This is the Michael Schenker Group in top form; they're having a good time and it shows.You ever fall victim of the hype machine? I know I have more times that I like to admit. The latest thing I got sucked into was the new DVD from Michael Schenker - MSG - Live in Tokyo. If you go to as many metal news pages as I do, I know you've seen the banner for this DVD looking at you and telling you to check it out. Some- times these adds are misleading and sometimes you hit paydirt. I guess it depends on much you dig the artist, to whether you'll check them out or not. Well I have to say, about every Schenker DVD I've checked out I've dug. Not all of them blow you away, but the chance to see Schenker wail is always appealing. Another appealing aspect on this one, is that original MSG vocalist Gary Barden is back in the band. How cool is that?
Live in Tokyo was filmed, as you might of guessed, in Tokyo on the band's 30th anniversay tour. The show was filmed in January of this year, so you get a fresh look into what you expect live from the band currently. I have to say this is one fo the strongest Schenker DVD's that I've seen. For one, the band is on fire and sound great. Another thing is the strong set list, which is comprised of MSG classics as well as some UFO and Scorpions tunes. I dug the film on this one too. The texture of the film is movie quality, with some nice camera techniques thrown in for good measure. A solid DVD from a guitar legend.
Bottom Line: The Michael Schenker Group in top form. It was very cool to see Barden and Schenker on the same stage rocking. The band appears to be having a good time and it resonates to the viewer. Solid DVD. If you're new to Schenker then this would be a great DVD to cut your teeth on.
- Ragman can't get Lost Horizons out of his head