Album Reviews
'You
Are Here' CD reviews and Interviews
YOU
ARE HERE
Thanks
to Simon Meacher for the translation into English
There
are some bands whom it would be impossible to imagine the rock
scene without. One of these bands is without doubt UFO, which since
1969
has experienced all the highs and the (numerous) lows of the rock
business. The history of the band is one of stress, particularly where
its line-up is concerned. Anyway, it seems the band leaders Phil Mogg,
Pete Way and Paul Raymond are interested once again. Newly-enlisted
to
the crew of the flying object next to Jason Bonham, son of drumming
legend John Bonham (LED ZEPPELIN), is guitar hero Vinnie Moore. Moore
made his name during the Guitar-Hero-Wave of the 80s and, in addition
to
cutting seven strong solo albums he appeared on the first two VICIOUS
RUMORS discs. A band with fresh wind in its sails, then.
Songs like opener "Daylight goes to town", "The wild
one" or "Give it
up" are typical UFO-style midtempo rockers, although "Black
cold coffee"
soon indicates that this is an altogether different reincarnation
of the
band. A hard rock-funk song like this could just as easily have come
from STEVIE SALAS, LIVING COLOUR or EXTREME; the same goes for
"Jelloman". The balladesque "Baby Blue" featuring
a steel guitar is the
kind of song one might have found on one of the older UFO albums.
The
groovy "Call me", "The spark that is us" and the
diamond-hard "Sympathy"
have a quite modern and American sound. Even though this CD doesn't
really contain any real hits at least "Mr. Freeze" and "Slipping
away"
are both stubbornly catchy. On the set-closing "Swallow"
Moore and
Bonham really cut loose one last time.
Bonham's varied drumming brings real momentum to the music. It is
amazing how well Vinnie Moore fits in. Some of his leads are truly
jaw-dropping but his playing suits the songs excellently. Sadly some
of
the guitar melodies come across too obviously as overdubs, and these
don't blend in too well harmonically. The singing is too far forward
in
the mix. This takes some of the power away from the coolly rocking
songs
and also shows that Mr Mogg is somewhat short of ideas. Many of his
song
melodies have been heard before elsewhere. Nevertheless, it is often
Mogg's characteristic voice which makes the songs stand out. The CD
has
a crisp and modern production thanks to Tommy Newton, who is based
in
the poky town of Celle.
In any case one hopes that this line-up remains intact since a UFO
in
this formation deserves to stay a while in the hard rock universe.
UFO
have opened themselves up to modern influences and still managed to
reproduce their brand of timeless hard rock. "You are here"
is no
masterpiece but it is a very good listen. True UFO fans can't go wrong
if they buy this CD.
ORIGINAL
GERMAN REVIEW
Cheryl:
After seeing UFO awhile ago and hearing some of these songs live I
was curious to hear the whole album so I´m glad it ended up
being a pick for the Inquisition. What you´ll get here is a
very solid album chock full of catchy Rock N Roll tunes fronted by
the great vocals of Phil Mogg and the excellent, smoking guitarwork
of Vinnie Moore. Of course there will be those out there who are unhappy
with the fact that Schenker isn´t among the ranks anymore but
quite frankly I think Moore does a killer job here. A worthy album
for all UFO / Hard Rock fans !
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heart Of Steel: I have the utmost respect for UFO
and own about seven UFO albums including "Sharks" from 2002.
I am a big fan of the classic UFO sound. Problem here is that despite
what anyone else says, Vinnie Moore is no Michael Schenker. The fact
is that the core of UFO includes Schenker, Mogg, and Way. Here we
have Mogg, Way, Jason Bonham and Vinnie Moore. And frankly this is
not a BAD rock album. Further, Vinnie Moore is not a BAD guitarist.
