Many
british metal bands of the '70s/'80s have been the subject of numerous compilations over the years, especially such acts as
Motorhead,
Saxon, and
UFO. The latter outfit is best known for their era when German six string wunderkind
Michael Schenker led the charge, but the 1999 British double disc anthology, Time to Rock: Best of Singles A's & B's, manages to touch upon all eras of the band -- the group's early blues rock direction, the aforementioned
Schenker years, and the band's best forgotten mainstream '80s period. Although newcomers to the band are probably better off with a single disc that focuses solely on the
Schenker era (namely 1992's The Essential UFO, longtime fans will find quite a few rare gems on Time to Rock. Tops on the list would have to be the tracks "Give Her the Gun" and "Sweet Little Thing," a single which turned out to be
Schenker's very first appearance on a
UFO recording (predating
UFO's Phenomenon), as well as such non-LP b-sides as a live version of "Hot N' Ready." But Time to Rock also includes countless common
UFO standards, such as "Doctor Doctor," "Only You Can Rock Me," "Rock Bottom," and "Cherry." Singer
Phil Mogg also provides commentary for each track. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide
