Some kind soul at Hear Rock City put the first 50 Kerrang mags up for download. Brilliant.
Heres the UFO related mentions from Issue 1.
Welcome to UFO Rock. Its a Natural Thing.
Thursday, 14 August 2014
Kerrang!!
Simple post.
Some kind soul at Hear Rock City put the first 50 Kerrang mags up for download. Brilliant.
Heres the UFO related mentions from Issue 1.
Some kind soul at Hear Rock City put the first 50 Kerrang mags up for download. Brilliant.
Heres the UFO related mentions from Issue 1.
Thursday, 7 August 2014
Chains Chains, Pulling Me Down... By Barry O'Hagan
There's a UFO album possibly still sitting at the bottom of a North Shore harbour in Sydney. I know because it belonged to me. Sat inside a Sony Walkman that detached itself from me as I disembarked a ferry. Fell, like a musical Titanic into a watery grave, long-since sleeping with the fishes in a neighbourhood of sharks. The sort of company one can imagine being kept by many of Phil Mogg’s lyrical creations from the album that went down; hustlers, villains, missing persons, predators and addicts, night life and pond-life. People trying to escape and like the female on the (awful) cover desperately trying not to being dragged down to a very certain fate. The album being, of course, ‘The Wild, The Willing and the Innocent’.
For me, it's the gold standard of the Chapman-era UFO, and in many ways hold's a similar status to that of the Schenker featured 'Obsession' in that the album is very much a sum of parts effort as, opposed to being dominated by half an album of epics, although the album can lay claim to at least a couple of those.
TWTW&TI isn't a concept album, though the stories and themes acted and played out in the dens and side-streets within feel connected; similar to one of those movies where the main characters' paths converge over the course of the day. Or should I say night. There is no light in TWTW&TI, everything gets played out nocturnally, befitting an album of dark themes.
Whereas the triumph of 'Obsession' was the band hitting it's peak with a flawless performance and the jaw-dropping virtuosity of Schenker, TWTW&TI similarly delivers the performance of the Chapman-era UFO. But this time if any one band member excels it's Phil. In both his singing and his ideas and words. Especially his ideas and words.
'I saw the stars come out tonight
So lonely and immune
Summer rain kissed the streets
That bleed like open wounds.'
The opening sequence to 'Long Gone' is subtle and hypnotic. There's a sense of foreboding and malevolence in the air and you know the trigger's about to be squeezed. And when it is, it's brutal. Chapman's playing a musical machine-gun for all the constant rat-tat-tat that's going on and the rhythm section follows up with some hefty punches. All the while Mogg's been painting a quite diabolical picture of a city breaking down whilst two lovers try and break-out. Bruce who? And here, the apprentice out-wits the sorcerer, the King has been usurped, the Boss has to clean-out his desk. Frankly, it's the best pairing of music and words in hard rock history. Phil, take a bow.
'And the wild, the willing and the innocent
Are down, down in the jungle tonight
As the jackal tracks every step you make
Watching, waiting for the one chance to bite'
The title track is bridged with 'Long Gone' with some nifty orchestration but more on that later. Again, there's a build up in tension effected this time by Chapman's chiming acoustic guitar and Paul Buckmaster's sublime strings. When it breaks out, it's less frantic and more coloured, musically, with some superb vocal harmonies in the chorus. And while all hell isn't breaking loose this time around, you are reminded that you ain't out of the woods yet and are under the watchful eyes of predators.
Despite Phil doffing his cap, lyrically,in the direction of Springsteen, TWTWTI is UFO at their most British sounding. On hearing the jagged riffing on 'Long Gone' for the first time, I immediately thought of British New Wave. 'Chains Chains' sounds like the Stones on steroids and 'Lonely Heart' stripped of it's sax and 'Couldn't Get it Right', courtesy of Tonka's muscled guitar tone, wouldn't have sounded out of place in any number of songs knocking about in the UK charts by Punk/NewWave bands with a pop leaning.
Perhaps swapping the tropical setting of Air Studios, Montserrat for Air Studios, London made a difference? My guess, though, is that there was a conscious effort to make the record sound livelier than it's predecessor. There's also the temptation to believe that UFO were in some ways reflecting a change in culture that was being played out in 1980 in the pages of 'Sounds', the UK music-paper and driven principally by the paper's journalist, Gary Bushell. Via Bushell came the most unlikely pairing with an established rock act. Enter the Cockney Rejects, a punk band from East London, who became the poster-boys of the Oi! movement.
Strange bed-fellows, indeed. But the news stories and photos of both bands wearing each others shirt merchandise and guitarists swapping guitars certainly afforded UFO a credibility with the indie scene that only the likes of Motorhead and Thin Lizzy could lay claim to. In 1981, UFO were undeniably hip.
'Down the halls of justice
The echoes never fade
Notches on my gun
Another debt is paid'
Another very British affair is the ballad, 'Profession of Violence'. The song allegedly about 1960's, London, East-End gangsters, Reggie and Ronnie Kray. I say alleged because once into the song, there's very little detail on the characters. Nothing that will identify them, no prints on the gun. Just a few verses that could be about any gangster. If anything, Phil's read the John Pearson book of the same name and used it's title. Both music and lyrics caught everybody off-guard on it's release, the first half an arrangement of acoustic guitar, piano, orchestra and vocals. The second, band plus orchestra featuring a beautifuly simple solo from Paul Chapman, very much in the vein of 'Comfortably Numb' in it's execution, if you'll forgive the pun. The song is tender, sentimental and melancholic, an odd fit with it's subject matter but a masterpiece, nonetheless.
