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Phil Mogg: Moggs Motel
Phil Mogg - Moggs Motel Album Art

Phil Mogg: Moggs Motel

Melodic Hard Rock
5.0/5.0

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Cleopatra Records/SPV Steamhammer
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 06.09.2024 | Released: 06.09.2024

UFO: the band that shaped my music listening world as a teenager. Largely underrated, but greatly influencing many bands like Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, and Metallica. Then there's the irrepressible vocalist and lyricist extraordinaire, Phil Mogg. His voice and vocal style are distinctive; his lyrics sharp and reflective, sometimes moody, sardonic, and humorous, but a story is woven. Within Moggs Motel, his own later life is considered. From the first single Apple Pie: I look in the mirror, a young man grown old/The lines in his face, rivulets of gold.

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Phil Mogg & Band

UFO is no more. The Last Orders tour never completed. In 2022, Mogg had a heart attack requiring two stents. But now he has bounced back to turn the page. It's the era of Moggs Motel featuring Tony Newton, bass and production, (KK's Priest/Voodoo Six), Neil Carter, guitar, (UFO/Gary Moore), drummer Joe Lazarus (Twin Atlantic/Voodoo Six) and guitarist Tommy Gentry (GUN/Marco Mendoza).


Musically, it's not hard for UFO fans to want to hear UFO. Me, classic UFO of Lights Out and Strangers In The Night era, even the mid-Nineties reunion, Walk Own Water. But Mogg has evolved in the post-Schenker world. Sure, this is classic melodic rock but with a moody blues groove with an AOR veneer. Ergo, Moggs Motel is more reflective of 21st century Mogg himself where the songs are crafted around his voice and lyrics. But the best elements remain: rock rhythm and groove, punch back beat, song melody tuned by Phil's voice, crafty and catchy lyrics, and of course, terrific guitar work. And Mogg is as strong as he has ever been at 76 years young.

Speaking to a few songs, Apple Pie, Sunny Side Of Heaven, Face Of An Angel, and Princess Bride are catchy hard rocker with strong guitar work. Other People's Lives is a slow burning, bit bluesy ballad. Also, a bit softer, yet steady and somber is Weather, which moves upon the riffs and bass line. Before we reach the end there's an instrumental, Harry's Place, a rhythmic soft song that features a flute solo. Two more fine rockers follow with Wrong House and Shane.

If you miss UFO, no worries. Phil Mogg brings his famous vocal style and lyrical rapier-like wit to his new haunt, Moggs Motel. This is classic melodic hard rock crafted by a gifted musician and a musical legend. Easily recommended.


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The Take Away

If you miss UFO, no worries. Phil Mogg brings his famous vocal style and lyrical rapier-like wit to his new haunt, Moggs Motel. This is classic melodic hard rock crafted by a gifted musician and a musical legend. Easily recommended.

Support the artist, click the link below to buy the album at Amazon (US site) in your favorite format.

Purchase Phil Mogg - Moggs Motel at Amazon
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