......uhh....fuck. The verses almost make me vomit, the lyrics also, what the fuck?! Skip to the solo.......okay, fuck off to this song.
Hanging On - I know this one from the Live in Europe release. It's a cool song, but I'd take the live version with Doogie every day of the fucking week. Fuck, this guy might be more annoying than Barden.
The End of An Era - Meh, this is passable but underwhelming. Nice little mid section from Schenker here. Nice touch with the key solo. Iron Maiden vibes in this instrumental section.
We'll keep going...
Kind of listening along with you.
The End Of And Era is probably one of the best songs here. I just like stuff to be upbeat. He throws everything into that last solo.
You're right about How Long. Needs a real vocalist.
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Intro - Can't help but to feel this is an over dramatic intro for what the album is going to be. Lol, Shatner.
How Long - This is okay. Can't help but to think it would be better without these weak ass vocals, but Schenker rips on the solos here. The chorus is a bit crud but I can handle it.
Fallen Angel - Right off the bat......uhh....fuck. The verses almost make me vomit, the lyrics also, what the fuck?! Skip to the solo.......okay, fuck off to this song.
Hanging On - I know this one from the Live in Europe release. It's a cool song, but I'd take the live version with Doogie every day of the fucking week. Fuck, this guy might be more annoying than Barden.
The End of An Era - Meh, this is passable but underwhelming. Nice little mid section from Schenker here. Nice touch with the key solo. Iron Maiden vibes in this instrumental section.
We'll keep going...
Kind of listening along with you.
The End Of And Era is probably one of the best songs here. I just like stuff to be upbeat. He throws everything into that last solo.
You're right about How Long. Needs a real vocalist.
Haha nice mate. Yeah, maybe I was a bit harsh with End of An Era, it was quite decent.
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Miss Claustrophobia - This is pretty okay. Bit more metal this one. Again, would have been quite excellent with better vocals, not this sissy. Although there's too many syllables when he says the title of the song. That's fucking weird.
With You - Love this intro. Great to hear Schenker play this bluesy stuff. He fucking nails it too. Ah fuck.....then the vocals come in. Fuck this guy is horseshit. Sounds like he's been castrated. Had to skip to the solo. Should have been an instrumental.
Before the Devil Knows You're Dead - Obviously know this one from the live release. Amazing what a proper powerful voice can do. Easily the strongest song so far.
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Miss Claustrophobia - This is pretty okay. Bit more metal this one. Again, would have been quite excellent with better vocals, not this sissy. Although there's too many syllables when he says the title of the song. That's fucking weird.
With You - Love this intro. Great to hear Schenker play this bluesy stuff. He fucking nails it too. Ah fuck.....then the vocals come in. Fuck this guy is horseshit. Sounds like he's been castrated. Had to skip to the solo. Should have been an instrumental.
Before the Devil Knows You're Dead - Obviously know this one from the live release. Amazing what a proper powerful voice can do. Easily the strongest song so far.
Agreed on all points, Kade. Dead on. With You would've been a great instrumental. Miss Claustrophobia would've been better with an actual singer and a new title.
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Storming In - Hey, this one is pretty good. Once it gets going around 1:30 with the simple Priest/Maiden style riff, it turns into some cool shit. I actually don't mind Voss on this one. Schenker of course rips over this groove too. Some nice note selections, and a some little chromatic things in there too, very cool. Great song.
Scene of Crime - Was about to skip then a cool riff comes in, okay, I'll wait it out. Err...what a strange verse. I like the riff but not keen on the back and forth between the styles in the verse. Some interesting stuff again in this solo makes me want to hang around, but then that damn verse comes back. Cringey as fuck.
Saturday Night - The title has me scared before it even starts. :lol Or is it Rock You Like A Hurricane? No, that's a good song, this is a fucking piece of shit. Rebecca Black must have written these fucking lyrics, what the fuck?!!? Fucking atrocious! Skip. :rollin
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Lover's Sinfony - Okay, a better vocalist. Unfortunately, the song is another steaming fucking turd. Skip. How disappointing.
Speed - Pretty generic from the get go, again crap lyrics, crap vocals. It's better than the last few, but not by much. Skipping.
How Long (3 guitar battle) - What a complete waste how Amott and West were used. Should have traded off during the solo sections, not the back end of the song with that tempo, disappointed.
Remember - Skip.
Yeah, pretty crap. You'd make a case for an 8 track album, but it's a stretch.
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Well, I hope you feel better. :lol
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I'm a bit sad actually. :lol
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I remember being really excited when it came out. I was so disappointed. Because of it, I skipped Bridge The Gap for a while. I don't remember what eventually turned me on to it, but I know it wasn't right away.
Yeah, Michael Voss blows vocally. Such a wimp.
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Fucking pansy! :lol
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I remember this being dragged pretty hard during the listening party so I never bothered. Of course, In The Midst Of Beauty must have been dragged and I somehow enjoy that album. No accounting for taste, I guess. :biggrin:
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I remember this being dragged pretty hard during the listening party so I never bothered. Of course, In The Midst Of Beauty must have been dragged and I somehow enjoy that album. No accounting for taste, I guess. :biggrin:
I'd probably take Temple of Rock over Beauty, just, but both are atrocious in my book.
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Just saw that High Stakes is getting re-released along with the Lights Out In Tokyo live album as a package deal.
https://www.amazon.com/High-Stakes-Dangerous-Lights-Tokyo/dp/B09ZYBQB4C/
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Just saw that High Stakes is getting re-released along with the Lights Out In Tokyo live album as a package deal.
https://www.amazon.com/High-Stakes-Dangerous-Lights-Tokyo/dp/B09ZYBQB4C/
Nice. Unfortunately it doesn’t include the version of Long Gone that this lineup did.