The album's fulcrum is undoubtedly the first three tracks and by the time 'It's Killing Me' arrives we've all been floored, counted-out and get to sit in the corner with the smelling salts. And the drop in tempo is welcome as the song is ushered in with harmonised guitars not sounding a million miles away from Thin Lizzy. In fact, it's a song that the other Phil would have been at home with, it's subject matter not dissimilar to 'Got to Give it Up' and cannily couched in such an oblique way that for many years I thought it was about a couple caught up in a doomed relationship. I guess I was only half-right.
'Living inside a bottle,
Strung Out on a line,
Caught in life's rough and tumble,
Blind leading the blind.'
And so to 'Makin Moves'. Deceptively ushered in with an instrumental intro of seemingly Paul's guitar-effects and piano before an unholy riff announces the heaviest 5 minutes of the album. Like 'Lonely Heart' it's essentially a British vehicle carrying more of Phil's themes on American street life; 'West Side Story' meets 'The Warriors’ where all the players are chasing the moment, their dreams and 'that one shot before they're old'. The one's that shoot wide or shoot themselves in the foot get to be the subject matter of 'Couldn't Get It Right',a bitter looking back on life's missed opportunities:
'So now you' got older
And the world's got colder than it used to be
Every day gets longer and turns into the darker night
Down in the gutter nothing seems to matter 'cos you're history
I couldn't get it, I couldn't get it right'
Laugh-a-minute stuff, Phil. But still light years ahead of his fellow lyricists in the hard-rock world where life was one long party, rock-you-baby anthem, or a wizards and dragons fantasy world.
You could say that this typified UFO and set them apart from the herd. Musically they were'nt content to be constrained by a label/genre and weren't afraid to take risks which is borne out on TWTW&TI. In 1981 who else would have used an orchestra to such unorthadox effect as is the case on 'Long Gone' and the spine-tingling segue to the title track. Thirty plus years later it is still a remarkable moment. And who else out there could have pulled-off a ballad as mature and sophisticated as 'Profession ofViolence'? On the other side of the pond, it was all sugary sap by the likes of Journey, Styx or REO. On the other side of the channel it was Eurovision-esque pap via Schenker/Meine.
TWTWTI is yet another case in UFO's career of why's and what-ifs? It's a monumental piece of work without monumental sales.
Some people just don't get it do they?
For me, it's the gold standard of the Chapman-era UFO, and in many ways hold's a similar status to that of the Schenker featured 'Obsession' in that the album is very much a sum of parts effort as, opposed to being dominated by half an album of epics, although the album can lay claim to at least a couple of those.
TWTW&TI isn't a concept album, though the stories and themes acted and played out in the dens and side-streets within feel connected; similar to one of those movies where the main characters' paths converge over the course of the day. Or should I say night. There is no light in TWTW&TI, everything gets played out nocturnally, befitting an album of dark themes.
Whereas the triumph of 'Obsession' was the band hitting it's peak with a flawless performance and the jaw-dropping virtuosity of Schenker, TWTW&TI similarly delivers the performance of the Chapman-era UFO. But this time if any one band member excels it's Phil. In both his singing and his ideas and words. Especially his ideas and words.
'I saw the stars come out tonight
So lonely and immune
Summer rain kissed the streets
That bleed like open wounds.'
Sonically, TWTW&TI is rougher around the edges than it’s predecessor but that was the bands intention after the George Martin affair. At the time band the band were hinting at this through the British music press and without a producer were able to get a stripped- down, raw sound. Chapman's crunching and gutsy guitar tone sets the scene on 'Chains Chains' and Parker's drums sound higher up the mix. The song's angular riffing jabs away at you and introduces you to the neighbours, 'Jack' and 'Little Jeanie'. It doesn't end in tears, just a dead body and life going on.
'And the wild, the willing and the innocent
Are down, down in the jungle tonight
As the jackal tracks every step you make
Watching, waiting for the one chance to bite'
pic by R Burrows
The title track is bridged with 'Long Gone' with some nifty orchestration but more on that later. Again, there's a build up in tension effected this time by Chapman's chiming acoustic guitar and Paul Buckmaster's sublime strings. When it breaks out, it's less frantic and more coloured, musically, with some superb vocal harmonies in the chorus. And while all hell isn't breaking loose this time around, you are reminded that you ain't out of the woods yet and are under the watchful eyes of predators.
Despite Phil doffing his cap, lyrically,in the direction of Springsteen, TWTWTI is UFO at their most British sounding. On hearing the jagged riffing on 'Long Gone' for the first time, I immediately thought of British New Wave. 'Chains Chains' sounds like the Stones on steroids and 'Lonely Heart' stripped of it's sax and 'Couldn't Get it Right', courtesy of Tonka's muscled guitar tone, wouldn't have sounded out of place in any number of songs knocking about in the UK charts by Punk/NewWave bands with a pop leaning.
Perhaps swapping the tropical setting of Air Studios, Montserrat for Air Studios, London made a difference? My guess, though, is that there was a conscious effort to make the record sound livelier than it's predecessor. There's also the temptation to believe that UFO were in some ways reflecting a change in culture that was being played out in 1980 in the pages of 'Sounds', the UK music-paper and driven principally by the paper's journalist, Gary Bushell. Via Bushell came the most unlikely pairing with an established rock act. Enter the Cockney Rejects, a punk band from East London, who became the poster-boys of the Oi! movement.
Strange bed-fellows, indeed. But the news stories and photos of both bands wearing each others shirt merchandise and guitarists swapping guitars certainly afforded UFO a credibility with the indie scene that only the likes of Motorhead and Thin Lizzy could lay claim to. In 1981, UFO were undeniably hip.
