ELOBF Gig Guide #33: Q4 2018

#1,448: Autumn into Winter (Q4) 2018 means that once again it's "Time" for the latest elobeatlesforever (elobf) Quarterly Gig Guide to be published! This is our 33rd and (hopefully) you will find the roster of selected dates below (with more to follow when confirmed) between Monday 1st October and Monday 31st December (plus individual artist links) helpful thus:

Wednesday 3rd October
Jeff Lynne's ELO @ The SSE Hydro, Glasgow
Tickets: from £50 each (*plus booking fee)
elobeatlesforever.blogspot.com/2017/11/jeff-lynnes-elo-2018-world-tour-ticket.html

Friday 5th October
Jeff Lynne's ELO @ Manchester Arena
Tickets: from £50 each (*plus booking fee)
elobeatlesforever.blogspot.com/2017/11/jeff-lynnes-elo-2018-world-tour-ticket.html

Saturday 6th October
Jeff Lynne's ELO @ Manchester Arena
Tickets: from £50 each (*plus booking fee)
elobeatlesforever.blogspot.com/2017/11/jeff-lynnes-elo-2018-world-tour-ticket.html

Tuesday 9th October
Jeff Lynne's ELO @ Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Tickets: from £90 each (*plus booking fee)
elobeatlesforever.blogspot.com/2017/11/jeff-lynnes-elo-2018-world-tour-ticket.html

Wednesday 10th October
Jeff Lynne's ELO @ Arena Birmingham (NIA)
Tickets: from £50 each (*plus booking fee)
elobeatlesforever.blogspot.com/2017/11/jeff-lynnes-elo-2018-world-tour-ticket.html

Thursday 11th October
Morganisation @ Royal Suite, The Oak Hotel, Hockley Heath, Birmingham
Tickets: £18.18 each (*plus booking fee)
www.davescottmorgan.com/events/2018-10-11/morganisation

Friday 12th October
Jeff Lynne's ELO @ Arena Birmingham (NIA)
Tickets: from £50 each (*plus booking fee)
elobeatlesforever.blogspot.com/2017/11/jeff-lynnes-elo-2018-world-tour-ticket.html

The ELO Experience @ The Regal Cinema, Evesham

Tickets: £20 each (*plus booking fee)
theregal.ac/showing/9841/book

The Black Country Beatles @ The Robin 2, Bilston, Wolverhampton
Tickets: £10 each (advance) or £12 each (door)(*plus booking fee)
www.therobin.co.uk/whats_on/giginfo.asp?gigid=5475

Saturday 13th October
Jeff Lynne's ELO @ Arena Birmingham (NIA)
Tickets: from £50 each (*plus booking fee)
elobeatlesforever.blogspot.com/2017/11/jeff-lynnes-elo-2018-world-tour-ticket.html

Monday 15th October

Jeff Lynne's ELO @ First Direct Arena, Leeds
Tickets: from £80 each (*plus booking fee)
elobeatlesforever.blogspot.com/2017/11/jeff-lynnes-elo-2018-world-tour-ticket.html

Wednesday 17th October

Jeff Lynne's ELO @ The O2, London
Tickets: from £65 each (*plus booking fee)
elobeatlesforever.blogspot.com/2017/11/jeff-lynnes-elo-2018-world-tour-ticket.html

Thursday 18th October

Jeff Lynne's ELO @ The O2, London
Tickets: from £65 each (*plus booking fee)
elobeatlesforever.blogspot.com/2017/11/jeff-lynnes-elo-2018-world-tour-ticket.html

Friday 19th October
Sight 'n' Sound @ The Feathers Inn, Lichfield
Free entry
feathersinn.co.uk/events/2018-10

Saturday 20th October
Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band @ Stratford Playhouse, Stratford-upon-Avon
Tickets: £32.50 each (*plus booking fee)
stratfordplay.co.uk/product/roy-wood-and-his-10-piece-band

Jeff Lynne's ELO @ The O2, London
Tickets: from £65 each (*plus booking fee)
elobeatlesforever.blogspot.com/2017/11/jeff-lynnes-elo-2018-world-tour-ticket.html

Sunday 21st October

Jeff Lynne's ELO @ The O2, London
Tickets: from £65 each (*plus booking fee)
elobeatlesforever.blogspot.com/2017/11/jeff-lynnes-elo-2018-world-tour-ticket.html

Record & CD Fair @ The Robin 2, Bilston, Wolverhampton
Entry: £1 each
www.therobin.co.uk/whats_on/giginfo.asp?gigid=5284

Tuesday 23rd October
Jeff Lynne's ELO @ The Echo Arena, Liverpool
*** SOLD OUT ***
elobeatlesforever.blogspot.com/2017/11/jeff-lynnes-elo-2018-world-tour-ticket.html

Thursday 25th October
Jeff Lynne's ELO @ 3Arena, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
*** SOLD OUT ***
elobeatlesforever.blogspot.com/2017/11/jeff-lynnes-elo-2018-world-tour-ticket.html

Friday 26th October
Jeff Lynne's ELO @ The SSE Arena, Belfast, Northern Ireland
*** SOLD OUT ***
elobeatlesforever.blogspot.com/2017/11/jeff-lynnes-elo-2018-world-tour-ticket.html

Saturday 27th October
The ELO Experience @ The Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock

*** SOLD OUT ***
boxoffice.wlct.org/select_seats.aspx?perfid=1135

Thursday 1st November
Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band @ The Harlequin Theatre, Redhill
Tickets: £30 each (*plus booking fee)
www.harlequintheatre.co.uk/whats-on/on-stage/roy-wood-rock-and-roll-band

Friday 2nd November
Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band @ The Orchard Theatre, Dartford
Tickets: from £32 each (*plus booking fee)
orchardtheatre.co.uk/Online/tickets-roy-wood-dartford-2018

The Born Again Beatles @ Penn Bowling Club, Wolverhampton
Tickets: £6 each (advance) or £7 each (door)
www.facebook.com/events/227511741454270

Saturday 3rd November
Explosive Light Orchestra @ Walmley Club, Sutton Coldfield
Tickets: £12 each (*plus booking fee)
www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/walmley-social-club/explosive-light-orchestra

Friday 9th November
Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band @ Marina Theatre, Lowestoft
Tickets: £29.50 each (*plus booking fee)
www.marinatheatre.co.uk/production/roy-woods-rock-roll-band

Quill ft. Bev Bevan @ Kiddeminster Town Hall
Tickets: from £14 each (*plus booking fee)
www.seetickets.com/event/quill-feat-bev-bevan/kidderminster-town-hall-kidderminster/1261714

Sunday 11th November
Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band @ Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa
Tickets: £33.50 each (*plus booking fee)
www.warwickdc.gov.uk/royalspacentre/events/event/1137/roy_wood_rock_and_roll_band

Wednesday 14th November
Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band @ The Victoria Theatre, Halifax
Tickets: £34.25 each (*including booking fee)
www.victoriatheatre.co.uk/victoria/whats-on/roy-wood-rock-roll-band

Thursday 15th November
Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band @ Pyramid & Parr Hall, Warrington
Tickets: from £29.50 each (*plus booking fee)
www.pyramidparrhall.com/whats-on/event/roy-wood-rock-roll-band-red-e-2-rock-tour

Friday 16th November
Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band @ The Playhouse, Whitley Bay
Tickets: £32.50 each (*plus booking fee)
www.eventim.co.uk/roy-wood-his-band-whitley-bay-tickets.html

The ELO Experience @ The Artrix Arts Centre, Bromsgrove

Tickets: £25 each (*plus booking fee)
www.artrix.co.uk/whats-on/all-shows/the-elo-experience-greatest-hits-and-more-tour-2018

Saturday 17th November
The ELO Experience @ The Artrix Arts Centre, Bromsgrove

Tickets: £25 each (*plus booking fee)
www.artrix.co.uk/whats-on/all-shows/the-elo-experience-greatest-hits-and-more-tour-2018

Tuesday 20th November
Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band @ The Opera House, Buxton
Tickets: from £30 each (*plus booking fee)
buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/event/roy-wood-rock-roll-band-at-christmas

Thursday 22nd November
Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band @ Salisbury City Hall, Salisbury
Tickets: from £31.50 each (*plus booking fee)
www.cityhallsalisbury.co.uk/index.php?page=1883

Friday 23rd November
Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band @ Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne
Tickets: £32.50 each (*plus booking fee)
www.tivoliwimborne.co.uk/event/roywood

Saturday 24th November
Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band @ Ferneham Hall, Fareham
Tickets: from £27 each (*plus booking fee)
www.fernehamhall.co.uk/whats-on/music/roy-wood-rocknroll-band

Birmingham's Rock History: Bev Bevan with Des Tong @ The Dorridge Cricket Club, Solihull
Tickets: £35 each (*plus booking fee)
www.wegottickets.com/event/451799

