Unboxing UFO Strangers In The Night 8CD Deluxe Edition Box Set - Review
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- UFO : Strangers In The Night : 1979
Deluxe Edition 8CD Box Set 2020
Unboxing and Review
This is a release I have been looking forward to for a while, Strangers In The Night - The Deluxe Edition. There were some great live albums in the 1970s and this is one of them. It is an absolute classic capturing UFO at the top of their game.
This is an 8CD release featuring the six nights all professionally recorded. It was from these separate concerts that the classic Strangers In The Night album was compiled.
Having this in my hands reminds me of so many live albums in the 1970s where you used to wonder if they had picked the best tracks for the album, and what else did they record. A good example would be Made In Japan by Deep Purple which was recorded over three nights. It would be many years until fans heard the songs from each night. Did they pick the best tracks? In many ways they did, although the version of Strange Kind of Woman from the third night in Tokyo does take some beating. Anyway, let’s get back to UFO.
UFO: Strangers In The Night Deluxe Edition
CD1: Original album
CD2: Original album
CD3: Chicago, Illinois 13/10/78
CD4: Kenosha, Wisconsin 14/10/78
CD5: Youngstown, Ohio 15/10/1978
CD6: Cleveland, Ohio 16/10/78
CD7: Columbus, Ohio 17/10/78
CD8: Louisville, Kentucky 18/10/78
The Box Set itself looks great, a nice glossy box with the album design sensitively covering the whole box. The inner box slides out from the side and each CD is in its own cover with an inner sleeve. Even the booklet has its own cover which is a nice touch.
I bought my copy from Burning Shed and I have to say that the way that they packed this for sending in the post was absolutely superb. So I would always recommend that if you buy anything from Burning Shed, they do look after it, they care about the music, they care about the artists, and they care about the fans.
The original album would easily fit on one CD, but they had split it into two discs so they can create the original album in miniature. I really like this and it does bring back memories of picking up the original vinyl album all those years ago.
A worry some people will have will be will the other CDs sound as good as the original album? Will they be unmixed or even bootleg quality? Well, you have nothing to worry about here, as Ron Nevison produced them all at the same time. They all sound great!
Each CD has between 12 and 15 tracks of prime UFO. I have been so used to the original album opening with Natural Things that it is quite a change to realise that none of the original concerts actually opened with this!
The booklet contains interviews with Michael Schenker, Phil Mogg and Andy Parker. Unfortunately, Pete Way and Paul Raymond have passed away, but they are mentioned throughout.
Michael Schenker, in particular, is very candid about the problems he was going through at the time and how he has come to love the album (which at the time he really dismissed). The original album really does have the definitive version of these UFO tracks, literally cherry-picking tracks from their finest albums at the time. Phenomenon, Force It, No Heavy Petting, Lights Out and Obsession are all represented. This album really does contains some of Michael Schenker’s best playing of his whole career.
This really was UFO’s finest hour with their classic line up. Now we have a real chance to see if they did pick the best version of Rock Bottom for the vinyl album!
The remaster by Andy Pearce and Matt Wortham is spot on, and this whole package is highly recommended.
On the original album, Mother Mary and This Kids were recorded in the studio with the crowd noise added later. I am not sure who they did this, as there were enough tracks recorded in each concert to fill the album. It is also interesting as neither of those tracks were in the actual setlists. Perhaps it was due to the restrictions of the original vinyl? If you know the story behind this, please let me know in the comments.
Order your copy from Amazon - amzn.to/3ytQquN
Thank you for watching!
Phil Aston
Now Spinning Magazine
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Just finished the last disc..didn't get bored of any show...this is what box sets should be like✌️
Hi John, you are ahead of me (two to go) it really is a brilliant set. Phil :)
Was fortunate enough to see UFO open for AC/DC as my first concert at 16 in Columbus at the Fairgrounds colosseum.
Been a fan ever since.
Poor kids today have absolutely no idea what they missed out on.
Hi David, thank you for watching. Wow what a gig that must have been, AC/DC and UFO! Don’t you just wish someone had filmed this stuff back then? At least we have the recordings and this box set just confirms how special UFO were - Phil :)
@@NowSpinningMagazine I really didn't know much about UFO at the time and was just there to see AC/DC, but came away that night highly impressed.
Great album from a great band!!! (Criminally underrated!!!!). This was the third straight fantastic album from an amazing band whose momentum was building fantastically and then Schenker left. Ah, what could've been!!!
Hi Jim, thank you for watching! I agree, they were on a roll by the time they did this. If Schenker could have found a bit more support then who knows what would have happened. Great box set and really well put together - Phil :)
I wouldn't be hoo...I'am...without these guys ...It's so relevant when I was young and now...I have been a Rock and Rollar...from the womb
Brilliant live classic and will never get bored of listening to. I bought a 1st press back in the day and now i own it on a double clear vinyl. That boxset looks awesome, bet those shows sound great 🤘
Whoooah!!! I’ve just heard the YoungsTown, ‘Love to Love’ version.
It’s immense!!!! You gotto hear it. Very punchy with some beautiful keyboards.
Played it today - Epic. There is so much to enjoy within these discs - Phil :)
Great great review. Ive been listening to Youngstown and Columbus today. They sound excellent. Schenker is just on FIRE and such a young guitarist. Im really enjoying how they open with Hot N Ready and Pack it up and Go.....the ones they deleted..and used Natural Thing to open..which i heard for decades. I was lucky enough to see the first UFO reunion show in Babenhausen Germany December 1993, they played the whole Strangers set.
Hi Ricky, thank you for watching and so pleased you liked it! It really is a fabulous box set and as you say Michael Schenker is on fire. That reunion show sounds fantastic, I wonder if they recorded any shows from that tour? Thanks, Phil
There are a few bootlegs floating around from those reunion shows. The early ones included an acoustic from Schenker in which he plays some songs from his Positive Forward cd. I saw the tour in '95 at the Vic theater in Chicago.
Great review of a great live album.
Hi Phil,
Just ordered the UFO Strangers in the Night Box Set after watching your unboxing. I've had the original LP since it came out, I do feel it definitely falls into the ranks of one of the all time great live albums. I'm 64 after Christmas, so yes getting into music collecting, and going to gigs in 71, next year that's 50 years I've been hooked. I keep telling my kids (not kids any more adults) when I go don't put my music collection in a skip, they will be sitting on a lot of money it builds up after 50 years of collecting. I've been catching up on some of the reviews you have posted, and judging by them and some of the back drops to your postings, books, box sets, cd's etc. I would say we have a very similar taste in music, and like a lot of the same bands and artist. I will sign off for now, but keep it coming and I will keep dropping in,
Rock On , Raymond.
Thank you for watching more of the videos here and I am sure you will enjoy the UFO set. Like you I have been collecting for about 50 years and felt I wanted to share my love of collecting and listening to music. I also wanted to try and promote the feeling of collecting physical music and not just streaming. Although I do feature new box sets, I also like to talk about any album or box set even if is from decades ago or out of print. There are lots of music review websites out there so i was to try and make this one a bit different by putting in my own perspective and including memorabilia and different editions where I can. Phil :)
Great review 👍 I bought this box set, it is absolutely brilliant and exceptionally well presented. 'Strangers In The Night' is my all-time favourite album and was made even better with me seeing UFO live on the British leg of this 1978 'Obsession' tour at Leeds Grand Theatre on 2nd July 1978, Michael Schenker at his best.
Hi Tony, thank you very much for watching. I saw them in Birmingham on the 1978 tour. I knew then I was seeing this band (that only I seemed to be aware of ) about to break into the big time. Fantastic days and as you say such a classic live album. It has everything, the songs, great performances and timeless production. Phil
Amazing set unbelievable one of the best live albums of all time
I bought this. It’s great hearing so many different versions especially of the Rock Bottom solos
Thank you for watching - this is a great example on how to do a box set - Phil
your channel and review are excellent, lots of knowledge in here. It's indeed a beautiful album. Thank you for sharing your things.
Hi Samuel, thank you for watching. This was one of my best best purchases of last year. Best wishes - Phil :)
Just catching up on this, great review. One of my fav box sets that I own. Always a favourite gig when they came to the Glasgow Apollo.
