Without a doubt one of the most unique (and most successful) bands of the 70's and 80's was Electric Light Orchestra. Leading the way was Jeff Lynne who somehow could strech the capabilities of a recording studio beyond many listener's imaginations.
Although previous "greatest hits" compilations had been issued before, none can match the new release from Sony/Legacy entitled All Over the Word: The Very Best of Electric Light Orchestra. Boasting 15 of the band's Top 40 singles this CD is by far the definitive collection of ELO hits.
Just listening to this CD brought back many memories for me of ELO tunes that I always used to listen to and simply be amazed and the amazing combinations of sounds and instrumentations that they could bring together that truly made "their" sound.
This is music that seems to live on and on. Just recently, "Mr. Blue Sky" (which opens the CD) was featured in the Jim Carrey movie "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind". Other great tracks include "Evil Woman", "All Over the World", "Evil Woman", "Don't Bring Me Down", and "Rock and Roll is King".
This is the definitive collection that an ELO fan will want to own. Even if you've never had the pleasure of sampling their unique sound, this CD would be a great place to begin.
Article comments
1 - Barry Stoller
Looks like Sony is up to their old tricks again. The only thing worse than ELO is Cher.
2 - Tan The Man
I am shocked.
3 - Bryan McKay
Some of their stuff is a little overblown and ridiculous, but "Mr. Blue Sky" is, at the very least, a minor masterpiece of baroque pop.
4 - Rob
I find ELO's sound a little dated now. I think I heard too much of them in their heyday and have lost interest. But you have to appreciate Jeff Lynne's studio wizardry and imagination. Very talented man.
5 - Bill
As a true fan of '70's and 80's Rock, and a big fan of ELO's mastery blend of Rock, Pop and Classical, I look forward to the day when Jeff Lynne and Co. record a much over-due follow-up album to 2001's "Zoom."
6 - Dr. Emil Shuffhausen
A great review of a great CD. This is a killer compendium, jam-packed with some of the finest prog-pop ear candy ever concocted. Tracks like "Mr. Blue Sky," "Turn to Stone," "Don't Bring Me Down," and many others are simply timeless classics that never get old. Also included are the newly re-recorded "Xanadu" and their 2001 comeback single, "Alright" from the underrated ZOOM project. GET IT!
7 - Frank R.
Well, their music may not be as timeless as other 70s artists like Carole King, Elton John, or say, Heart. But this looks like a very pleasant time warp. HOWEVER, "Xanadu" simply does not work with their vocals instead of Olivia's. She really sold it.
8 - djgene
What the hell are you talking about?
ELO was and is so underated as a band,all the negative comments make me want to vomit.
ELO was a special creative sound that you either got or didn't get.
It is an experience in music beyond your imagination,clever bass riffs,smooth harmonies,lots of echo,
sofisticated instrumentals.
What's there not to love.
My thought was you others have no clue about music except for the conceptual box you live and listen in.
Step out of the box and treat your ears,to all of ELO Albums.
Then tell me they suck!
Honestly,
I bet you can't do it.
You will be singing the songs,and celebrating the music of ELO and Jeff Lynne forever.
DJGENE
9 - Vaughn
Let's not get touchy... I didnt see anyone actually SLAM ELO... I swear I detected sarcasm, too (Carole WHO?) :) its is one of those groups everyone recognizes and knows the words to the songs (with a very high 'I'll sing it out loud if theres no-one else within earshot' quotient. Unabashedly, ELO/Lynne is my musical 'fetish' and I couldnt care less if and who 'gets it'. :D
I will only add that I liked the original Xanadu, but found Lynne's re-recording refreshing- it is great both with the glitzy synth and vocal arrangements as well as with layers of gritty guitars, guitars and more guitars. :)
10 - Judemac
What is everyone talking about? The compilation of "All Over The World" is missing "Important" tracks. It should have been a two CD set like "Strange Magic". ELO is a great band & have collected them for years but this is just a great sounding rehash of previous released material. Almost in the mold of The Beatles in the 70's & 80's with compilation after compilation of the same thing.