THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Day: January 17, 2022

UFO – Obsession

January 17, 2022 /

I remember ’78 being the year that rock started to fight back, as the initial surge of punk began to fade and the two chords began to be a bit boring. Van Halen released what arguably is the best rock album ever, Priest released Stained Class, The Scorpions put out Tokyo Tapes, and UFO put out this monster.

This would be the last studio album that Michael Schenker would record with the band until his brief return on the Walk On Water album. I think he obviously knew he was leaving the band as his playing on this album is some of the best he has recorded. Phil Moggs’ contribution to the band often gets overlooked at the expense of the guitarists that have been in the band, but for me he is the glue that holds it all together.

There are some staple live favourites on this album, namely Only You Can Rock Me, which is a great sing along live, Pack It Up And Go, with a killer solo from Schenker, Hot And Ready, and One More For The Rodeo. Back when this album came out they would sell out every tour – they were a great live act. Lots of energy on stage especially from Pete Way and Schenker. Sadly Phil Mogg has decided that’s it for the band and they are no more.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

U2 – Boy

January 17, 2022 /

This is the 40th anniversary reissue of the band’s first album. Straight from the off with I Will Follow, you get that unmistakable guitar sound of the Edge which became their signature sound. A quite simple use of delay and echo launched the band to mega stardom. Of course there was more to the band than that, but it was such a new and refreshing sound that connected with a lot of people. In a day and age where band’s seem to change members at an alarming rate, and for such petty excuses like the guitarist didn’t like the colour of the singers underpants, this band are still together and still making great music.

I always love first albums. This is the band’s big statement as they had been playing the songs live for a while before they were discovered, and the energy and enthusiasm of recording an album shines through. Other than I Will Follow, I really love Stories For Boys, as the echo on the guitar is almost surf rock Dick Dale style, A Day Without Me, as The Edge really uses the delay and echo to great effect, and the awesomeness that is The Electric Co.

They obviously would go on to record some amazing records, but it’s cool to revisit where it all began.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

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