'Down the halls of justice
The echoes never fade
Notches on my gun
Another debt is paid'
Another very British affair is the ballad, 'Profession of Violence'. The song allegedly about 1960's, London, East-End gangsters, Reggie and Ronnie Kray. I say alleged because once into the song, there's very little detail on the characters. Nothing that will identify them, no prints on the gun. Just a few verses that could be about any gangster. If anything, Phil's read the John Pearson book of the same name and used it's title. Both music and lyrics caught everybody off-guard on it's release, the first half an arrangement of acoustic guitar, piano, orchestra and vocals. The second, band plus orchestra featuring a beautifuly simple solo from Paul Chapman, very much in the vein of 'Comfortably Numb' in it's execution, if you'll forgive the pun. The song is tender, sentimental and melancholic, an odd fit with it's subject matter but a masterpiece, nonetheless.
The album's fulcrum is undoubtedly the first three tracks and by the time 'It's Killing Me' arrives we've all been floored, counted-out and get to sit in the corner with the smelling salts. And the drop in tempo is welcome as the song is ushered in with harmonised guitars not sounding a million miles away from Thin Lizzy. In fact, it's a song that the other Phil would have been at home with, it's subject matter not dissimilar to 'Got to Give it Up' and cannily couched in such an oblique way that for many years I thought it was about a couple caught up in a doomed relationship. I guess I was only half-right.
'Living inside a bottle,
Strung Out on a line,
Caught in life's rough and tumble,
Blind leading the blind.'
And so to 'Makin Moves'. Deceptively ushered in with an instrumental intro of seemingly Paul's guitar-effects and piano before an unholy riff announces the heaviest 5 minutes of the album. Like 'Lonely Heart' it's essentially a British vehicle carrying more of Phil's themes on American street life; 'West Side Story' meets 'The Warriors’ where all the players are chasing the moment, their dreams and 'that one shot before they're old'. The one's that shoot wide or shoot themselves in the foot get to be the subject matter of 'Couldn't Get It Right',a bitter looking back on life's missed opportunities:
'So now you' got older
And the world's got colder than it used to be
Every day gets longer and turns into the darker night
Down in the gutter nothing seems to matter 'cos you're history
I couldn't get it, I couldn't get it right'
Laugh-a-minute stuff, Phil. But still light years ahead of his fellow lyricists in the hard-rock world where life was one long party, rock-you-baby anthem, or a wizards and dragons fantasy world.
You could say that this typified UFO and set them apart from the herd. Musically they were'nt content to be constrained by a label/genre and weren't afraid to take risks which is borne out on TWTW&TI. In 1981 who else would have used an orchestra to such unorthadox effect as is the case on 'Long Gone' and the spine-tingling segue to the title track. Thirty plus years later it is still a remarkable moment. And who else out there could have pulled-off a ballad as mature and sophisticated as 'Profession ofViolence'? On the other side of the pond, it was all sugary sap by the likes of Journey, Styx or REO. On the other side of the channel it was Eurovision-esque pap via Schenker/Meine.
TWTWTI is yet another case in UFO's career of why's and what-ifs? It's a monumental piece of work without monumental sales.
Some people just don't get it do they?
Tuesday, 5 August 2014
Back From The Dead Demos
Paul Chapman with Waysted demos from the sessions for Back From The Dead.
Paul started in the band for the recording of the album but for some reason didnt end up on
the album. The reasons are out there on the net in various interviews but to my mind Pete and Fin made a bad choice getting in Chris George to re record the guitars.
To judge for yourself heres the link.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/c6poxftnd40zxlj/AAANs0wybCEemEYDBCUhH_dea
Paul started in the band for the recording of the album but for some reason didnt end up on
the album. The reasons are out there on the net in various interviews but to my mind Pete and Fin made a bad choice getting in Chris George to re record the guitars.
To judge for yourself heres the link.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/c6poxftnd40zxlj/AAANs0wybCEemEYDBCUhH_dea
Tuesday, 29 July 2014
It turned out so right for strangers in the night. (Dooby Dooby Doo) .... by Mark Carroll
Strangers In The Night. The best live album ever? Maybe the best album ever.
We all love it. But some lucky souls were there at the shows recorded for it. My mate Mark Carroll was. Here's his short account of a milestone in Rock History.
I remember getting ready to go to Chicago. My older brother Scott was driving us in his 72 Chevy Impala 4 door. We were all starting by partying at my friend Leonard "B.B." Guerrero' house.Must have been about a dozen of us had tickets for the show.
Anyways,me,B.B., Scott and Larry "Clutch" Combs went in Scotts car to Chicagos International Amphitheatre and took our seats.Fifteen rows from the stage and center.The first band came out and I can't remember who it was. The second band was City Boy, don't know why I remember them.Most likely because of the hit 5705. I don't think it mattered who it was really, we were there to see UFO and Michael Schenker of course.After all, I'd broken out of hospital to see the Lights Out tour and been a maniacal fan since hearing Phenomenon when it came out!
So you can imagine, we were ready for the main event.But before UFO came on,someone,not sure who, noticed the microphones hanging from the ceiling!Hmm and maybe they're doing a radio broadcast?.Just added to the excitement for me.
Then the lights went down,and the now legendary announcement was made. "Hello Chicago,would you please welcome from England U.F.O !!!We went wild.
The band were Rocking and so was the Ampitheatre.It was maybe 2 or 3 songs in,when,Phil Mogg said something like, "I don't know if you've noticed the microphones, but we're recording tonights event for posterity".Well we thought we were rocking before but the crowd just went freakin' nuts! If Chicago loved UFO before, now it was like they'd proposed marriage! Partners for life and no one would ever come between us.
