If you had told me that after 28 years, four out of the five original Michael Schenker Group would get back together after so many different directions in each one of their careers, I'd have to say, "You’re kidding, right?"
Well, believe it or not, even after Michael Schenker's history of financial problems, canceled gigs, and instances of being "unfit to perform." Yes, it's really happened!
Schenker's Ups and Downs
Ex-Scorpions and UFO guitarist Michael Schenker, vocalist Gary Barden, Toto drummer Simon Phillips, Deep Purple keyboardist Don Airey and ex-Whitesnake and Black Sabbath bassist Neil Murray have recorded a completely new album.
This really made me expectant of something special. Speaking as someone who has enjoyed Schenker's musical escapades through the Scorpions, UFO and earlier MSG, I have to say that he has struggled to release anything very noteworthy or even to keep any kind of a lineup together in recent years.
Last album, Tales Of Rock And Roll, celebrating 25 years of MSG, was a big disappointment to me. Every track blended into the next, which made the whole album seem repetitive, even with Michael bringing back the most successful MSG vocalists for a track or two each. Barden was there, Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, Alcatraz) and Robin McAuley. It still didn't work.
The album opens with "City Lights" and on first listen, I thought this was just average, and poor as an album opener. But after a few more plays, it has become very memorable. It’s not so bad after all, very catchy chorus and Schenker’s playing is back on track.
Return to the MSG Tradition
Next track, "Competition" is much, much stronger and I really love this one. It is certainly one of the stronger instant tracks, even if the chorus sounds a little like Boston's "Peace Of Mind." Schenker’s guitar work is clear, clean soloing.
"I Want You" almost sounds like modern day Deep Purple, especially with Don Airey (who replaced original Purple keys man Jon Lord in 2001) playing off Schenker in places, but again the key here is strong choruses.
"End Of The Line" is a track that runs like a train roaring down the tracks. Barden’s vocals are strong here and Schenker’s playing continues to sound reminiscent of days of yore!
Simon Phillips' drumming is powerful. It must've been nice to just let rip with Schenker rather than all of the intricacies of his work with his current employer, Toto! It's awesome, powerhouse, epic stuff.
"Summerdays" is a soulful piece, even to the point of suggesting Deep Purple's "Child In Time." Guitar here is kind of like Gary Moore's "Parisienne Walkways" but with the Schenker touch.
"Night To Remember" is a return to classic MSG with again a sound that makes me think Deep Purple -- not a bad thing, and some serious riffing going on by the main man!
MSG Power
Classic MSG again with "Wings Of Emotion," a great track that builds to a very catchy chorus and good musical mix, light and -- soft touches and punch, too.
"Come Closer" is a darker beast altogether, reminiscent of something off the UFO reunion album Walk On Water a few years back. But that's not to say that there's any melody lost here, as the chorus more than proves.
"The Cross of Crosses" is an epic track reminiscent of early, classic MSG. Schenker's playing here is superb, the solo is killer.
The dark building of the verses in "Nana" leads you to think the chorus is going to become something huge, but you really take more from the bridge sections of the song than from the chorus of, "Na, na na na na naaa." The simplistic chorus comes across as a little disappointing, but it does actually work!
"I Am The One" brings to mind thoughts of a more commercial Rainbow type event. It's another good 'un, though!
Closing track "Ride On My Way" starts as if we're going to get something like the instrumental MSG classics like "Into the Arena" or "Captain Nemo." Musically it is right there, just with added vocals, and closes the album nicely.
Bottom Line
As I’d mentioned at the beginning, first listening of this album had me thinking the production was just not right, perhaps because it's more akin to what MSG had back in the early '80s and it really doesn't sound any more modern.
I guess the aim was to bring back that traditional sound that got everyone into MSG in the beginning, so in that case, it has done its job. A better, bigger production would've made the songs immense. As it is, the songs are strong enough for me to report that the MSG of old is a very welcome sound.
I've really grown to enjoy this album. Welcome back, Mr. Schenker, now get yourself an excellent touring line up to get your true fans back!
by Alun Williams
Release date: May 13, 2008 - Inakustic Gmbh Records
