
The Visitor is, without a doubt, the best UFO album since the band reformed with Vinnie Moore for You Are Here, which was the best UFO album since the short-lived Schenker reunion Walk On Water, which in turn was the best UFO album since the vastly under-rated Paul "Tonka" Chapman days. You want it shorter than that? The Visitor is one great rock and roll record, and it deserves to climb right up there near the top of UFO's vast cannon of great albums. No matter how you cut it, this is the comeback, classic rock album of year.
Yep, that's saying something.
I've read in a few sites about the staggering return of "Black Sabbath," with the new Heaven and Hell album, sounding old and tired, berefit of ideas or enough muscle to power the chops they did muster. There's none of that here. Reinvigorated since the joining of Moore, UFO sound positively re-energized here, like they've somehow unlocked the code and opened the fricking rock-and-roll fountain of youth. Bustling with energy, punch, and verve. Ready to rock the shit outta you or kick your face in. You choose which.

Moore's guitar work is dead on, instantly making you forget old "what's-his-name" who used to supply the guitar chops. Moore is a shredder in the best sense of the word, and most importantly, fully adept at melody. When he wants to bust out, he can wail into a jaw dropping solo, notes flying faster than spit flying from an auction barker's mouth. Then he can drop into a perfect acoustic passage, shoot off some harmonics or crush your cerebellum with the strength of his riffs. Moore's tone isn't so much reminiscent of Schenker as it is more indicative of the classic UFO sound, and yes, the band has been around long enough to declare that they have a sound all their own. God bless em.

"On the Waterfront," cruises out with a mid-tempo modified blues riff with a mid-section and chorus of shear perfection. Easily on par with the best of their melodic material. Then, lest you think the boys are getting soft in their later years, "Hell Driver," tears out as fierce and mean as they've been in years. Play this one live and it woulda fit comfortably on their classic Strangers in the Night. Mogg sounds great, reminding us once and for all that he's always been one of rock's most unheralded vocalists. Moore's tone is dead-on, and I'll tell you, the return of "no neck" Andy Parker on the drums seems to be the final ingredient necessary to drive these chaps over the top. The only ingredient missing was the presence of legendary bass player, Pete Way, who had to miss the recording as he's battling liver disease. Pete, our prayers are with you, brother!