Hi Billy, thank you for watching, it is a great box set ! Phil
Im going to add this for the UFO fans. I saw them in 1981 at Rosemont Horizon (now Allstate) I thought this was the BEST I have ever seen them they were tight and sounded flawless. I couldn’t wait to hear the songs from Wild Willing and Innocent that just came out. UFO always toured Chicago in March. Even though I saw them with ALL 4 sold out shows in 1995 with the original except Andy Parker on Drums. The new line up is ok Vinnie Moore, Rob DeLuca doesn’t do it for me. Nice to have Neil Carter back. The 1981 concert still over shadows..1986 Misdemeanor had only Paul Raymond and Phil Moog..but that Atomik Tommy M just shreds on guitar..Let’s bring him back and let Vinnie Moore go solo...we’ll see in 2021 brings but they had to stop the 50th Anniversary Last Orders tour due to Covid...God Bless all you die hard fans...Thank you Phil Aston for the reply..Peace Brother!
Thank you for adding this for other UFO fans. Misdemeanor is a great album and very underated. Best wishes, Phil
Vinnie Moore was the best replacement for Michael Schenker (even the feeling in soloing) and more, technically.
Atomik was absolutely great, during the "hair period" and Misdemeanor - Fantastic.
God bless UFO, in all their different line ups.❤️
This is my favourite ever live album. I saw them on the tour that was promoting "Obsession" at Bham Odeon, bought my ticket and Schenker departed but Paul Chapman was brilliant. (Got to see Schenker a year later at the same venue).
Thank you Phil, another gem to investigate !
This is a cracker! If you like UFO, essential - Phil :)
@@NowSpinningMagazine I do Phil, and I certainly intend to track this one down !
Great review. I just ordered this today on Amazon. Reasonably priced and much less than what was on ebay.
Hi MM, thank you for watching and I am pleased you managed to get a copy. I do not think it will be around for long! Phil :)
Thank you for sharing your video, I had constantly wondered what the box set contained. I will consider buying it now, as my introduction to this band all them years ago was the original double album on vinyl bought secondhand from someone I worked with and I’ve never looked back since.
Hi Martin, thank you for watching. This is an essential box set for UFO fans, each performance is different. Phil
thank you for this post.
now...IF only there was film of these shows!
Right! And don't get me started on why there is NO Pro-shot Video yet released of Ozzy with Randy Rhoads !!!
@@1970borntorun
or scorpions in the uli years!
Hi Mike, can you imagine? I always hoped that would be the case for Made In Japan by Deep Purple as well! Phil :)
Oh wow, that would great, Tokyo Nights
As you say, probably UFO’s finest hour, at least from the 70’s anyway. Great review! All I’d add (for the uninitiated) is I would have mentioned about the ‘live in the studio’, with added crowd noise, versions of Mother Mary and This Kids. These are, of course, on the double CD replica of the original album, in the set, but not played at all on any of the 6 actual gigs. But this is just me being picky!
Still a great review of a fantastic box set. We need more of these expanded versions of live albums, from other artists, to get released. During lockdown, live albums were my go-to antidote to the lack of gigs. I love ‘em.
Thanks again, Phil 🤘.
Hi Andy, thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts. Other box sets like this would be most welcome 🙏 Phil
Yes sir. I bought this one.
I really love it. Not crazy about the remastering, but the content is really cool. The packaging is quite professional and I think the live in Wisconsin may be my favourite performance so far. :)
Hi, thank you for watching, this is a very popular box set from a very popular band. I was surprised how many views this video got when I launched it. I would have liked a bit more detail in the booklet but it was great to actually have all the concerts. It did make me wonder why they added two tracks recorded in the studio later rather than pick songs from all the recordings they had. Phil
@@NowSpinningMagazine I think it was to spice up the content a bit and to try and make an 8cd set as less redundant as possible and I feel it clearly isn’t. I love it and it is the best performance of Rock Bottom you’ll ever get. :)
The greatest album that ever existed along with the band 🤘
Thank you for watching, it certainly is one of the greatest rock live albums. Phil
Great review and commentary! Just ordered this! Cant wait to get it.
Thank you for watching, I am sure you will really love it! Let me know what you think when it arrives. Phil
@@NowSpinningMagazine Will do Phil! thanks!
