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On disc: Electric Light Orchestra



Mr. Blue Sky: The Very Best of E.L.O. - Claudia Ehrhardt - 8 stars
Zoom - Claudia Ehrhardt - 7 stars
Live - Claudia Ehrhardt - 7 stars


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Live

Live
(Frontiers Records - 2013)


E.L.O. had a few hits in the late 70's and 80's, but in 1986 E.L.O. disbanded and reunited in 2000, released Zoom and did a tour, this live album was recorded in 2001 in Los Angeles. And they disbanded again. Now E.L.O. is back, but so far no new stuff was released.

The album is a kind of live best of recorded by a special line-up incl. the Bissonette brothers. They kick off with Evil Woman, a song which was in 1975 in the top 10 US Billboard charts and UK charts. Fans of E.L.O. will appreciate the live album with all it's classics - plus 2 bonus tracks! Music lover who grew up in the late 70's and 80's might remember many of the tracks as they got some airplay. It's a nice trip down memory lane, but of every E.L.O. fan needs this CD in their collection that's question I can't answer. I can only say that songs like Secret Messages, Mr. Blue Sky and Don't Bring Me Down are fun! But the highlight is Roll Over Beethoven!

The first bonus track is Out Of Luck, a rockabilly tune with a hint of 50's atmo. Cold Feet is a balladesque tune, but it lacks the charm of so many other E.L.O. tunes.

Track listing:

Evil Woman
Showdown
Secret Messages
Livin' Thing
Sweet Talkin' Woman
Mr. Blue Sky
Can't Get It Out Of My Head
Twilight
Confusion
Don't Bring Me Down
Roll Over Beethoven
Out Of Luck (bonus track)
Cold Feet (bonus track)


7 stars

Claudia Ehrhardt
 

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Zoom

Zoom
(Frontiers Records - 2013)


Zoom is so far the last E.L.O. studio album and was released in 2001, so fans will know the songs, but the re-release is spiced up with 2 bonus tracks. As it was the first album after they disbanded most fans will have it, but if not, this is your chance to get it. For many the album wasn't what they expected, even if there are some typical E.L.O. songs... But it's more like a Jeff Lynne solo album. Moment In Paradise sounds a bit like some Beatles spin off stuff... Personally I like tunes like Stranger On A Quiet Street and It Really Doesn't Matter, both songs have a melancholy edge.

The first bonus track is One Day, but even as it has the trademark sound it can't enchant me. The closer is a live version of Turn To Stone - and it rocks!


7 stars

Claudia Ehrhardt
 

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Mr. Blue Sky: The Very Best of Electric Light Orchestra

Mr. Blue Sky: The Very Best of Electric Light Orchestra
(Frontiers Records - 2012)


E.L.O. mastermind Jeff Lynne is working as a producer for ages and one day he thought about how the old songs would sound, if he had have the producer skills he has nowadays. So he choose Mr. Blue Sky to give it a try - and he liked the new re-recorded version. A few more followed and he got a thumbs up and did a whole album, it's a best-of album - but done in his own way.

I have to state that I remember them from around the time of Out Of The Blue, but mainly what's been played on radio and later TV. So I'm not too familiar with the sound of the Birmingham boys. But E.L.O. had this unique sound which make you identify a song as an E.L.O. song even if you haven't heard it before. I don't remember Turn To Stone, but I really enjoy listening. I'm not sure, if long-time fans will fall for this compilation, but I think you should give it a try! Additionally you get an unreleased track called Point Of No Return.

As Mr. Blue Sky was the track which kicked off this 'project', it's no surprise that it's the opener and also title of this special best-of. For me a typical E.L.O. tune is Don't Bring Me Down, but I think that every music lover has other favorites. Take a look at the track listing and if you find some songs you like, then you need to check out this compilation! If you like me remember the songs from E.L.O.'s heydays, then it's a great way to get some classic tunes!


Track list:

Mr. Blue Sky
Evil Woman
Strange Magic
Don't Bring Me Down
Turn To Stone
Showdown
Telephone Line
Livin' Thing
Do Ya
Can't Get It Out Of My H
10538 Overture (40th Anniversary)
Point Of No Return (unreleased)


8 stars

Claudia Ehrhardt
 

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