Second Flight

The second outing of Englands very own UFO aptly titled One Hour of Space Rock, proves that there was life before Schenker. In fact I like the offerings of Michael Bolton, the original guitarist in this band, much more. His mixture of boogie and spaced-out, not of this world, sounds, simply does it for me. UFO back then consisted of singer Phil Mogg, drummer Andy Parker and bassist Pete Way. The band, formed in 1969, practically had no success in their british homeland, but hit it big on the European mainland, especially in Germany and of course in Japan, where they recorded the superb live album, right after this one. I am deeply fond of UFO, because it was the first band I ever saw playing live. Moments burned forever in my memories. I ran away from home at the age of thirteen, just to see this band, got months of house-arrest later, but believe me, it was worth it! The album consisting of five tracks only, is closed with the mighty 26.30 minutes long title track Flying. My favourite tracks however is Prince Kajuku/The coming of Prince Kajuku. Bolton’s playing there is simple, yet absorbing. I miss bands like this in todays world very much. Released in 1971. Be sure to buy the remastered version on Repertoire Records.