Scott and B.B. were trying to whistle so hard, I thought thier teeth would come out! They wanted to be heard on the recording. I was hollering my damned head off for the same reason. The whole crowd was.
I remember that the band jammed their asses off, Michael was on fire and so were the rest of the band. After the show all everyone was talking about was what a great show it was and how good they sounded.Of course the other thing we were all excited about was the show being recorded. Wondering when the record would come out.
Its a long time back but I think I found out it would be called Strangers In The Night, and also when it was being released from Circus magazine. A stroke of genius that title really. A world famous song but given the twist of a night out at a gig? Brilliant.
The downside?I bought a T-shirt.Had it for a couple of years.Then my brother Scott borrowed it and I never saw it again dammit!But I still have that album. And Im on it. And no one can take that from me.
Thanks Mark Carroll
We all love it. But some lucky souls were there at the shows recorded for it. My mate Mark Carroll was. Here's his short account of a milestone in Rock History.
I remember getting ready to go to Chicago. My older brother Scott was driving us in his 72 Chevy Impala 4 door. We were all starting by partying at my friend Leonard "B.B." Guerrero' house.Must have been about a dozen of us had tickets for the show.
Anyways,me,B.B., Scott and Larry "Clutch" Combs went in Scotts car to Chicagos International Amphitheatre and took our seats.Fifteen rows from the stage and center.The first band came out and I can't remember who it was. The second band was City Boy, don't know why I remember them.Most likely because of the hit 5705. I don't think it mattered who it was really, we were there to see UFO and Michael Schenker of course.After all, I'd broken out of hospital to see the Lights Out tour and been a maniacal fan since hearing Phenomenon when it came out!
So you can imagine, we were ready for the main event.But before UFO came on,someone,not sure who, noticed the microphones hanging from the ceiling!Hmm and maybe they're doing a radio broadcast?.Just added to the excitement for me.
Then the lights went down,and the now legendary announcement was made. "Hello Chicago,would you please welcome from England U.F.O !!!We went wild.
The band were Rocking and so was the Ampitheatre.It was maybe 2 or 3 songs in,when,Phil Mogg said something like, "I don't know if you've noticed the microphones, but we're recording tonights event for posterity".Well we thought we were rocking before but the crowd just went freakin' nuts! If Chicago loved UFO before, now it was like they'd proposed marriage! Partners for life and no one would ever come between us.
Scott and B.B. were trying to whistle so hard, I thought thier teeth would come out! They wanted to be heard on the recording. I was hollering my damned head off for the same reason. The whole crowd was.
I remember that the band jammed their asses off, Michael was on fire and so were the rest of the band. After the show all everyone was talking about was what a great show it was and how good they sounded.Of course the other thing we were all excited about was the show being recorded. Wondering when the record would come out.
Its a long time back but I think I found out it would be called Strangers In The Night, and also when it was being released from Circus magazine. A stroke of genius that title really. A world famous song but given the twist of a night out at a gig? Brilliant.
The downside?I bought a T-shirt.Had it for a couple of years.Then my brother Scott borrowed it and I never saw it again dammit!But I still have that album. And Im on it. And no one can take that from me.
Thanks Mark Carroll
Sunday, 27 July 2014
Cant Keep Good Men Down
In 83 I didn't or couldn't believe UFO was over. But the announcement was out and we had all heard the stories of the Greek meltdown. So what could you do. You went out and got tickets to three shows pretty much near where you lived, that's what. You also took your camera and a few albums to get signed. Cant remember exactly why but we only got to meet the guys at Bradford. But so what? Photos got lost in a freak accident involving water years ago unfortunately. Stuff signed still safe and sound though.
So we're talking to the band. Andy Parker, Paul Chapman, Neil Carter and Paul Gray. (Paul was superb on Bass in my opinion too.) "Wheres Phil?" Tired and emotional is the answer from Neil.
"Cant believe its all over!"
" Its not!" Neil again, "Andy, Paul and me are going to do something. We have a singer lined up. Cant say who though."
"But Phil, what about Phil?"
"Don't worry about Phil. He needs a rest and he'll be back" , says Neil.
Well as most of us will know, the Carter Chapman thing didn't get too far. But Neil took his talents and some of the demos to Gary Moore. Including this which went on to be Murder In The Skies.
And we all know Phil didn't give up. Thank god. Still delivering quality albums today and soon to be working on a new one according to official sources.
But this is what made me think of times past. HRC is fighting back and they posted this gig I was at.
So we're talking to the band. Andy Parker, Paul Chapman, Neil Carter and Paul Gray. (Paul was superb on Bass in my opinion too.) "Wheres Phil?" Tired and emotional is the answer from Neil.
"Cant believe its all over!"
" Its not!" Neil again, "Andy, Paul and me are going to do something. We have a singer lined up. Cant say who though."
"But Phil, what about Phil?"
"Don't worry about Phil. He needs a rest and he'll be back" , says Neil.
Well as most of us will know, the Carter Chapman thing didn't get too far. But Neil took his talents and some of the demos to Gary Moore. Including this which went on to be Murder In The Skies.
And we all know Phil didn't give up. Thank god. Still delivering quality albums today and soon to be working on a new one according to official sources.
But this is what made me think of times past. HRC is fighting back and they posted this gig I was at.
So cheers HRC and all who sail in her
Wednesday, 23 July 2014
Schenker Is God?
So Schenker is God eh? Err, well no. I can hear you thinking " this guys lost the plot!" . But hold on. Look at the title of this page. UFO ROCK. Now there's a certain picture that does the rounds on Facebook with the caption "I don't always listen to UFO, but when I do I prefer the Schenker version". Well it gets my goat on a few levels.