Explosive Light Orchestra @ The Diamond Rock Club, Sutton-in-Ashfield
Tickets: £7 each (advance) or £8.50 each (door)
thediamonduk.com/gigs

Tuesday 27th November
Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band @ Lyceum Theatre, Crewe
Tickets: from £31 each (*plus booking fee)
crewelyceum.co.uk/Online/tickets-roy-wood-and-his-rock-and-roll-band-crewe-2018

Wednesday 28th November
Magnum @ The Robin 2, Bilston, Wolverhampton
Tickets: £23.50 each (advance) or £25.50 each (door)(*plus booking fee)
www.therobin.co.uk/whats_on/giginfo.asp?gigid=5369

Friday 30th November
Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band @ Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl
Tickets: £30 each (*plus booking fee)
www.grandpavilion.co.uk/events/3583-Roy-Wood-Rock-and-Roll-Band

The Trevorless Burton Band @ The Queen's Head, Wolverley
Free entry
erndor50.co.uk/Gigs.html

Sunday 2nd December

Rockmas 2018 @ Birmingham Symphony Hall

Tickets: £32.50 each (*plus booking fee)

www.thsh.co.uk/event/roy-woods-rockmas-2018

Raymond Froggatt @ The Robin 2, Bilston, Wolverhampton
Tickets: £14 each (advance) or £16 each (door)(*plus booking fee)
www.therobin.co.uk/whats_on/giginfo.asp?gigid=5205

The Trembling Wilburys @ The Half Moon, Putney, London
Tickets: £10 each (advance) or £12 each (door)(*plus booking fee)
tickets.halfmoon.co.uk/events/2018-12-02-the-trembling-wilburys-half-moon-putney

Tuesday 4th December
Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band @ Grand Opera House, York
Tickets: from £22 each (*plus booking fee)
www.atgtickets.com/shows/roy-wood/grand-opera-house-york

Friday 7th December
ELO Again @ The Robin 2, Bilston, Wolverhampton
Tickets: £15 each (advance) or £16 each (door)(*plus booking fee)
www.therobin.co.uk/whats_on/giginfo.asp?gigid=5252

Monday 10th December
Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band @ The Hawth Theatre, Crawley
Tickets: £28 each (*plus booking fee)
www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/The-Hawth/Show/roy-wood-rock-roll-christmas-show

Friday 14th December
Explosive Light Orchestra @ The Flowerpot, Derby
Tickets: £14 each (*plus booking fee)
www.ticketline.co.uk/order/tickets/13333180/explosive-light-orchestra-derby-the-flowerpot

Saturday 15th December
Quill ft. Bev Bevan @ Admaston Village Hall, Rugeley
Tickets: £20 each
from The Greyhound, Colton or Manda on (07876) 975960 or joyofquill@aol.com

Sunday 16th December
Quill ft. Bev Bevan @ Admaston Village Hall, Rugeley
Tickets: £20 each
from The Greyhound, Colton or Manda on (07876) 975960 or joyofquill@aol.com

Thursday 20th December
Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band @ City Hall Ballroom, Sheffield
Tickets: £25 each (*plus booking fee)
www.wegottickets.com/event/437333

Friday 21st December
Kingdom of Madness: Classic Magnum @ Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton
Tickets: £20 each (*plus booking fee)
www.newhamptonarts.co.uk/kingdom-of-madness-classic-magnum-grand-slam

Monday 24th December
The Upbeat Beatles @ The Robin 2, Bilston, Wolverhampton
Tickets: £13 each (advance) or £15 each (door)(*plus booking fee)
www.therobin.co.uk/whats_on/giginfo.asp?gigid=5221

Jeff Lynne's ELO After a stint with classic Birmingham bands The Idle Race and The Move, Jeff Lynne co-founded The Electric Light Orchestra in 1971, one of the most successful groups of the seventies and eighties. Multiple hit singles and best selling albums followed making Jeff's anthemic ELO songs some of the most loved and recognisable of the last four decades. Jeff went on to a successful solo career and worked with many of his musical heroes including Brian Wilson, Paul McCartney, Del Shannon and The Everly Brothers. He also found time to co-found the ultimate supergroup in The Traveling Wilburys, who included pals Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, George Harrison and Roy Orbison in their ranks. Find out what the driving force and creative mind behind ELO is currently up to via his official web site at: www.jefflynneselo.com

