| | Electric Light Orchestra Essential Elo CD Electric Light Orchestra Discography of CDs
 (5 Customer Reviews)
Recorded between 1974 & 1982. Includes liner notes by Jaan Uhelski.
This 15-track hits collection provides a cursory but satisfying overview of the work of these hugely popular, orchestral-pop pioneers. Immediately recognizable for their electro-classical arrangements and "futuristic" production (courtesy of group founder, songwriter, and vocalist Jeff Lynne), Electric Light Orchestra was an FM radio staple throughout the late 1970s and early '80s, racking up a string of hit singles. Almost all of those singles are included here ("10538 Overture" being the notable omission).
Not chronologically sequenced, the disc begins with 1975's "Evil Woman" and ends with the band's '72 cover of Chuck Berry's "Roll Over Beethoven." ELO's pop smarts (which owe a heavy debt to late-'60s Beatles songcraft) shine throughout, whether on the lilting "Strange Magic," the driving "Don't Bring Me Down," or "Calling America," a cut from 1986's BALANCE OF POWER. Pop masterpieces "Mr. Blue Sky" and "Sweet Talkin' Woman" charm as much with sonic novelty (including synthesized vocals, epic choral backing, and sweeping string parts) as they do with their irresistible melodies. While fans looking for a more comprehensive collection should turn to 1995's double-disc set STRANGE MAGIC, those seeking ELO's biggest singles will find exactly what they're looking for here.
Compilation producer: Al Quaglieri.
Electric Light Orchestra: Jeff Lynne (vocals, guitar, piano, synthesizer); Kelly Groucett (vocals, bass); Richard Tandy (piano, Clavinet, synthesizer); Bev Bevan (drums, percussion).
Producer: Jeff Lynne.
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Essential Elo Music | List Price | $7.94 (You save $1.19) | | Category | Rock/Pop Albums, Art Rock CDs, Rock | | Label | Legacy | | Orig Year | 2003 | | All Time Sales Rank |  6324  | | CD Universe Part number | 5736162 | | Catalog number | 89072 | | Discs | 1 | | Release Date | Apr 01, 2003 | | Studio/Live | Studio | | Mono/Stereo | Stereo | | Personnel | Jeff Lynne - vocals, guitar, piano, synthesizer
Bev Bevan - drums, percussion
Richard Tandy - piano, Clavinet, synthesizer
Kelly Groucutt - vocals, bass
| | Additional Info | Remastered |
Electric Light Orchestra Essential Elo Songs Essential Elo Music Review Average Rating: (4.2 out of 5 stars)  Pop Rock Eclectic
As one of the others who reviewed this stated, "Similar to ABBA-GOLD", was correct. If we of the 70's and 80's questioned the quality of the musicians of our time, just look where some of them are, either in the Rock N' Roll Hall Of Fame Or still writing, producing and playing to the delight of everyone. Can you imagine someone like Britney Spears getting a lifetime achievement award or heaven forbid being inducted in a Hall Of Fame other than the Mickey Mouse Club Hall Of Shame.
Submitted by Gary (Palm Springs, CA) 
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No only one disc?
When you like a band that has been recording forever, a remastered "best of" collection never has enough music to satisfy, however beautiful the sound. Here I took away one star because "Roll Over, Beethoven," touted as from the second album, is, but not as such. I assume Jeff Lynne was not satisfied with the original version, so he took the original version and did a lot of cutting and pasting and rearranging to...make it better? "Don't mess with success" is the phrase that comes to mind. Thankfully, this track is at the very end so it is easy to omit. I've been enjoying "Roll Over" as it was for 30 plus years now, and I don't like changes...but that's just me. This is a good starter for one's collection, then buy all the remastered ELO CDs available.
Submitted by Dave (Cleveland, Ohio, USA)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No nice ELO collection
my dad got me this for my 12th birthday last year nad throughly enjoyed it. However I thought the collection incomplete. First of all, where is Daybreaker? That song is definaly an ELO essential. Same with Confusion and a few others. Other than that it is a fine collection for any ELO fan.
Submitted by kevin (Derry, NH)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No  ELO's answer to ABBA GOLD
This is a must for ELO fans.all the hits that made them famous,plus the front and back covers are simular to the covers of ABBA GOLD.
Submitted by joey harper (albertson, N.C. USA)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No
A Nicely Remastered Collectio Of ELO Hits!
Essential ELO is for those who want a decent collection of their most popular hits in one package. Songs such as "Can't Get You Out Of My Head", "Evil Woman" and "Turn To Stone" are examples of ELO's brand of orchestral rock that were on regular rotation on FM stations back in the good ol' seventies. This collection is also remastered which is an added bonus.
Submitted by a reviewer ("MIami, Fl, USA")
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