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| Track by Track Review
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Tightrope
The sounds that open this at the beginning make me think of something from Face the Music. It works to a more dramatic symphonic treatment from there. It’s around the minute and a half mark before it moves out into the song proper, more of a rock and roll stomper, but with all the ELO trademarks. |
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Telephone Line
Starting with some unusual keyboard elements and the sound of a telephone ringing, this number is a mellow one that’s also got quite a bit of progressive rock built into it. It’s without question one of the band’s most classic pieces of music. It still holds up very well. We get a reprise of the introduction mid-track. |
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Rockaria!
Operatic vocals open this (and return later) but it’s a very Chuck Berry like number and has always reminded me a lot of “Roll Over Beethoven.” This is good, but not really a standout as far as I’m concerned. |
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Mission (A World Record)
Now, this song is one that doesn’t get the same amount of attention as some the rest here. That’s a shame as far as I’m concerned. I’d consider this the best piece of the whole disc. In fact, it might be my favorite ELO song. Lyrically, it’s a science fiction piece. It’s quite symphonic. It’s very much a progressive rock number. It’s dramatic and powerful, even though it’s understated at times. There are some great jazzy grooves, too. |
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So Fine
Although this lands more in the AOR rock end of things, feeling at times like the Beatles, this is still quite proggy. It’s energized and fun, too. There is a weird little percussive section with symphonic overtones mid track. |
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Livin' Thing
This truly is another classic cut from the band. I love the little Spanish sounding vignette at the start and in the middle of the cut. It’s definitely got some Beatles influences, but that’s really just the starting point. This is a wonderful cut with some great changes and alterations. |
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Above the Clouds
There’s a real vintage music texture here, but turns more towards science fiction and prog music. It’s symphonic and also has some old styled rock and roll built into it. I like this one, but it’s far from my favorite piece on the disc.
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Do Ya
The guitar riff that opens this is classic and as good as this song is, that makes perfect sense. I’ve always found the lyrics to be a bit silly, but that doesn’t take away from the enjoyment. |
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Shangri-La
The combination of Beatles-like rock with space music and symphonic elements is classic ELO and the core of this song. It’s another that’s quite good, but not really a highlight of the set. It’s more because the rest is so good, though.
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