Roy Wood The co-founder of The Move and ELO and the founder of Wizzard, The Helicopters et al will [hopefully] be on the road again during 2018! Find out where to see Dr. Roy Wood and what he is up to with his Rock 'n' Roll Band via his official web site thus: www.roywood.co.uk

The Orchestra Former members of ELO and ELO Part II: Mik Kaminski, Louis Clark, Eric Troyer, Parthenon Huxley, Glen Burtnik and Gordon Townsend continue to tour the world extensively. Find out where to see them via their official web site thus: www.theorchestra.net

Quill Legendary Midlands Celtic tinged Americana rockers Quill, led by the incomparable Joy Strachan-Brain, have built up an impressive live reputation over a four decade span and now feature Bev Bevan, Phil Bates and Joanna Bates in their ranks. Find out where to see them via their official web site thus: www.quilluk.com

The Trevor Burton Band A co-founding member of The Move, Trevor Burton can be found performing regularly at various venues in the Midlands with his fantastic band. Find out where on their web site thus: www.thetrevorburtonband.co.uk

The ELO Experience Based in Hull, The ELO Experience deservedly won the National UK Tribute Awards in 2013 and they continue to faithfully reproduce classic Electric Light Orchestra hits (and more) live. Find out where to see them now via their official web site thus: www.elotribute.com

ELO Again Based in South Wales, ELO Again are now spreading their wings across the UK to faithfully recreate live those ELO hits we all know and love. Find out where to see them now via their official web site thus: www.eloagain.co.uk

Explosive Light Orchestra Not only an ELO tribute act but an original, independent artiste in their own right, The Explosive Light Orchestra - also known as Symphonika - have reproduced the exciting works of ELO at packed theatres and live music venues all around Europe. Find out where to see them now via their official web site thus: www.elotributeband.com

The ELO Encounter Another new ELO tribute band, this time from Essex, The ELO Encounter feature Simon Rownes and three members of his family: Jack, Max and Henry alongside Martin Donald, Jasmine Ali and Dacre Peck. Find out where to see them now via their official web site thus: www.elo-encounter.co.uk

The Trembling Wilburys One of two world class UK based Traveling Wilburys' tribute bands, The Trembling Wilburys were founded by drummer Dave Stark in 2010 and feature Dave Collison as Roy Orbison and Glen Knowler as George Harrison performing Wilburys and solo classics to rave reviews. The septet also feature top guitarist Dzal Martin, Andy McNish, Marko Laver and Howard Robin. Find out where to see them now via their official web site thus: www.tremblingwilburys.co.uk

The Traveling Wilburys Experience One of two world class UK based Traveling Wilburys' tribute bands, The Big O & The Traveling Wilburys Experience are a multi-talented group featuring Paul Hopkins as Roy Orbison performing Wilburys and solo classics to rave reviews. Find out where to see them now via their official web site thus: www.travelingwilburystribute.co.uk

The artistes and shows listed above are recommended by Yours Truly KJS and elobeatlesforever (elobf). This listing is not exhaustive. Please contact elobf should you wish events to be considered for the above roster. It'll be nice to see you at some of the above gigs for a chat!

Until next "Time" in the ELO (and related) Universe ... KJS ... 21-Sep-2018

Roy Wood: Rockmas Reminder + 2018 Tour

#1,447: Roy Wood sprang into social media life on Friday to confirm both the special guests for his annual Rockmas event at Birmingham Symphony Hall on Sunday 2nd December and also the full roster of twenty one (21) dates between Saturday 20th October and Thursday 20th December for this years Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band Winter Tour, which for the first time in eons will not be calling in at The Robin 2 this year. Yours Truly KJS still hopes that Woody might sneak one in.

Rockmas 2018 sees a mixture of the old and the new in terms of guests with Galleon Blast and Mark Radcliffe, comedian Mick Miller and The Enigma Strings returning to join acclaimed tenor Alfie Boe and legendary Level 42 bassist Mark King on the bill in what promises to be another hugely enjoyable evening. Further details and ticket info can be found within these previous elobeatlesforever (elobf) articles thus:

Roy Wood: Rockmas 2018 Revealed + Tickets
Roy Wood: On The Road Again in 2018

elobeatlesforever (elobf) recommends the Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band to those enlightened folks who enjoy the music of ELO/Jeff Lynne, Wizzard, The Move, The Idle Race, 'Brum Beat', The Beatles and related artistes.

Until next "Time" in the ELO (and related) Universe ... KJS ... 17-Sep-2018

Review: Egypt Station (Paul McCartney)

#1,446: It's been five long years since Paul McCartney unleashed his previous "New" album back in 2013 and over three years since Yours Truly KJS was fortunate enough to be one of the 15,800 fans in attendance in Birmingham during his "Out There" tour in May 2015. A review of Paul's new studio album "Egypt Station" is therefore in order following its release last week.

With the deluxe edition boasting two extra trax taking it to a duration of over an hour, "Egypt Station" has plenty of opportunities for this Beatle to try his hand at a plethora of styles and, lyrically, take the listener on a journey from the autobiographical to the anthemic beneath his revived ancient Egyptian album art. McCartney can write a tune (as we all know) but what strikes me about this record is that it goes all over the place musically speaking from the commercial aspect of "Fuh You" to the soul bearing "Confidante". With up to eighteen songs present, some might say there are some weaker efforts in amongst the pearls but this writer sees "Egypt Station" as something with a greater whole.

This is perhaps the only album that I've reviewed for elobeatlesforever (elobf) that retains its integrity even when I select random play on my CD deck! "Egypt Station" demonstrates that Macca still has it, even at 76 years of age. His voice holds up well and there are some fab songs to be found here, some guitar and some piano led. "Happy With You", "I Don't Know" (the lead single), "People Want Peace", "Do It Now", "Hand In Hand", "Dominoes", "Get Started" ... the list goes on. Without a doubt, the two longest trax are those that impress most. Three part medley "Hunt You Down/Naked/C-Link" sees McCartney in eclectic form (some nice guitar work within) and is great fun with the album highlight "Despite Repeated Warnings" almost entering prog territory with its foreboding storyline and changes in tempo. "Egypt Station" does grow on you after every play and is a pleasure to run the rule over. If this particular ELO/Jeff Lynne fan likes it from a semi-neutral standpoint, then you quite possibly could do too. ★★★★★

Trax: "Opening Station" ~ "I Don't Know" ~ "Come On To Me" ~ "Happy With You" ~ "Who Cares" ~ "Fuh You" ~ "Confidante" ~ "People Want Peace" ~ "Hand In Hand" ~ "Dominoes" ~ "Back In Brazil" ~ "Do It Now" ~ "Caesar Rock" ~ "Despite Repeated Warnings" ~ "Station II" ~ "Hunt You Down/Naked/C-Link" ~ "Get Started" (Deluxe/Bonus) ~ "Nothing For Free" (Deluxe/Bonus)

Find out more about "Egypt Station" by Paul McCartney via this link thus:

www.paulmccartney.com

Replay: Caught Live: Paul McCartney @ Birmingham 27/05/15

elobeatlesforever (elobf) recommends "Egypt Station" by Paul McCartney to those enlightened folks who enjoy the music of ELO/Jeff Lynne, Roy Wood, The Move, The Idle Race, 'Brum Beat', The Beatles and related artistes.

Until next "Time" in the ELO (and related) Universe ... KJS ... 15-Sep-2018

Review: This Is The One (P. Hux)

#1,445: Mention the name Parthenon Huxley or P. Hux to folks in the ELO (and related artists) community and not a few will identify him as the lead guitarist and vocalist with The Orchestra Starring Former Members. Yet Hux has many strings to his bow, if you'll excuse the pun, with a wealth of quality albums of his own behind him including the acclaimed "Homemade Spaceship" and "Kiss The Monster", not forgetting he contributed the excellent ELOesque anthem "Jewel & Johnny" to The Orchestra's only studio outing to date, 2001's "No Rewind".

Cue "This Is The One" (nine 18 Recordings), the new album from P. Hux released last month, a thoroughly enjoyable eleven (11) song outing demonstrating not only some top class songwriting but also "recorded in living stereo" with a tight band giving it a organic, atmospheric feel. Whilst there are deft violins and cellos in here that fans of the ELO sound will surely appreciate, this is most certainly a record that comes under the Power Pop banner with nods to The Cars ("Just Sayin'"), America ("Off We Go"), The Beatles ("Inside Your Shoes") and Tom Petty ("Song For James" ) amongst not a few others.

