This is another classic rock album from the early eighties.
After using mainly session players on the first album, Schenker put together a formidable band that toured the first album and then produced this the second. It maintained Barden on vocals, UFO's Paul Raymond on keyboards and guitars, Chris Glenn (SAHB) on bass and the power house Cozy Powell on drums. The first two albums are hard to separate with this "MSG" probably the best for having the more polished compositions from a band that were a real tight unit. "The Michael Schenker Group" first album boasted superior individual musicians and the awesome "Lost Horizons" track. Tough choice.
Reasons to buy another copy then. The re-master hasn't changed much, just making all the elements sound a little richer. You get good value for money here with the addition of no fewer than 7 extra songs. First up is a "rough cut" of "Never Trust a Stranger" which is essentially just the vocal and keyboard accompaniment by Raymond with a few drums at the end. Then you have 6 tunes Live from Manchester from the first MSG tour. Pretty tasty. The UFO covers are also good other than "Natural Thing" which can't compare to a rasping vocal from any Phil Mogg version. The booklet supplied is also very good (true of the other re-masters also). Nice to have something to read.
In summary all the songs are good with a more refined and commercial finishing touch added by Ron Nevison. It was very much a case of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts in contrast to the first album. The blend of musicians is well balanced producing great guitar driven rock. The first six tunes are MSG classics that have all regularly formed part of the live set even to this day. "Ready to Rock" is another anthem, "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie" and "But I Want More" twist and turn with soulful guitar work, even the ironic and corny "Attack of the Mad Axeman" is excused due to a blistering solo that is still one of the high points of a live performance. Vocal harmonies and keyboards are used intelligently giving great feel and variety. Just check out "On and On". Add to that Schenker's power and melody and a fabulous cocktail results. The last two tunes are certainly no fillers either with "Looking For Love" just about the perfect little guitar hook. Buy and enjoy.