And the album continues from there all the way to "Stranger in Town," a terrorizer of a closer, sounding mean and pissed and ready to knock your teeth in. Moore comes up with a closed-fist attack of a riff, the band is tight as the glue holding Donald Trumps toupee in place, and Mogg proves once and for all that he's lost none of his fight or passion. Another brand new, fresh burst of classic UFO. Building upon their past, not revisiting it.
For all those naysayers out there who claim that UFO haven't unleashed a great album since Walk On Water, open your ears. There's some serious rock and roll happening on the UFO mothership, and fortunately for us, the boys are bringing it right on down to this planet.
Misty green and blue forever.
--Racer
Buy here: The Visitor
More good new. UFO are going to tour supporting the new album, and I'll be there. Just check out the dates below. If you want to find me, I'll be the one pressed up against the stage at the Independent in San Francisco, begging for a chance to go back and interview the band for a Ripple feature. If you are a fan of the classic UFO, or just a fan of dynamite hard rock, you won't want to miss this one either. I'll see you there.
UFO Tour Dates:
10/02/2009 Jaxx - Springfield, VA
10/03/2009 Tangiers - Akron, OH
10/07/2009 The Rex - Pittsburgh, PA
10/08/2009 The Chance - Poughkeepsie, NY
10/09/2009 Starland Ballroom - Sayreville, NJ
10/10/2009 BB Kings - New York, NY
10/15/2009 Ameristar Casino - St. Charles, MO
10/16/2009 House Of Blues - Chicago, IL
10/17/2009 Medina Ballroom - Hamel, MN
10/21/2009 The Catalyst - Santa Cruz, CA
10/22/2009 The Brixton - Redondo Beach, CA
10/23/2009 The Coach House - San Juan Capistrano, CA
10/24/2009 Boulder Station Casino - Las Vegas, NV
10/25/2009 Majestic Ventura Theater - Ventura, CA
10/27/2009 Key Club - West Hollywood, CA
10/28/2009 The Fat Cat - Modesto, CA
10/29/2009 Aladdin Theatre - Portland, OR
10/30/2009 Neumos - Seattle, WA
11/01/2009 The Independent - San Francisco, CA
19 comments:
I have to check this out. I saw UFO a few years ago and they were great, but the new songs weren't so hot.
Andy Parker is a terribly underrated drummer. Obsession has one of the best drum sounds on record.
Get out! I am so excited. Always loved those crazy Brits and they will be here in my area in Oct. Why don't you guys go with me????? (or at least send your wives, they are probably more fun to hang with...no offense and just kidding)
I missed the show again! I am just not with it. I feel terrible
I hope this one is better than the last two albums. The last real good classic UFO record was with Michael Schenker: Walk on water.
The real classics are from Schenker/ Mogg.
Strangers in the night will always be the best live album ever.
I have made it througha few songs so far and like what I have heard so far.
Great review. I'd have to agree. Although different, this is the best album the band has put out since 'Walk On Water' in my opinion. Great songs, classy musicianship and a consistency which hasn't been in evidence in some time. Don't go in expecting another 'Obsession', 'Phenomenon' or 'Lights Out' because this is not that band.
However, if you love bluesy hard rock with tons of class to spare, I strongly recommend this one. I've been listening to this one for a couple of weeks start to finish and I've yet to tire of it, which is the trademark of a fine album in my eyes.
If you did not like U R here and Monkey albums, you will not like this one either. There are few moments you may like - Andy's drumming, guitar solos as close as possible to MS style, rich sound of the record.... Bluesy? Yes. Anything else? No.
See there, anonymous, is where I have to disagree with you (as do most of the reviewers). Fans who refuse to accept UFO without Schenker may agree, but MS isn't with the band anymore, and quite honestly, his last effort with them, Sharks, was not good.
Vinnie Moore doesn't need his solos to be like MS. He needs to sound like Vinnie Moore. As Nightwatcher said, they are a different band now. Fans who only want the old UFO sound may be disappointed. This album can't be compared to Strangers or Light Out. It's a different band. Fans of good, melodic, blues-tinged rock with a foundation in the classic UFO vibe, will find lots to love here.
My favorite is and always been Phil not Michael. I have all albums Moggy made alone with other guys. I LOVE his bluesy MELODIC songs (Death in the family, Sparkling wine, Dancing with St.Peter etc.) Such songs are bluesy too and WITH BALLS. Last UFO album seems to me to be done with lack of composing invention, such important for Moggy's brilliant voice. I am 100% sure The Visitor will find its idolaters but true UFO fans will have to wait till next album with hope in their ageing hearts.
Anonymous,
Again, I hear where you're coming from, and won't deny that the original classic UFO albums are all-time greats. But as far as "true UFO" fans having to wait . . . well, I have every album UFO have ever done, pre- and post- Schenker, plus about 30 classic UFO bootlegs, live VHS and DVD's, both Moog/Way albums, Chapman's solo stuff and even Way's solo stuff, so as far as being a "true" UFO fan, well, you'll have to go a long way to beat me. But my point is, if you're expecting the band to sound the same as they did in 1977, then you will be disappointed. They aren't the same band. But that doesn't mean that there isn't terrific music being made. So true UFO fans don't have to wait at all to find great music. It's here.
By the way, have you heard The Visitor? I agree that Monkey Box was rather flat, but The Visitor is a definitely listenable album.
This band have a 40 year history. The constants have been great toe-tapping and emotive rock, and GREAT guitar players to be the perfect foil to Moggy.
Why are people still harping on about who was best on the guitar. Schenker is gone. Chapman ditto.. In the case of MS..yeah, they mad ea great record in WOW. But post that, he was hell-bent on destroying the legacy. He's gone and UFO are better for that.
Sharks and Covenant were ATROCIOUS records. YAH and TMP much better. This new record is arguably the best thing since WOW. It just needs a few spins and it hits home in some style.
Lose the bias, forget the "what if MS was still in the band" and open the ears and enjoy. You may just miss this band in their twilight years kicking some serious butt UFO 09 style.
Fabulous record.
Beautifully said, anon. Music to my ears.
Been following this heroic band since 1978... Just got the album today and sounds pretty good on 1st listen, far superior to Monkey Puzzle. I will be making an 8000 mile round trip to see the guys at Glasgow and Newcastle... well worth it!!
This is probably one of the best albums of the year and I'm not just saying that because UFO is one of my favorite bands! UFO has really put out some great material since WALK ON WATER in '95 and the albums with Vinnie Moore have been outstanding. I like the bluesier sound with that southern rock thing going through as well. Phil Mogg is one of the most underrated vocalists in Rock and Vinnie Moore sounds really good on this album.
Steve
Heavy Metal Addiction
Just simply said - one of the most kick ass CD's I have listened to in a long time - I hope UFO gets a lot of kudos in the form of air time and continued deserved recognition. Looking forward to seeing them when they come to So Cal. I saw them last in '76 and would have never thought this band is as vibrant and rocking as they are today!
Great review, great blog. Longtime Vinnie fan, been meaning for awhile to check out his work with UFO- After an initial listen, TV seems a great place to start. Not the UFO I remember from the Doctor Doctor days, but as Nightwatcher said, classy bluesy hard rock. I'd forgotten how great a singer and lyricist
Mogg is. Favorite track so far: Can't Buy A Thrill.
Vinnie Moore interviewed on Classic Rock Revisited: http://www.classicrockrevisited.com/interviewvinniemore.htm
Been a fan since late 70's.In recent times loved YAH but not TMP.This one seems really good,perhaps a little too bluesy in parts but there are some great tracks on here.Can't buy a thrill brings a tear to my eye..bless Pete I think Phils singing about him.
Going to see them in Bristol this weekend.Just a great,if criminally under-rated band...GAWD BLESS UFO!!
You left out Milwaukee/Shank Hall on 10/4. I'll be there. Do you have the song lineup for the show?
I saw UFO last year on the last show of the tour. AWESOME SHOW! See em if you can. The band just rocked!
I love this album. Vinnie helped the band so much, because he put the perfect melodies into the band that they really needed at the time. He is brilliant, and s is this album.
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