U.K. ~ England

Night After Night (1979)

Even though I've been familiar with both of the U.K. albums going back to the middle 80s, I never bothered to hear their live album. And really there didn't seem to be a compelling reason to do so, as most of these tracks come from their two albums, and rather straightforward renditions at that. Feels like a contract obligation album. Plucking down 69 cents for this cassette seems like a rational purchase. The title track is one of two new compositions. People are right in suggesting this is the beginning of Asia. It's a fine album oriented radio song just as I would say about the ones on Asia's debut. The other 'As Long As You Want Me Here' is even more likely to clog the Asia drain.The irony of having this concert coming from Tokyo. Nice show, nothing revelatory, and not much else to say. 

Source: 1979 Polydor (MC)

4/27/25 (review)  

Danger Money (1979)

Way back in 1984 I purchased Danger Money from a store based on someone's recommendation (he was standing next to me). I thought it was great on first impact. I had yet to hear the debut, something I was to pickup a couple of years later. For whatever reason in the 90s I soured on both and sold them off. I reacquired the first album in 2020 and now I've finally found this one. Though common online, it's surprisingly elusive in the wilds. 

In any case, I hear the music like I first did when I was 19 years old. Terry Bozzio on the drumkit adds more energy than Bruford did, and Eddie Jobson plays a surprising amount of organ for such a late date. His violin is always welcome. John Wetton brings his familiar voice and strong bass work. There's some very nice melodic songwriting here as well, with 'The Only Thing She Needs' being the highlight. You'll hear a strange mixture of ELP and King Crimson throughout, though the embryonic stages of Asia are buried deep within. Great album.

Ownership: 1979 Polydor (LP)

1984 (first acquired); 5/12/23 (review)

I own and still need to review the debut.

5/12/23 (new entry)