The Lights Out In Tokyo is awesome. I hit this hard in the thread. It sounds amazing and it’s a spirited performance. Everything is very uptempo. It has one of my favorite versions of Love To Love. Lawrence Archer absolutely slays!
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Just saw that High Stakes is getting re-released along with the Lights Out In Tokyo live album as a package deal.
https://www.amazon.com/High-Stakes-Dangerous-Lights-Tokyo/dp/B09ZYBQB4C/
I have the original called One of Those Nights. Has half that Tokyo concert and seven songs from a Texas gig in 1979. Weird package.
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And I found a Waysted box coming out. Funny, as I cannot find a Volume 1 anywhere (which I would buy in a heartbeat), but whatever. Not interested in Wilderness of Mirrors as that is supposed to be a demos thing. Curious as to the sound of the live records. Then I think I really only liked 1 of the remaining 2 studio albums. I'll see what this costs over here before possibly buying this.
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/waysted-heroes-die-young-waysted-volume-2-2000-2007-5cd-box/
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And I found a Waysted box coming out. Funny, as I cannot find a Volume 1 anywhere (which I would buy in a heartbeat), but whatever. Not interested in Wilderness of Mirrors as that is supposed to be a demos thing. Curious as to the sound of the live records. Then I think I really only liked 1 of the remaining 2 studio albums. I'll see what this costs over here before possibly buying this.
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/waysted-heroes-die-young-waysted-volume-2-2000-2007-5cd-box/
Does Chapman play on these 2 albums?
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Chapman only plays on Wilderness Of Mirrors. In fact, he was behind its release when it came out. It’s basically the Save Your Prayers album. It’s better than demo quality. I bought it on CD because Save Your Prayers was not available for the longest time.
The reformed Waysted albums have Robin George, who was brought in at the last minute. I believe the erased Paul’s original tracks on the reunion album.
I remember he was quite pissed and had even posted HIS versions of some of the tracks on his website.
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Solved my early Waysted problem. I already had the Vices remaster. I found a release on Discogs that has The Good, The Bad, The Waysted and the Waysted EP plus Ball and Chain all in one set.
Listed in Near Mint condition for $20. I doubt I will ever come across a deal like that again so I snapped it up.
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Chapman only plays on Wilderness Of Mirrors. In fact, he was behind its release when it came out. It’s basically the Save Your Prayers album. It’s better than demo quality. I bought it on CD because Save Your Prayers was not available for the longest time.
The reformed Waysted albums have Robin George, who was brought in at the last minute. I believe the erased Paul’s original tracks on the reunion album.
I remember he was quite pissed and had even posted HIS versions of some of the tracks on his website.
Hmmm.......not sure I'd fork money for this one then. I've never really been big on demos.
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Solved my early Waysted problem. I already had the Vices remaster. I found a release on Discogs that has The Good, The Bad, The Waysted and the Waysted EP plus Ball and Chain all in one set.
Listed in Near Mint condition for $20. I doubt I will ever come across a deal like that again so I snapped it up.
:metal
That's what I have. Some of my favorite music of my life.
TGTBTW has Paul Chapman and Jerry Shirley on drums.
The Waysted EP was thrown together quickly because they were about to open for Iron Maiden, and wanted some new material to promote. It has UFO's Andy Parker on drums, but it has Neil Sheppard on guitar. However, it was Paul Chapman who did the Maiden tour.
The Won't Get Out Alive live CD was recorded on that Maiden tour. If you can get a good deal on that, it's pretty cool. It's basically UFO (Way/Chapman/Parker) but with Fin on vocals.
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Chapman only plays on Wilderness Of Mirrors. In fact, he was behind its release when it came out. It’s basically the Save Your Prayers album. It’s better than demo quality. I bought it on CD because Save Your Prayers was not available for the longest time.
The reformed Waysted albums have Robin George, who was brought in at the last minute. I believe the erased Paul’s original tracks on the reunion album.
I remember he was quite pissed and had even posted HIS versions of some of the tracks on his website.
Hmmm.......not sure I'd fork money for this one then. I've never really been big on demos.
Wilderness Of Mirrors is excellent. The quality is better then a demo. But it's not worth buying this package just to get it. If you can get a good deal on its own, that'd be a good pickup.
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I'll have a squizz around then.
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Well, if you have Save Your Prayers, then you should be all set. Wilderness Of Mirrors is definitely less produced though. I'd sample something off of youtube to decide if it's really a necessary purchase.
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Well, if you have Save Your Prayers, then you should be all set. Wilderness Of Mirrors is definitely less produced though. I'd sample something off of youtube to decide if it's really a necessary purchase.
Yeah, I have SYP on CD, more just interested in different takes since it's such a good album.
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Cool! I think my 10% cut is still in order! :lol
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Cool! I think my 10% cut is still in order! :lol
:lol
You'll get that from the rest of them too......one day. ;D
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Cool! I think my 10% cut is still in order! :lol
:lol
You'll get that from the rest of them too......one day. ;D
No joke, when I bought that Waysted disc last night I was thinking 'here's more $$$ for TAC'. :lol
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Ka-ching!! :lol
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:lol
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So...I just had my first listen to Universal.
This is easily his worst album since the first Temple Of Rock album.
I don't even know where to start.
First off... We know how Michael does it. He bangs out 10 songs, hands them off to Michael Voss to write the vocal melodies and lyrics, and then they record them. There doesn't seem to be a lot of vetting of the material. He's been almost an album a year for the last dozen years or so. So...it's always a question of quality of quantity. 2012-2022 has been the 2nd best 10 year grouping of his career, with '73-'83 being the first.
But I gotta be honest. This album kind of blows. It is NOT TAComendeded.
I think the relationship with Michael Voss has ran it's course. Most of the basic tracks here are pretty decent foundations to work with, but Voss really does Schenker no favors. There's no one to add to his ideas. At least in UFO, you had Pete Way and Paul Raymond to chime in. Here, there's simply nothing added to the basic tracks, and it doesn't feel like Schenker is all that interested to revisit the main ideas once he hands them off.
