Michael Schenker MSG

Personnel: Michael Schenker (guitar); Gary Barden (vocals); Paul Raymond (guitar, keyboards); Cozy Powell (drums); Billy Nicholls, Stephen Stills (background vocals).
Audio Remasterers: Pete Mew; Peter Mew.
Liner Note Author: Dave Ling.
Recording information: AIR Montserrat, West Indies (09/30/1980); Air Studios, London, England (09/30/1980); The Manchester Apollo (09/30/1980).
Photographer: Brian Aris.
Influential guitarist Michael Schenker led his MSG band through their second set of dependable rockers on this, the group's sophomore outing. Although the Michael Schenker Group's sound doesn't offer much variation on the formula developed by Schenker's former band, UFO, it hardly matters -- the guitar playing is killer, as always. Schenker's fluid technical facility and impeccable tone maintain top billing throughout. Capable singer Gary Barden also helps to distinguish tracks like "On and On" and "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie" with memorable melodies, while predictably, standard fare such as "Are You Ready to Rock" doesn't deliver many surprises. Also features a bizarre cameo from Stephen Stills. ~ Andy Hinds

• Format: CD
• Genre: Pop