There's a guest appearance here too from fellow Orchestrator Gordon Townsend for good measure with core band members Ricky Wise (Drums/vox), David Phenicie (Bass/vox) and Dan Clarke (Keys) ensuring that this impressive long player hits the right notes and strikes a chord with the listener. KJS fave: "Off We Go" ★★★★★

"This Is The One" trax: "This Is The One" ~ "Song For James" ~ "September Clouds" ~ "Just Sayin'" ~ "Running Home To You" ~ "Off We Go" ~ "Inside Your Shoes" ~ "That's When I Know" ~ "Real Tough Day" ~ "Honey Sweet Baby" ~ "Sleeping With A Friend"

"This Is The One" by P. Hux can presently be ordered via this link thus:

www.parthenonhuxley.com

elobeatlesforever (elobf) recommends "This Is The One" by P. Hux to those enlightened folks who enjoy the music of ELO, Jeff Lynne, Roy Wood, The Move, The Idle Race, 'Brum Beat', The Beatles and related artistes.

Until next "Time" in the ELO (and related) Universe ... KJS ... 11-Sep-2018

BrumBeat Bulletin (3)

#1,444: With major tours by ELO co-founders Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood soon to hit not only UK shores but also "Down Home Town" in their beloved Birmingham, Yours Truly KJS and elobeatlesforever (elobf) thought that it was "Time" for our third BrumBeat Bulletin especially when considering that former Idle Race drummer Roger 'Ollie' Spencer is also out and about and Dave Scott-Morgan has just announced a quickfire local date for his Morganisation troupe to coincide with the forthcoming three night Arena Birmingham (NIA) residency by Jeff Lynne's ELO.

Roger Spencer will be calling into Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre next week (Tuesday 11th September) and a number of other Midlands venues thereafter with Brian Yeates' touring show A Black Country Night Out. More details here:

yeatesentertainment.co.uk/a-black-country-night-out/422
www.grandtheatre.co.uk/whats-on/a-black-country-night-out

After not a few fan enquiries, Dave Scott-Morgan's Morganisation have arranged a date on Thursday 11th October in the Royal Suite at The Oak Hotel in Hockley Heath, Birmingham when Jeff Lynne's ELO just happen to be between gigs. Tickets are priced at £20 each and can be purchased from Alan Smith via email at: info@grimmdo.co.uk or here:

www.davescottmorgan.com/events/2018-10-11/morganisation
shoutout.wix.com/so/b7MMkNIgd#/main

It goes without saying that Jeff Lynne's ELO and the Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band will soon be playing at various venues throughout the UK. More details here if you haven't got tickets yet:

Jeff Lynne's ELO: 2018 World Tour & Ticket Overview
Roy Wood: On The Road Again in 2018

And don't forget that Quill and Bev Bevan are also at Huntingdon Hall, Worcester on Saturday 29th September too! More details here: www.worcesterlive.co.uk/events_review.asp?eid=453061084

Until next "Time" in the ELO (and related) Universe ... KJS ... 07-Sep-2018

Compilation Corner: The Best Of ELO (Tellydisc)

#1,443: ELO fans were in for something of a surprise in 1981 when a compilation initially only intended as a mail order release started to appear in the shelves of local record shops. That was the case when the 2LP collection "The Best Of ELO" (Tellydisc; TELLY7) turned up at HMV in Wolverhampton and Yours Truly KJS was quick to snap it up. Two years earlier, Jet Records had released "ELO's Greatest Hits" (JETLX525) following in the wake of the amazing chart topping success of "Discovery" (JETLX500) and it's four Top 10 singles. It stalled at #7 probably because it it included none of the aforementioned "Discovery" singles within its eleven (11) tracks.

But "The Best Of ELO" was different because in covering the years 1974-79, it included all five (5) "Discovery" singles as well as "Eldorado Overture", "Do Ya" (a single in the States), "Tightrope", "Steppin' Out" and "Shangri-La" alongside all the UK singles taken from "Out Of The Blue" and "A New World Record". Indeed, there was no "Showdown", "Ma Ma Ma Belle" or any eighties representation ("Xanadu" or "Time") here but coupled with the appealing roster of twenty (20) songs was an attractive front sleeve with the ELO logo on a black background and an inner gatefold that included a nice biography and a classy photos of the Magnificent Seven.

See also: Compilation Corner: Ticket To The Moon

See also: Compilation Corner: ELO's Greatest Hits Volume Two

See also: Olé ELO: Saluting ELO's First Successful Compilation

This was a two record set hard to resist and something of a departure being as it intermingled so many album tracks with so many hits. "The Best Of ELO" remains one of my fave ELO career overviews to this day, reminding us all that the Electric Light Orchestra were a band with a huge hit pedigree at their commercial peak. And they still are.

Until next "Time" in the ELO [and related] Universe ... KJS ... 03-Sep-2018