Electric Light Orchestra - ELO II

1973

Track Listing                                                                            

1. In old England town (Boogie No 2)               4. From the sun to the world (Boogie No 1)

2. Mama                                                           5. Kuiama                  

3. Roll over Beetthoven                                                                       

Band Members:                

Jeff Lynne - Vocals, guitar, synthesizer         Bev Bevan - Drums, percussion        Wilfred Gibson - Violin   

Richard Tandy - Keyboards, synthesizer        Mike de Albuquerque - Bass            Mike Edwards - Cello

Collin Walker - Cello          Roy Wood - Bass, cello on tracks 1 & 4          Produced By:  Jeff Lynne

Notes

E.L.O. II was the breakthrough album in the United States for the band.  During the early recording days of the album founding member, and the man who had the vision of rock music with an orchestra, Roy Wood had left the group to form his own band.  Along the way he took several band mates with him, and Jeff Lynne was on his own and had to recruit a new band.  Jeff became experimental using the same concept him and Wood had on their debut album.  The album only has 5 tracks and are all deep tracks with the exception of the outstanding cover of Chuck Berry's "Roll Over Beethoven".  The album wasn't so much a success in the U.K. but once it hit the U.S. an E.L.O. tour began and the band became a huge hit.  The album may not be their most popular or radio friendly, but it is the album that drew popularity to the band.

Recommendations

I enjoy this album a lot.  It is very experimental and filled with long deep tracks.  If you're only into the top 40 tracks by the band then you will want to pass this up.  However, if you are looking to expand your musical interest, this is a good album to start with.

If you plan on purchasing E.L.O. II

There are a few releases of this album.  The original CD release, several imports and the 2006 remastered version.  I recommend the 2006 remastered version.  It is a nice package with excellent liner notes.  The entire E.L.O. catalog has been remastered and is a great set of discs to own.  The 2006 release contains four bonus tracks as well, including a song I really enjoy called "Baby I apologize". Good luck finding this one in stores, however with the use of Cdnow.com you will be able to make this purchase at a very reasonable price.

If you don't plan on purchasing E.L.O. II but want to hear some tracks from it

"Roll over Beethoven" is a must for any music catalog.  You may be able to pass on the others, but you must purchase this song individually at Itunes or Napster, or purchase a greatest hits CD.  If you would like more suggestions you can check out my ideal compilation at my E.L.O. Home Page.

My Top 5