I don't know who's idea it was to get Ronnie Romero, but he has officially jumped the shark with this album. He fucking sucks on this. He kind of pissed me off. He adds nothing. No personality. This album would've ten times better with Doogie White. Or Robin McCauley. Or fucking hell, even Gary Barden. In fact, Barden splits a song with Romero, and he sounds pretty decent.
Ralf Sheepers sings a track here, and all I remember is that it has a great solo.
I love Michael Schenker. I love his playing, I love his tone. But he has a catalog full of mediocre albums. I said this in the thread. I wish he had more...I don't know..more Yngwie in him. He's a guitar hero that doesn't seem to want to stand out. He plays what makes him happy, and I get that, but I really wish he'd challenge himself, or decide to work with people that challenge him, because Michael Voss is no longer doing the job.
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So not even Kiske can save the album? That’s disappointing. Too bad he doesn’t appear on more than one song. I’ll try to give Universal a listen this weekend.
I know what you mean about Schenker being a guitar hero who doesn’t want to stand out. I wish he’d be more self-indulgent and do some extended shredding. It’s fine to let your playing take a back seat to the song, but that only works if the songs are actually any good. :laugh:
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The thing is, he simply does a rough draft and hands it off.
I think a better singer could save the album for sure. The Kiske song is one of the better ones. Actually has a nice melody to it.
But Romero is useless here.
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So...I just had my first listen to Universal.
This is easily his worst album since the first Temple Of Rock album.
Unfortunately it's my impression too, after a few listenings. It seems to me that the album lacks of more remarkable Michael's guitar riffs. But I think that Emergency, A King Has Gone, Wrecking Ball and Au Revoir are really good. Interesting that I also liked the bonus tracks, Turn Off the World and Fighter, reminding me the McAuley Schenker era. Well, liking 6 songs out of 12 (I'm not counting Calling Baal, it seems like just an intro to A King Has Gone) is not so bad, but it could be better, no doubt.
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I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels that way about Ronnie Romero. As much as I want more electric Blackmore, and would love to see Rainbow one last time (well, for me, the first time), I'm not aching to see Romero in front of it.
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I thought Ronnie made a great first impression on the live Rainbow stuff. He proved he could be quite versatile. But he doesn't have that lasting quality. How could he, jumping from project to project.
Whatever talent he does have though, it is NOT being utilized on this album. Just sounds like a rougher Michael Voss.
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My Waysted disc showed up and the thing looks unplayed. Can't believe I found that when I did. Discogs has really come through on some rare items for me.
I will avoid the MSG album.
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That's a shame to hear about the Schenker album Tim. I'll listen, but doubt I'll purchase it, the last one only got one spin.
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So, I just had my second listen to it. It was a better experience, but my first impressions still stand.
I just wish he'd accent his guitar playing more. Do something like double the measures for the solo and write some of those timeless outros.
There's a number of tracks that played much better the second time around. Yesterday was a travel day, so I was already in a foul mood. lol
His soloing is actually pretty good across much of the album. But of the 12 tracks, I think I might like about half of the tracks. But I owe this way more listens.
While I was listening to this, you know who I thought of that I'd love him to make and WRITE an album with....Udo!
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So, I just had my second listen to it. It was a better experience, but my first impressions still stand.
I just wish he'd accent his guitar playing more. Do something like double the measures for the solo and write some of those timeless outros.
There's a number of tracks that played much better the second time around. Yesterday was a travel day, so I was already in a foul mood. lol
His soloing is actually pretty good across much of the album. But of the 12 tracks, I think I might like about half of the tracks. But I owe this way more listens.
While I was listening to this, you know who I thought of that I'd love him to make and WRITE an album with....Udo!
Just posted in the other thread. I didn’t love any of the tracks released ahead of the album, but I’m enjoying this very much so far, and those tracks I had heard sounded better this time. I’m just about halfway through.
And Tim, there’s never enough Schenker soloing!
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I love Michael Schenker. I love his playing, I love his tone. But he has a catalog full of mediocre albums. I said this in the thread. I wish he had more...I don't know..more Yngwie in him. He's a guitar hero that doesn't seem to want to stand out. He plays what makes him happy, and I get that, but I really wish he'd challenge himself, or decide to work with people that challenge him, because Michael Voss is no longer doing the job.
I want to come back to this statement. I think Schenker from the limited time and the percentage of his work I've heard simply knows his limitations. While he is incredible and has some of the finest touches I've heard in some of his work, he's simply not at that technical Yngwie level. Even though he is quite egotistical as a person, that doesn't come across in his work all that much. He always compliments the song.
There's been times also listening through though that I thought he could go on with things a little more in songs but yeah, he seems pretty safe. I agree he doesn't challenge himself quite as much as maybe he could, but Tim, from a guitar playing point of view, he's not at the level of the Malmsteens, Vais, Moores, Macalpines. He has the touch, feel and tone but technically he falls short of that top tier level.
Saying that, there's been times I've heard him and thought, 'fuck, maybe he can shred it up.' The solos on Pushed to the Limit push past his normal playing and the very metal solos in Freedom show that he could play slightly more aggressive but then again, maybe that is him pushing himself. Something of the Night surprised me too with what seems to be going on in there too, but sometimes a lot of his technical stuff I think is all feel, especially when he solos outside the boxes. I TOTALLY get what you mean, just not sure what else he has the ability to do. I'd probably be able to make more of a judgement based on what's on offer on this album though after actually hearing it.
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I love Michael Schenker. I love his playing, I love his tone. But he has a catalog full of mediocre albums. I said this in the thread. I wish he had more...I don't know..more Yngwie in him. He's a guitar hero that doesn't seem to want to stand out. He plays what makes him happy, and I get that, but I really wish he'd challenge himself, or decide to work with people that challenge him, because Michael Voss is no longer doing the job.
