UFO with Michael Schenker Phenomenon English Progressive Rock, Hard Rock Album Cover Gallery & 12" Vinyl LP Discography Information #vinylrecords

Album Description:

"Phenomenon" is a highly acclaimed 12" vinyl LP album by the British rock band UFO, featuring the exceptional guitar skills of Michael Schenker. Released in 1974, the album showcases the band's fusion of hard rock and progressive elements, and is regarded as one of their most influential and significant works.

As the third studio album by UFO, "Phenomenon" marked a turning point for the band with the addition of Michael Schenker on lead guitar. Schenker's virtuoso playing and melodic solos became a defining feature of UFO's sound and garnered him widespread recognition among guitar enthusiasts.

The album opens with the energetic and riff-driven track "Oh My", setting the tone for the high-octane rock 'n' roll that follows. Songs like "Crystal Light" and "Doctor Doctor" demonstrate UFO's ability to blend catchy melodies with powerful guitar riffs and memorable choruses, while tracks like "Space Child" and "Queen of the Deep" showcase their progressive influences and knack for atmospheric compositions.

With Phil Mogg's distinctive vocals, Pete Way's driving basslines, and Andy Parker's solid drumming, "Phenomenon" presents a tight and cohesive musical unit that propels each song with precision and intensity. The album captures the raw energy and chemistry of the band's live performances, making it a fan favorite and a staple in their discography.

"Phenomenon" achieved significant success in the UK, solidifying UFO's status as one of the leading rock bands of the era. The album's popularity also spread internationally, particularly in Europe and the United States, where it gained a dedicated following. It laid the groundwork for the band's future rel

Music Genre:

English Progressive Rock, Hard Rock

Album Production Information:

Produced by Leo Lyons
Mick Roback
Recorded at Morgan Studios, London.
Album cover design: Hipgnosis

Hipgnosis was an English art group founded in 1968 by Storm Thorgerson, Aubrey Powell, and Peter Christopherson. The group was known for their innovative and creative album covers, which became iconic in the music industry. Hipgnosis worked with some of the most influential musicians of their time, including Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Yes.

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The group's name, "Hipgnosis," was a play on the words "hypnosis" and "hip." They believed that their art had the power to hypnotize people and transport them to another world, which was reflected in their album covers. The group's style was surreal and often incorporated elements of fantasy, science fiction, and the occult. Their designs were highly detailed and often required extensive planning and preparation.

One of the group's most famous album covers was for Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon." The cover featured a prism refracting light into a rainbow, which became one of the most recognizable images in rock history. The design was so successful that it became synonymous with the band and their music. Another iconic design was for Led Zeppelin's "Houses of the Holy," which featured a group of naked children climbing on a rock formation. The image was highly controversial but helped to solidify the band's rebellious image.

Hipgnosis also worked with a number of other influential musicians, including Peter Gabriel, Black Sabbath, and Genesis. They designed the cover for Peter Gabriel's first solo album, which featured a photograph of Gabriel wearing a mask with only his eyes visible. The image became another iconic design and was later referenced in Gabriel's music video for "Sledgehammer."

The group's success continued into the 1980s, with designs for bands such as Scorpions and Styx. However, the rise of digital technology and the decline of album sales led to the group's decline. Hipgnosis disbanded in 1983, but their legacy lives on in the countless album covers they created.

Hipgnosis was not just an art group, but a collective of artists who had a significant impact on the music industry. Their innovative designs helped to define the visual style of rock music in the 1970s and 1980s. Their work was not just a complement to the music, but an essential part of the overall experience. They created a world that fans could enter into and lose themselves in, just like the music they were listening to.

Here is a web-page with a gallery of album covers created by Hipgnosis

Record Label & Catalognr:

Chrysalis CHR 1059

Media Format:

12" Full-Length Vinyl LP
Album weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1974 Made in England

Band Members and Musicians on: UFO with Michael Schenker Phenomenon

Phil Mogg - Vocals
Andy Parker - Drums
Pete Way - Bass
Michael Schenker

Michael Schenker, a renowned guitarist from Germany, is widely recognized for his exceptional skills and contributions to the world of rock and metal music. Born on January 10, 1955, in Sarstedt, Germany, Michael grew up in a family of musicians, with his father playing the violin and his mother singing opera. This musical environment had a profound influence on Michael's development as a musician.

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At the age of 15, Michael Schenker gained prominence when he joined the Scorpions, a popular German rock band, in 1970. His exceptional guitar skills and unique style quickly made him stand out. Michael's time with the Scorpions led to the release of their debut album, "Lonesome Crow", in 1972, showcasing his incredible talent at a young age.

However, it was with the British rock band UFO that Michael Schenker truly made his mark on the international music scene. He joined UFO in 1973 and became a key member of the band. His guitar work on albums like "Phenomenon" (1974), "Force It" (1975), and "No Heavy Petting" (1976) showcased his versatility and melodic sensibilities, earning him recognition as one of the most influential guitarists of the era.

In 1978, Michael Schenker left UFO to form his own band, the Michael Schenker Group (MSG) . The band's self-titled debut album, released in 1980, received critical acclaim and further established Michael as a virtuoso guitarist. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, MSG released a series of successful albums, including "Assault Attack" (1982) and "Perfect Timing" (1987), solidifying Michael's reputation as a leading figure in the world of rock and metal.

While pursuing his solo career with MSG, Michael Schenker maintained a connection with his former bands. He rejoined the Scorpions briefly in the early 1990s, contributing to their albums "Crazy World" (1990) and "Face the Heat" (1993). However, due to creative differences and personal reasons, he departed from the Scorpions once again.

Michael's guitar playing style is characterized by his impressive technical ability and his incorporation of neoclassical elements, blending melodic hooks with intricate solos. He has been a significant influence on subsequent generations of guitarists and played a pivotal role in the development of the neoclassical metal genre.

Over the years, Michael Schenker has continued to release albums and tour extensively, captivating audiences worldwide with his electrifying performances. His discography includes notable releases such as "Bridge the Gap" (2013) and "Resurrection" (2018), featuring collaborations with prominent musicians and showcasing his evolution as an artist.

- Guitars

Track Listing of: UFO with Michael Schenker Phenomenon

The Song/tracks on "UFO with Michael Schenker Phenomenon" are

Oh My (Schenker/Mogg/Way/Parker)
Crystal Light (Schenker/Mogg)
Doctor Doctor (Schenker/Mogg)
Space Child (Schenker/Mogg)
Rock Bottom (Schenker/Mogg)
Too Young To Know (Way/Mogg)
Time On My Hands (Schenker/Mogg)
Built For Comfort (Dixon)
Lipstick Traces (Schenker)
Queen Of The Deep (Schenker/Mogg)

Album cover photos of : UFO with Michael Schenker Phenomenon

High Resolution Photos of ufo with michael schenker phenomenon

Photo of Album's Back Cover

Close-up Photo of Record Label

Note: the above pictures are actual photos of the album and allow you to judge the quality of cover. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash.