A. M. Samurai

Lennie Wright from Web and Samurai produced Brainchild's first and only album, so it's no surprise that "Healing of the Lunatic Owl" is in a similar style to both "I Spider" and Samurai's self-titled album. That means early 70's progressive rock dominated by horns and organ. Brainchild is a septet that recorded their sole album Healing Of The Lunatic Owl in western London in 1970 on the A&M label. The album contains sizzling brass rock, which must rank among the best of the genre, but also with the much more obscure and even more brilliant Warm Dust and Galliard. Brainchild's line-up was basically your standard prog quartet, plus a three-man wind instrument section, including flute, sax, trumpet and trombone.

Nelsons Navy. Forensic scientists examine the skeletons of sailors who fought under Admiral Nelson’s command, hoping to discover evidence that will shed new light on the realities of naval warfare and life at sea in the 19th century. Using modern technology and dramatic reconstructions, the programme pieces together the stories of a child sailor, an American gunner, a freed slave and a syphilis victim, among others.

Guitarist Michael Schenker's solo work never equaled the consistently high songwriting standards of his UFO heyday, when vocalist Phil Mogg served as both a capable collaborator for the mad axeman's daunting talents, and stubborn editor for his raging egomania. (Of course Mogg had an even harder time steering UFO post-Schenker, but that's an entirely different review). But when left to his own devices, his bull-headed ways would result in equal amounts of brilliant and dismal moments. As such, this collection provides a great service by presenting only the very best MSG material available. These include major hits like "Armed and Ready," "Cry for the Nations," and "Attack of the Mad Axeman," as well as a generous helping from overlooked third album Assault Attack (the only one featuring journeyman vocalist Graham Bonnett), including the stunning "Desert Song." This is the place to start.