UFO
You Are Here

Review By Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
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  It has been a long time since I sat down and listened to a UFO album. I fondly recollect Phenomena and Force It as two of my favorite albums of the '70s. Much to my surprise and delight I received their latest offering You Are Here, which I immediately threw into my CD player and cranked as loud as I could stand it. Of course, I loved every second of this album, more so with each subsequent listen.

I was very happy to see the great John Bonham's son Jason was behind the drum kit. Everyone surely expected great things from him when he decided to follow his dad's example and play the drums. I am certain this performance has the old man smiling from up above. Phil Mogg is one sly fox for injecting such vibrant youth into his band. They seem like they are reborn now with this electric recording. Vinnie Moore is not Michael Schenker, but he is no slouch either, he lays down some fine chops on this album. "Call Me" and "Mr. Freeze" prove to be exceptional showcases for Mr. Moore's six-string expertise.

This was very enjoyable for me. I felt some good chills a few times, which is nice because it happens so rarely these days while listening to music and that is a shame. This band seems right on the brink of cookin' up a real blockbuster of an album, they are damned close on this release. I think you will have to wait for the next one to start hearing about UFO like you did in their heyday, then again perhaps the old glory days cannot ever be captured again, stranger things have happened though. Nevertheless, this was a welcome addition to my rock collection. Phil Mogg is one of the unique voices in rock music and his pipes don't sound rusty at all. I think the younger guys in the group gave him the kick in the pants he needed to pull off such a great performance. This is a solid album well worth checking out for old and young rockers alike.