This is, of course, not Mogg’s first foray into the world outside of UFO. There was the 1997 Mogg/Way album Edge of the World, the follow up Chocolate Box in the same year and then the excellent $ign of 4 album, Dancing with St Peter, in 2002, the latter two with the amazing Jeff Kollman on guitars.
This album sees Mogg now teaming up with Voodoo Six and KK Priest bassist Tony Newton, who incidentally I first met when he was in the fledgling band Dirty Deeds during the the UK leg of the UFO tour in 1998 where they were the support act. Alongside these two is UFO stalwart Neil Carter (also Gary Moore and Wild Horses) taking on the lead guitar role, and finally the band completed by Joe Lazarus on drums and Tommy Gentry on guitars.
Vocally and lyrically this is instantly recognisable as a Mogg album, with a few surprises such as female backing vocals (Zoe Devin), to my recollection a first but they work reslly well and complement Phil’s vocals perfectly. But as with his other forays outside of UFO this is another album that has a distinctive indivudual sound whilst still alluding to his back catalogue, no doubt a product of this not being a “solo album” but again, very much a collaborative band effort which allows Carter and Gentry more artistic freedom.
I’ve been trying to find the filler track, but alas, cannot find one. Every track is an instant classic and for the first time in a long time I found myself listenting to this album on repeat and discovering something new each time. I’m sure with futher listenting over time some tracks will rise above the others as “favourites” (Storyville is a strong contender), but for now I’m happy to just put it on lie back, and enjoy it in its entirity. A great addition to the Phil Mogg back catalogue and hopefully there will be more, it certainly sounds like there is still unfinished business at the Motel.
Finally, big shout out to the awesome Tristan Greatrex who was responsible for the album art. He has been long time graphic artist for UFO and has an extensive back catalogue including Michael Schenker, Vinnie Moore and Paul Raymond (to name the UFO related ones). See his other artwork at his website www.tristangreatrex.me.
The Official Moggs Motel website can be found at moggsmotel.co.uk.
Personnel:
- Phil Mogg (vocals)
- Tony Newton (bass, keyboards)
- Neil Carter (guitar, keyboard, vocals)
- Joe Lazarus (drums)
- Tommy Gentry (guitar)
Backing vocals:
- Zoe Devlin Love
- Laurie Mansworth
Track listing:
01. Apple Pie
02. Sunny Side Of Heaven
03. Face Of An Angel
04. I Thought I Knew You
05. The Princess Bride
06. Other People’s Lives
07. Tinker Tailor
08. Weather
09. Harry’s Place
10. Wrong House
11. Shane
12. Storyville
Photos: thumbnail and featured, album art (c) Tristan Greatrex, band photo (c) www.ufo.music.com
