Live Throughout the Years

AMG Review of Live Throughout the Years

Greg Prato
All Music Guide

There have been countless UFO live recordings issued over the years, with the best undoubtedly being 1979's classic Strangers in the Night. But certainly one of the more intriguing live UFO releases came in 2008 with the arrival of the four-disc set Live Throughout the Years. And what makes this set stand out from the oodles of other live UFO items is that it includes standout live performances from three different decades -- 1976 (London), 1982 (London), and 1998 (Vienna). As expected, the two performances that feature guitar wiz Michael Schenker (the first and last shows here) are the best of the bunch -- both sonically and in terms of the track listings. Most of UFO's live standards are included here ("Doctor Doctor," "Love to Love," "Lights Out," etc.), as well as quite a few often overlooked goodies ("Electric Phase," "One More for the Rodeo," "The Wild, the Willing and the Innocent," etc.). While Live Throughout the Years will probably be too much to chew on for newcomers, it will be a meaty three-course meal for old-timers.