Artist: UFO
Title: “The Best Of UFO (1974-1983)”
Label: EMI Music
Release Date: 4/15/2008
Genre: Hard Rock
Rating: 4/5
The name of the band UFO probably comes up as inspiring more bands than you could easily count if you were a study of the groups that were a part of the NWOBHM movement. It’s easy to see why this would be the case once you sink your teeth into this tasty compilation of some of their finest numbers. Formed in 1969, there is a strong melodic Hard Rock base to their sound that is often cited as one of the forerunners to some of the roots which became Heavy Metal music and to this very day their biggest hits hold the same power that they did so long ago. The band was formed by Phil Mogg and Peter Way and together they eventually brought Scorpions’ guitarist Michael Schenker into greater prominence before he went on to form the Michael Schenker Group. As a compilation this collection works out very well for what it sets out to do and in my opinion that is to once again call your attention to the group. You see, while famous in some circles and inspiring bands that are now legends in their own right, the guys in UFO seem to be more of a band with a cult level status and following. If this wasn’t the case they would be headlining major arenas around the world consistently as opposed to certain regions smaller clubs and venues. You can’t go wrong as a Metal and Hard Rock fan with any of the number of tracks here and my own favorites are the bands branded classics “Lights Out”, “Only You Can Rock Me” and “Doctor Doctor”. I was also rather fond of “Let It Rain” from “Mechanix” and was happy to see that one considered good enough to be on the compilation.
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Artist: U-F-O
Title: “Too Hot To Handle (1969-1993)”
Label: Music Video Distributors
Release Date: 12/6/2005
Genre: Hard Rock
Rating: 8/10
There are not many people who would argue with you when you discuss the legendary status of the British band U-F-O. For many years the group has been cited as being very much the inspiration to the careers of groups like Iron Maiden and Def Leppard and as you look upon their back catalog this reason comes to you very clearly. The early lineup of the group that featured Phil Mogg, Pete Way, Andy Parker and Michael Schenker is revered to this very day as being forefathers in Hard Rock music. Songs like “Lights Out”, “Too Hot To Handle” and “Rock Bottom” still sound as fresh today as they did when they were first introduced. When you look at how many bands have fallen by the wayside while U-F-O still carries on you understand better when you listen to the quality of these particular tracks. Today in 2005 we find a different lineup in the band which is still helmed by Mogg and Way for the most part but this DVD focuses on the earlier years and features the one and only Axeman Michael Schenker. That alone will appeal to the staunch supporter of this group. The DVD is a direct transfer of the video film originally on VHS that was released in 2001.
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Title: “UFO: Shoot Out The Lights”
Author: Martin Popoff
Publisher: Metal Blade Records
Release Date: 4/1/2005
Rating: 7.5/10
Martin Popoff has again delivered a well arranged and enjoyable tome about a bands history for the fans of such literary works. This time around he gives us the scoop on the legendary UFO. For decades this group has been referenced by band after band as a source of inspiration to their own careers. It’s very easy to see how this was the case as UFO gave us some killer rock anthems in their early years. Among the numbers include “Rock Bottom”, “Doctor Doctor”, “Lights Out” and many, many more. This band not only had the warm vocals of Phil Mogg, but also the guitar wizardry of Michael Schenker. Add the skills and creativity of Pete Way and you get the picture. As you will find when reading the book; UFO has had many different lineups over the course of their existence. Yet in most cases that allowed the material to grow and change along with the times.
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Artist: U.F.O.
Title: “You Are Here”
Label: SPV America
Release Date: 5/2004
Genre: Hard Rock
Rating: 7.5/10
Legendary rockers U.F.O. have returned with a kicking piece of rock and roll for the world to enjoy. Singer Phil Mogg still has one of the more pure voices in rock music and he has held up over the years quite well. Some of the CD reminded me a little more of Bad Company style than that of earlier UFO, yet this is not a bad comparison to hold.
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