Michael Schenker Group – Michael Schenker Group (Vinyl) Original Japanese Pressing
Chrysalis Records (1980)

2 reviews for Michael Schenker Group – Michael Schenker Group (Vinyl) Original Japanese Pressing
Chrysalis Records (1980)

1. 

   4 out of 5

   AMG – March 28, 2017

   Highlights like "Looking Out from Nowhere" and "Lost Horizons" are laced with the pomp and bombast, storming opener "Armed and Ready" is arguably Schenker's finest solo track. 4 ½ Stars The concept may seem patently absurd, but guitarists were held in such high regard during the late '70s and early '80s that many elite players were given to tantrums and notions of self-worship usually reserved only for singers and divas. And maybe no one better exemplified this six-string megalomania than German guitarist Michael Schenker, whose turbulent flights of emotional fancy had already earned him the "Mad Michael" nickname during his mercurial tenure with Brit rockers UFO. Of course, this behavior simply went into overdrive when the guitar legend launched the Michael Schenker Group with a 1980 self-titled album, which was at times as unstable as the man himself. Witness the downright weird, Jimmy Buffet-like calypso melodies that introduce "Cry for the Nations" or the absurd title bestowed upon the delicate solo guitar piece "Bijou Pleasurette." But fear not, as for the most part the album is dominated by straightforward hard rockers very much in the UFO vein. Highlights like "Looking Out from Nowhere" and "Lost Horizons" are laced with the pomp and bombast typical of the era, and storming opener "Armed and Ready" is arguably Schenker's finest solo track. Vocalist Gary Barden wisely stays out of the way, his understated style (not unlike that of UFO singer Phil Mogg) placing all emphasis where it is intended: Schenker's stunning axe work. In spite of its random quirks, the general consensus among fans holds that this remains the MSG's best work. 4 ½ Stars
2. 

   5 out of 5

   Geoff – March 28, 2017

   Features some the best rock guitar playing you'll ever hear… this is easily Schenker's finest album. Produced by Roger Glover of Deep Purple. After establishing himself as one of the best rock guitarists ever with his brilliant performance on UFO's 'Strangers in the Night' album, Michael promptly quit the group to record his first solo effort -- and what a classic it is! With production from Roger Glover of Deep Purple, vocalist Gary Barden, and a band of top-notch session musicians (including phenomenal drummer, Simon Phillips), this album ensured that his status as the main man continued. Opener "Armed and Ready" is a real stormer with fantastic guitar solo. "Cry For The Nations" and "Victim of Illusion" keeps things cooking! Gentle instrumental 'Bijou Pleasurette' makes way for hard rockin' "Feels Like a Good Thing". Starting Side 2, "Into the Arena' is one of the greatest rock instrumentals ever, packed with guitar histrionics and wicked double bass drum work from Phillips. 'Looking Out From Nowhere' is another solid rocker, before beautiful acoustic number "Tales of Mystery" leads into "Lost Horizons", a dynamic moody epic that is a powerful finale to an album that features some the best rock guitar playing you'll ever hear. This is easily Schenker's finest album -- check it out and experience a master axe man at work.