Michael Schenker - Forever and More (Best of)
"Forever and More" captures most aspects of Michael Schenker's career. German born Michael Schenker's recording career began with Scorpions' first album "Lonesome Crow" from 1972. U.F.O. discovered his unique playing and asked him to join U.F.O. with whom Schenker became a rock star in the seventies. Since he has been in and out of U.F.O. more times than I can count.

After leaving U.F.O. first time, he returned to Scorpions and recorded the fabulous album "Lovedrive" released in 1979. Then he formed Michael Schenker Group, which in 1987 was renamed McAuley Schenker Group with addition of new vocalist Robin McAuley.

In 1992 the McAuley Schenker Group split up. Michael Schenker has continued to release albums with various singers. The quality of the later albums has been variable. Schenker has been productive, but often lacking quality instead of quantity. By handpicking the best songs, this compilation works really well. "Forever and More" focus on his releases from the label SPV. Schenker's first album on SPV was "The Unforgiven" from 1999 and "Forever and More" is the 10th album on SPV in only 4 years.

The usual U.F.O. songs are included. None are original versions, but all are taken from either "The Unforgiven World Tour - Live" or "The Michael Schenker Story Live". Lights Out and Doctor Doctor always sound great, but I could do without the 11-minute version of Rock Bottom. Of course Schenker gets room to unfold his talent, but I had hoped for a little more variation in the chosen U.F.O. material.

From Michael's studio albums Written in the sand stands out. Michael Schenker's indisputable playing is highlighted on the instrumental track Open Gate. The song encompasses everything Schenker's playing is about. It's really melodic and perfectly captures Schenkers unique tone and the feeling of his playing.

The constant line-up changes make this compilation a mixed cocktail vocal wise. Former Baton Rouge vocalist Kelly Keeling proves the importance of a great singer, since his fantastic vocals tip the material to the better. Kelly Keeling's full vocals makes The Mess I've Made a fantastic track. Schenker plays a melodic riff throughout the song and overall the song is labeled "Spitzenklasse".

Kelly Keeling also outclasses Gary Barden's vocals on the live version of On and On. He certainly is my favorite MSG singer right behind the amazing Robin McAuley.

Unfortunately there is only one track included off McAuley Schenker Group performed live. David Van Landing does not come anywhere near Robin McAuley's great vocals on Save Yourself. The track is amazing but it has to be sung by McAuley. David Van Landing does a better job singing Phil Mogg's parts, but he is not in the same league as the above mentioned singers.

My only objection against this compilation is, that too many tracks are repetitive from the 2 live albums "The Unforgiven World Tour - live" and "The Michael Schenker story Live". The 2 live albums deliver 14 of the 24 tracks on "Forever and More". The inclusion of All the Way from Memphis would have been much cooler, if Contraband's own version was included and the same goes for the Scorpions song. Furthermore it would be preferable to hear some other U.F.O. songs and as always the McAuley Schenker Group period is sadly overlooked.

Next time I wish for a "Best of McAuley Schenker Group".

Written by Michael
Friday, September 26, 2003
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Michael: 7/10

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Released by
SPV - 2003

Tracklisting
CD1
01 Armed And Ready
02 Pilot Of Your Soul
03 Cry For The Nations
04 Written In The Sand
05 On And On (live)
06 Reflections Of My Soul
07 Lights Out (live)
08 Essence
09 Assault Attack
10 Open Gate (instrumental)
11 Save Yourself (live)
12 Another Piece Of Meat (live)

CD2
01 Are You Ready To Rock (live)
02 No Turning Back
03 Into The Arena (live)
04 Doctor Doctor (live)
05 The Mess I´ve Made
06 Captain Nemo (live)
07 Positive Forward (Instrumental)
08 Rock Bottom (live)
09 D (instrumental)
10 All The Way From Memphis (live)
10 Fallen The Love
11 Attack Of The Mad Axeman

Supplied by SPV


Style
Classic Hard Rock

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