On the contrary, he can play. But there is this immeasurable matter
of musical chemistry that UFO have only had when Mogg and Schenker
are together, despite personality conflicts outside of the band. This
album is consistent with "Sharks" because of Phil Mogg's
distinctive voice and the compositions continue in a classic hard
rock style. Missing Schenker here drops the quality of the final product
and this album can in no way be compared to 1975-1980 prime UFO. For
me, UFO will never be the real UFO without Schenker and thus I can
only rate this 7/10.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mordred: When you have on the reviewing pannel such
long timers, chances are that an oldie might pop up every once in
a while! Good for variety and good for all those who still need a
lesson about what’s Metal and what’s not! Anyway, UFO
has been around for a long, long time… More than 30 years to
be more precise! And honour to Phil Mogg and Pete Way, they still
keep making quality albums. For this album fasten your seat-belts
cause the guitar-hero shredder Vinnie Moore is here! Also, Jason Bonham
on the drums shows he has learned a trick or two from his father…
To be absolutely honest, this is not the type of Metal that an 80’s
born and raised metalhead such as myself will be raving about (except,
of course, for some guitar antics) but at the same time I know quality
when it hits my face! And it might be just a matter of mood for me
to enjoy more the album… As it is, I still give my vote of confidence
to all those into 70’s Metal who might want to see if UFO still
delivers!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loucypher: Here is my chance to review a band that
(sadly for me) I have overlooked for too long. Maybe it was not the
time for me to be hooked with this kind of hard rock (maybe we could
call it pre-metal too). Anyway, here I am reviewing this really excellent
album by the band headed by Phil Mogg. For this album they have added
some new blood (guitar hero, Vinnie Moore, and the son of Led Zeppelin
drummer John Bonham, Jason) and that adds a new dimension to their
music, sounding really fresh and (this is really surprising for a
band that has been playing for more than 30 years) “young”.
It reminds me a lot of the energy showed by another veteran band as
Deep Purple (whose last album we reviewed here). So what do we find
here? First class hard rock from the beginning to the end, Phil Mogg
in top form, Vinnie Moore showing us that he can perfectly fill Michael
Schenker shoes with no problem (Vinnie´s leads are really high
class job here), Jason Bonham playing hard his drum kit and Paul Raymond
and Pete Way completing this hard rocking line-up. My highlights would
be the opening 'Daylight Comes To Town', 'Black Cold Coffee', 'Sympathy'
and the delicious ballad, 'Baby Blue', but overall the whole album
is worthy of listening and would be a good purchase.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Runehammer: UFO kick off 2004 with a brand new album
and a distinctly AC/DC’ish intro to “When the Daylight
Goes To Town” at least until Phil Mogg’s voice kicks in
followed by some neat slide guitar courtesy of Vinnie Moore (ex-VICIOUS
RUMORS, making his UFO debut). This is unmistakeably UFO and that
augurs well for the rest of the album. “Black Cold Coffee”
follows and whilst the song isn’t particularly stellar there’s
some awesome guitar work and enough on offer to show that the line-up,
completed by Pete Way (bass), Paul Raymond (keys) and Jason Bonham
(drums), are really up for it. Suffice to say that this album is a
total joy to listen to, and tracks like “Give it Up” could
easily appear on any of the mid 70’s UFO classics with no detrimental
effect whatsoever. This is an absolute “must buy” for
any UFO fans and fans of good music in general.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Black Poet: That’s the way I like rock ‘n’
roll. This album supposes UFO’s return to the worldwide metal
scene, and my first impressions listening to “Daylight Goes
To Town” can’t be better. This lovely bunch of "grumpas"
still know how to rock hard and make you shake your head with good
hard rock riffs. The second number (“Black Cold Coffee”)
has even funky influences in the main riff or in Phil Mogg’s
voice, who is still singing with strength and reminding all of us
why UFO was one of the most influential pre-metal bands. Anyway, time
goes by and that’s also something that can be appreciated in
the music and in the way of composing. Don’t expect to find
something like “Phenomenon” beacause you won’t.
Don’t get scared, this album sounds less “older”
than “Phenomenon”, it sounds like something recorded on
this century. “The Wild One” is a good example of what
I’m saying. Anyway this can be considered as a classic UFO album
suitable for everyone who likes good hard rock by one of the masters
of the genre. Rating: 8/10.
