Advantages: Brilliant rock classical sounds, great songs Disadvantages: None
Electric Light Orchestra were one of THE bands of the 1970s. Formed by Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne from the ashes of The Move, they fused the sounds of the rock band with elements of the classics. Things did not go according to plan, at least in Wood?s mind and after two albums he went his own way (with Wizard and others). This left Lynne to explore and develop this orchestral rock fusion to its peak.
At the time of this album ELO were in their fully established line up of Jeff Lynne (Lead guitar and vocals), Kelly Groucutt (Bass and vocals), Richard Tandy (Keyboards), Bev Bevan (Drums), Mik Kaminski (violin), Hugh McDowell (cello), Melvyn Gale (cello). I had the great fortune of seeing them at Newcastle City Hall during their UK tour in the late 1970s.
This review is primarily of the CD release although I did own the album ...
Newfloridian 20.12.2002 (21.12.2002)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Discovery - ELO
Advantages: Lots of well known tracks, good british music Disadvantages: None
Well I thought I would start the new year on a happy note by reviewing a lively old album by a lively(ish) old group - The Electric Light Orchestra (or, as their friends and fans know them, ELO).
Was it a Christmas present? No folks, I actually went out and bought this myself. Make of that what you will! It was a mere case of, I had a version of their Greatest Hits on vinyl (or an LP to those of us who remember them), but I decided I ought to listen to these guys on a piece of modern equipment - namely a CD!
*** A Little Background Information on the Band ***
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The Electric Light Orchestra was formed over 35 years ago by lead singer Jeff Lynne. Their popularity soared between 1974 and 1981 in which time they amassed 28 hit singles in the UK. The band split in 1986 and Jeff Lynne ...
Advantages: Adventurous fusion of styles Disadvantages: The old dull track or two
ELO's third album, released early in 1974, was the first on which leader Jeff Lynne successfully honed his songwriting and arranging skills down to shorter, more commercial numbers. The first two had been far more experimental, one being a collection of nine separate tracks (almost separate projects) split between Jeff and original co-leader Roy Wood, and one a set of five pretty lengthy pieces.
This was closer to the mark. Although Jeff hadn't yet mastered the knack of writing commercial songs that were potential hit singles in his sleep, here he came up with a more cohesive programme of songs and instrumentals, with a better, less self-indulgent balance between the main instruments of violin, cellos and synth.
The record has a vague concept theme. On the third day, we are told, the land and seas were formed, and some ...
