Night Long Distance (Collector's Edition)

Special Deluxe Collector's Edition / Fully Remastered Audio / Second album from revered AOR obscurities from the late 70's. Features twin vocalistsChris Thompson (Manfred Mann's Earth Band) and Stevie Lange / 12 page full colour booklet -3,500 word essay, enhanced artwork, rarely seen photos and new interview -ARGUABLY NIGHT AREone of the great lost acts of the late 70s/early 80s. Formed in London as a somewhat ad-hoc pub rock band going under the handle of Filthy McNasty, and fronted by two superlative vocalists, Chris Thompson (previously of Manfred Mann's Earth Band) and Stevie Lange (wife of super producer Robert 'Mutt' Lange). They secured a loyal following on the club circuit and were eventually offered a record deal from Planet Records, an American based label affiliated to Warner Bros. Night's debut album certainly garnered critical and commercial attention, enough in fact to secure two hit singles in the lucrative American market place. Whilst the album stalled sales wise, the future still looked extremely promising and so with enthusiastic support they set about recording the follow-up record, 'Long Distance'. Whilst the debut had been recorded during an extensive sojourn in Los Angeles, this time around, mainly for financial reasons, they opted to record in London. They also chose to switch producer and enlisted the services ofbright young upstart Tim Friese-Green (Touch, Praying Mantis). It was a wise decision, as the album showcased a more strident style, moving away from the previous comparison to Fleetwood Mac, towards more forceful and harder rock laced with tougher guitars and solid hooks, a sound somewhat reminiscence of REO Speedwagon and Survivor.Released in 1980, the album, despite its sound quality and the undeniably good song writing displayed, failed to ignite commercial interest. It also suffered from label politics, with Planet records effectively disowning the band and album, despite some great reviews and encouraging reactions at several American FM radio stations. But 'Long Distance' is one of the best overlooked albums of the era