Ufo is one of the greatest hard rock bands of all time. They are incredible artists and put on a great live show. This boxset takes the
2 cd "werewolves of london" (live in Wolverhampton 1998) released that same year; and "big apple encounters" which was released in 2004 but features a incredible live show from the mid-1970's. If you have those recordings then you don't want this boxset. But if you don't then this is a good way to get them. Both shows feature the great Michael Schenker on guitar , he is one of the all time best players after all, and of course the rest of the ufo gang including phil mogg, andy parker, paul chapman and pete way are here too. The recordings are very clear and worth owning for any hard rock fan. Great tracks like 'natural thing', "Let It Roll", "Doctor, Doctor", "Oh My", "Built For Comfort", "Out In The Streets", "Space Child", "Mother Mary", "All Or Nothing", "This Kids", "Shoot Shoot", "Rock Bottom and many others are here to delight the listener. The concerts are at least twenty years apart and the band could and still can do it right. There latest release 'the visitor" is just as good as anything that came before and that says alot too.
Just a few things to know here:
1. This three -disc live collection doesn't surpass the quality and energy of "Strangers" by any stretch, so if you're looking for some lost gems to feed your hunger for a different or better "Strangers," you probably won't find it in this collection.
2. CDs 1 and 2, Live in Wolverhampton 1998, have Simon Wright (ex-Dio fill-in player) on drums. Of course, he's competent without question, but if you're really familiar with Parker's drumming on "Strangers," you'll notice the difference. Wright's drumming lacks the spark and flair of Parker. Wright has the ability to mimic Vinny Appice and Andy Parker, and perhaps other hard rock drummers, but he plays these songs without any personality. The drumming is lifeless on these two discs. If you can tell the difference between Dio with Wright and Dio with Appice, you'll know exactly what I mean. If you cannot, you will probably buy and enjoy this collection.
3. CD 3, Live at the Record Plant, NYC 1975, has all the vibe of a live rehearsal for a small studio audience, but it does have Parker on the drums.
4. Schenker is far from his best on this collection. If you think all Schenker is Schenker worth owning, then you will buy and enjoy this collection. If you believe Schenker was perfect on "Strangers," - as do I - then you might not want to hear him here. He sounds detached and distracted, and he's winging it a bit much for my tastes.
