Beginnings Album Review

4.5/5

Beginnings is a high quality collection of all of the work the band did with Mick Bolton.  I like this set a lot because it is very original, it has good sound quality, and it has a bonus track.  The only thing that I think is missing is that it doesn't have the amount of bonus material that the Chrysalis Years set had.  This album was put on to two discs.  The first disc has UFO 1 and some of UFO 2: Flying.  The second disc has the rest of Flying, and the band's early love classic UFO 3: Live.  The album also has a bonus track called "Galactic Love," which was a single released by the band in 1972.  The sound quality is very nice, because it sounds remastered, but it also doesn't ruin the sound of the original cuts.  I think that if this album put some extra live tracks, or alternate cuts of songs; it would definitely be perfect.  I think that this set is very affordable, because I bought it on Amazon for only 9 dollars.  This is much better than buying the albums separately, because you will be paying much more.  

I think that this set is very convenient, and it is definitely a great way to get in to the early band.  It is very cool to display too with its awesome album cover.  I highly recommend this box set, and it is a great buy.

What Is Your Favorite Paul Chapman Era Song?

Even though my favorite era of UFO is when Michael Schenker was on the band, I still think that Paul Chapman was completely awesome in the band.  He had so many catchy riffs, and also phenomenal guitar solos.  The songs of this era were also great too.  I feel that these albums were close to as good as any of the albums of the previous era.  These songs were much more of the type of song that could be a huge radio hit.  They had great choruses, and all around great vocal performances from Phil.  I feel that this era almost got a Foreigner type of sound to it.  Some of the songs of this era had a very brutal hard rock sound to them, while some had an uplifting pop sound.  My favorite original song of this era is "Anyday" from the album No Place To Run.  The reason why I love this song is because its chorus has such an in your face feeling to it.  Other songs from this era are also great.  Their cover of "Mystery Train" is completely phenomenal, and it has some of the greatest guitar playing of all time.  "Anyday" is still my favorite, because of the song's vibe and darkness.  What is your favorite song from the Paul Chapman era?

What Is The Greatest UFO Riff?

UFo has gained the glory of knowing that they have created some of the greatest riffs of all time.  From every period, there have been standout riffs.  Some may say that their favorite riff by the band would be "Rock Bottom," because of how Michael graces around the neck.  Some may say "Wonderland" because of its speedy thrash feel to it.  There are so many great choices to pick for your favorite, and you can't really go wrong.  My favorite riff by the band is with guitar player Michael Schenker, and the song is "This Kid's.". The reason why I love this riff so much is that it is so in your face, and it is also pretty technically amazing.  Michael was definitely able to pull this off on so many songs, but I feel that this is the best example.  He also put so much emotion into this song, and it fits very well to the lyrics.  What is your favorite riff by UFO?

A Message Of Gratitude

I would like to thank anyone who has commented on my blog.  It has helped me figure out things I have to do to improve my site.  I have been told new songs to check out because I sadly will say that I haven't heard every song by UFO.  I would urge everyone to comment just because it really helps me a lot.  Thanks again.

Paul Chapman: The Perfect Replacement

In 1979, Michael left UFO right after the Strangers In The Night tour.  This was a terrifying scenario for UFO and the fans of the band, because Michael made such a mark in the band.  The biggest question that went through people's minds was who would replace a guitar god like Michael.  The band found the perfect replacement, Lone Star guitarist Paul Chapman.  Chapman wasn't a stranger to UFO, because he had toured with the band throughout the entire Schenker era, and they even tried to make a guitar duo for the albums(which never worked with Michael).  In 1980, Paul made his first album with the band.  It was titled No Place To Run.  This album was a modest hit for the band, because it hit 51 on the US charts, and it featured classics like "Young Blood," they're cover of "Mystery Train," and "Lettin' Go."  This album immediately showed Paul's amazing talent on the guitar.  Some songs showed his bluesy side, while others showed his hardcore rocking style.  He has such a great riffing style, and his solos are flawless.  He was such a great choice for a replacement because he had a lot of attitude like Michael, but he also never tried to copy him.  

Paul made three more albums with the band.  The Wild, The Willing, And The Innocent in 1981, Mechanix in 1982, and Making Contact in 1983.  These albums featured hits like "Lonely Heart," "LetIt Rain," "We Belong To The Night," and "Chains Chains."  A lot of these songs had a very arena rock feel to them, and they were also perfect for the radio with their catchy choruses, and amazing riffs.  

Paul left the band in 1984, and he has definitely been less remembered than Michael and Vinnie.  I feel that he was a very important part of the band.  He came in, and did the job to save the band from having to go from hard times.  He is a phenomenal guitarist, and he is definitely one of the most underrated.  I think it is essential to check Paul out, because he is the real deal when it comes to guitar.

Young Blood Tab

Here is a tab to a great song from the Paul Chapman era.  I did the rhythm part, the solo is quite easy so it shouldn't be much of a problem to learn by ear.  If you have any questions just ask me.

What Is Phil Mogg's Best Vocal Performance?

What is Phil Mogg's best vocal performance?  That is an extremely difficult question to answer, because every one of his performances are amazing.  He always puts so much emotion and power into his lyrics, and he is so aggressive.  Trying to pick a favorite of his performances is also very hard, because not many people will agree on one single performance.

My favorite performance from Phil Mogg is on the 1975 song "Let It Roll."  The reason why is that in my opinion, this showcases his most aggressive singing, and he just sounds flawless.  He shows that he can be powerful and intense without having to scream.  He just has that vibe to his voice that can make you have chills.

What is your favorite vocal from Phil Mogg? Share your opinions in the comment box so we can your opinion on the subject

A New Announcement

Hello everyone, I decided that I would like to have two blogs at once.  This is so I can express feelings about more than one thing, and so you can see different sides of my taste.  The new blog that I will start working on is about another one of my favorite bands Iron Maiden.  As you may have read n my blog, Iron Maiden was extremely influenced by UFO, so I feel it is very appropriate to share these new plans of mine with you.  If you would like to check the blog out, it is under my links on the side of this blog.  I hope you enjoy it, and also check out my UFO blog because I will also be writing on this too.  Thank everyone.

UFO 3: Live Album Review

4/5

UFO Live was released in 1972, and it was the last album to feature Mick Bolton.  This album really show the band's live talent; even if it isn't as good as Strangers In The Night.  It features the most famous of the Mick Bolton UFO songs, so it is much more psychedelic than later live shows to come.  The concert was performed in Japan, because at the time this was where they were famous.  I think that for the first live album the band ever made, this is exceptionally good, because the production sounds great, and the songs are performed spot on.  A lot of the album is cover songs.  "C'mon Everybody" was originally by Eddie Cochran, "Who Do You Love" was originally by Bo Diddley, and "Loving Cup" was a song by the Rolling Stones.  These covers are all very good, because they bring a new sound and energy to them, and they are performed amazingly live.  The next song is the "Prince Kajuku" saga.  They put both of the songs together, and they sound amazing live because Mick Bolton brings the bluesy feeling of the studio and amps it up with so much more energy.  Phil's vocals sound very good as they do for the whole album.  The live version of "Boogie For George" is very neat because Mick Bolton once again sounds awesome with his guitar playing.  He uses the wah to an advantage because it gives the song an awesome sound to it.  The drumming is also very great, and it is aggressive as ever.  The next performance is "Follow You Home."   I think it is kind of humorous that they performed this song, because it is obviously a copy of "You Really Got Me."  This is proven because when they start the riff, the audience begins to sing the chorus to the infamous song by the Kinks.  It is still performed well, but it is just hard to love because of this.

UFO Live is a very good album, and while it definitely isn't as good as later live performances, it is an essential to check out.  It is much better than UFO 1, and it is only slightly behind Flying.  If you want to hear a different side of UFO, then definitely check this album out.

Who Is Your Favorite UFO Guitar Player?

Michael Schenker

Paul Chapman

Vinnie Moore

Or Mick Bolton?

This could be a hard question for anyone, because none of these players are slumps.  They all showcase their talents in many different ways, and they all made great music.  My favorite is Michael Schenker because of his feeling to his playing, because it is so great.  Who is your favorite?

Why UFO Should Be In The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame

The "Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame" has been a corporation where all of "The Best Rock Musicians" are recognized.  Among the many bands that should be in are UFO.  Even though they aren't the most famous band of all time, they have definitely made more of a mark in the genre that Madonna.  The quality of their music is so much better, and in my opinion, they are the definition of hard rock.  This is a shame that they have never even been nominated, because so many bands that don't deserve to be in there are first ballot picks.  I think that if the people of the corporation would sit down and listen to UFO, they would really regret putting ABBA in before them.

The problem with it all is that UFO fits the requirements to be in the "Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame."  First off, the band put out their first album well over 25 years.  They could've been eligible 19 years ago.  Second off they want bands that have displayed musical excellence.  I don't know many bands that have shown more excellence than UFO.  Third off they want bands that have had an influence on others.  There wouldn't be an Iron Maiden if it wasn't for UFO and Deep Purple(another band that isn't in the hall of fame).  Third off, they want a band that has a lengthy career.  UFO has been a band for 44 years.  That is a very long time for any musician.  

As you can see, UFO is well deserving of a spot in the hall of fame.  They are much more talented than many other bands that have been recognized, and they have an extremely large body of work.  I hope that one day they will get a spot, and I bet you all feel the same way.

The Covers Of UFO

UFO has been one of the very few bands that can successfully cover songs.  It had been a key part to their early career, because many of their hits during the Mick Bolton days were covers.  The biggest from the early days was their cover of "C'mon Everybody" by Eddie Cochran.  This was famous because it made the song much heavier than the original.  The first three songs on the album above are covers.  "Who Do You Love" is by Bo Diddley, and "Loving Cup" is by The Rolling Stones.  The covers in these early days were often heavy and psychedelic, and often very bluesy.  These songs showed the chops of the early formation of the band, and I feel that they have possibly held up better than some of the other songs from the era.

On the album Phenomenon, the song "Built For Comfort" by Willie Dixon is covered.  I love this cover because it is very true to the original, and Michael Schenker's bluesy riff sounds awesome.  The covers during the Michael Schenker era were much better than the past era, and I listen to them much more.  On the album Lights Out, the song "Alone Again Or" by Love is covered.  Even though this is an often panned song, I feel that UFO did an amazing job covering it, because it is also very far from their comfort zone.

One of my favorite covers by UFO is "Come Away Melinda" by Harry Belafonte.  This song was originally released in 1963, and it is much different than the version UFO did.  It had been covered by many other musicians like Judy Collins, Uriah Heep, and Tim Rose.  I think that the version by Uriah Heep had the biggest influence on UFO, because it is the most psychedelic version of the song.  UFO had the best performance of the song, because they made it much more dark and psychedelic and it is much more enjoyable than the original. 

                                

My favorite cover of all time by the band is "Mystery Train."  The reason why this cover is my favorite is that they took a classic song from the 30's that had also been covered by Elvis Presley, and they turned it into a brutal rock song.  I love how it goes from the bluesy acoustic playing to the extremely heavy electric guitar from Paul Chapman.  Phil's vocals are also completely amazing.  What is your favorite UFO cover?