Music Review: Electric Light Orchestra - Out of the Blue: 30th Anniversary Edition
Published February 18, 2007
In the center is a little “assemble by inserting tab A into slot B” paper model on its own little pedestal of the spaceship on the cover. This is a scaled down duplicate of the original model that came with the first-run vinyl albums. I wouldn’t recommend actually cutting it out and building it though, as it’s very fragile and would probably get lost within the first week of display.
Now the really frustrating part: The disc is contained in a slotted thick paper flap at the back of the book, and is stuck in there so tightly that you have no choice but to squeeze thumb and forefinger to pry the thing out! As anyone knows, it’s a definite no-no to touch the bottom of a CD with your fingers unless you actually like skips.
The most painful part of the CD depends on if you’ve previously owned the 12” vinyl album. The magnificent artwork on the outer cover was wonderful… full sized, but shrunk down to the size of a CD case, hardly does it justice at all unless you have a magnifying glass handy. The album cover was the first time anyone had seen the ELO flying saucer and when looked at from above it became their logo on all their following albums and posters.
As for the CD extras?
"Wild West Hero-alternate Bridge" is what appears to be part of a rehearsal session for the finished song, in which Jeff harmonizes with others a cappella at home… but it’s only 24 seconds long.
"The Quick and the Daft" (Some electronic CD playback displays — mine included — have it listed as The Quick and the Draft) is an absolute classic Jeff Lynne/ELO instrumental at its finest, but at only 1:49 long. I plan to loop it to make it longer on my computer, it’s that good, but it’s that short.
"Latitude 88 North" doesn’t have that ELO “oomph”, which is probably why it wasn’t included on the original double album, but it’s enjoyable. It reminds me of a garage band that somehow talked some string players into jamming behind them.
The love of that musical era, the memories that will come flooding back, and the concept of what really good music used to sound like make this CD well worth purchasing.
Jet is the not yet published author of two spy novels, SYSTEM 10 and its sequel GHOST OF A CHANCE, and a professional artist. He likes to collect books, music, chess sets, and friends. Favorite quote: "Evil only succeeds when good men do nothing."
In 2004 his "good life" came to an aburpt end with a robbery and near-fatal beating. He now works as a writer/artist on disability.
- Music Review: Electric Light Orchestra - Out of the Blue: 30th Anniversary Edition
- Published: February 18, 2007
- Type: Review
- Section: Music
- Filed Under: Music: Rock, Music: Popular and Standards, Music: Pop, Music: Classic Rock and Oldies
- Writer: Jet Gardner
- Jet Gardner's BC Writer page
- Jet Gardner's personal site
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Comments on this articleComments
Good article Jet. I actually prefer ELO's earlier stuff like "Face the Music" and especially the magnificent "Eldorado," but Out of The Blue was probably their last really good record. The story about the painting was also fun to read. I feel like I know you a bit better now. Maybe you should write something about the painting you did that was inspired by Pink Floyd's Animals. Now I bet that would be interesting...
-Glen
Good lord, Jet. You can actually stand to listen to an entire ELO album? Scary.
Dave
Thanks Glen, believe it or not it was a landscape of a new house near Lake Erie for a rich business man.
Don't knock it till you've tried it Dave...
(:^p~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
.....As fascinating as the artwork story was, (and it was good. Sounds amazing!) I'd have liked to have heard why this CD betters my old LP, or the old CD full of digital artifacts. I'm going to buy it tomorrow, of course, in the hope that it will sound better this time around. It's definitely in my top 5 all-time of records.
.....I was originally hooked by hearing "Mr. Blue Sky" on an AM radio every night, and over the years, decided that "Standing in the Rain" was my favorite. If you could bottle the strings on that track, you'd be able to sell me another keyboard...
Acid? As I said in the review, the new photos, the story of how the album was made is reason enough.
I've been listening to ELO from the beginning.
A reissue of a title that never went out of print seems a bit odd, as does the lack of comment that it never went out of print.
You 21st Century man you.
Okay Paul, I'll repeat: It comes with and in a book that tells the story of how the group was formed in Jeff Lynne's own words and there are dozens of photos that are previously unreleased along with three previously unreleased tracks.
Reason enough for someone who maybe owns the vinyl but never had a good excuse to buy the CD to do so now.
Attention: I'd like to invite everyone to look at the right side menu. That button marked BC Forums....
more new stuff please jeff.
does anyone know if jeff lynne is going to tour again orrelease any new music?
Thanks Colin, from what information I could garner, Lynne has no plans to reform the group. The previous releases before this were all greatest hits compilations (All over the World)
I know, I'm disappointed too.
Jet
Jet, electric light band? What does this have to do with pit bulls and Elvis on the Titanic? Im confused.
Hi Jet, what an interesting article! I, too, am a fan of ELO. I shared this article with others that are fans including my brother-in-law who is an artist like you. Did you happen to take a picture of your masterpiece? I would love to see that! Also wanted to say that the lastest releases are remasters of Face the Music and A New World Record (2006), and Balance of Power and Out of the Blue (2007). If anyone wants to purchase these but can't find them, they can be purchased from ELO's website. Also, you can find out the latest news by joining the ELO email list.
Great job Jet!
Amy
Thanks Amy, unfortunately my portfolio and the photo negatives for that era were destroyed in a fire. I'm glad you enjoyed the review and thanks for the info
Jet
You're right David, it is an excellent resource and I have checked it out. It appears to be run by a very true and knowledgeable fan.
one warning however. the site appears to want to run software on my computer when I enter the site or any of its side links...
there's music on some pages. Maybe it's the reason
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For an even larger view of the original album artwork click my URL.