4/5
UFO Live was released in 1972, and it was the last album to feature Mick Bolton. This album really show the band's live talent; even if it isn't as good as Strangers In The Night. It features the most famous of the Mick Bolton UFO songs, so it is much more psychedelic than later live shows to come. The concert was performed in Japan, because at the time this was where they were famous. I think that for the first live album the band ever made, this is exceptionally good, because the production sounds great, and the songs are performed spot on. A lot of the album is cover songs. "C'mon Everybody" was originally by Eddie Cochran, "Who Do You Love" was originally by Bo Diddley, and "Loving Cup" was a song by the Rolling Stones. These covers are all very good, because they bring a new sound and energy to them, and they are performed amazingly live. The next song is the "Prince Kajuku" saga. They put both of the songs together, and they sound amazing live because Mick Bolton brings the bluesy feeling of the studio and amps it up with so much more energy. Phil's vocals sound very good as they do for the whole album. The live version of "Boogie For George" is very neat because Mick Bolton once again sounds awesome with his guitar playing. He uses the wah to an advantage because it gives the song an awesome sound to it. The drumming is also very great, and it is aggressive as ever. The next performance is "Follow You Home." I think it is kind of humorous that they performed this song, because it is obviously a copy of "You Really Got Me." This is proven because when they start the riff, the audience begins to sing the chorus to the infamous song by the Kinks. It is still performed well, but it is just hard to love because of this.
UFO Live is a very good album, and while it definitely isn't as good as later live performances, it is an essential to check out. It is much better than UFO 1, and it is only slightly behind Flying. If you want to hear a different side of UFO, then definitely check this album out.
I remember reading that this was actually recorded at The Marquee in UK but that could've just been Phil Mogg winding people up as he's prone to doing!!
ReplyDeleteWow that's something I didn't know. Thanks Glenn
DeleteI really love this album and I still find it very hypnotic to listen to. This is very much enhanced by the mind blowing art work which is also my top UFO album cover art.
ReplyDeleteThe rumor about it being recorded at the Marquee in London is just ridiculous - since you can clearly hear that the crowd sounds very Japanese! They typically all clap along constantly, like they've never seen a live band before; and there's even an obvious Japanese voice heard over the P.A. at one point. So, unless there was a very large coach party from Tokyo in Wardour Street that night...it's Live in Japan.
Yes that all makes a lot of sense. Thank you for the clarification
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