NIGHT (feat Chris Thompson) – Long Distance [Air Mail Archive Japan remastered +1]

These were requested here, the two NIGHT albums remastered in Japan by specialized label Air Mail Archive, in a mini-LP fashion with cardboard sleeve faithfully replicating the original US LP artwork, both including a bonus track.
This second album “Long Distance” is much more rocking / guitar oriented, with a melodic radio friendly approach.

Night came together combining the skills of several already well established musicians and session pros of impeccable pedigree.
Female vocalist Stevie Lange (AKA Stevie Vann) had worked with the likes of Graham Bonnet, Elton John and Manfred Mann’s Earth Band. It was through her association with M.M.E.B. that Lange met vocalist / guitarist Chris Thompson who had sung vocals on the Earth Band’s biggest hit ‘Blinded By The Light’.

Although both Night albums were recorded in L.A. and intended for the American market, the essence of Night was basically British; founded in a London pub and the music composed & driven by Lange & Thompson (NZ born but educated in Australia and England).

Originally released in 1980, “Long Distance” is the second album from Night, and with some line-up changes, the band hardened their sound.
Often compared with Heart, actually Night was more commercial radio-ready at that time of this second album, as heard on the catchy ‘Callin’ Me Back’ (with a soundtrack of the era feel), the Pat Benatar-like ‘You Cried Wolf’, or the quite punchy ‘Dr. Rock’.

The disc produced a minor hit with the melodious “Love on the Airwaves”, but otherwise was criminally overlooked. Soon after, Night officially disbanded in 1982.

“Long Distance” remained unavailable on CD for a long time. This 24 Bit Digital Remaster sounds great as usual with the Japanese releases, rescuing from oblivion this very good eraly ’80s album.
Highly Recommended

01 – Dr. Rock
02 – Don’t Break My Heart
03 – Love On The Airwaves
04 – The Letter
05 – Callin’ Me Back
06 – You Cried Wolf
07 – Stealin’
08 – Miss You (Like I Do)
09 – Day After Day
10 – Good To Be Back In Your Arms
11 – Hot Summer Nights [Bonus Track]

Chris Thompson: lead vocals, guitars
Stevie Vann (Lange): lead vocals
Robbie McIntosh: guitars, vocals
Billy Kristian: bass, vocals
Bobby Wright: keyboards
Bobby Guidotti: drums

BUY IT !
www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/DAKAIRAC-1641
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