I want to come back to this statement. I think Schenker from the limited time and the percentage of his work I've heard simply knows his limitations. While he is incredible and has some of the finest touches I've heard in some of his work, he's simply not at that technical Yngwie level. Even though he is quite egotistical as a person, that doesn't come across in his work all that much. He always compliments the song.
There's been times also listening through though that I thought he could go on with things a little more in songs but yeah, he seems pretty safe. I agree he doesn't challenge himself quite as much as maybe he could, but Tim, from a guitar playing point of view, he's not at the level of the Malmsteens, Vais, Moores, Macalpines. He has the touch, feel and tone but technically he falls short of that top tier level.
Saying that, there's been times I've heard him and thought, 'fuck, maybe he can shred it up.' The solos on Pushed to the Limit push past his normal playing and the very metal solos in Freedom show that he could play slightly more aggressive but then again, maybe that is him pushing himself. Something of the Night surprised me too with what seems to be going on in there too, but sometimes a lot of his technical stuff I think is all feel, especially when he solos outside the boxes. I TOTALLY get what you mean, just not sure what else he has the ability to do. I'd probably be able to make more of a judgement based on what's on offer on this album though after actually hearing it.
That's all very interesting, but it's all pretty easily explained. He's pretty honest about the three stages of his life, where he had is music exploration in the first stage, his self development in the second stage, and he is now in his third stage ..celebration.
I think most of the next generation of guitar players all pretty much cite him as an influence.
But the dude is an enigma. The mid to late 80's through the 90's, he was totally fucked up.
He's not trying to hone his craft, to keep developing. There's no doubt in my mind that if he had wanted to, he'd be right up there with the guys you mentioned, bearing in mind that he came a generation earlier. But that's not his motivation. It is what it is. You literally never know what you're going to get from his albums. I simply appreciate that he's still making music, and I sure as hell don't love it all, but I can find some thing to like about it usually.
I think it has less to do with limitations than it has to do with the drive to keep improving. He seems to be quite comfortable though, and you can hear it in the new album. Too comfortable, actually.
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I love Michael Schenker. I love his playing, I love his tone. But he has a catalog full of mediocre albums. I said this in the thread. I wish he had more...I don't know..more Yngwie in him. He's a guitar hero that doesn't seem to want to stand out. He plays what makes him happy, and I get that, but I really wish he'd challenge himself, or decide to work with people that challenge him, because Michael Voss is no longer doing the job.
I want to come back to this statement. I think Schenker from the limited time and the percentage of his work I've heard simply knows his limitations. While he is incredible and has some of the finest touches I've heard in some of his work, he's simply not at that technical Yngwie level. Even though he is quite egotistical as a person, that doesn't come across in his work all that much. He always compliments the song.
There's been times also listening through though that I thought he could go on with things a little more in songs but yeah, he seems pretty safe. I agree he doesn't challenge himself quite as much as maybe he could, but Tim, from a guitar playing point of view, he's not at the level of the Malmsteens, Vais, Moores, Macalpines. He has the touch, feel and tone but technically he falls short of that top tier level.
Saying that, there's been times I've heard him and thought, 'fuck, maybe he can shred it up.' The solos on Pushed to the Limit push past his normal playing and the very metal solos in Freedom show that he could play slightly more aggressive but then again, maybe that is him pushing himself. Something of the Night surprised me too with what seems to be going on in there too, but sometimes a lot of his technical stuff I think is all feel, especially when he solos outside the boxes. I TOTALLY get what you mean, just not sure what else he has the ability to do. I'd probably be able to make more of a judgement based on what's on offer on this album though after actually hearing it.
That's all very interesting, but it's all pretty easily explained. He's pretty honest about the three stages of his life, where he had is music exploration in the first stage, his self development in the second stage, and he is now in his third stage ..celebration.
I think most of the next generation of guitar players all pretty much cite him as an influence.
But the dude is an enigma. The mid to late 80's through the 90's, he was totally fucked up.
He's not trying to hone his craft, to keep developing. There's no doubt in my mind that if he had wanted to, he'd be right up there with the guys you mentioned, bearing in mind that he came a generation earlier. But that's not his motivation. It is what it is. You literally never know what you're going to get from his albums. I simply appreciate that he's still making music, and I sure as hell don't love it all, but I can find some thing to like about it usually.
I think it has less to do with limitations than it has to do with the drive to keep improving. He seems to be quite comfortable though, and you can hear it in the new album. Too comfortable, actually.
You've nailed it here actually. You're right, he didn't develop in that shredder era so his craft was already pretty much honed in. True he could have taken himself to the next level but I guess he was already too far into his career.
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I gave Universal a listen today. i went in with low expectations, but found that the songs were pretty decent….until I hit Wrecking Ball. From that point on, I found that many of the songs were just meh.
I will definitely give it more listens and see if that changes my opinion.
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I gave Universal a listen today. i went in with low expectations, but found that the songs were pretty decent….until I hit Wrecking Ball. From that point on, I found that many of the songs were just meh.
The second half is definitely worse. But I think Au Revoir is pretty decent. And Sad Is The Song should've been renamed Sad Is The Vocals. It would've been much better with Doogie.
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Here is Michael's set from Hell Fest earlier this week (Sunday).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3Vto7yRCRA
Short 50 minute set with a great setlist.
Into The Arena
Doctor Doctor
Looking For Love
Red Sky
Sail The Darkness
Lights Out
Armed And Ready
A King Has Gone
Rock Bottom :metal
Romero is actually pretty good here. Great to see Looking For Love and Red Sky make the condensed setlist.
I am still loving this era of Schenker though. He looks great and really happy. And he's playing great. He is 67 after all.
