Michael Schenker Group CD - Import

Following his tenure in pioneering German metal band the Scorpions and U.K. hard rockers UFO, guitarist Michael Schenker formed his own band with singer Gary Barden, debuting with 1980's MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, featuring the single "Cry for the Nations."

After his lengthy stints with the Scorpions and UFO, Michael Schenker could be forgiven for indulging his incendiary fretboard skills throughout the entirety of this 1980 solo debut. Instead, it's a solid group effort that has aged surprisingly well, with Schenker artfully deploying his talents on full-bodied hard rock outings such as the opening "Armed and Ready" and the riff-heavy "Victim of Illusion." Vocalist Gary Barden proves himself more than able to withstand Schenker's pyrotechnics, while the whole enterprise is propelled by the remarkable percussive dexterity of the veteran British drummer Simon Phillips.

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. [Toshiba EMI's 2006 reissue included bonus tracks.] ~ Eduardo Rivadavia

Limited edition digitally remastered Japanese pressing of this 1980 album housed in a miniature LP sleeve featuring three bonus tracks. Virgin. 2006.

Recorded in 1980. Includes liner notes by Jerry Ewing.

Japanese remaster includes three extra songs.

CD contains bonus tracks.

Recorded at Air Studios, London, England and Air Montserrat, West Indies.

Recorded at The Wessex Studios, London, England between May & July 1980.

Recorded at Rumbo Recorders, Preferred Sound, Sound City and Track Recorders, Los Angeles, California.

Engineers include: Ron Nevison, Rick Isbell, David Woolley.

Michael Schenker Group: Michael Schenker (guitar); Gary Barden (vocals); Mo Foster (bass); Don Airey (keyboards); Simon Phillips (drums).

Michael Schenker Group: Michael Schenker (guitar, background vocals); Robin McAuley (vocals); Jeff Pilson (bass); James Kottack (drums).

Personnel: Michal Schenker (guitar); Gary Barden (vocals); Chris Glen, Mo Foster (bass); Simon Phillips, Cozy Powell (drums).

Personnel: Michael Schenker (guitar); Gary Barden (vocals); Don Airey (keyboards); Simon Phillips (drums).

Liner Note Author: Koh Sakai.

Recording information: Wessex Studios, London, England (05/1980-07/1980).

Photographer: Rob Brimson.

Personnel: Michael Schenker (guitar); Gary Barden (vocals); Paul Raymond (guitar, keyboards); Chris Glen (bass); Cozy Powell (drums).

Additional personnel: Steve Mann (keyboards); Kevin Beamish, Rocky Newton (background vocals).

Additional personnel: Billy Nichols (background vocals).