Vinyl LP pressing. 2009 album from the Classic Rock heroes. The three original band members, Phil Mogg (vocals), Andy Parker (drums) and Paul Raymond (guitar, keyboards) plus American world-class guitarist Vinnie Moore com... more »posed more than 35 tracks for The Visitor, 10 of which form the basis for the album. The Visitor sees the band benefiting especially from their collaboration with Vinnie Moore, who joined UFO in autumn 2003 and has made an excellent impression. It's no surprise that The Visitor features the same musicality and energy which UFO fans have come to cherish from the band's tours in the past five years. Traditional rock music that could hardly sound more classic, with gritty hooks, Vinnie Moore's powerful riffs and leads, and Phil Mogg's lyrics full of eccentric humor, as well as a talent for observation and occasionally great depth.« less
Vinyl LP pressing. 2009 album from the Classic Rock heroes. The three original band members, Phil Mogg (vocals), Andy Parker (drums) and Paul Raymond (guitar, keyboards) plus American world-class guitarist Vinnie Moore composed more than 35 tracks for The Visitor, 10 of which form the basis for the album. The Visitor sees the band benefiting especially from their collaboration with Vinnie Moore, who joined UFO in autumn 2003 and has made an excellent impression. It's no surprise that The Visitor features the same musicality and energy which UFO fans have come to cherish from the band's tours in the past five years. Traditional rock music that could hardly sound more classic, with gritty hooks, Vinnie Moore's powerful riffs and leads, and Phil Mogg's lyrics full of eccentric humor, as well as a talent for observation and occasionally great depth.
CD Reviews
Four-and-a-half stars
Chris Jordan | Surrey, B.C. Canada | 06/03/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"UFO continues with it's third album featuring the permanent replacement for guitarist Michael Schenker, Vinnie Moore. Phil Mogg is a genius at creating simple and eccentric lyrics with his unique voice, which like Phil Collins, never seems to age. He is complimented perfectly by guitar virtuoso Vinnie Moore who weaves his melodic high leads in and out of Phil's narratives. The band has become "heavy blues" oriented and the musicianship is above average, overall, due to it's strong rhythm section with both Andy Parker on drums (an origninal member since 1969) and Paul Raymond.
This band is not about pompous display. They allow their experience and talent to speak for itself and will be touring this album extensively. There are two hit singles on this album, as well, "Hell Driver" and "Stop Breaking Down". If anyone in the music business has any sense of decency they will promote these tracks to "top twenty" status.
Vinnie Moore has now proven himself. Currently he is the best all around guitarist in rock (surpassing Petrucci, Schenker, or Doug Aldrich). He is excellent at the following: acoustic, slide, dazzling alternate picking, jazz/fusion, tapping and sweep picking. Nuances of Eddie Van Halen, Michael Schenker and Eric Johnson are all prevalent in his playing style. Very impressed with this new release! Rock on UFO! See you in Vancouver, BC!"
A great band that just keeps rocking and rolling along
Guitar Man | Electric Ladyland | 06/04/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is UFO's 20th studio album, and it's hardly the sound of a band fading quietly away. Instead it's just as vital and rocking as the stuff they were doing in the late 70's and early 80's.
Phil Mogg's vocals still sound as clear and strong as ever, and Vinnie Moore throws down some serious guitar work here. There are several standout tracks on this release...my favorites are "Saving Me", "Hell Driver" and "Rock Ready"...all great bluesy classic rock tracks.
I first saw UFO live in 1978 (with Michael Schenker playing lead guitar) on the 'Obsession' tour and have been a diehard fan ever since. UFO has changed guitarists and lineups along the way, but have always put out great music. Now with the original core of Mogg-Parker-Raymond, along with guitar master Vinnie Moore, they are still putting out great music and putting on great live shows.
I've got tickets to see these guys when they come around in October on tour. Looking forward to hearing some of these songs live, especially "Saving Me". These guys still rock, and they can still rock out the live shows, so get this disc and go see them live! Long live UFO!
"
Thank you, UFO
Kenneth L. Moffett | Los Angeles, CA, USA | 06/10/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This album ROCKS. I really liked You Are Here, but was a little disappointed with Monkey Puzzle. Thankfully, The Visitor hasn't let me down. I can't wait to see UFO again in October, 2009. If you like UFO buy this album now!"
Still going strong
Mr. C. S. Amoroso | Essex, UK | 09/23/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Ufo have matured over the years and yet again have produced another quality album. This album reflects their movement towards the blues side of their music and will not only be enjoyed by existing fans but will also attract a new audience who will then want to explore their history."
Long time fan perspective
Tim | Roanoke VA | 09/08/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I'll keep this short. Big fan of UFO since the early days. This latest is a good effort. Better than Monkey Puzzle(previous CD), but not as good as You Are Here(first allbum with current guitarist Vinnie Moore). It sounds just like it was recorded. All members recording their parts, in dfferent places around the globe and then mixing it together. You just never get that feeling of energy or cohesiveness that you get when the whole band is in one room. Maybe that is being overly critical. You be the judge, but get You Are Here first."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1