UFO Album: “No Place to Run [Japan]”

I bought this album with trepidation because of the landmark personnel change which had befallen UFO the year before.

I was wondering how ANYONE could replace Michael, the architect of so many of my musical memories. And, while a good album, I can't rate it in my UFO top five, even though there are 4 or 5 very good to great songs. Lettin' Go is one such great song, as is the title cut with its canny springsteen references.

Produced by the legendary George Martin, it just doesn't jump out and bludgeon you like the Nevison efforts do.

So, I was slightly concerned that UFO had peaked. My fears were put to rest when, in 1981, UFO released the awe-inspiring The Wild, the Willing and the Innocent. Chapman sounds much more comfortable on that album, and it's the guitar tour-de-force we were waiting for from him. No Place to Run is still worth buying, because a middling UFO album is still light years ahead of the competition.

The album "No Place to Run", as well as UFO's two follow-up albums "The Wild, The Willing, and the Innocent" and "Mechanix", have at the time of this writing been repeatedly selling to the point of "out-of-stock" for a least a couple of reasons.

First of all, they are finally affordable at $16.98/each, whereas before they were mainly available as expensive Japanese imports costing well over $30/each. A significant number of UFO fans still paid these kinds of prices anyway (including myself), both on Amazon and online auction sites, and I'm guessing someone at EMI France wisely took notice of this before they decided to reissue these albums. Secondly, the music is simply really great. UFO was somewhat written off in the press (and by many fans) when these albums first came out in the early '80's, largely because star guitarist Michael Schenker was gone and probably because UFO was not pursuing the "harder, faster" approach that many of their hard rock/metal peers were at the time. They took a more diverse approach, and in retrospect the quality of these songs is very good, and sometimes even excellent.

This diversity is particularly apparent on "No Place to Run". Opener "Alpha Centauri" has a spacey, ethereal feel to it, similar to what Tangerine Dream were doing at the time. It segue-ways nicely into the next track "Lettin' Go", an explosive number that was a minor hit at the time of release. "Mystery Train" is an incredible cover version of an older tune, opening with some really tasty acoustic guitar work by Schenker's replacement Paul Chapman before the song rips into high gear with Chapman now playing scorching electric leads while Phil Mogg sings his heart out. The next two tracks lay back somewhat with mid-tempo rock, yet are still creatively arranged. "Young Blood" is another cover, generally well interpreted, but it is the following title track where the album really hits its stride. Containing elements of powerful dynamics, creative arrangements, and great lyrics, this track shows what the new line-up of UFO was really capable of. "Take It or Leave It" is a nice ballad, while "Money, Money" sports a propulsive riff and displays some interesting flange effects. The album ends on a particularly strong note with "Anyday", a track which powerfully alternates between mysterious, quite sections featuring Pete Way's bass guitar and explosive heavy sections.

Ripe for rediscovery almost 30 years later, this is a highly recommended purchase for those who appreciate melodic hard rock which creatively employs hard/soft dynamics to great effect. Vocalist Phil Mogg is also one of the best in the genre.

First off enough of the "oh Chapman is not Schenker stuff". Please get over it, nobody is asking you to buy this if you are such a Schenkerphile. Put on MSG 1 or 2 and have at it!

As it was pointed out by others Phil and Pete and Andy were still there. And, if you don't know, Chapman had filled in for Herr Schenker in 74 when he'd gone on earlier walkabout. If you can find the BBC live collection (someewhere) there are 3 or 4 tracks with both Schenker and Chapman playing, including "Rock Bottom" where they split the solo!

Herr Schenker, to be polite, is mercurial. He was not thrown out of the band, there was no bad blood, he split (again), plain and simple, for whatever his reasons were, and the band turned, once again, to the man who had bailed them out before. A logical decision.

Obviously this effected the band in terms of radio play and live shows, as following the 1-2 of "Obsession" and "Strangers", they were indeed poised for the breakthru.

I saw UFO on nearly every tour with Schenker and Chapman and I can tell you there was no let up in intensity or sheer live power. For my money the only other band in their class at that time as a live act was Thin Lizzy.

As others have mentioned, and I agree, UFO and Lizzy were the best of the era, period. I would take them live or in studio over anybody else in the style that you want to toss up there.

OK...on to the disc. This LP was dismissed a "light" at the time. It was produced by George Martin, so it had his feel. Ron Nevison ("Lights Out" thru "Strangers") was more of a hard rock hand. This is addressed in the liner notes as the band points out that it was also the island location, they were relaxed and partying a lot.

Lots of good songs on here tho'. No Place to Run and Money stand out to me. Letting Go is a good one too.

Overall, the package is excellent, continuing with what they started with the "Phenomenon" remaster. Great booklet, interviews with all involved, pix, etc., from the time period and some extra trax. Long overdue and worth the wait.

4 of 5 stars only because WWI is the best of the lot with Chapman on the six string.

First bought this album when it came out in 1980. Didn't fully appreciate it back then. I was a big fan of the earlier UFO releases. When I saw a 2009 remasterd and expanded edition was to be released on CD, I decided to give it another spin. I am glad I did. This album has aged very well. Quite simply, this album is as good as any album in the band's catalog. If you like the sound of the band on its earlier releases, there is nothing not to like about this album. Good blend of power and melody, Phil Mogg's vocals sound great. From the extensive notes included with this edition of the CD, it appeares that the band had mixed feelings about this release. It shouldn't, this album is classic UFO and classic rock at its best.

To me this the best of the post Schenker UFO releases, in fact it may be the best UFO studio release of all (Strangers in the Night is my personal favorite). It took me awhile to get used to it, & although Paul Chapmans guitar work was good, "He ain't no Schenker". The songwriting is very good though, & it soon became my favorite. It's highlighted by an awesome version of the 50's song Mystery Train. Some of the other highlights, include, Youngblood, Anyday, & Take It or Leave It. Get it, listen to it a few times, & see if you don't fall in love with it too.