Lights Out: The Ultimate Tribute To UFO CD

Throughout the '80s and for much of the '90s, it seemed that two bands that had enjoyed widespread success in Europe during the '70s -- Thin Lizzy and UFO -- had become all but forgotten Stateside. While Lizzy's profile was raised substantially when some of rock's biggest names began covering their songs (Metallica, Smashing Pumpkins, etc.), it appeared that UFO was left in the dust. Despite the neglect, UFO (especially their Michael Schenker-era work) remains a major influence on many rock acts -- as evidenced by the artists who agreed to appear on 2006's Lights Out: The Ultimate Tribute to UFO. With guitarists such as Pat Travers and none other than Schenker himself supplying the six-string work, quite a few vocalists from '80s era British metal lend a hand, including Iron Maiden's Paul Di'Anno, as well as such hair metal veterans as Warrant's Jani Lane and L.A. Guns' Philip Lewis. Despite the originals unquestionably topping these reworkings (which sometimes border on blah territory -- see the Lane-sung "Doctor Doctor"), any attention given to UFO's classic '70s output deserves a gigantic high-five. ~ Greg Prato

Various Artists: Mick White.

Personnel: Pat Travers (vocals, guitar); Jani Lane, Jeff Scott Soto, John Corabi, Phil Lewis (vocals); Billy Sherwood (guitar, keyboards); Cliff Evans, Philip Anthony Campbell , Billy Liesegang, Ray Callcut, Lea Hart, Michael Schenker, Bernie Tormé (guitar); Jeremy Rubolino, Jem Davis (keyboards); Louis Molino III, Pete Jupp, Jay Schellen, Brett Chassen (drums).

Audio Mixers: Billy Sherwood; Bob Kulick; Brett Chassen.

Recording information: 4 Tune's Studio; Hatch Farm Studios, England; Office Studios, Van Nuys, CA.

Arranger: Lea Hart.