Chrysalis Years 1980 - 1984

Five stars because it's MSG and it's priced right.However, the songs are not mixed the same as what I had been used to hearing (remixed or not), and even some of the CD song listings are different (Built to Destroy). For a good example listen to Dogs of War -- after the first verse/chorus/solo, one of the main guitar parts is pulled way back and then completely drops out when the vocals start again (and after all we're buying this FOR the GUITAR to hear Michael Schenker, no?). The songs often prematurely fade out at the end during a solo we're used to hearing as well, cutting off some iconic and memorable guitar magic. I would not dump your existing versions of the MSG releases and rely on this to be your "keeper", you'd be missing out on too much of what makes MSG so good.Note: this release is an IMPORT -- so this may be the mix that was released in the UK, it may be different from what was released in the US, and i'm comparing what I've heard and have become used to hearing in Turk's basement while growing up in the US (on albums and then eventually CDs) to this set.I still highly recommend adding it to your collection, as well as the UFO Chrysalis Years Collection  The Chrysalis Years (1973-1979)  -- well worth it.Enjoy.

For an introduction into Michael Schenker's early post-UFO career, this release is an excellent and economical place to start. But, due to the fact the live material is nothing special, buying the studio albums with more numerous bonus tracks, original artwork and packaging may be a better option for committed Schenker fans. If you can find the BGO remasters or want to drop the extra cash on the Japanese pressings, they are definitely the way to go.One last thing. The packaging is TERRIBLE! The cd case is specially designed to hold all 5 discs. It is the old fashioned "fat" double jewel case with 2 additional fold out trays; and it is poorly designed and extremely fragile (The UFO "Chrysalis Years" is the same way). If the case is damaged, good luck finding a replacement. My UFO case arrived with several cracks, but it was still functional. I ordered the Schenker box shown here from Amazon. The item was just placed in an oversized box without any packing material to protect it. The item was just banging around inside an oversized box during shipping. Consequently, every disc had come loose inside and the case was shattered in about 3-4 places. Be very careful where you purchase this and attempt to request an extra layer of protection.

Pick it up if u are gettin in to MSG great tracks really surprised by the assault attack album with graham bonnet how killer it was almost worth the price and it is a total value overall if u want a bunch of bonus tracks and extended artwork get the individual remasters get it today mine came from overseas brand new and was cheap considering what's in this package!

At first I was just a casual Schenker fan, just familiar with the UFO years. This set opened my ears and my mind to some fantastic music that I had overlooked. This is a GREAT collection of music. I hope the post-1984 Schenker releases will be boxed together like this set is. This is a TON of great music for a great price.

WOW! This is all the good stuff and a various assortment of not released mixes and remixes.If you are a Michael Schenker fan DO NOT PASS THIS UP!The re-mastering is GOOD to GREAT, it truly blows away the original studio recordings.

The problem with these albums is that you have to weed through weak material to hear Michael's fabulous playing.Plus,I think the first album has poor sound quality.It sounds sterile and lacks punch even though the music is decent.

This is a great introduction to Mr Michael Schenker. If you know any young people that are just learning to play guitar. Do them a favor and introduce them to Mr Schenker. That way they'll know what REAL guitar playing is about.

I remember in my youth that I listened to MSG. I was so glad to see this box set available and I jumped at the chance to own it. Good music at a good price.