Great review, Phil! I'm definitely getting this box, especially since one show is from Cleveland, Ohio, where I am from.
Hi Laura, great news, I think you will love it :)
The greatest band EVER
One of the best and still under rated. They were brilliant at mixing hard rock with superb melodies. This is such a great box set. Thanks, Phil
Hi Phil! I have the CD and original vinyl copy of this album. I have always loved it. from the iconic beginning to my all time favourite love to love. The work Paul Raymond did on keyboards and guitar are generally not noticed but we’re a big factor in their sound. I will look up this box set it looks really interesting! Keep up the good work.
Hi Chris, if you love this album then this box set is essential before it vanishes. Each concert sounds fantastic and there is enough difference in the set lists and especially Schenkers playing to keep you happy for a long time! Phil :)
Hi Phil! Yes I’ve always liked them even their later work particularly the Wild, willing and innocent l think Neil Carter was a great replacement for Paul Raymond
Great video sir!!
Hi David, thank you for watching and your encouragement! Phil:)
Hi Phil,
I've made myself a member and i'm now a Patron.
Regards
Raymond
Hi Raymond, Thank you so much for supporting me and welcome aboard Now Spinning. Anything you would like me to cover just let me know and I will do my best to cover it - Have a great day! Phil :)
One of the best live albums of all time and Michael Schenker is freakin' great! I wonder what if Schenker records just one album with Deep Purple, that would be great I think.
Hi Randy's, thank you for watching. What an interesting thought, Schenker with Deep Purple! I can imagine that - Phil :)
First of all, THIS album is one of the GREAT double-live albums...period. However, it ranks up there probably in the TOP 5 (at least) of hard rock/heavy metal double-live albums. I got my set last month and finished up the last CD about a week ago or so. Although a bit repetitive, (but what do you expect), but IF you are a serious UFO fan - it's a MUST to own and worth EVERY nickel. I love it frankly..and enjoyed all of it. Sound quality is great (beats bootlegs) and the performances are fantastic. Thank goodness they had ALL these shows on tape somewhere so we can enjoy them NOW. Fortunately, I saw this band in 1981 (opened up for Cheap Trick) and 2 times after that in a smaller venue. UFO NEVER disappointed.....great live band.
Hi Dancalm, thank you very much for watching and your personal review. It is great to hear from another UFO fan. I agree this is one of the best live albums from that period, well any period! Even though the set lists are similar the performances are each unique - Phil :)
@@NowSpinningMagazine I collect a lot of bootlegs...but I'd be lying to you IF I told you I didn't have multiple performances from a specific tour (with very little song deviation between performances). For instance, being a Zep fan, I have a huge amount of stuff from the 77 tour....but most shows are extremely similar. Doesn't matter though...it's still worth owning them...each performance/quality of recording still remains unique. Rock on!
Thanks Mate Great review! Respect from California 🎸
Hi David - Thank you for watching and your kind comments! UFO have such a great legacy of music and this box set is stunning. Phil :)
@@NowSpinningMagazine Can I ask what your favorite studio album is from U.F.O Mine is Force It The production takes a little getting used to but, just love that album, bought it in the 80’s Still playing the same copy
@@davidmatela9868 I have two favourite UFO albums. In first place is 'Force It' I told the story about how I discovered the album on the Now Spinning Website nowspinning.co.uk/ufo-force-it-1975-classic-albums-revisited/. In second place is The Wild, The Willing and The Innocent. I also did a tribute video to this not that long ago. nowspinning.co.uk/ufo-the-wild-the-willing-and-the-innocent-1981-classic-album-review/ - I love UFO - Phil :)
@@NowSpinningMagazine Thanks for the info Love U.F.O too
Great set. I bought it about a year ago. Looks fantastic, sounds great. If I have one thing with it it's that they didn't put the discs of the original album in one of those inner sleeves they have for the extra discs. They are really loose in there.