Now Im a massive UFO and Schenker fan but no, I don't always listen to UFO either. Shock, horror! Oh aye. Judie Tzuke, The Faces, Manics. Hell I even went to see The Corrs and more recently the musical Wicked and enjoyed both very much. So no, of course you don't always listen to UFO. That would be just bloody stupid wouldn't it?
You prefer the Schenker version? Well which version would that be then? Aah right! You only listen to a couple of albums from the nineties then? Yep, that's when the UFO name (partly) belonged to Michael. That's three albums you restrict yourself to then? Good for you. For anyone still reading, yes Im being somewhat pedantic. But you get my drift. That meme is just stupid.
Lets move on. Yes I do love Schenker. Hes arguably the best living Rock guitar player there is. These last few years hes back to his best and its wonderful and exciting to see him playing those riffs and spine chilling solos. But did you you follow him through ALL his career without UFO? I didn't. Sure I kept an eye and an ear on what he was doing. But no, I didn't lap up everything he did. Why? Two words. Phil Mogg.
But UFO aren't the same without Schenker? Well no. Schenker isn't quite the same without Mogg. What kept me buying UFO records as soon as they were released? Moggs voice and writing. Atomic Tommy M may not be much appreciated by many, but even so Phil pulls the band through lean times when UFO were swimming very much against the tide. Check out the American re mixes of Night Run, Heavens Gate and even the normal version of Wreckless. Moggs soulful voice and storytelling can still pull you in.
Ok, Moore, Chapman, Archer. Technically not as good as Schenker. But is that what Rock n Roll is about. Technical? No. Its about fun, excitement and a damn good image put in your mind that you can relate to. Yep girls, heartbreak,being one of the boys,trouble . Another thing Phil Mogg cant be touched on (except by maybe Philo)? The non soppy love song. Phil comes up with those stories and images I can relate to. Gary Barden managed it even on In The Midst of Beauty. Voss and Doogie have more recently. But for me Phil Mogg is the God of UFO. The succesion of frankly average singers Michael had seemed to dilute what he was doing. My favourite album and the one I tend to play if I want something from those years is Instrumental Intensity. Michael painting pictures with no distractions.
Now this isn't meant to be a Schenker knocking session. Far from it. Like many I wouldn't mind seeing Schenker back in UFO. With Vinnie if I had my way. No. My point here is that Schenker needs Mogg more than Mogg needs Schenker. As Im writing this, Diesel In The Dust has just come on the iPod. Mr Mogg with an under rated guitar player. But by the gods of Rock n Roll! Phil pulls off yet another fantastic piece of imigary and story telling yet again.
Gods of Rock n Roll?
Phil Mogg may well be King of them all.
Now Im a massive UFO and Schenker fan but no, I don't always listen to UFO either. Shock, horror! Oh aye. Judie Tzuke, The Faces, Manics. Hell I even went to see The Corrs and more recently the musical Wicked and enjoyed both very much. So no, of course you don't always listen to UFO. That would be just bloody stupid wouldn't it?
You prefer the Schenker version? Well which version would that be then? Aah right! You only listen to a couple of albums from the nineties then? Yep, that's when the UFO name (partly) belonged to Michael. That's three albums you restrict yourself to then? Good for you. For anyone still reading, yes Im being somewhat pedantic. But you get my drift. That meme is just stupid.
Lets move on. Yes I do love Schenker. Hes arguably the best living Rock guitar player there is. These last few years hes back to his best and its wonderful and exciting to see him playing those riffs and spine chilling solos. But did you you follow him through ALL his career without UFO? I didn't. Sure I kept an eye and an ear on what he was doing. But no, I didn't lap up everything he did. Why? Two words. Phil Mogg.
But UFO aren't the same without Schenker? Well no. Schenker isn't quite the same without Mogg. What kept me buying UFO records as soon as they were released? Moggs voice and writing. Atomic Tommy M may not be much appreciated by many, but even so Phil pulls the band through lean times when UFO were swimming very much against the tide. Check out the American re mixes of Night Run, Heavens Gate and even the normal version of Wreckless. Moggs soulful voice and storytelling can still pull you in.
Ok, Moore, Chapman, Archer. Technically not as good as Schenker. But is that what Rock n Roll is about. Technical? No. Its about fun, excitement and a damn good image put in your mind that you can relate to. Yep girls, heartbreak,being one of the boys,trouble . Another thing Phil Mogg cant be touched on (except by maybe Philo)? The non soppy love song. Phil comes up with those stories and images I can relate to. Gary Barden managed it even on In The Midst of Beauty. Voss and Doogie have more recently. But for me Phil Mogg is the God of UFO. The succesion of frankly average singers Michael had seemed to dilute what he was doing. My favourite album and the one I tend to play if I want something from those years is Instrumental Intensity. Michael painting pictures with no distractions.
Now this isn't meant to be a Schenker knocking session. Far from it. Like many I wouldn't mind seeing Schenker back in UFO. With Vinnie if I had my way. No. My point here is that Schenker needs Mogg more than Mogg needs Schenker. As Im writing this, Diesel In The Dust has just come on the iPod. Mr Mogg with an under rated guitar player. But by the gods of Rock n Roll! Phil pulls off yet another fantastic piece of imigary and story telling yet again.
Gods of Rock n Roll?
Phil Mogg may well be King of them all.
Monday, 21 July 2014
Whaddaya mean Mick Bolton? Who? What?
Mondays eh?. Groan. Wait Im on holiday! Suns shining in Bonny Scotland at 8am. A Cuppa tea, a ciggy and iPod on outside for an hour or two before the hordes surface.(9 of us. Extended family. Don't get me wrong l, I love em, but, y'now.Ha ha).