And it's not so much the hat, but what's the deal with the glasses? :lol
UFO played there on Thursday, but that video is not up yet. I watched an audience shot of Doctor Doctor and Vinnie fucking killed it. Phil looked old and Neil Carter looker older.
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He's had the glasses on the hat for ages now. :lol
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He's had the glasses on the hat for ages now. :lol
Oh I know. But we've been so focused on the hat, I thought it was time to question the glasses. :lol
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He's had the glasses on the hat for ages now. :lol
Oh I know. But we've been so focused on the hat, I thought it was time to question the glasses. :lol
I'm sure there's clips out there with 2 sets of glasses on that hat too.
Cool bass playing here.
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Yeah, the band is tight. And Bodo (the drummer) looks like he's playing at a keg party.
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Yeah, the band is tight. And Bodo (the drummer) looks like he's playing at a keg party.
:lol
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Okay, I've listened to the new album and holy fuck it's shit. Did someone challenge Michael to try and create and album worse than In the Midst of Beauty?
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WOW!
https://bravewords.com/news/ufo-singer-phil-mogg-suffers-heart-attack-october-tour-dates-cancelled
The thing is, those October dates were to be the final dates for the band, as Phil was officially retiring.
UFO may have played their final show...
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Sorry to read this.
I know how much this band means to you…. and that you had to be biting at the bit to hear any or all bootlegs from those shows.
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Sorry to read this.
I know how much this band means to you…. and that you had to be biting at the bit to hear any or all bootlegs from those shows.
There hasn't been a ton from their summer run. I was literally just watching the footage from Barcelona two nights ago.
Still a drag that their set is mostly 70's stuff, but whatever. I'm glad he didn't kick the bucket. The guy is 74, and actually still sounds great. It's amazing.
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I read about this on Facebook earlier and thought of you, TAC.
Base on Phil's lifestyle, this isn’t surprising, and thankfully he came through it.
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I read about this on Facebook earlier and thought of you, TAC.
Base on Phil's lifestyle, this isn’t surprising, and thankfully he came through it.
:tup
I can't believe the guy was even taking the stage.
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Let's hope that Phil recover soon.
Today at Rock in Rio, at Metal Allegiance's show, Josh Bush was wearing a UFO Last Orders tour shirt.
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WOW!
https://bravewords.com/news/ufo-singer-phil-mogg-suffers-heart-attack-october-tour-dates-cancelled
The thing is, those October dates were to be the final dates for the band, as Phil was officially retiring.
UFO may have played their final show...
Ah that sucks. I hope he recovers quick though.
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Probably in my top three bands I wish I'd seen over the years.
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Probably in my top three bands I wish I'd seen over the years.
They/ we were in your backyard a couple of years ago!!
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Probably in my top three bands I wish I'd seen over the years.
They/ we were in your backyard a couple of years ago!!
I know! Opportunity lost. :tdwn
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Probably in my top three bands I wish I'd seen over the years.
Same for me. They’ve never played in my city as long as I’ve been a fan. I think they played here in the 70s.
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And I found a Waysted box coming out. Funny, as I cannot find a Volume 1 anywhere (which I would buy in a heartbeat), but whatever. Not interested in Wilderness of Mirrors as that is supposed to be a demos thing. Curious as to the sound of the live records. Then I think I really only liked 1 of the remaining 2 studio albums. I'll see what this costs over here before possibly buying this.
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/waysted-heroes-die-young-waysted-volume-2-2000-2007-5cd-box/
Totally forgot about this and grabbed it for less that $30. Been shipped and waiting for it. Have had a rough time lately and didn't even think about it, just pulled the trigger. Usually how I deal with bad stuff, I binge purchase music. Not a bad way to deal with it. There are worse ways.
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And I found a Waysted box coming out. Funny, as I cannot find a Volume 1 anywhere (which I would buy in a heartbeat), but whatever. Not interested in Wilderness of Mirrors as that is supposed to be a demos thing. Curious as to the sound of the live records. Then I think I really only liked 1 of the remaining 2 studio albums. I'll see what this costs over here before possibly buying this.
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/waysted-heroes-die-young-waysted-volume-2-2000-2007-5cd-box/
Totally forgot about this and grabbed it for less that $30. Been shipped and waiting for it. Have had a rough time lately and didn't even think about it, just pulled the trigger. Usually how I deal with bad stuff, I binge purchase music. Not a bad way to deal with it. There are worse ways.
HAHA, you and me both. You can go in my Discogs purchase history and basically see what my moods were like for various weeks. :)
My dad passed and I soon became the owner of the Beatles White Album and Let It Be deluxe sets. :)
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And I found a Waysted box coming out. Funny, as I cannot find a Volume 1 anywhere (which I would buy in a heartbeat), but whatever. Not interested in Wilderness of Mirrors as that is supposed to be a demos thing. Curious as to the sound of the live records. Then I think I really only liked 1 of the remaining 2 studio albums. I'll see what this costs over here before possibly buying this.
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/waysted-heroes-die-young-waysted-volume-2-2000-2007-5cd-box/
Totally forgot about this and grabbed it for less that $30. Been shipped and waiting for it. Have had a rough time lately and didn't even think about it, just pulled the trigger. Usually how I deal with bad stuff, I binge purchase music. Not a bad way to deal with it. There are worse ways.
You deserve a distraction, man.
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And I found a Waysted box coming out. Funny, as I cannot find a Volume 1 anywhere (which I would buy in a heartbeat), but whatever. Not interested in Wilderness of Mirrors as that is supposed to be a demos thing. Curious as to the sound of the live records. Then I think I really only liked 1 of the remaining 2 studio albums. I'll see what this costs over here before possibly buying this.