Another classic retrospective (6 albums + extras over 5 discs ) from the Chrysalis stable, and the perfect partner to UFO's, charting what happened next for Michael Schenker after quitting UFO (for what really did appear to be the last time). Fortunately, it didn't take too long for him to get his act together - although the process wasn't exactly painless for the German guitar genius. Musically speaking, the starting point was the chance discovery of singer Gary Barden and the subsequent debut album, despite being under the banner of "The Michael Schenker Group", was essentially a Schenker-Barden affair (backed by top session players). And what a collaboration it turned out to be under the guidance of producer Roger Glover. Kicking off with "Armed And Ready", any doubts whether Herr Schenker could continue the astronomically high standards he had set in his previous band(s) were immediately dispelled. Classic riffs, classic lyrics, classic ending. And with a jaw-dropping solo - which is a classic. Can you get any more classic? And so it continued until the last fading notes of the album-ending epic "Lost Horizons" confirmed that this was a class songwriting partnership. And if "Tales Of Mystery" revisited "Arbory Hill", from UFO's "Obsession", there's no suggestion that the two had run out of ideas. This album has to be one of the best heavy rock debuts ever and contains some of Michael's finest work - as if he had a point to prove.Hot on the heels of its release, the Michael Schenker Group took to the road with a permanent (as far as the term can be applied) line-up, which included the inspired additions of Metal Mickey's former UFO band mate Paul Raymond (effectively reprising his role in UFO), Cozy Powell and Chris Glen. The maestro was clearly in his comfort zone with this familiar format - so familiar that Phil Mogg joked that there was a band going round impersonating UFO; a claim given added credibility by the fact that - as MSG only had an album's worth of material - several UFO classics were included in the set-list (much to fans' delight). Tantalisingly, the 6 previously unreleased live tracks included here from MSG's debut UK tour are not described as "bonus tracks" and the booklet contains album sleeve photos which include what appears to be an unreleased album, "Live at the Manchester Apollo 1980". The remastered "MSG" album contains a further 6 numbers from this show, so maybe a full-length release is in the offing? Apart from the 12 numbers accounted for, the band also played "Into The Arena" (the live B-side included here is also from the Apollo) and, if I remember correctly, "Bijou Pleasurette" or possibly an early version of "Courvoisier Concerto". I don't recall any other UFO tracks being played but the atmosphere was absolutely electric and it was great to see the band really going full-tilt. Michael's playing on "Rock Bottom" is unbelievable. If you haven't heard this version yet, it will blow you away when you do."MSG" (album titles weren't a strong point) was a very different beast altogether from the debut. Schenker's choice of producer - Ron Nevison (from his later UFO days) - created a much heavier sound with Chris Glen's bass and Cozy's drums well to the fore (perhaps over-compensating for the lighter sounding rhythm section on the debut album). The songs too are very different, although just as good in their own ways. The lead guitar is (as you'd expect) pretty exceptional. In contrast to the heavyweight emphasis for most of the album, there are also some subtle touches throughout, such as Raymond's harpsichord-sounding keyboard on "On And On" and changes of tempo. At 7:00, "But I Want More" is an epic and is followed by an absolute gem (the only way to describe it) from Paul Raymond - "Never Trust A Stranger". Think 'Heavy Metal Barry Manilow' (not for too long!) and you won't be far off. But there's no slush here, just the purest of ballads with Michael conjuring up the type of solo that only he can. 'Rabbit out of a hat!' - most definitely. Why this song wasn't released as a single is a complete mystery to me. It could have been massive. "Looking For Love" has classic MS melodies and "Secondary Motion" completes the album, notes hanging in the air with Barden singing (almost prophetically, with hindsight) "Give me that chance ..." - the perfect ending to this classic album.Next up is the live double album "One Night At Budokan" - here the original unexpanded version preferred by many (unless you're particularly into drum solos) but this time with Courvoisier Concert[o] misspelt (again). It definitely deserves its place up there with all the classic live doubles - it's that good - but its release also marked the first departures from the band. Exit stage left, Cozy Powell, Paul Raymond ... and Gary Barden.What happened next ... you couldn't make it up. "Assault Attack" is arguably MSG's most 'musical' album; even if new singer Graham Bonnet's vocals aren't an easy listen, the playing and production are flawless. Martin Birch captured Ted McKenna's (another inspired choice) drum sound perfectly and if there's a better produced heavy rock album out there, I've yet to hear it. The single, "Dancer" ably demonstrates Michael's musical genius - taking the lyric's theme of a dancer falling, his solo begins with notes tripping and spinning from his guitar. But if an album this good can possibly have a stand-out track, it has to be "Desert Song" with its cinematic imagery and musically, Schenker bending harmonic chords by flexing the neck of his trusty Flying V - shades of UFO's "Love To Love", long instrumental sections and two sections of perfect, contrasting, lead guitar. An absolutely brilliant composition. The album ends with a barnstorming instrumental - "Ulcer" - with the band having an absolute blast and (again with hindsight) which seems an eerily prophetic way to end the album ... Exit singer number two. Welcome back, Gary Barden. Surprise, surprise!!On to "Built To Destroy", an album I didn't bother with at the time (and haven't much since). Sometimes it's better to move on ...And finally, "Rock Will Never Die"; another live offering - again the original (single album) version and arguably to be preferred to the expanded version for that reason. The highlight, for me at least, is "I'm Gonna Make You Mine", where rhythm guitarist Derek St Holmes sings the lead (superbly). It was very clear that Gary was struggling badly by now and St Holmes' vocal performance suggests what could have been if Michael (and he) had been willing to break the mould and develop this new approach.Any quibbles? Well, the bonus tracks are a little disappointing, as most are already available on the re-mastered albums. The Sounds flexidisc edit of "Sleeping Dogs" (I remember having this) was more of a 'taster' - it stops suddenly after the guitar solo. And as much as "Armed And Ready" is a classic, there are no less than 5 versions of it here; maybe you can have too much of a good thing? Perhaps some of the best of the Reading headline gig could have been included for good measure ... but this is a highly recommended collection and remarkable value for money. The first four albums alone easily make this a 5 star box set.

For just over a tenner, you get 5 cds containing Metal Mickeys 1st 4 studio albums, the all time classic double live Budokan album (what a intro), a ropey live album from 1984 that reeks of contractual obligation, plus a dozen or so other tracks, mainly b sides. Very interesting to track a bands decline from the great debut album to dross of Built to Destroy.

bought this to go with my recent purchase of temple of rock and was not dissapionted also bought this to back up my worn out vinyl great to listen to the updated recordings and a few extra goodies that were thrown in

bought to replace all the vinyl Schenker LP's in the attic good set

SOS IF YOU FANS OF MICHAEL CAN NOT MISS THIS BOX FOR THAT IS VERY GOOD AND SOME CD THAT BRINGS TO GET ARE COMPLICATED AND ALL FOR ONE LOW PRICE IF YOU GOT ENOUGH TO BUY ONE X ONE IS A VERY GOOD THIS TIME GUITARIST AND SOUND VERY GOOD