30th
April 2004
You Are
Here REVIEW
When
one talks about hard rock, it’s impossible not to mention Ufo,
band that along the years succeeded to trace an undeniable furrow
in the history of this style. No matter what the reasons of this come
back (that also saw the return of Michael Shenker), the single important
thing is the music they produced, and of good music in the new “You
Are Here” (third reunion album) we can find a lot. The new line-up
of the band sees the great Vinnie Moore replacing Shenker and the
son of the legendary “Bonzo” of Zeppelin behind the skins
and, to say it all, it seems they both perfectly merged the rest of
the band, since every song in there shows a confident band as never
before, able to give us some gems like “Call Me” and “Daylight
Goes to Town”. The album flows away smoothly showing some tension
decrease in the final part, but setting anyway on good levels and
giving us a Phil Moog in big shape, able to give us the goose flesh
with his incisive voice. What are Ufo in 2004? They are band in great
shape that, after making the history of hard rock, still want to play
the style they love, trying to put some fresher element in their songwriting
(especially thanks to the contribution of Vinnie Moore), without chasing
the ghosts of the past and feeding on their success. Ufo are a true
band that had much to say and that’s always ready to burn out
the soul of the audience and that, until they release so enjoyable
albums, will always be worthy the given success.
©2004 Fabio Stancati
28th
April 2004
Phil
Mogg Interview
Although
not a recent interview - 16th February 2004, its just come to my notice.
An interesting read as ever from Phil.
27th
April 2004
Moore
& Mogg are Flying High
UK's
Guitarist Magazine - Issue 249, May 2004
From
the opening bars of 'Dayight Goes To Town' with Vinnie Moore's thick
layer of guitars and Phil Mogg's characteristic vocal delivery, the
latest UFO album draws you in.
...the
songs are powerful and delivered with real authority. Pete Way on
Bass and Jason Bonham on drums make a first class rhythm section...
...with
a great overall mix and Vinnies just blistering on track after track
its's a winning formula.
Standout
tracks: Black Cold Coffee, Wild One & Baby Blue.
Roger
Newell
©May
2004 Future
Publishing, Guitarist
Magazine
26th
April 2004
UFO
- You Are Here (SPV)
By: David
L. Wilson
[8/10] History has been kind to UFO in that with each new album produced
under the name there is a confidence that it will be received with
the benefit of a doubt and so it is with the opening of You Are Here.
Of course the expectations were high for this is the group that had
already produced such unparalleled classics as 'Force It', 'Phenomenon',
'No Heavy Pettin’' and 'Lights Out'. Though I am not (as yet)
able to say that You Are Here surpasses the combination of intense
passion and downright shred of those early classics this one does
rate much higher than just about anything else that bears the UFO
logo.
The center of UFO has always been Phil Mogg and Pete Way and it is
that pair who carry You Are Here though they have ample help from
newbies Jason Bonham and Vinnie Moore. Moore’s soloing is every
bit as fiery as previous players in the position and Bonham continues
to channel his famous father’s spirit with every whack making
the whole of this album feel like a solid team effort, something that
was lacking on previous outings.
Though each of the twelve tracks has their own endearing feature for
me it was the indescribable thump of 'Mr. Freeze' that won the day.
On this track you have one of the hottest solos in UFO history and
one of the greatest performances by Phil Mogg that I have ever heard.
Powerful stuff for sure. 'The Spark That Is Us' and 'The Wild One'
both rate special mention as well with their places in a live set
necessitated by their simple existence.
With the release of You Are Here me thinks that the temptation for
UFO to suffer the tantrums of on again/off again guitarist Michael
Schenker will easily be avoided. The best in years and more than primer
enough to bring the fans out to see UFO knock the lights out live.
©2004
blistering.com
22nd
April 2004
Fans
from France to the USA YOU
ARE HERE REVIEWS
17th
April
YOU
ARE HERE REVIEW
15th
April
UFO,
Hugenottenhalle Neu-Isenburg - LIVE REVIEW
Can anyone
send in a translation to us English speaking fans?
Also
a review for YOU
ARE HERE from the same website
14th
April
Another
great YOU
ARE HERE review
11th
April
Another
great UFO, YOU ARE HERE REVIEW
from Greg Baxevanidis at the
TEMPLE
OF METAL Magazine from GREECE
8th
April 2004
Photo
©2004 Frederic Surelle
A really
informative, warm and much anticipated Vinnie
Moore interview from Batttttty.
7th
April
Pete
Way Interview
in Hannover - Both in German and English translation
ENTER
CHAOS REALM
UFO
- "You Are Here" CD '04 (SPV, Eng) - Some
surprise albums are nightmares. You're expecting greatness in
such a casual, nonchalant way that when the mediocrity comes,
it knocks you back with all the power of a bag of dead fish
having been left in the summer sun, then opened to your unsuspecting
nose. One of my personal waterloo's here is Priest's "Killing
Machine." After the majestic glory of "Stained Class,"
I was all ready for an even more crowning achievement and was
met instead with...well..."Killing Machine." Can it
be a coincidence that I spent a week in the hospital in 1978
around this LP's release with a horrifying stomach infection?
But, occasionally, there can be the "other" kind of
surprise. The one that nobody who's truthful or even in their
right mind could possibly foresee. The kind that gives you a
good day (week? year?) & upturns your smile in a way Nostradamus
himself could never predict.
Those things in mind, I turn to legendary English band UFO.
They
began so long ago, guitar-ed (is that really a verb?) by bluesy
Mick Bolton and issued a couple dark, psych-y records before
a certain even-blusier Bernie Marsden stepped in for a moment,
only to see the entrance then of the (do I really need to say
this) enigmatic Michael Schenker. The band then went on a run
of uncommon greatness, delivering seminal '70's masterpieces
like "Force It," "Lights Out" and "Obsession,"
culminating in what is still considered one of the greatest
2-record live sets of all time, the breathtaking "Strangers
In The Night." Throughout all these, Phil Mogg's streetwise
poetry and soulfful voice merged with Schenker's startlingly
visionary riffs & leadwork to produce sheer magic. Of course,
it's no secret Schenker was a helluva mess personally and his
departure at the end of the '70's ushered in Paul Chapman, who
had briefly teamed with Michael in the '74-era of the band.
UFO then went on to produce a string of 4 records that were
good, however several steps below their predecessors, the notable
exception being '81's "The Wild, The Willing & The
Innocent," a lost classic that to me stands toe-to-toe
with their best. At this point, the group went into a spin of
much more serious mediocrity & even awfulness, incorporating
other guitarists like Atomik Tommy, Lawrence Archer, etc.
A flashpoint finally occurred in 1995. The classic line-up including
Mogg, Pete Way, Schenker, Paul Raymond & Andy Parker issued
the stunning "Walk On Water" records and my musical
world got sent topsy-turvy, seeing one of the only times in
history that a re-union actually worked, as the record came
across as the true successor to 1978's "Phenomenon."
Thing is, some people never change. Schenker was still a raving
lunatic and he went on to cause major personal problems in touring,
etc. What came next was the darker, less catchy but, to me,
quite impressive "Covenant." This saw a more indulgent
Schenker lacing the songs with intricate intros, harmony parts,
etc. In truth, while more technically impressive, the album
did not rock with the fury or memorability of "Walk..."
and the subsequent "Sharks" was, in retropspect, an
even more hodgepodge, slapped together by an awkward Schenker/Mogg
pairing that should have probably cut their losses after the
"Walk..." tour.
With all that in place, I then saw something in a magazine last
year about UFO continuing on with Vinne Moore on guitar and
Jason Bonham on drums. My thoughts were instantly transported
to that dark, Atomik Tommy-etc. era....A few old geezers, now
even older, trying to grab for any piece of flotsam to hang
on to aging rock-star careers at any cost to their pride by
bringing in so-called "guns" and in the process, making
an embarrassing parody of themselves on the Vegas circuit. When
this was finally released, I didn't even want to LOOK, let alone
listen. And yet, similar to the way it is when you see what
looks like a bad accident on the other side of the road, you've
gotta take a peek....
