NEWS4U AUGUST 2023 | MUSIC REVIEWS
BLAST FROM THE PAST
BLUES WITH BRAGIN
UFO Strangers in the Night (1979) Chrysalis Records
ALLY VENABLE Real Gone Ruf Records
Often referred to as “your
Texas
favorite band’s favorite band,”
Ally Venable returns with Real
London’s UFO just concluded a
Gone, her fifth studio release.
guitar
phenomenon
50-year run as one of the most
The album kicks off with the
prolific yet underrated bands in the history of rock and
title track, a rocking tune that immediately showcases
roll. In my view, one of the great crimes in rock history
Venable’s guitar prowess. “Going Home” begins with
is that UFO never enjoyed popular acclaim in the U.S.
a psychedelic vibe as she sings about returning to her
In the 1970s they were one of the most talented bands
roots. Venable cements her status as a guitar queen on
in the hard rock genre, and they were poised to break
“Justifyin’,” a tune that allows EJ Bedford to shine on the
big in America. They toured across the U.S. in the fall
bass. Guitar virtuoso Joe Bonamassa joins the band for
of 1978, recording a half-dozen shows for their first live
“Broken and Blue” and provides top-notch guitar work.
album Strangers in the Night, which was released in
“Don’t Lose Me” features solid drumming from Isaac
January of '79. Sadly, during post-production, German
Pulido as Venable and Bedford find a funky groove.
guitar prodigy Michael Schenker quit the band. Fans view his departure as key in explaining UFO’s struggles
“Any Fool Should Know” offers a throwback with a 1950s
in the 1980s. Steve Harris of Iron Maiden, Nikki Sixx of
feel while retaining Venable’s powerhouse vocals and
Mötley Crüe, and Kirk Hammett of Metallica all claim
guitar. Blues legend Buddy Guy comes in for a guest
UFO as a massive influence - particularly the Strangers
appearance on “Texas Louisiana” as he and Venable
album. So what makes it so special? First, the band was
complement each other on vocals and guitar. A heavy
going on five years of writing, recording and touring;
rocking tune fits the aptly-titled “Kick Your Ass” as
their chemistry and timing were near-perfect. Next, few
Venable sings about being mistreated and not tolerating
bands played with the kinetic, frenetic energy of UFO -
it. A stripped-down acoustic guitar begins “Blues Is My
or boasted such an exquisite guitarist. Not to mention
Best Friend” before the full band kicks in and Venable
the rhythm section - comprised of bassist Pete Way,
lays down great electric guitar work. “Gone So Long”
percussionist Andy Parker and guitarist/keyboardist Paul
offers introspective lyrics to match melancholy guitar
Raymond - played with a groove that can't be taught.
playing. Heavy guitar from Venable features on “Hold My
Plus, vocalist Phil Mogg’s voice was top-notch, and his
Ground,” a song about sticking to your convictions. This
banter between songs was animated and funny. Lastly, there is the production. For a live album recorded in
album is a must have for any blues lover. - Paul Bragin
1978 on analog equipment, it's beyond comprehension how legendary producers Ron Nevison and Mike Clink got Strangers to sound so good. Packed with masterful performances of classics like "Rock Bottom," "Lights Out," "Only You Can Rock Me," "Natural Thing" and "Too Hot to Handle," it showcases a band on the precipice of greatness. Ah, what might have been had the mercurial Schenker elected to stay put. But alas, some meteors streak across the night sky but for a moment, before fading in intensity. - Matt Alschbach
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