Ole' ELO

Performer: Electric Light Orchestra
Producer: Jeff Lynne
Distributor: Sony Music Distribution (

Notes: Electric Light Orchestra includes: Jeff Lynne (vocals, guitar, keyboards); Kelly Groucutt (bass); Bev Bevan (drums, percussion). In 1975, the Electric Light Orchestra crossed over from cult favorite to mainstream superstars with the Top-20 hits "Evil Woman" and "Strange Magic." The band's label, United Artists, took this golden opportunity to introduce ELO's new fans to the band's extensive back catalogue with the nine-track compilation. The self-titled 1972 debut is represented only by the fantastic "10538 Overture," thereby beginning the revisionism that almost entirely eliminates the band's co-founder, Roy Wood, from its history. The somewhat disappointing ELO II has two abridged selections, "Kuiama" and an obvious cover of "Roll Over Beethoven," but after that misstep, it's one excellent hunk of mid-'70s pop-rock after another, with the sultry "Showdown" and the plaintive ballad "Can't Get It Out of My Head" particularly standing out. The enjoyable album track "Boy Blue" is also a highlight.

ELO began as an outgrowth of '60s UK psych-rockers the Move and the Idle Race, but when former Move frontman Roy Wood departed early in the game, Jeff Lynne fashioned the band as a high-tech Beatles for the '70s. Featuring a full-time string section, ELO picked up where "Strawberry Fields" left off, creating orchestral Britpop without the pretense of prog-rock. The band's slick, lush sound helped define '70s pop, and proved influential decades later to the likes of Air and the Polyphonic Spree.

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