Hi Oliver, thank you for watching. I just checked my box set and you are right, they are a bit loose. Phil
I LOVE how they kept the original LP Track order for the SITN set!! I have the Remastered CD, but was disappointed that they jumbled the Tracks - original set list or no! lol :)
Hi and thank you for watching! I also feel the same about the track listing and the previous remaster. This is far better and the holy grail for UFO fans. Phil :)
The original album was when I discovered UFO - still have it and the clear vinyl EPs :). “Mother Mary” and “This Kids” were both recorded in the studio and crowd noise added. That’s indeed a great box set 👍
It does seem odd they added those two tracks when there were others from the live set which would have fitted on the original album. This is one of my Box Sets of the Year. Phil
@@NowSpinningMagazine Apparently they were two of Ron Nevison's favourite UFO songs, which weren't in the set list at the time, he suggested that they go into the studio, set up the gear and play through the songs as if they were in a concert setting, they did that, he recorded the results.
Got this box set for Christmas. It’s muddling my drunken mind. I’m mixing up all the physical CDs and all the covers and I don’t know what’s what!
That actually sounds like a great idea. I almost wanted to read a review by someone saying listen to the CDs in this order. In the end I just dived in. I still haven't chosen a favourite. - Thanks, Phil
Strangers is my favorite album of all time. I still have my original vinyl when it came out and my regular cd version but I think Im going to get this. Sets like this usually don't stay around long and then go way up in price. I just bought the UFO studio records boxed set a couple of weeks ago so this will complete my audio journey to martian landscapes.
Hi and thank you for watching. I would recommend you move quickly as I have started to hear it is going up in price as stocks reduce. You will not regret getting this! Phil :)
@@NowSpinningMagazine Thank you, just ordered it. I wish I would have picked up the MSG boxed set when it was readily available. Learned my lesson. Just subscribed. Great channel. Actually got to see MSG live in early 2000s in a tiny place here in Long Beach, Ca. Stood like 15 feet from Michael all night. Never thought I would see him play live.
Thank you for subscribing! I really appreciate it - Phil:)
Why only one take of mother Mary and this kids? They only performed them at one show?
Mother Mary was recorded in the studio so yes there is only one version.
There's also a 5 disc msg box set from an 80s tour very good soundboard recording in small market cities
The algorithm sent me this so I looked up Phils review.
Bought this on Amazon, $70 Australian . . . so 8 cds . . . BARGAIN.
One thing I've noticed when I'm checking around with music stores online looking for this box set is some stores will say out of stock and I totally understand that but some I've noticed will make it look like they have it in stock so you'll go ahead and pay for it in advance and come to find out they don't even have it in stock, I'm located here in the U.S. and one store I checked out there online site was Banquet Records, I think they are located in the UK but anyways there site show it like it is in stock by showing you the add to cart button to pay but I checked with them thru email and they don't even have in stock to ship out and there site still shows the add to cart button making it seem like it's in stock, very misleading if you ask me. I've still haven't heard back from Chrysalis Records so I'm in serious LIMBO here trying to figure out if more of these box sets are coming out or not, my local record store has it on backorder but they don't know anything at all from there distributor whats going on with this box set.
Hi Cindi, that does not sound a fair thing to do at all. Have you managed to get a copy yet? Thanks, Phil
Michael Shenker was Spot On Correct ! After listening to alll Six live shows I totally agree that all the "tuchups" overdubbings were Unnecessary !
I wish they had released one of the live shows in full, or at least cut the album taking tracks without altering the original recordings !!!
Strangers in the night is one of the great live Rock albums but if they hadn't touched the recidings it would be even Greater & come close to Made In Japan !
AUTHENTICITY WINS
Hi Rafi, I agree 100% listening to all the shows makes you realise there was nothing that needed improving at all. Thank you for watching and commenting. Phil :)
Rock Bottom in Columbus is amazing... that's the solo that should have been on the original album. I always heard a rumor than Schenker didn't agree with the solo chosen, he thought it was the 2nd best.. and I finally get to hear the best, and I agree.
Hi, thank you for watching. I agree Rock Bottom in Columbus is fabulous. Phil :)
This Kids and Mother Mary from the original release of strangers in the night were actually recorded live in the studio and the audience was dubbed in.
Hi Adam, it makes you wonder why they did this when the actually live recordings were absolutely fine. Thank you for watching - Phil
@@NowSpinningMagazine Another thing odd is they performed 5 songs off Obsession (the album they were touring), but only 1 made it on Strangers in the night. I found it odd since the album came out in 1979. Why only Only you can rock me? They shouldve included Hot and Ready and Pack it up and go instead of Mother Mary and This Kids.
