TCCDM Pulls One Out..."Phenomenon" - UFO (1974)

"Phenomenon" - UFO (1974)

    I've had this on CD forever, but finding a vinyl copy of UFO's "Phenomenon" was challenging for me.  I just could never be in the right place at the right time, I guess.  The album is a wonderful conundrum that both rocks and relaxes at the same time.  UFO scratches both itches perfectly with its chill-metal salutations.  It's my favorite UFO album, bar none.  This, and their live "Strangers In The Night," (1979) are definitely my go-tos.

     "Phenomenon" has it all.  There is an unusual headiness about this square that takes me somewhere.  There is some space rock dustings in the mix.  The slower and mid-tempo tracks sizzle and burn, with Phil Mogg's vocals effortlessly selling the bridge without sounding the least bit wuss.  No hyperbole here.  Mogg makes it work.  Additionally, 19-year-old Michael Schenker, who had just joined the band, helped deliver powder-keg favorites, such as "Rock Bottom" and "Doctor Doctor," both of which are featured here.  In fact, Schenker's guitar spankage is all over the album, but here, he paints without getting any on the floor.  Chill-metal at its finest.

"Phenomenon" - UFO (back)

Beyond rock classics "Rock Bottom" and "Doctor Doctor,"
Favorites include: 
"Crystal Light"
"Time On My Hands"
"Queen Of The Deep"

     I don't visit record shops as frequently in the summer, choosing instead to do the legwork and hunt.  Anyway, I found a really nice OG for $25. (about $22 after bundling.)  Not cheap, but I've seen lesser copies going for a lot more.  The front cover has some minor ring wear near the top, but otherwise, a pretty clean copy.  That was important to me because I especially like looking at the album cover.  As for the vinyl, it is at least VG+ on the original green Chrysalis label and appears to have been well-maintained. 

Chrysalis Records label

Cat #
CHR 1059
SIDE A  DEADWAX
CHR-1059  31781 RE1 1C  SXT  C5 \
SIDE B  DEADWAX
CHR-1059  31782-RE-1 1B  SXT  B1 

"Time On My Hands" - UFO / "Phenomenon" (1974) 

TRACKS:
A1  "Too Young To Know" 3:07
A2  "Crystal Light" 3:44
A3  "Doctor Doctor" 4:10
A4  "Space Child" 3:58
A5  "Rock Bottom" 6:30
B1  "Oh My" 2:26
B2  "Time On My Hands" 4:10
B3  "Built For Comfort" 3:01
B4  "Lipstick Traces" 2:17
B5  "Queen Of The Deep" 5:43

PERSONNEL: 
Phil Mogg - vocals
Michael Schenker - guitar
Pete Way - bass
Andy Parker - drums

Good stuff.

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