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/waysted-heroes-die-young-waysted-volume-2-2000-2007-5cd-box/
Totally forgot about this and grabbed it for less that $30. Been shipped and waiting for it. Have had a rough time lately and didn't even think about it, just pulled the trigger. Usually how I deal with bad stuff, I binge purchase music. Not a bad way to deal with it. There are worse ways.
Nice. You owe it to yourself mate.
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New album from Vinnie Moore coming!
https://bravewords.com/news/ufo-guitarist-vinnie-moore-to-release-double-exposure-album-in-november
Going to be half vocals half instrumental. One of the vocalists is ex Riot singer Mike DiMeo. Nice!!!
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New album from Vinnie Moore coming!
https://bravewords.com/news/ufo-guitarist-vinnie-moore-to-release-double-exposure-album-in-november
Going to be half vocals half instrumental. One of the vocalists is ex Riot singer Mike DiMeo. Nice!!!
This does indeed sound interesting.
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Metallica does It's Killing Me.
https://youtu.be/W1nFLOvyDRU
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Metallica does It's Killing Me.
https://youtu.be/W1nFLOvyDRU
That's a deep cut. I dig this version. The pro shot footage and sound is much improved over the bootleg.
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Metallica does It's Killing Me.
https://youtu.be/W1nFLOvyDRU
That's a deep cut. I dig this version. The pro shot footage and sound is much improved over the bootleg.
You beat me in the Metallica thread. Kudos to Lars for bringing a deep cut.
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I thought about updating this thread, so thank you for me not shamelessly having to do so. :lol
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Metallica does It's Killing Me.
https://youtu.be/W1nFLOvyDRU
Wow, interesting song choice. The Wild, The Willing and the Innocent is a fabulous album.
EDIT: Just realised how late I am with this. Probably should check the Metallica thread more often lol.
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Browsing Amazon and I notice that Walk On Water and Werewolves Of London are getting re-released. Says Walk On Water is a remaster. I'm curious as to the sound of the live show. Interested in picking that up. Who knows, I might even grab the remaster of Walk as well.
https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Water-UFO/dp/B0BQZ7NDWZ/
https://www.amazon.com/Werewolves-London-UFO/dp/B0BPYQMKNC/
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There's a decent boot of that Warewolves show on YouTube I'm sure.
There's nothing wrong with how WOW sounds though.
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If memory services, WoW has been out of print for some time. It's pretty hard to find. That's a steal for what is my favorite of the Schenker reunion CDs (there are three, I think). The opening track and the last track are about as good as UFO gets for me.
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If memory services, WoW has been out of print for some time. It's pretty hard to find. That's a steal for what is my favorite of the Schenker reunion CDs (there are three, I think). The opening track and the last track are about as good as UFO gets for me.
It has. I had to pick up an expensive used copy off of Discogs back when we were doing the listening party. All in all, I think I got a nice copy.
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If Walk On Water is being made available again, great! I'm not sure how or why they'd do anything with the sound, because IMO it's the best sounding album in their catalog.
The Werewolves show is excellent, BUT my biggest complaint is that Paul Raymond's rhythm guitar parts as practically inaudible. It's actually distracting. His keyboard parts are mixed properly, but I have always thought that all but erasing Paul's rhythm parts were done to appease Schenker. So far they've released Only You Can Rock me, but Paul is on keys for that. I'd be interested to compare and see if there is any change.
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I actually picked up WOW during the listening party from a CD store about 45 minutes away from me second hand. It was like $30 second hand, but the condition was like new. Couldn't believe I saw it sitting there, bonus tracks and all.
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If Walk On Water is being made available again, great! I'm not sure how or why they'd do anything with the sound, because IMO it's the best sounding album in their catalog.
The Werewolves show is excellent, BUT my biggest complaint is that Paul Raymond's rhythm guitar parts as practically inaudible. It's actually distracting. His keyboard parts are mixed properly, but I have always thought that all but erasing Paul's rhythm parts were done to appease Schenker. So far they've released Only You Can Rock me, but Paul is on keys for that. I'd be interested to compare and see if there is any change.
Was there an official release of this live show already? I can't recall from the thread.
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I'm kind of surprised I didn't mention it, actually. I kind of ignore it though for the reason stated. It just feels so unbalanced without Paul's rhythm track.
I did mention it once in this post from The UFO Thread..
I always thought that the live "sound board" cuts on the end of Covenant were pretty good considering they weren't touched up, and are somewhat poorly EQ'd. There's mistakes here and there, but they have a lot of energy.
Cool stuff. Much better than Werewolves Of London where they basically turn Paul Raymond's guitar down to nothing.
I listened to some of it today. It was a Zoom Club records release. Not as bad as I remembered. If they can improve the sound a bit, I may re-buy it.
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Nice, I thought you may not have really brought it up.
With that quote too, I got the 2CD edition of Covenant and I quite enjoyed that live CD also.
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Aww shucks..
https://bravewords.com/news/ronnie-romero-confirms-he-is-no-longer-michael-schenker-s-vocalist-i-don-t-have-any-bad-feelings-audio
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Sounds like things didn't end on a positive note.
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Even now, I don't think Schenker is the easiest to work with, but it sounds like he wants do his own thing. I'm surprised he didn't get the Tolkii Strato gig. :lol
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On UFO camp, some news from Phil on Facebook (May 22):
"An update from Mr. Mogg.
Dear Listeners
I hope all’s well out there in rock land, I have attached a picture of what you might call a cunning plan...
These are replacement Moggs in case anything might go wrong with future plans - and apart from the hair, which appears to have grown back (thanks to Marmite) I think I can pull it off. The crowd of actors that are assembled here go under the name of The Saltdean Gardeners and all have had extensive acting training, as you would expect, from anyone joining the UFO drama club.
