I got this preview CD in the mail to review last Tuesday, February the 13th, and wasn’t able to write a single word about it for three days. Why? Because I’ve become completely consumed by the incredibly clear memories of sights, smells, and sounds that listening to it repeatedly generates. The only way to describe it is that “out of the blue” (pun intended) some pieces of music will cause long-lost recollections to lock into your head that you haven’t thought of in years… or decades.
This album is the soundtrack to one of the most glorious periods of my life, and at the time I didn’t know, or even care, who the Electric Light Orchestra was! Now it’s linked to one of the best pieces of art I’d ever created.
I’d been commissioned to do a painting for a friend who told me money was no object. This ditsy blond wanted me to surprise her boyfriend with a huge science-fiction painting… on his bedroom ceiling? The first thing I told her was that considering the logistics, it was impossible to do a large painting in one afternoon, especially on a ceiling… especially as a surprise! I mean really, he’d notice me wandering in and out of his bedroom, not to mention the scaffolding or the smell of paint for a week or more? On top of that, what if they moved away?
Unphased she informed me that that’s what I was getting the big bucks for to figure out. Oh and by the way; I only had 10 days to complete it.
Groan
As with all clients, I ask them to bring over a piece of music that they like, so I can get a feel for their personality. While we tried to work out the details of the project, she put on his absolute favorite album, which turned out to be Out of the Blue by someone named ELO. The moment "Turn to Stone" started I was hooked.
After about two hours of discussing what she said he’d like, I borrowed the double album, made a tape of it and began working. In my career every painting I’ve ever done has had a soundtrack attached. I merely have to look at it to hear The Mamas and the Papas Greatest Hits, Pink Floyd’s Animals, Alan Parson’s Turn of a Friendly Card etc. etc. The tape of Out of the Blue went with me wherever I went, and it got to the point where I’d memorized the thing without even realizing it.
Article comments
1 - Jet in Columbus
For an even larger view of the original album artwork click my URL.
2 - Jet in Columbus
What? No ELO fans?
3 - Glen Boyd
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
4 - Dave Nalle
Good lord, Jet. You can actually stand to listen to an entire ELO album? Scary.
Dave
5 - Jet in Columbus
Thanks Glen, believe it or not it was a landscape of a new house near Lake Erie for a rich business man.
6 - Jet in Columbus
Don't knock it till you've tried it Dave...
(:^p~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
7 - Acid Reign
.....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...
8 - Jet in Columbus
Acid? As I said in the review, the new photos, the story of how the album was made is reason enough.
9 - Paul in Atlanta
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.
10 - Jet in Columbus
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.
11 - Jet in Columbus
Attention: I'd like to invite everyone to look at the right side menu. That button marked BC Forums....
12 - colin stapleton
more new stuff please jeff.
13 - colin stapleton
does anyone know if jeff lynne is going to tour again orrelease any new music?
14 - Jet in Columbus
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
15 - Capt Morgan
Jet, electric light band? What does this have to do with pit bulls and Elvis on the Titanic? Im confused.
16 - Jet in Columbus
As well you should be
17 - Amy
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
18 - Jet in Columbus
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
19 - David
I found a new ELO site. It's very good. I love it!!!
David
20 - Jet in Columbus
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...
21 - David
there's music on some pages. Maybe it's the reason