Long Distance

Digitally remastered edition. Includes 12-page full color booklet with 3,500 word essay, enhanced artwork, rarely seen photos and new interview. Arguably, Night are one 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 of bright 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 the undeniably good songwriting 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.