(Prog/Hard Rock) [LP] [24/96] UFO – UFO 1 - 1970, FLAC (tracks) Original 1st German Press [Decca SLK 16 671-P]

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When you listen to these first songs by UFO, you will immediately hear a mixture of 60′s Psychedelia/Acid Rock mixed with Heavy Blues/Early Metal. The guitar tone is exceptionally excellent in that there is wah-wah, old fuzz-tone distortion and some not so great phase shift (not a band error, but an engineering error). Get this release if you want to hear the transition of Rock from the late 60′s into the early 70′s.

While it’s true the first UFO album is *significantly* different from the more popular and successful Michael Schenker years, that absolutely does NOT mean the lead guitarist playing on this album is any worse.

I think all the comparisons to Schenker are totally unfair. Who cares if the Schenker version of the band is the one that became famous? That doesn’t make the first two UFO albums automatically bad. Laughable to think it does, in fact.

What matters is that Mick Bolton holds his own very well.

Yes, it’s true their follow-up, hour long Flying album is easily better than most of the songs here, but that certainly doesn’t mean UFO 1 is horrible in comparison to future UFO albums. I don’t get all the hate for this album at all.

Oh, and what’s up with all the hate concerning Mick Bolton’s guitar solos? People people, you’re hating extremely melodic and bluesy guitar solos. Just because the guy isn’t on the same level as Eric Clapton, George Harrison, or Tony Iommi doesn’t mean his playing is downright awful. It’s honestly really good guitar playing. The way people talk about his playing on here, you’d think he’s the worst player in the entire world, and that’s definitely not true.

Now, I don’t know if his style of guitar playing needs several listens in order to fully appreciate, or whether my taste in music has just simply changed over the years, but I can say for a fact that 10 years ago I could NOT appreciate Bolton’s guitar playing as much as I can nowadays.

This album has grown on me significantly over the years and now I consider it one of UFO’s very best. Flying is still the ultimate example of the bands guitar talents (plus features improved songwriting skills) so I guess UFO 1 would be the bands next best album.

Whether the same will happen to you -and you learn to adjust to Bolton’s style or not- is something I don’t have an answer to, I’m afraid. I *hope* most people who feel negatively towards this album eventually grow to appreciate his style.

This album has won me over BIG time. 10 years ago I wouldn’t have been able to say that.

I personally feel Mick Bolton is better than other famous guitarists such as Robin Trower, Peter Frampton, and Ritchie Blackmore. Just a matter of personal taste.

If UFO’s first album has one major flaw it’s that the songwriting just wasn’t there yet. You have a few cover songs, and that’s not exactly surprising to me considering the year the record was released, it’s just slightly disappointing. At least Bolton’s guitar work makes up for it with his dazzling display really enhancing the entire album.

Also the album is very short at just 35 minutes.

I honestly think people don’t particularly care for Mick Bolton because he’s just one of several blues guitarists from back in the day, and perhaps in many peoples minds there’s no room left for more. I have to disagree of course.

This version of “(Come Away) Melinda” is a bit odd compared to Uriah Heep’s more noticeably haunting and atmospheric version, but I like it all the same. “Boogie” is a brilliant display of melodic guitar soloing. “C’mon Everybody” is a perfect party song. “Evil” is quite possibly the most underrated song here. I LOVE everything about this one.

I also admire the rhythm section in “Shake It About” when it speeds up halfway through and delivers with more tasty guitar licks. I love it. Nothing floors me quite like “Unidentified Flying Object” though. The guitar playing on this track is just out of this world to me

AlfredoCatalani