The Essential Electric Light Orchestra

by Electric Light Orchestra

Overview

There have been many ELO collections over the years -- some exhaustive, some not -- so it might initially seem that the 2003 collection The Essential Electric Light Orchestra is a little unnecessary, especially since the definitive 1995 double-disc set Strange Magic was still in print at the time of this release. This line of reasoning conveniently ignores the simple fact that not everybody needs two discs of ELO; some may prefer one career-spanning collection with all the big hits on one disc, which is precisely what this is. Given its hits-oriented nature, it's inevitable that some great songs are missing and there are, including such early masterworks as "10538 Overture" and "Showdown," as well as fan favorites like "Boy Blue" and "Four Little Diamonds." But, if you care enough to care that these songs are missing, you won't hesitate to buy Strange Magic. If you just want "Can't Get It Out of My Head," "Livin' Thing," "Mr. Blue Sky," and "Don't Bring Me Down" along with other big hits, this suits the bill almost perfectly (the one quibble being that it would be nicer to have chronological order instead of this jumble, but this is enjoyable all the same). ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	06/03/2014
Label:	Bmg / Sony Music
UPC:	0888430565029
Rank:	22861

Tracks

1. Evil Woman
2. Do Ya
3. Can't Get It Out of My Head
4. Mr. Blue Sky
5. Strange Magic
6. Livin' Thing
7. Turn to Stone
8. Sweet Talkin' Woman
9. Telephone Line
10. Shine a Little Love
11. Hold On Tight
12. Calling America
13. Rock and Roll Is King
14. Don't Bring Me Down
15. Roll Over Beethoven

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Electric Light Orchestra   Primary Artist

Technical Credits

Jeff Lynne   Composer,Producer
Jaan Uhelszki   Liner Notes
Al Quaglieri   Compilation Producer
Pieter Mazel   Photography
Michael Putland   Photography
Chuck Berry   Composer
Joseph M. Palmaccio   Mastering