Remember that "other" kind of surprise I was talking
about before? You don't even know the least of it! Against any
odds I can imagine, totally defying every instinct and gut-feeling
and hunch I had as a music critic of nearly 30 years....I proceeded
to listen as the new UFO album has kicked my ever-loving ass.
You must understand one thing very clearly, if nothing else,
after reading this review. This is not "a pretty good album
for UFO in 2004." This is not "good, considering that
Michael is not on it." No, this is a f&cking great
UFO album. Period. I know, I know. I don't know how. I don't
know why. It sounds preposterous, but I just know it is. Well,
ok, there are some reasons I can explain and they are a joy.
The first thing that I was dreading was how Moore's guitarwork
was going to sound in this. The thing is, this guy is obviously
way better than I gave him credit for. Way, way better. Of course,
he's had the reputation of being a "shredder," and
even though I do know he's at least one of the originators in
that style and that I still do like his debut instrumental LP,
I had no idea he had the kinda command of bluesy hard rock he
shows here. Thing is, the motherf*cker comes up with one utterly
British-sounding heavy rock riff after the other. And, damn
if he doesn't do it without sounding like Schenker and yet still
sounding like he's the UFO guitarist. Add to that leads that
while, occasionally reaching stun speed are still so steeped
in feeling & melody that no old-school guitar fiend worth
their salt could dare not love it. Jesus, listen to "The
Wild One." Only 3 tracks in, this is up there with anything
on "Obsession." Vinnie compliments Mogg's vocal lines
with guitar fills that know the world of a back-porch blues
guy in Mississippi and still can get off like a big dog when
solo time comes.
And let's talk about Mogg. I know this is going to sound crazy
too, but for the life of me, I cant' say that I've ever heard
him sound better than he does on this record. Maybe it's my
imagination, but it sounds like he's singing with more feel,
more personal touch than I can remember. Check out ""Baby
Blue." His crooning in the classics "Love To Love"
or "Out In The Streets" (how long ago?!?!) may be
as good, but I honestly can't say he sounded better in them
than he does here. Couple that with the fact that the man, now
into his 50's, has still got the sardonic wit & lyrical
spit of a dude half his age (he remarks at one point, in this
album, about "climbing up the monkey's nose"), here's
one of the truest RAWK & ROLLERS of my long generation.
The thing that just cements this gorgeous slab of butt-smackin'
head-kick to my CD player for good though, are the songs. Twelve
in a row and nothing naff. In the spirit of all the better UFO
records, they run the gamut from the shake-down-the-pub-rockers
to the tear-jerking ballads but not a one doesn't come at you
with bare knuckles, driven home by a sweet, upfront production.
"Black Cold Coffee," "The Spark That Is Us,"
"Jello Man" and the stirring closer "Swallow"
are but more examples.
Oh, and did I mention that UFO now finally has a great drummer
in their official line-up, now that the son of the king of crush,
Jason Bonham wields his ten-ton sticks of death all over this
platter, not only firmly planting his own head-splitting style
here but, I'm quite sure, sending a beaming smile down (er...up?!)
from father John. Joining him in the proliferation of hind-spanking
rhythm-coolness, of course, Mr. Way lays down his infinitely
solid 4-string message and damn, if it isn't great to hear old
time pal Paul Raymond back in the picture one more time.
I'm not really sure what else I can say here, except for the
fact that I've now possibly written one of the longest reviews
I've ever posted about an album that I originally thought I'd
flush down the crapper in one or 2 sentences. Just how good
is "You Are Here?" Truthfully, it's right up there
with "Walk On Water," I shit you not. In one sense,
it may even be better in the regard that it's several songs
longer than that '95 masterpiece and without a filler even in
sight. Timeless British hard rock is alive and very, very well
and it's not in the re-treaded Leppard riffs and nail-scratching,
gimmick vocals of hype-kings The Darkness. It's in the killer
new UFO album, which you need to go and buy....RIGHT NOW!!!
©2004
CHAOS
REALM
I
really havn't enjoyed such a read in a very long time. CHAOS
REALM seems to be written by a very talented guy, Ray. That's
all I know as he keeps his identity and contact details close
to his chest. All I can say is that Ray has some great taste
in music and believes in spreading 'the word' to the masses.
Go visit CHAOS
REALM. Cheers Ray - Tristan
|
4th
April 2004
YOU ARE
HERE REVIEW
and a series of web pages dedicated to UFO
3rd
April 2004
Tom's
You Are Here CD
review
31st
March 2004
3 FAN
CD reviews
can be
found on THIS
PAGE
28th
March 2004
YOU ARE
HERE REVIEW
25th
March 2004
YOU ARE
HERE REVIEW
19th
March 2004
UK's
April Issue of CLASSIC ROCK - Issue 65
Phenomenal!
indeed - UFO fans are in for a real treat in this months Classic Rock
magazine. Already on the shelves in UK stores, a two page album review
from Geoff Barton and five pages put aside by Dave Ling for a Phil
Mogg interview - FANTASTIC
Lets
start with the interview...
| |
|
|
|
| Starting
with Pages 39 and 40 |
page
41 |
page
42 |
page
43 |
©Classic
Rock Magazine. Images © Ross
Halfin/Idols, Jorgen
Angel, Glen A. Baker/Redfurns
...Dave
Ling pulls no punches and quizzes Phil over the 'Manchester debacle',
talks about events leading up to the show, reaction and effect it
had on the band and fans. The control of the band name 'UFO', re-grouping
with a new line-up and past UFO members up for consideration. The
final choosing of the replacements for Drums and Guitars, the relationship
between the new members and feel of the band. Touch on the two previous
albums, 'Covenant' and 'Sharks'. The current European tour and the
overall feeling regarding Michael Schenker.
In all
this is a frank and highly entertaining interview from Dave Ling -
Phil is open with his thoughts, plans for the band are positive and
warm. In fact Phil Mogg seems very very comfortable with UFO both
personally and professionally. I am not going to report on the detail
as to encourage you fans to go out and BUY this issue of Classic Rock.
You will not be disappointed.
Order
a copy of Classic Rock
Now onto
the review
I have
been reading this magazine since the first issue and I must say it
isn't often that a band is awarded five stars!!!
I will
just quote a few comments from Geoff as I really want you go out and
buy a copy of the magazine. If you have trouble getting hold of a
copy, e-mail me and I'll put you in the right direction.
"This
is a very 21st-century UFO. Although the essence of the band's sound
remains - imperious anthems driven by Mogg's stentorian voice, but
also tempered by liberal doses of melody..."
"...Moore
is a revelation on 'You Are Here', cranking out an array of raw, beefy,
quintessentially British rock riffs that belie his fretwiddling upbringing..."
"Jason
provides a backdrop of rumbling menace..."
"Mogg
is in top lyrical form throughout..."
It really
is a fantastic review from the best Rock Magazine in the world - Oh
what joy.
14th
March
Another
great UFO, YOU ARE HERE REVIEW
from Greg Baxevanidis at the
TEMPLE
OF METAL Magazine from GREECE
4th
March
UK's
Rock Ahead Album Review
1st
March
Spanish
interview with Phil Mogg
29th
February
Another
very good German
album review
Another
8/10
review for 'YOU ARE HERE'
and JASONS
interview
26th
February 2004
Jason
Bonham Interview on Live 4 Metal
25th
February 2004
Phil
Mogg
- Interview
Click on the 'UFO - Phil Mogg' link listed under 'Issue 60'
Thanks
to our friend Todd Smith, Editor
THE
CUTTING EDGE
5
Star Amazon Review - This album has the feel of 'Walk on
Water'(a true UFO 'classic') - with strong tunes, an excellent sound,
and Phil Mogg in prime form(almost Springsteen-esque lyrics at times).
Stand out cuts? - Mr Freeze, When Daylight Comes to Town and Sympathy.
To sum up, better than the recent Sharks and Covenant albums, and
close to the underated, undiscovered masterpiece that was the Sign
of 4 album.
