After letting their great studio album "Assault Attack" slip through my fingers, it was the live album from the Michael Schenker Group, "One Night at Budokan," that I finally bought. This was because I was looking for one song in particular and although my record buying rule has always been never to buy a entire album on account of one song, I was so determined to get something with the song "Cry for the Nations" on it, that I broke my rule. On this occasion, my gamble paid off because not only I got the song I wanted, I got twelve other kick ass tracks as well.
"One Night at Budokan" adds the Michael Schenker Group to the list of bands I regret not having seen live. From what I hear on this album, I'm sure that they would have totally ruled in concert. Like with so many live albums, great guitarists just use their time in the spotlight to just let loose and Michael Schenker does that so well many times here. The most stand out for me is his efforts on "Lost Horizons." Schenker just goes into a long mad solo and I find myself lapping up every second of it. Needless to say, though I'm going to anyway, his guitar work is just as mad on many of the other tracks and it's a shame I took so long to recognize his talents.
Graham Bonnet does not appear on this live album but Gary Barden does an excellent job at the mike here. His vocals are enough to make me wonder why I haven't heard him anywhere else. Another thing I didn't acknowledge all of these years is that the Michael Schenker Group are part of the Deep Purple family tree. I have already pointed out Graham Bonnet but beating the drums on this album is none other than Cozy Powell. I don't think I need to say any more about the quality of the drumming, do I? He is recognized on the album as he is introduced to the audience who show their appreciation to having such a great drummer on stage. With all of these elements in place, it is little wonder why "One Night at Budokan" is such a great live album and yes, they also do a great rendition of the song I was looking for in the first place.
Track Listing:
1. Armed and Ready
2. Cry for the Nations
3. Attack of the Mad Axeman
4. But I Want More
5. Victim of Illusion
6. Into the Arena
7. On and On
8. Never Trust a Stranger
9. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
10. Courvoisier Concerto
11. Lost Horizons
12. Doctor, Doctor
13. Are You Ready to Rock
[caption id="attachment_2783" align="aligncenter" width="488"]
Michael Schenker Group (as on One Night at Budokan)[/caption]
Michael Schenker- guitar
Gary Barden- vocals
Paul Raymond- rhythm guitar, keyboards
Chris Glen- bass
Cozy Powell- drums
Breaking my record buying rule on this occasion paid off. I got myself a killer live album. However, there will be a tale when I get to 1983 where doing the same would bite me on the bum. So for the moment, let us linger on the success with Michael Schenker Group.
On another note, it was an eleventh hour decision buy my step son and I will be going to this years Bloodstock Festival on the Friday only. For my step son, it will be the headliners Trivium and Sabbaton that interest him. As for me, I'm dying to see Overkill, Armoured Saint and Nuclear Assault and of course, I will post a full account of the day.
Next post: KISS- Creatures of the Night
To buy Rock and Roll Children, email me at: tobychainsaw@hotmail.com
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