Origin of one of Hard Rock's Greatest Bands
British Thunder 13 | Enola, PA USA | 04/19/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There aren't too many bands that have stood the test of time, especially a period of time spanning nearly 4 decades, but UFO is one of those bands that has aged quite well. While many associate UFO with their material from the mid-to-late 1970's, little has really been put out on the early days of this legendary band's career until now.
"Beginnings" is a two CD set that encompasses the band's first three albums circa 1970-1972, the time prior to Michael Schenker entering the band. UFO's early sound is simply incredible! Pete Way leads in with some thundering bass riffs on nearly every track and is supported by Andy Parker's lightining-like percussion work. Mick Bolton's guitar pieces are spacey and ear-bending, especially on the tracks like "Unidentified Flying Object", "Star Storm", and the incredible 26 minute "Flying". Phil Mogg's vocals are a quintessential part of UFO's sound, and his voice lends depth and character to match that of his supporting band members.
There are cover songs, like "C'mon Everybody" which UFO takes and turns up a notch. "Come Away Melinda" is a ballad performed in stellar fashion, while "Boogie For George" is a Blues-influenced heavy metal masterpiece. The final six tracks carry a bit more energy as they were recorded live and really depict the band doing what they do best.
The early 1970's was a time for a lot of experimentation in music, as the genres of "Hard Rock" and "Heavy Metal" had yet to be born. UFO's "Beginnings" offers you a chance to catch some of that sound that now is classified as the first wave of British Heavy Metal and can be used to characteristically define those early days of British Metal rising to the top. UFO fans will see this compilation as a must have, but I encourage all fans of Vintage Heavy Metal to check this CD set out. It's no doubt some of the most incredible material from one of England's best bands."
