The fact that this has been released under the MSG moniker is a bit misleading. It is in fact a collection of covers played with Michael Schenker on guitar, and a number of guest musicians lending their support to different songs. Like other ‘tribute’ albums he has been involved in, Bob Kulick again put together this compilation, and in reality it probably should have been promoted as such.
Anyhow, leaving that behind us, here are ten songs, selected from the word of hard rock and heavy metal, featuring the legendary guitarist on all tracks, with different vocalists lending their voices. For me this is a rather strange selection of songs, and most sound better in their original environment. I mean, why would you try and do “All Shook Up”? Sure, Joe Lynn Turner tries to do something different with the vocal, but why would you ever try and beat the original? Then, for some reason they do a ‘cover’ of “Doctor Doctor” which he’s played a billion times in his life. Why? “War Pigs” with Tim “Ripper” Owens is worth a listen, and though I like the song, the version of “Out In The Fields” is a bit blah really, certainly compared to the original.
Most of the other songs? Well, average fare again.
As a way of showcasing his talent, I don’t think this quite pulls it off. Most of us know how great a guitarist he is, and listening to him playing cover songs does nothing to diminish that, but nothing to enhance it either. From someone who has helped to write some of the best songs of all time, as well as some of the most well-known lead guitar breaks, what purpose does this album really serve?
Rating: It sounded better in promotion than it turned out to be. 3.5/5
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