Hey all, been a long time since I've been about here folks, hope you're all still rockin' as good as ever!
Here's a review of the new MSG album that I did.
Perhaps not as generous as many would think, but I reviewed it right off the back of listening many times to the new Def Leppard & Whitesnake for review.
Later,
Cozy Al
MSG – Schenker / Barden – In The Midst Of Beauty CD review.
If you were to tell me that after 28 years, that 4/5’s of the original Michael Schenker Group would get back together after so many different directions in each one of their careers, I’d have to say, “You’re kidding right?”
Well, believe it or not, even after Michael Schenker’s disasterous 2007 & various other episodes involving being too drunk to play or canceling tours, due to non payment of child support – so it’s claimed - & he basically being completely broke …. Yes, it’s FINALLY happened!
Michael Schenker, Gary Barden, Simon Phillips & Don Airey along with ex-Whitesnake / Black Sabbath man, Neil Murray on bass they have recorded a completely new album.
This really got me expectant of something special, as in recent years to be completely honest – speaking as someone who has enjoyed Michael Schenkers musical escapades through the Scorpions, UFO & earlier M.S.G. – he has struggled to release anything very noteworthy or even to keep any kind of a line up together. Last album Tales Of Rock & Roll celebrating 25 years of MSG, was a big disappointment certainly to me. Every track blended into the next which made the whole album seem samey, repetitive, even with Michael bringing back the most successful MSG vocalists for a track or 2 each. Barden was there, Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, Alcatraz, MSG, etc) & Robin McAuley too, it really still didn’t work. Sad but true.
This album therefore – potentially – was a dream come true for so many people, that I was curious though that leading up to this MSG reunion, that not much was said of who would produce this …. Interesting ….
Turns out it’s been done by friend of Michael Schenkers, Siggi Schwarz ….
So, to the album then, it opens with City Lights & on first listen, I thought this was very average & poor as an album opener … BUT, after a few more plays of this album, it’s become very memorable & it’s not too bad at all, very catchy chorus & Schenker’s playing for sure is back on track.
Next track Competition is much, much stronger & I really love this track. It is certainly one of the stronger instant tracks even if the chorus almost hints at perhaps Boston’s Peace Of Mind …. Schenker’s guitar work is great again, clear, precise, clean soloing throughout this album.
I Want You almost sounds like modern day Deep Purple, especially with Don Airey (Who replaced original Purple keys man Jon Lord in 2001) playing off Schenker in places, but again the key here throughout is strong choruses.
End Of The Line is a track that runs like train beating down the tracks, Barden’s vocals strong here & with his aggressive hint about it that he has – Kind of a melodic Rob Halford / Bruce Dickinson. The playing of Schenker continues to sound reminiscent of days of yore! Ala 1st & 2nd MSG releases!
Have to also add here that Simon Phillips playing so far & throughout is so powerful, kind of must’ve been nice to just let rip with Schenker rather than all of the intricacies of his work with his current employees, Toto!
It’s still awesome powerhouse, epic stuff though!
Summerdays is up next is a soulful type piece, even to the point of, dare I say a nod towards Deep Purples, Child In Time, with Barden’s vocal … Listen & tell me you don’t hear it?! Schenkers playing here is beautiful stuff in places. Kind of like Gary Moore’s Parisienne Walkways actually, with the Schenker touch.
Night To Remember is a return to classic MSG with again a sound that makes me think Deep Purple … Not a bad thing & some serious riffing going on by the main man!
Classic MSG again with Wings Of Emotion, great track that builds to a very catchy chorus & good musical mix, light & dark … Read soft touches & some serious punch too!
Come Closer is a darker beast altogether through each verse, that sounds reminiscent of something off the UFO reunion album Walk On Water a few years back, but that’s not to say there’s any melody lost here, as the chorus more than proves.
Cross of Crosses is more of an MSG epic type track again very reminiscent of early classic MSG. Schenker’s playing here is superb, the solo is killer.
The dark building of the verses in Nana lead you to think the chorus is going to become something huge, but you really take more from the bridge sections of the song than the chorus of, “Na, na na na na Naaa …” The simplistic chorus comes across as a little disappointing …, but it does actually work!
The One next brings to mind thoughts of a more commercial Rainbow type event, it another good ‘un though!
Closing track although the CD promo sleeve calls it “This Time,” is in fact “Ride On My Way,” strange?
Anyway the song starts as if we’re going to get something like the instrumental MSG classics ala Into the Arena or Captain Nemo & musically it is right there, just with added vocals & closes the album nicely.
As I’d mentioned at the beginning, first listening of this album had me thinking the production was just not right, perhaps because it’s more akin to what MSG had back in 1980 / 81 & it really doesn’t sound anymore modern.
I guess the aim was to bring back that traditional sound that got everyone into MSG in the beginning, so in that case, it’s done its job ... Personally, with a better, bigger production applied it would’ve made the songs here, immense! As it is, the songs are strong enough for me to report that the MSG of old is a very welcome sound.
I’ve really grown to enjoy this album & hope others do the same. Welcome back Mr. Schenker, now get yourself an excellent touring line up to get your true fans back! The playing throughout this release is great!
3.5/5 almost a 4/5!
What a great return to form! It's good to hear Michael hook back up with Gary Barden again. Killer album highly recommended for all fans of his early solo work. 
