Customer Reviews

Msg

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have been a Schenker fan since the start of MSG, followed him into the increasingly poor McCauley-Schenker days, and have a few of his most recent discs. This album isn't perfect in a few regards. The production, courtesy of normally excellent Ron Nevison, is flat. (I remember an interview at the time with Cozy Powell, in which he complained that Nevison had "lost" the tapes with half of his trademark dual bass drums!) Barden was never gifted in the original lyrics department either. Despite the flaws, the quality of the music and Schenker's extreme guitar work shine through. "Are you Ready to rock", "On and on", "I want more" are beautifully crafted and the solos reach powerful highs. "Attack of the Mad Axeman" is a little awkward but absolutely ignites at the end. Even the more throwaway tracks like "Secondary Motion" and "Looking for Love" have some first rate guitar pyrotechnics.

In my view, Assault Attack (with Graham Bonnett) had some fine moments as well, as did the first Michael Schenker Group album (both certainly had better production), but this is Michael's finest hour.

I bought this record when it was released in the spring of 1983(yes kiddies, that's what they were back then)and played it until the black vinyl turned white. I was a huge UFO fan, (probably the only one in my high school) and in fact, played a Gibson Flying V in my band. Somehow, as time passed, the record got misplaced and I'd forgotten about how good this one sounded. I don't give a rip about the "muddy production", stuff like "Attack of the Mad Axeman" "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie" and "On and On" (the "hit") still bring this old geezer back to sophomore year in High School, trying desperately to be cool, with a Marshall Stack and long not-quite-natural Blonde Locks. Michael wails like the teutonic madman that he was (is?) and the late, great Cozy Powell, (possibly the best hard rock/metal drummer EVER) thunders like Thor on double bass. Chris Glen does a credible job on bass to keep up, and Paul Raymond adds some really nice keys and Gary Barden is a reasonable singer. Too bad Michael is such a tough guy to work with/for. This could have been a one really terrific band. (Check out "One Nite at Budokan") I would highly recommend this album for anyone who is interested in melodic hard-rock which Euro elements. It certainly makes this old Geezer feel nostalgic for 1983 again. Cheers

This is the 2nd and in my opinion, the Best album by the various MSG lineups. "On and On" did finally bring some radio recognition to MSG. Reviewer "carmarthen" trashes the lyrics to this song, and Gary Barden's song writing, yet rates it four stars? Maybe he could explain Van Halen's song "Jump"? Anyway, "On and On" is a wonderful song, it is haunting, and the soloing at the end is fantatic! "Attack of the Mad Axeman" is also a classic. Overall the songs on this CD are excellent. Michael Schenker is of course Superb as always. Some of the best, most unbelievable guitar work is on this CD. Cozy Powell really makes a difference in this lineup, the band's playing is really tight. If you are a Michael Schenker fan as I am, I would definately pick this up, along with UFO's (Remastered) Strangers in the Night CD.

THE BAND: Gary Barden (vocals), Michael Schenker (guitar), Chris Glen (bass), Paul Raymond (keyboards/guitar), Cozy Powell (drums - R.I.P.).

THE DISC: (1981) 8 songs clocking in at approximately 37 minutes. Included with the disc is a minimal 2-page foldout containing song titles/times, one band picture (from the original back album cover), and thank you's. Recorded at Air Studios, London and Air Montserrat, West Indies. Label - Chrysalis Records.

COMMENTS: Michael Schenker is and will forever be an underrated guitar God. Several albums with UFO, one with the Scorpions, several with MSG and other solo projects... but his name simply wasn't a household name like an Eddie Van Halen, a Joe Perry, an Angus Young, or a Ritchie Blackmore. Decades later though, people are looking back and realizing his brilliance. This "MSG" album is one of my all-time favorite Schenker releases. The best song from "MSG" was the 1st hit released - "On And On" hitting the radio back in 1981... I remember rushing out to buy the vinyl, and playing it to death. The entire album was classic rocking with blistering guitar work from the legend. Gary Barden's vocals and Cozy Powell's drumming were as good as they ever recorded. Other classic rockers include the opener "Are You Ready To Rock", "Attack Of The Mad Axe Man", as well as the Schenker/Raymond co-written power ballad "Never Trust A Stranger". Great melodies, shredding guitars and guitar solos, thunderous drumming... MSG was as good, but in my opinion, never better than this '81 release. Classic disc (5 stars).

It had been years since I'd heard this album and was surprised to find it available here at Amazon.If you like Michael schenker this is a must have for your collection. With excelent sound quality and a speedy shipment you can't go wrong picking up this rare hard to find Michael Schenker cd.

This is one of those releases that's a keeper and you listen to over

and over,never getting tired of it.I recently saw michael live,and he

looks like he needs some spiritual help.Hope and wish him to get over

his problem and get back to his original form,what a legend!!

This is the second solo album by MIchael SChenker Group. If one can think of lack of imagination, this is a fine example! His first album was called The Michael Schenker Group. Then, for his sophomore effort, he hired a whole new band (keeping only singer Gary Barden), and called the album MSG! More than that, this album has one of the silliest covers of all times!

I agree with reviewer "pablodesevilla" about Gary Barden's lyrics. They are annoying, weak, extremely ludicrous. Take "On And On", for instance. Can somebody tell me what's going on in this lyric?! And those who try to talk abou the old "let's rock" subject, are more stupid than those of KISS, for example...(if this is possible...).

But, musically, the album is amazing. Michael is still in top form. Cozy Powell needs no introduction, and Glen and Raymond are very good. Yes, the production is falt, but so was that of his first album (produced by Roger Glover).

Essential hard rocking recording.

In the technique-conscious 80s, Michael Schenker should have been a superstar. That he wasn't, and an army of [people] who copied him were, was a result of his surrounding himself with lesser talent. I find Gary Barden's vocals and especially his lyrics annoying, and the production lacks punch (apparently, the band was painfully aware of this). So, the songs are robbed of some of their power, but Michael's playing is extraordinary. "But I Want More" is a great underrated cut. It's not a perfect album, but you still need it.

1. Are You Ready To Rock

2. Attack Of The Mad Axeman

3. On And On

4. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

5. But I Want More

6. Never Trust A Stranger

7. Looking For Love

8. Secondary Motion

Excellent album,but what else could you expect from msg.one great song after another,hope they keep doing what there doing,totally magical,yet inspirational.CHECK OUT NEW MSG-APRIL 2008.