So what to play. Misdemeanour? Been thinking about doing a "UFO black sheep" album type thing. But no. Scrolling through my pod a certain three albums are first in the list. And Im transported back to 79ish.
1979 I hear you question me. Well yes. I didn't know about these albums back then. As covered in my last update, its round this time Im dealing with Schenker being labelled a nut job and Paul Chapman coming in. (Who for me is actually a damned hero,more on that later maybe.) So yeah, there I am a young rock fan with a few years under his belt, No Place To Run on the turntable and gig tickets safely stashed. Alls well. But what's this in Sounds music paper. Whad'ya mean Phenomenon wasn't the first album? But, but. No, I have everything! LP's, clear and red coloured singles. Phil refers to Phenomenon as the first album in interviews for heavens sake. Further investigation required eh. But where? The village library? Oh aye I'll go there. Hang on though, bloody internet hasn't been invented so neither has Dave Wood or Tristan Greatrex websites! Grr. So what to do? Step forward Sounds. Remember those wierd and exotic little ads for record shops in far flung places? Lets have a look there. So squinting like Benny Hill looking at a bikini clad girl I look through that tiny print they used. Sure enough, UFO. Space Metal. Now I cant remember the price but at the time but I don't care. Im the worlds biggest UFO fan. Well, maybe the villages biggest. Well I have to have it. Where's my giro. Mum, no board this week Im afraid. And it arrives maybe a week and a half later.
Excitedly I place it on the turntable as though I discovered The Holy Grail. And, and....well I tried to love it. But, I just couldn't. Played it my more hippyish mate. He bloody loved it (maan).
For me it wasn't UFO. That's just how it was. But there's more. Scanning tiny printed ads in Sounds again. UFO1, Flying and Live. In Japan! Nooo! Im the villages biggest UFO fan remember. What if my mates find out I don't have these albums? I'd be a laughing stock. Yay. National Coal Board to the rescue. (Never thought Id say that). My apprenticeship came through. Money. I have money. Spend it now. Oh and sell Space Metal to my mate for more or less what I paid. Offset the cost yeah.
So yeah, there I am. The biggest UFO fan in the world never mind the the village now surely? Exotic albums in the collection even though they hardly got played. But they were worth it.Spring forward to 1983.
UFO are breaking up. Sad times you must agree. Three different venues booked. Bradford. We're in! Neil Carter chatting away like the lovely guy he is. Tonka almost threating to hit me! Ha ha. Then Andy Parker. Up I march. "Andy can you sign this please?" my voice squeeking like a church mouse even though I met em all before. Andy looks at the lp thrust towards him.UFO Live.
"Where the f*#k did you get this?". And its like no one else is in the room. Hes caressing it. Reading every word printed on the sleeve. Taking the vinyl out, very carefully I might add. "This is an original the same as mine. Ive never seen another." says our beloved drummer. Im telling you, time had slowed down. No one else could get his attention. "Please sign it Andy." Im almost pleading with him. He looks like he wants to keep it. He does however sign it and we have a good talk about things. A fantastic memory for me. Maybe for him too?
Well Helen Raymond has mentioned on Facebook how good Andy and Paul Raymonds memories are. So the story isn't over. Sheffield, March 2014 on tour. Waiting at the tour bus to get 7D signed. Andys birthday actually. "Andy! Happy birthday!" we shout (hi Glen. Lol). He thanks us. Signs 7D. Me I wanna talk even though its peeing down. So what do I say? "Andy, you might not remember Bradford in 83 but you signed my old UFO Live album....." and Andy finishes off the sentance. "and it was a bloody original like mine!" My brother Glen has to almost stop me falling over. Gobsmacked isn't the word. There were no words. Except Happy Birthday again.
So I hardly play those first three albums. But they are just as special to me as any others. Cheers Andy Parker. Memories. UFO have given me loads, then and now.
So what to play. Misdemeanour? Been thinking about doing a "UFO black sheep" album type thing. But no. Scrolling through my pod a certain three albums are first in the list. And Im transported back to 79ish.
1979 I hear you question me. Well yes. I didn't know about these albums back then. As covered in my last update, its round this time Im dealing with Schenker being labelled a nut job and Paul Chapman coming in. (Who for me is actually a damned hero,more on that later maybe.) So yeah, there I am a young rock fan with a few years under his belt, No Place To Run on the turntable and gig tickets safely stashed. Alls well. But what's this in Sounds music paper. Whad'ya mean Phenomenon wasn't the first album? But, but. No, I have everything! LP's, clear and red coloured singles. Phil refers to Phenomenon as the first album in interviews for heavens sake. Further investigation required eh. But where? The village library? Oh aye I'll go there. Hang on though, bloody internet hasn't been invented so neither has Dave Wood or Tristan Greatrex websites! Grr. So what to do? Step forward Sounds. Remember those wierd and exotic little ads for record shops in far flung places? Lets have a look there. So squinting like Benny Hill looking at a bikini clad girl I look through that tiny print they used. Sure enough, UFO. Space Metal. Now I cant remember the price but at the time but I don't care. Im the worlds biggest UFO fan. Well, maybe the villages biggest. Well I have to have it. Where's my giro. Mum, no board this week Im afraid. And it arrives maybe a week and a half later.
Excitedly I place it on the turntable as though I discovered The Holy Grail. And, and....well I tried to love it. But, I just couldn't. Played it my more hippyish mate. He bloody loved it (maan).
