Adventures of the Imagination

Michael Schenker | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 7, 2000)
• Original Release Date: March 7, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Shrapnel
• ASIN: B00004NRWQ
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #246,894 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Achtung Fertig, Los

2. Open Gate

3. Three Fish Dancing

4. Michael Schenker, Junior

5. Aardvark in a VW Smoking a Cigar

6. I Want to Be With You

7. Old Man With Sheep on Mars

8. At the End of the Day

9. Hand in Hand

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I've been waiting for this for a long time, April 16, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Adventures of the Imagination (Audio CD)

I've been waiting for Michael Schenker to release an electric instrumental album for a long time. I really enjoy listening to this album, although it took a few listens to get to that point. Now I find myself putting it in the CD player all the time.

The main reason it took a bit of getting used to is that his classic tone seems to be lost a bit in this recording. It doesn't sound like they are recording him through Marshall stacks anymore, rather some sort of signal processing amp simulator, not to mention what tone is probably lost in the digital recording. There is a lot to be said for analog recording, especially when it comes to hard rock.

I lost touch with his music after Built to Destroy because I thought the material was getting a bit too cheesy (especially the McCauley Schenker stuff). However I picked up Thank You and was immediately interested in this release. I understand he is releasing another electric instrumental album within the year, as well as an album with UFO (I hope this is true).

I agree with a previous reviewer in that this album almost sounds like a Joe Satriani album at times. This is strange because I don't associate the two players. I think this association goes back in part to my comments about the guitar tone quality. I think Satriani's tone is a result of a lot of signal processing.

This album not only demonstrates that Michael Schenker is a great guitar player, but that he is a great composer. This is especially exemplified from track three (Three Fish Dancing) through track seven (Old Man With Sheep On Mars). That section of the album is a composition to me, not a group of songs. His great sense of melody is also represented throughout the record.

The reasons I only give it four stars are the few weak songs (tracks one and two come to mind) and the guitar tone. Otherwise, I definitely recommend this album for Michael Schenker fans, aspiring guitar players and fans of good writing in general.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Electric symphony, April 21, 2000

By 

Philip A. Floyd (Washington state) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Adventures of the Imagination (Audio CD)

I listened to this cd with some apprehension at first, I have been a Schenkerista since 1975(UFO/Force it),and I sometimes expect too much from my guitar hero. One of the reasons I enjoy his playing is that he always sounds very melodic and in control. This is true on his accoustic as well as electric guitar work. In fact he blends the two together at will, alternating soothing and blistering sounds. Others do it also but never as seemlessly as MS. On this cd he takes that ability and pushes it over the top with song composition that is the envy of classical composers. Songs that move the listener along through not only his imagination, but theirs as well. Tracks 1&2 set the pace with crisp clean melodies that get your attention and then opening up your mind for the adventure to begin. Tracks 3-6 are what I call "electric symphony". Classical music written and performed by a modern master of the rock guitar. "Three fish dancing" is quite a piece of work all its own, it drifts in and out captivating and hypnotizing the listner with crafty musical movements. When it was over I was amazed that it was 14 minutes long! It sure doesn't seem like it while you are mesmerized trying to guess where MS is taking you next. He also demonstrates his love for his family with "Michael Schenker jr, & I want to be with you". Its rare that a performer these days can feel comfortable enough with his craft to include personal feelings in thier art. Tracks 7&8 are simply stunning pieces of work. "Old man with sheep on mars" is where MS shows off. It is the song on this cd that makes you stand up and play the air guitar! Not to mention hit the repeat on the remote a few times. "At the end of the day" is my personal favorite on this cd. It is all MS. No drums, no bass. Accoustic rythym, and tastefully overdubbed lead guitar melodies that left me nodding my head in approval. Even some special wolf howling sounds from the axe in the intro & as the song drifts off to add to the sunset theme of this amazing track. This cd could have ended right there and I would have been blown away and completely satisfied! But not so fast. "Hand in hand" is the ending surprise. I wont describe this track, buy the cd and listen for yourself how MS decides to end his "Electric Symphony". All in all a great work of music. I am sure that it wont get airplay or mass approval, It is far to complicated and interesting. Lets be honest, the average person does not want to relax and analyze music. This is for true afficionados of rock as art. Buy it and enjoy your new toy!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A true guitar superstar, August 2, 2000

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Adventures of the Imagination (Audio CD)

Have you ever noticed how, the more talent a rock player has, the more obscure he is? The difference between Michael Schenker and say, Paul Gilbert or John Petrucci or even Steve Vai is that Schenker can write songs. You know, nice melodies to go with those unbelievable solos. And on this album there are no annoying vocals with teenage lyrics. Just Michael--and he can solo endlessly, over just a few chords, and its brilliant! Melodicly, its a bit like Boston meets Frank Marino playing World Antheum with maybe a dash of Kansas. Is he in a league with Joe Satriani or Eric Johnson? You bet.