Strangers in the Night

Artist: UFO

Strangers in the Night is highly regarded as one of the best live albums of all time. Released as a double album in 1979 on Chrysalis records, this would be the last UFO record featuring guitar legend Michael Schenker on lead guitar until a reunion some fifteen years later. The album would reach number 42 on Billboard charts, and number seven in the UK.

The album is comprised of tracks recorded in Chicago, Illinois and Louisville, Kentucky in the autumn of 1978. Immediately following the end of the tour, guitarist Michael Schenker left the band due to personal problems. After the tapes were reviewed, Schenker was asked to do some minor overdub work for the album, but refused. He later stated that re-recording select guitar parts would’ve been impossible as his live playing had bled through onto the drum tracks. As a result, this album is an accurate representation of the band UFO live at the high-point of their career; and also serves as a testament to Schenker’s legendary guitar chops.

This record includes all of UFO’s hits at the time. Such include: “Doctor Doctor,” “Let It Roll,” “Too Hot to Handle,” and “Lights Out.” Despite being a live album, the performances are incredibly accurate and the sound quality is quite good, if not excellent for a recording of its type. This album has influenced many great musicians, notably Slash of Guns N’ Roses who credits it as being his favorite live album.

As a guitar player, it is Michael Schenker’s playing that really makes this record for me. His trademark sound is the result of a custom-painted black and white Flying-V, run through a wha pedal which is used to emphasize the mid-range, and then into the greatest rock-n-roll amp of all time – a 100 watt Marshall. Oh yea, did I forget to mention his otherworldly musical ability as a factor in that equation? His unmistakable midrange tone resulting from the partially engaged wah is exemplified on the song "Rock Bottom" from this album. Additionally MS’s sound was credited as being among the “50 greatest tones of all time” by Guitar Player magazine.

For me, this album brings back memories of so many countless hours in my room, with my guitar-playing buddies, and in my weekly lessons trying to capture the essence of Schenker’s signature style. Within about a month, I could play along with this record from start to finish; and a friend of mine and I were even inspired to add the song “Doctor Doctor” to our set list at a local venue.

Although this album is often overlooked today, it deserves all the credit in the world. Aside from featuring great songs and energy, the fact that this album contains virtually no overdubs stands tribute to the band’s solidity on stage, and every member’s individual talent and competency.

Rating: 5/5