Reviewer:
Rob H from Harrogate, North Yorks England
24th
February
5
out of 5 REVIEW from Melodic Rock Heaven
23rd
February 2004
8/10
Review from Metal Eagle
"With
the addition of Vinnie Moore and Jason Bonham ´You Are Here´
turns out as the strongest UFO release since ´Walk On Water´"
21st
February
Phil
Mogg Interview
with
Brave Words
20th
February
I see
that The Cutting
Edge have given 'You Are Here' the RECORD OF THE MONTH
Here
is a GERMAN
review
19th
February
THIS
WEEK ON THE CLASSIC
METAL SHOW
Saturday,
February 21st - New Music Listening Party For UFO - YOU ARE HERE
"This
week, we'll be holding a new music listening party with one of the
biggest classic metal bands of all time - U.F.O. Their new album is
called YOU ARE HERE, and we think you'll like it. Right now we're
working out the details, but don't be surprised if someone from UFO
checks in during the show as well!"
Another
album review from The
Cutting Edge
18th
February
Another
fantastic album review from RevelationZ
Danish
album REVIEW
Thanks
once again to Ralf Detlefsen from Copenhagen, Denmark
It looks
promising for UFO in Denmark.
The largest Newspaper (B.T.) in Denmark give the new album almost
a Top Rating - 5 out of 6.
To Summarise for all the English speaking fans:
> A hardrock masterpiece. It looks like a new great period for
UFO.
> The best album since "The Wild, Willing and Innocent".
> At same level with "Lights Out" and "Obsession".
> Great guitarplaying from Vinnie Moore.
> I can't remember when Phil Mogg has been singing so great.
> There are a lot of outstandings tracks on the album.
for the
Danish fans, click here
16th
February
Today
is the day for us in Europe...
... the
ELECTRIC BASEMENT Word Premier with their POWER
HOUR NET RADIO SHOW
Interview
with Jason Bonham and track selection - Excellent - Go and listen.
Jasons
favourite tracks - 'Baby Blue' & 'The Spark that is Us'
11th
February - REVIEW - see 4th Feb entry below
Thanks
to Ralf Detlefsen from Copenhagen, Denmark
It seems
that it wasn't a German Review but a NORWEGIAN REVIEW. Sorry about
that.
REVIEW
What
a great return of good old UFO in a modified line-up, consisting of
Vinnie Moore (guitar) and Jason Bonham (drums).
That means that Michael Schenker finally has got marching orders.
Schenker has created a lot of trouble for the band on the recent tours
and
he also needed to take time out for rehabilitation. So now
they start afresh and have made a great album. Their latest albums
haven´t been bad, but they have been lacking some
enthusiasm and sparkle which is clearly present on the new album.
There are many good tracks to emphasize such as "Daylights Goes
To Town",
"Black Cold Coffe", "The Spark That Is Us" and
"Sympathy".
I really
think that all tracks are of a very high standard. I
highly recommend this album to
both new and old fans. Hopefully UFO will get a renaissance with this
new album.
If so, it is now they have the chance to show their rights for a further
career. The music on the album has qualities that only comes
with several years of experience. Especially I like the way Jason
Bonham´s
plays the drums. And also Vinnie Moore, who is known
as a influential instrumentalist, contributes with a great guitar
sound on the
album. The bottom line is that it has surprised me how
fine this album really is.
Thanks
again Ralf for taking the time to translate
4th
February
German
REVIEW
of 'You are here' - anyone translate? I know it scored 5/6
3rd
February 2004
Hopefully
now, REVIEWS
of 'You are here' will be coming in and as positive as this one -
TOP RATING - A
1st
February 2004
| |
|
Mr.
Freeze |
Daylight
Goes To Town |
It seems
that EVERYONE really can't wait for the official YOU ARE HERE release
date of February 16th 2004* (European release date), judging by the
numerous e-mails that I am receiving. The main question still is 'How
does Vinnie fit in with UFO on the new album?" Well here are
two excellent examples of just how above all else, Vinnie has kept
the highest standards of melodic guitar playing set by Michael. Both
these Outo Clips of 'Mr. Freeze' and 'Daylight Goes To Town' will
make all you UFO fans hairs stand on end and go out to pre-order from
your local music stores - click on the CD's above to
hear for yourselves. In my review below, I can't really say
enough, of just how great I feel this album is. Looking back to my
comments regarding Vinnie last November,
I am proud to have judged it all just as I had thought. The good feeling
just got better.
So its
15 days to go... Enjoy
*21st
February 2004 - Japanese Release Date
* March
2004 - USA Release Date
21st
January 2004
Now this
how a review should be written...
...
BATTTTTTY's
review
20th
January
Tristan's
Promo REVIEW
There
is always a danger that when you look forward to a new UFO album release,
you build it up and up in your mind, counting down the months, weeks
and finally the days until somehow its in your hands that it can't
be as good as the build up. Are you ready for the outcome? ok, YOU
ARE HERE...
...I
can put my hand on my heart and say that there will not be one UFO
fan out there who will be disappointed by this wonderful album. 'You
Are Here' is quite simply 'stunning'. I can guarantee that you all
will be knocked over. The power, sensitivity, lyrical expression and
melody that we have come to expect from UFO is just oozing from this
release.
Vinnie
and Jason have come into a band that has an awesome reputation from
all areas and immediately they stamp their mark all over the album,
leaving the great name of UFO 100 per cent true to form. The albums
producer, Tommy Newton, has made a huge contribution to the album
by creating a spark between the band and a sound that is crisp.
I am
not going to attempt a full track by track account but I do wish to
cover some of the highlights:
Opening track, 'Daylight Goes To Town' builds and builds with lead
guitars weaving in and out of the track creating a melodic line that
engrains into your soul. Jason on this track and throughout is the
heart of the UFO engine with Phil the driver, and Vinnie stocking
up the boilers with riffs and lead to die for.
Track
2, 'Black Cold Coffee' has power, feel and vocals that is UFO. The
lead guitar break from Vinnie will leave you breathless.
Track
3. 'The Wild One' is one of my favorites - a perfect track beginning
with a strong riff, bass kicks in and then the rhythm section of Jason
and Paul and then a lead guitar melody from Vinnie that really never
dies or goes away.. Phil is in fine voice and great great lyrics that
build the story and create a picture, "No more haunted kisses,
no more long goodbyes...".
My strengths
are not in writing music reviews, so I am going to send you off to
BATTTTTTY's
'You Are Here' page to listen and judge for yourselves. I will be
really interested to read the songwriting credits on the final release
as this promo doesn't go into such detail.
Finally,
I would like to say that there is not one weak track on the album,
additional highlights if pushed are 'Jello Man' (phasing effects to
vocals) 'Baby Blue' (classic UFO ballad) and 'Swallow' BUT I have
to mention track nine, 'Mr. Freeze'. This has to be one of the live
tracks that UFO play from the album. The groove is superb. Phil shows
why he is one of the greatest songwriter and vocalist that any British
Rock group has produced,
"Sometimes I hear the angels are singing,
I can hear my mothers call.
Give me a Cadillac for a carriage and you'll hear running wheels spread
through the trees,
You can call me Mr. Black,
You can call me Mr. Grey, or you can call me simply
call me Mr. Freeze."
The riffs, lead guitar and rhythm section is perfect. The production
is excellent with the 'echo' effect on chosen lyrics adding to the
feel. So good that you wake up the next day in bed with the melody
coming out of your ears.
The rest
is for you to look forward to... I don't want to end there but I have
already run out words to describe 'YOU ARE HERE. Vinnies melodic guitar
work sits so comfortably within the band leaving you feel excited,
passionate and breathless. This UFO line-up is a gem and clearly the
chemistry works so well that time will show that 'You Are Here' will
sit alongside, classic albums, 'Lights Out', 'Obsession', The Wild
THe Willing & The Innocent and 'Walk On Water'.
You have
heard my thoughts - I would love to hear yours, so send in your reviews
and I will create a reviews page.
Tristan
