Which brings me to the subject of the "Balance of Power" expanded remaster. Like many fans and collectors, Yours Truly KJS was quick to snap up all of the Legacy album remasters that were released between 2001 and 2007. In my opinion, the BoP reissue is the best of the bunch in terms of its presentation and the bonus material included. Be it the wonderful alternative version of "Heaven Only Knows" or the inclusion of "In For The Kill" alongside its progenitor "Caught In A Trap" and "Destination Unknown" as well as the two alternative takes of "Secret Lives" and "Sorrow About To Fall", this expanded, value for money package ticked all the boxes for me even though both versions of "A Matter of Fact" (found on the 12" flip side of "So Serious") and the infamous "ELO Megamix" (found on the 12" flip side of "Getting To The Point") were omitted.
One has to wonder how "Balance of Power" would have fared with an alternate "Heaven Only Knows" as its opening track with "In For The Kill" added for good measure. Placing "Balance of Power" ahead of an "Out of the Blue" including the sublime "Latitude 88 North" or an "On The Third Day" replete with "Everyone's Born To Die" is no easy matter yet I am content to do so. Which begs the question: What was your fave ELO remaster of the series? Answers on a postcard ...
TA7090: A Matter of Alternative Lyrics A Matter of Sax: Christian Schneider
Secret Messages: More Successful Than You Think
Elogology: Balance Of Power Shining A Light: Destination Unknown
The Fall: ELO & Jet Records 1981-86 Yours Truly 1986: ELO's Jet Records Finale
*** Until next "Time" in the ELOBF Universe ... KJS ... 11-Oct-2020 ***
I would go for Face The Music - love the alternate version of Evil Woman with the additional verse and in particualr the Waterall instrumental
ReplyDeleteI just worry that all the re issues are only being done for PROFIT,Jeff is a multi millionaire, he most certainly doesn't need the money for sure.
ReplyDeleteBut could the sound be better?
ReplyDeleteHi Mister Twister! Yes, I think the mix could have been better back in the 00's at least. If the remasters were a 2020 project, I would expect much better expansive sound and a "Secret Messages" including "Beatles Forever"! ... KJS@elobf
DeleteKJS Thanks for this great article. I’ve missed you!! 😎
ReplyDeleteHi Elaine! You are much missed too! Pls get in touch via email at sinclair.keith@talk21.com or twitter at @elobf_kjs ... KJS@elobf
Deletealways learn so much from you kjs!
ReplyDeleteAllison ... elobf really is for the fans by a fan ... KJS@elobf
Delete