"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
Show all reviews by MichaelRatingsMichael: 7/10Members: No members have rated this album yet.
This article has been shown 2968 times. Go to the
complete list.