For me it wasn't UFO. That's just how it was. But there's more. Scanning tiny printed ads in Sounds again. UFO1, Flying and Live. In Japan! Nooo! Im the villages biggest UFO fan remember. What if my mates find out I don't have these albums? I'd be a laughing stock. Yay. National Coal Board to the rescue. (Never thought Id say that). My apprenticeship came through. Money. I have money. Spend it now. Oh and sell Space Metal to my mate for more or less what I paid. Offset the cost yeah.
So yeah, there I am. The biggest UFO fan in the world never mind the the village now surely? Exotic albums in the collection even though they hardly got played. But they were worth it.Spring forward to 1983.
UFO are breaking up. Sad times you must agree. Three different venues booked. Bradford. We're in! Neil Carter chatting away like the lovely guy he is. Tonka almost threating to hit me! Ha ha. Then Andy Parker. Up I march. "Andy can you sign this please?" my voice squeeking like a church mouse even though I met em all before. Andy looks at the lp thrust towards him.UFO Live.
"Where the f*#k did you get this?". And its like no one else is in the room. Hes caressing it. Reading every word printed on the sleeve. Taking the vinyl out, very carefully I might add. "This is an original the same as mine. Ive never seen another." says our beloved drummer. Im telling you, time had slowed down. No one else could get his attention. "Please sign it Andy." Im almost pleading with him. He looks like he wants to keep it. He does however sign it and we have a good talk about things. A fantastic memory for me. Maybe for him too?
Well Helen Raymond has mentioned on Facebook how good Andy and Paul Raymonds memories are. So the story isn't over. Sheffield, March 2014 on tour. Waiting at the tour bus to get 7D signed. Andys birthday actually. "Andy! Happy birthday!" we shout (hi Glen. Lol). He thanks us. Signs 7D. Me I wanna talk even though its peeing down. So what do I say? "Andy, you might not remember Bradford in 83 but you signed my old UFO Live album....." and Andy finishes off the sentance. "and it was a bloody original like mine!" My brother Glen has to almost stop me falling over. Gobsmacked isn't the word. There were no words. Except Happy Birthday again.
Friday, 18 July 2014
You Can Use The Door
Michael Schenker.
What about him? Yeah, I love Chapman era and Vinnie now. Archer did a great job on High Stakes and Lights Out In Tokyo.
But of course its widely accepted, and probably rightly so, that UFO were at thier finest with the German Guitar God.
Like many people of my age Strangers In The Night just blew me away and hooked me into UFO for life. Album bought it was then the rest of the Schenker catalogue bought every week or so with pocket money. In chronological order if memory serves.
But what of my new God? He was gone! Now I dont remember all the details but papers such as Sounds seemed to drip feed rumours on a regular basis. Moonies, spotted in the South of France on a Vespa?
Next sighting? With Scorpions on the 1979 Lovedrive album. Credited with 3 songs,for me it was a fantastic album. Many might argue the best as I feel his influence is all over it. Alls well then. With his brother Rudy and everythings fine.Well no, fatigue? Stage Fright? Whatever? Somethings not quite right with our hero and hes off again.
Well here I have to admit my memory is hazy, maybe the Aerosmith rumour? Remember theres no all seeing internet at the time we are at here. But rejoice, news of a solo album. Or do I rejoice. I dont think I did really. I seem to have memories of being a little apprehensive of what was to come in my young mind. Is he really nuts. He could do anything. He hasnt got Mogg, Way, Raymond and Parker in his team! He hasnt got the reassuring presence of an older brother! And the other thing making me nervous? Ritchie bloody Blackmore! Nothing against the guy. Brilliant guitar player of course. Now we've all been there. Yes, the "who's the best" arguments. My man? "Oh hes a basket case" theyd say. "Look at Richie and his back catalogue. And now hes got a flashy new modern singer." I couldnt win.
But then, but then................BOOOOOOM!!
Are you high tonight, are you feeling alright,
Cos I need you now, like I never did before,
Is it hard enough, is It loud enough
Cos if you don't approve,you can use the door!
Game back on. Listen to this my friends. I win! And there was more to come....
What about him? Yeah, I love Chapman era and Vinnie now. Archer did a great job on High Stakes and Lights Out In Tokyo.
But of course its widely accepted, and probably rightly so, that UFO were at thier finest with the German Guitar God.
Like many people of my age Strangers In The Night just blew me away and hooked me into UFO for life. Album bought it was then the rest of the Schenker catalogue bought every week or so with pocket money. In chronological order if memory serves.
But what of my new God? He was gone! Now I dont remember all the details but papers such as Sounds seemed to drip feed rumours on a regular basis. Moonies, spotted in the South of France on a Vespa?
Next sighting? With Scorpions on the 1979 Lovedrive album. Credited with 3 songs,for me it was a fantastic album. Many might argue the best as I feel his influence is all over it. Alls well then. With his brother Rudy and everythings fine.Well no, fatigue? Stage Fright? Whatever? Somethings not quite right with our hero and hes off again.
Well here I have to admit my memory is hazy, maybe the Aerosmith rumour? Remember theres no all seeing internet at the time we are at here. But rejoice, news of a solo album. Or do I rejoice. I dont think I did really. I seem to have memories of being a little apprehensive of what was to come in my young mind. Is he really nuts. He could do anything. He hasnt got Mogg, Way, Raymond and Parker in his team! He hasnt got the reassuring presence of an older brother! And the other thing making me nervous? Ritchie bloody Blackmore! Nothing against the guy. Brilliant guitar player of course. Now we've all been there. Yes, the "who's the best" arguments. My man? "Oh hes a basket case" theyd say. "Look at Richie and his back catalogue. And now hes got a flashy new modern singer." I couldnt win.
But then, but then................BOOOOOOM!!