On another note, the new opus (album) I have been working on with what can only be described as a colourful crew, is nearly complete, thanks to the dedicated work of five professional London criminals, well, musicians actually (I was just trying to spice it up a bit), their true identities being revealed asap, probably in the Daily Enquirer. It should be on your desks by September, accompanied by a movie called the The Making Of... which should take all of five minutes with all that rock guff about how difficult life has been, and how we have suffered with drug and alcohol abuse etc etc, you know, the usual stuff... oh I nearly forgot about the over-sexed groupies, ahhhh you couldn’t make it up (oh yes I can!)
Well I’ll love you and leave you, and until we meet again, just remember the old song, Let's all go down The Strand, have a banana.
Phil"
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?? Was that in English? :)
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Maybe a drunk post?! :D :D
But it seems like it will be some new music soon. There's even a picture of the guys wearing Phil Moggs masks on the subway! :laugh:
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was spinning LIGHTS OUT last night still a very very fine album
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So, UFO's website and Facebook page mentioned that Neil Carter would be interviewed and broadcast last night at WOMR of Provincetown, MA, of all places. The DJ is a guy named Kyle Chygrin who does a deep cuts rock show every Thursday night from 9pm to Midnight. Apparently, the guy is a huge UFO fan, specifically the Paul Chapman Era, and in fact apparently plays a block of UFO every show at 10pm. (I'm gonna check that next week.)
Here's the link to the interview:
https://womr.org/podcast/special-k-interview-with-neil-carter-of-ufo/
If you're a fan of the Chapman Era, it's really good. He talks about joining the band, the band's demise, and its current state.
He also discusses the Chapman/Carter/Parker demos that produced Murder In The Skies....of course, you all knew that already. ;D
There's not a lot of Gary Moore talk, but he talks about joining Gary's band for the 1983 US tour.
Two things he said that I found really interesting..
1. He NEVER met Paul Raymond. This blew my mind, actually.
2. He talks about introducing the sax on Mechanix, and the blueprint for what they were going for on The Writer was actually Aerosmith's Chiquita, which was played on UFO's house tape before they went on each night.
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Cool to know, Tim!
By the way, do you know if Phil will release a solo album?
About the sax... didn't Neil already have introduced on UFO on Lonely Heart?
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Cool to know, Tim!
By the way, do you know if Phil will release a solo album?
About the sax... didn't Neil already have introduced on UFO on Lonely Heart?
Yes, he added the sax part on Lonely Heart.
He mentioned Leo Lyons wanted to incorporate it on Mechanix, and I thought him mentioning Chiquita was really interesting as Night In The Ruts is easily my favorite Aerosmith album.
Neil mentioned that Phil indeed has an album coming out, but there's been no announcement on it yet.
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I love The Writer; that riff is excellent!
I'm with you, Tim; Night In The Ruts is excellent; other than "Walking In The Sand" (which isn't actually that bad) there's not a duff song on that record.
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I love The Writer; that riff is excellent!
I'm with you, Tim; Night In The Ruts is excellent; other than "Walking In The Sand" (which isn't actually that bad) there's not a duff song on that record.
This is an amazing song. The sax solo takes it to new heights also.
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I love Mechanix. It has 4 songs that are incredible openings and closers (on vinyl original A/B sides). There’s a very balanced participation in the compositions of Chapman, Way and Carter, which I personally found an excellent addition. It has more guitar layers in the arrangements and the keyboards tones are very cool. Let it Rain is very commercial, but in a good way, and there’s excellent ballads like Back Into my Life and Terri. Even Something Else, although a bit strange, I like it a lot. Because all of that, it’s my second favorite UFO album.
OBSESSION (my favorite)/MECHANIX- 10+/10
FORCE IT/NO HEAVY PETTING/LIGHTS OUT/ THE WILD THE WILLING AND THE INNOCENT - 9,5
[...]
Well, what I've said when Tim was talking about the albums... I LOVE Mechanix and especially The Writer. All the soloing in this song is KILLER!!
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Mechanix has my favorite Chapman Era track...Dreaming.
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When I first heard UFO, a friend of mine, who is maybe the biggest brazilian UFO fan (I'm not joking!) have recorded a cassete tape for me with the A side from Schenker era and the B side from the Chapman era and the 2 Mechanix songs that he choose were The Writer and Dreaming. :heart
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Makin' Moves keeps climbing my rankings as far as Chapman era tracks go.
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Makin' Moves keeps climbing my rankings as far as Chapman era tracks go.
So Makin' Moves is making moves?
Sorry, I'll see myself out.
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Makin' Moves keeps climbing my rankings as far as Chapman era tracks go.
So Makin' Moves is making moves?
Sorry, I'll see myself out.
Oh dear. :lol
Fucking class solo in that one.
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I love Mechanix. It has 4 songs that are incredible openings and closers (on vinyl original A/B sides). There’s a very balanced participation in the compositions of Chapman, Way and Carter, which I personally found an excellent addition. It has more guitar layers in the arrangements and the keyboards tones are very cool. Let it Rain is very commercial, but in a good way, and there’s excellent ballads like Back Into my Life and Terri. Even Something Else, although a bit strange, I like it a lot. Because all of that, it’s my second favorite UFO album.
OBSESSION (my favorite)/MECHANIX- 10+/10
FORCE IT/NO HEAVY PETTING/LIGHTS OUT/ THE WILD THE WILLING AND THE INNOCENT - 9,5
[...]
Well, what I've said when Tim was talking about the albums... I LOVE Mechanix and especially The Writer. All the soloing in this song is KILLER!!
Dreaming is excellent and I know I'm an outlier on this, but Doing It All For You and Heel Of A Stranger are both top 10 UFO songs for me.
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Love the UFO
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So I was getting a good listen in to the Elegant Weapons album today and was reminded that I should post this just so I can watch TAC tear it down. They covered Lights Out and included it on the album. I don't mind it, but something tells me he won't be too fond.
