Cleorecs is reissuing UFO‘s catalog, albums deserving to be heard by hard rock fans. Now they are releasing “You Are Here (Deluxe Edition)“, including bonus.
“You Are Here” is vitally important 2004 album that marked a new era for these British classic rock giants. This album was the debut of UFO’s newest guitar slinging superstar, the electrifying Vinnie Moore, who along with killer drummer Jason Bonham would revitalize the band’s sound over the next decade.
This has to be the first post-Schenker UFO album that really comes close to the classic Schenke sound of the 70s. Moore, being a student of Michael’s playing early in his development as a guitarist, often played some of Michael’s solos for auditions and was a huge fan of his. Not only does do a fantastic job on “You Are Here”, his style of adding overdubbed lead fills and ripping melodic solos is pure Michael Schenker and except for a few moments on this album, it’s really hard to tell it’s not Michael playing.
In fact, this album sounds more like classic Schenker-era UFO than the last couple of albums that actually had Schenker on them.
The album begins with a great track, Daylight Goes To Town and uses a basic and simple major chord riff with solid power drumming as a vehicle for Phil Mogg to work his very soulful and charismatic vocal style. Black Cold Coffee has a very Led Zeppelin style of fast boogie riffing and some soaring leads by Vinnie. The Zeppelin style surfaces on a few tracks namely Jelloman with it’s booming riffs and the typical Bonham style of drumming.
For a bit of fun and as a nod to that influence, they launch into a few bars of the fast part in Zeppelin’s In My Time Of Dying at the end of the track.
The Wild One, a very spirited mid-tempo track with great overdubbed lead fills has some amazing vocal work from Phil and overall, it’s one of the best songs they’ve done in many years. The melody lines, especially when done acoustically near the end of the track really sound similar to Bad Company’s Seagull from their debut album.
Slipping Away, a semi-acoustic track with a classic heavy guitar/acoustic guitar blend that was a staple of their 70’s sound, sees Phil at his soulful and emotional best. Sympathy uses a blend of quieter and heavy guitar parts and again has a great classic sound with a solid chorus and clear and emotional lead playing by Vinnie.
Baby Blue sees Phil again delivering a top notch vocal and is a blend of acoustic and heavy guitar riffs that makes me wonder if Vinnie is a fan of Canada’s Triumph. The opening acoustic guitar passage is almost identical to parts of Triumph’s Hold On from their Just A Game album from the 70’s.
The rest of the album is completed with solid tracks in true UFO fashion and with quality of the songs, there’s really no filler tracks here.
I think this is the best album they’ve done since the awesome Walk On Water album in 1995. Vinnie Moore sounds more like classic Michael Schenker with his riffing and lead guitar than Michael himself does nowadays. His playing is amazing and he doesn’t go overboard with flashy technical leads and unnecessary showing off.
Jason Bonham’s drum style adds lots of power and punch to their sound and although there’s always been a slight Zeppelin influence to their sound, it’s even stronger now with Jason’s contributions to the band.
And there’s good, solid, classic rockin’ songs.
Highly Recommended
01 - When Daylight Goes To Town.mp3
02 - Black Cold Coffee.mp3
03 - The Wild One.mp3
04 - Give It Up.mp3
05 - Call Me.mp3
06 - Slipping Away.mp3
07 - The Spark That Is Us.mp3
08 - Sympathy.mp3
09 - Mr.Freeze.mp3
10 - Jello Man.mp3
11 - Baby Blue.mp3
12 - Swallow.mp3
13 - Messing Up The Bed (Bonus Track).mp3
Ufo – You Are Here (Deluxe Edition) 2024, MP3+FLAC
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