Electric Light Orchestra - ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA*****

10538 Overture/Look At Me Now/Nellie Takes Her Bow/Battle Of Marston Moor/Ist Movement/Mr Radio/ Manhattan Rumble/Queen Of The Hours/Whisper In The Night

Self titled debut album from The Electric Light Orchestra created out of the ashes of The Move. Songwriting duties on this highly innovative release are shared by Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne, but the former would shortly leave to form Wizzard. Includes the UK top ten hit 10538 Overture. Released as No Answer in the States. (US:196 UK:32)

“The album consists of three different types of tracks. The first are songs in which the entire band pitches in and the classical and rock elements mingle together, to yield the seeds of what would become the band's classic-era approach. This is apparent on songs like the 10538 Overture, Mr Radio and a few others. The second are songs which are given over to classical instrumentation almost entirely, such as The Battle Of Marston Moor. The third are songs which imitate Beatles songs.”

“ELO having a go at progressive rock with some art rock and slight 60s influences as well. One thing is for certain, on this album you never know what to expect next.”

“Their debut album has pop/rock harmonies but the use of cellos and violins give the album a much darker tone than their later works. At times the cello gives the songs a beefy, powerful sound and you start to wonder if Bach came back from the dead to produce this album.”

“The ELO's debut album can best be described as heavy progressive chamber music. Certainly a sidestep from the sound of The Move, augmenting guitar, bass, and drums with cello, piano, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, recorders, French horn, hunting horn, and violin - mostly provided by Wood. A long, long way from the group’s later pop singles, throw this out in front of today's radio crowd and your station is likely to be removed from the presets.”

“The best ELO album, especially if you prefer Roy Wood to Jeff Lynne. Very different to what ELO would evolve into after Wood left and the band became famous. Something so special that it's no big surprise the magic couldn't last.”

“A shame Roy left after this, as it would have been interesting to see what would have happened if he stayed. Anyway, it's still a great chamber/baroque rock album.”