If you're not aware, the band is Richie Faulkner's baby and side-project. This is the studio lineup for the album:
Richie - All guitar
Rex Brown - Bass
Scott Travis - Drums
Ronnie Romero - Vox
https://youtu.be/fk9FUBiz46c
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So I was getting a good listen in to the Elegant Weapons album today and was reminded that I should post this just so I can watch TAC tear it down. They covered Lights Out and included it on the album. I don't mind it, but something tells me he won't be too fond.
If you're not aware, the band is Richie Faulkner's baby and side-project. This is the studio lineup for the album:
Richie - All guitar
Rex Brown - Bass
Scott Travis - Drums
Ronnie Romero - Vox
https://youtu.be/fk9FUBiz46c
I've pretty much stayed away from this release for no good reason. I did check the link for Lights Out.
I like how Richie captures Schenker's sound.
Is this album really worth a listen?
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It's nothing new, really. Just some solid straight up metal.
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I keep meaning to check the album out then think what's the point?
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The thing is, I don't want to even listen to KK's album, why would I want to listen to Fake K's album?
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The thing is, I don't want to even listen to KK's album, why would I want to listen to Fake K's album?
Yes I agree, he is a fake KK.
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The E W album is OK it doesnt grab me, saw KK from Hellbent to Defenders ,,,, saw Richie a few times with JP.
I try to not think about it : )
I guess nothing can top the early JP shows with Paul in Maiden opening ,,,,, good times.
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https://www.metaltalk.net/love-to-love-phil-mogg-talks-health-ufo-and-lights-out.php?fbclid=IwAR1T9WnH09U8NOCoEoF-Ab53Be6Sa3HgF5Pjiws4ZWrT4rs5KLM6V7EeFKU
Phil's solo album with Neil Carter! :tup
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https://www.metaltalk.net/love-to-love-phil-mogg-talks-health-ufo-and-lights-out.php?fbclid=IwAR1T9WnH09U8NOCoEoF-Ab53Be6Sa3HgF5Pjiws4ZWrT4rs5KLM6V7EeFKU
Phil's solo album with Neil Carter! :tup
Thank you for the heads up on this. That's great that Neil Carter is part of this. That means it's as much of a UFO album as Misdemeanor was. lol
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He caught the bus to go to the hospital?! :lol
Anyway, cool, hopefully a decent record coming up.
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I also hope so. I'm not expecting Making Contact PT. 2, but maybe a bit more on the hard rock side than blues rock side?
Let's see.
https://www.metaltalk.net/love-to-love-phil-mogg-talks-health-ufo-and-lights-out.php?fbclid=IwAR1T9WnH09U8NOCoEoF-Ab53Be6Sa3HgF5Pjiws4ZWrT4rs5KLM6V7EeFKU
Phil's solo album with Neil Carter! :tup
Thank you for the heads up on this. That's great that Neil Carter is part of this. That means it's as much of a UFO album as Misdemeanor was. lol
Isn't it? :D
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https://www.metaltalk.net/love-to-love-phil-mogg-talks-health-ufo-and-lights-out.php?fbclid=IwAR1T9WnH09U8NOCoEoF-Ab53Be6Sa3HgF5Pjiws4ZWrT4rs5KLM6V7EeFKU
Phil's solo album with Neil Carter! :tup
Thank you for the heads up on this. That's great that Neil Carter is part of this. That means it's as much of a UFO album as Misdemeanor was. lol
:tup :metal :heart
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I also hope so. I'm not expecting Making Contact PT. 2, but maybe a bit more on the hard rock side than blues rock side?
Let's see.
Yeah, I have no idea. I think Phil was the one in charge of UFO's musical direction, so I'm not really expecting anything too different.
Still, it'll be nice to have some new music with his voice on it.
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https://www.facebook.com/share/q6NguaUfucWf19rc/?mibextid=xfxF2i
Well hello playmates. Time for a ramble...
The album Moggs Motel shall be unleashed on September 6th, which seems an age away. However the motel staff are making a movie in April at a secret location... so shapes must be rehearsed and hats starched. Talking of movies if you get the chance have a gander at one great B movie called Giant Killer Ants. It’s a Band Movie you might like, from 2017. The guitarist has Pete Way's pants on and it has Sydney Sweeney appearing in it. Wonderful silly stuff. If you're a B movie fan you’ll love it, which reminds me, I must check out Attack Of The Killer Donuts.
So anyway, here’s the Motel track listing.
Apple Pie
Sunny Side Of Heaven
Face Of An Angel
I Thought I Knew You
The Princess Bride
Other People's Lives
Tinker Tailor
Weather
Harry's Place
The Wrong House
Shane
Storyville
And just for the record I’m singing, Neil (Carter) is on guitar, keys, vocals, flute, washboard and anything else he can lay his hands on, the little devil. Our Tony (Newton) plays the bass, guitar, and mixing desk, Joe (Lazarus) is on all things percussion, and Mr Tommy Gentry is on guitars.
The Motel pool has been finished I have placed a lovely bar at one end. Now we have to name it. I was thinking The Way Out (that's a bit naff though) or Tonka Town (a bit better). Any suggestions gratefully received.
Have yourselves a smashing summer and maybe we could meet up in September for the launch.
Tally Ho, and Happy Trails.
Phil.
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It seems like Neil is very involved with this album. :tup
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Sounds good to me, hopefully a solid record coming our way.
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Oh nice. I usually check their web page, but I must not have.
Really looking forward to this.
(https://scontent-bos5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/433719914_978475130303542_6586339792433367819_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s403x403&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=2Sa6iVHjYY4AX8QrxaY&_nc_ht=scontent-bos5-1.xx&edm=AItmks8EAAAA&oh=00_AfDug8-oL9JCcJVoGnXyXf7fa32ue83S07RVPOhoEdNyeA&oe=66033F53)