Are you high tonight, are you feeling alright,
Cos I need you now, like I never did before,
Is it hard enough, is It loud enough
Cos if you don't approve,you can use the door!
Game back on. Listen to this my friends. I win! And there was more to come....
Thursday, 17 July 2014
"While My Guitar Gently Weeps" Peter Frampton & Vinnie Moore@Sands Bethl...
So your thinking to yourself what to post today.
When up pops Vinnie Moore filling a request!
Wednesday, 16 July 2014
UFO Facebook Page
Are people aware of the UFO (unofficial) Facebook page.
No! Well its a great page for both serious and none serious, (infact downright silly), discussion of my favourite band. Full of great characters. If you join in Im sure you will make good internet friends with some of them. Be warned, it can get a little "heated" at times. But that's down to the passion many people have over the subject matter.
Another "bonus" is the presence of such as Paul Raymonds wife Helen, Danny Peyronel and Jeff Kolman. And yes they contribute.
I mentioned silliness I believe. Well heres a link to a page that went a little off topic. Or did it? Who doesn't want a history lesson on UFO?
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ufoband/permalink/10152272621988278/
Join the fun, you know you want to!
No! Well its a great page for both serious and none serious, (infact downright silly), discussion of my favourite band. Full of great characters. If you join in Im sure you will make good internet friends with some of them. Be warned, it can get a little "heated" at times. But that's down to the passion many people have over the subject matter.
Another "bonus" is the presence of such as Paul Raymonds wife Helen, Danny Peyronel and Jeff Kolman. And yes they contribute.
I mentioned silliness I believe. Well heres a link to a page that went a little off topic. Or did it? Who doesn't want a history lesson on UFO?
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ufoband/permalink/10152272621988278/
And it went on!
Join the fun, you know you want to!
Tuesday, 15 July 2014
UFO - Im A Loser - Hot n Live
Today I'd like to recommend an excellent release from last year (2013).
Hot n Live The Chrysalis Live Anthology 1974-1983
So why should you buy it?
Well the first reason for me is disc 2 gives you a mostly unreleased set from The Marquee in 1980. Its a good recording of how UFO were still to my mind, delivering killer songs with the much under-rated Paul Chapman on lead guitar. The album of the time was of course the acclaimed, "The Wild, The Willing and The Innocent. Songs such as Chains Chains, Long Gone and Makin Moves really do stand up to comparison with the more established classics included too.
Then of course you have disc 1 featuring Schenker ripping up the lead as only he can. Yeah a lot of these have been released before. But the way the tracks are ordered is well done andshows the progression of UFO and Michael really well. From Give her The Gun through to Aint No Baby plus Pack It Up (and Go) from Obsession.
So two great eras covered and, unlike some other collections, no tracks repeated.
Tracklist
Disc 1
1. Oh My (Electric Ballroom)
2. Give Her the Gun (Electric Ballroom)
3. Prince Kujuku (Electric Ballroom)
4. Space Child (Live At Record Plant, NYC)
5. Mother Mary (Live At Record Plant, NYC)
6. Can You Roll Her (Live At The Roundhouse, London 25/4/76)
7. Highway Lady (Live At The Roundhouse, London 25/4/76)
8. I'm A Loser (Live At The Roundhouse, London 25/4/76)
9. Let It Roll (Live At The Roundhouse, London 25/4/76)
10. Lights Out (Live At The Roundhouse, London 2/4/77)
11. On With The Action (Live At The Roundhouse, London 2/4/77)
12. Doctor Doctor (Live At The Roundhouse, London 2/4/77)
13. Ain't No Baby (Recorded Live In Kenogha, Wisconsin 14/10/78)
14. Rock Bottom (Live In Cleveland, Ohio)
15. Pack It Up (And Go) (Live In Cleveland, Ohio)
Disc 2:
1. Chains Chains (Marquee Club, London, November 1980)
2. Lettin' Go (Live At The Marquee 16/11/80)
3. Long Gone (Marquee Club, London, November 1980)
4. Cherry (Marquee Club, London, November 1980)
5. Only You Can Rock Me (Marquee Club, London, November 1980)
6. No Place To Run (Marquee Club, London, November 1980)
7. Love To Love (Marquee Club, London, November 1980)
8. Makin' Moves (Marquee Club, London, November 1980)
9. Too Hot To Handle (Marquee Club, London, November 1980)
10. Hot N' Ready (Marquee Club, London, November 1980)
11. Mystery Train (Live In Hammersmith)
12. Lonely Heart (Live At The Hammersmith Odeon 29/01/81)
13. We Belong To The Night (Live At Oxford 25/3/83)
14. When It's Time To Rock (Live In Oxford)
15. Blinded By A Lie (Live At Hammersmith)
Monday, 14 July 2014
Unfortunately we start with some sad news from Andy Parkers site. Heres the post from
http://www.mr-parker-rocks.com/ Andys own website.
Dear all,
This is about the time I should be posting a new diary update. Unfortunately, my wife Jo was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and will undergo surgery on Tuesday 15th July. As I’m sure you can imagine, my mind and time has been filled with other things, hence the absence of a new update. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and hopefully she will soon make a full and speedy recovery. Thank you.
Andy
Im sure any UFO fan wishes Jo and Andy well in these difficult times.
http://www.mr-parker-rocks.com/ Andys own website.
13th July 2014
Dear all,
This is about the time I should be posting a new diary update. Unfortunately, my wife Jo was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and will undergo surgery on Tuesday 15th July. As I’m sure you can imagine, my mind and time has been filled with other things, hence the absence of a new update. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and hopefully she will soon make a full and speedy recovery. Thank you.
Andy
Im sure any UFO fan wishes Jo and Andy well in these difficult times.
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