I
Sounds like a good box set
Just subscribed. One of my all-time favorite albums!
I just covered the vinyl reissue of Force It on my channel.
I'm torn on this one. I have and love the original vinyl. Do I really need this much UFO above and beyond the original release?
Hi Rubicon, I think you know what my answer will be... yes you do! I thought the same and tried to convince myself that the recordings would be inferior. They are just superb and Schenker plays differently on each night. Go for it ! Phil :)
What is the sound of the original album on disc 1 and 2 like, is it the usual too bright remastering job?
Hi Scott, It sounds great to me and I have the other versions as well. Thank you for watching - Phil
@@NowSpinningMagazine Thanks Phil, is it crankable?
@@zodiac6968 All the discs are. One of the best box sets in my collection and it certainly made me listen to a lot more UFO and Schenker. Thanks, Phil
They should not have replicated the vinyl. It's not a vinyl record. They should have put it all on one disc.
Thank you Phil I haven't gotten it yet but thanks to your video I think I will get it now... I kind of lost interest in UFO after Schenker left the band not that Chapman was bad I was just a huge Schenker fan...
I understand that feeling very well I was like that with Deep Purple without Blackmore but I slowly explored the Bolin period and discovered a lot more music and I am a big fan of Steve Morse. With UFO I found No Place To Run a bit weak but The Wild Willing and Innocent is stunning. This deluxe version of Strangers in The Night is epic and as a Schenker fan it is a must have.
@@NowSpinningMagazine A must have indeed....
The current price on Amazon UK is £33.35 (as of April 30th) this is a total bargain! - amzn.to/3nyAphW
I bought the last remaster last year for about $40, guess I should’ve waited a bit. Oh well, I rather like the track list on the one I have compared to the original tracklist
Hi Jarlath, thank you for watching. This is one of those albums where you can never have enough copies! It is interesting how we get used to a specific track listing. This box set is a good deal for what you get. Rock Bottom varies in length as well with one version being nearly 15 mins long. Phil :)
I sent a message to Chrysalis to find out if they where repressing the box set but have not heard back, also thank you folks for the reply.
Same. I didn't hear about this and I seem to have missed out on it!
If I hear of it being re-pressed I will update this thread. Wishing you a Merry Christmas - Phil :)
@@NowSpinningMagazine Thanks, much appreciated! A very Merry Christmas to you too.
I am still waiting to get mine from Amazon. They keep changing the delivery date. But that being said, I am looking forward to getting it.
Let me know what you think when it arrives. I am sure you will love it. Thank you for watching - Phil :)
@@NowSpinningMagazine Got and love it. Interesting to hear different versions of those songs.
Did anyone notice several "skips" here and there? Maybe 2-3 through out the box.
Hi Michael, not as yet. Is there a specific CD that does this? Thanks Phil :)
Damn, I didn't hear about this and now it's out of stock everywhere!
Hi Nick, keep checking Amazon, I would hope they would do another run, it is a great set. Phil :)
@@NowSpinningMagazine It seems there was a second pressing recently, but even that was limited. I ordered mine on October 2nd from DeepDiscount.com and didn't receive it until January 8th.
Does anybody know if this box set is being repressed, it's sold out every where!!!!
Wow, it has sold out already! - They might do another pressing if it has gone so quickly. It is well worth getting. Thank you for watching - Phil :)
www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=ufo+strangers+in+the+night+deluxe+edition&crid=3KT5UJ695XCWX&sprefix=UFO%2Caps%2C170&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-a-p_6_3
@@iltonwhite Hi Ilton, thank you for posting the link, that is very useful for our viewers. The eBay one has gone already! Phil :)
@@NowSpinningMagazine If I'd saw the Amazon link first I wouldn't have posted the ebay one, as it was £20 more.
Hey thanks so much for the reply, but have had no luck finding the box set, people are inflating the prices which is lame!!!!
ANDY PARKER DRUMS!!!
WY even comment nobody reads thus anyway ufo up there whith my favorite bands purple Floyd zeppelin sabbath and fab 4