Flashback

Formed in 1971 as a side project to the Move by Roy Wood, Bev Bevan, and singer/songwriter/guitarist/producer Jeff Lynne, the Electric Light Orchestra immediately revealed the Brits' genius in combining rococo pop songs with classical instrumentation. Though the multitalented Wood largely produced the band's debut, his departure pushed Lynne's style to the fore, as evidenced by the listener-friendly "Showdown" and crunchier "Ma-Ma-Ma Belle." Beautiful classical arrangements also grace "Mama." In 1974 the group's slickly produced pop rock cracked the Top 10 with the atmospheric ballad "Can't Get It Out of My Head."

Although ELO's sound became increasingly commercial in the late '70s, it was no less grand, as demonstrated by the violin arpeggios in "Livin' Thing" and the swirling, complex string arrangement of "Telephone Line." The group continued its chart success in the face of MTV and changing tastes with polished '50s style gems like "Rock and Roll Is King" and "Hold On Tight," before disbanding in 1986. Including previously unreleased tracks, and tunes recently completed by Lynne, FLASHBACK is a fine set.

Personnel: Roy Wood (vocals); Jeff Lynne (guitar); Marc Mann (keyboards); Bev Bevan (drums).

Liner Note Author: David Wild.

Recording information: 07/1970-??/1982.

Photographer: Pamela Springsteen.

Electric Light Orchestra: Jeff Lynne, Roy wood, Bev Bevan, Steve Woolam, Bill Hunt, Richard Tandy, Michael De Albuquerque, Wilf Gibson, Colin Walker, Mike Edwards, Kelly Groucutt, Mik Kaminski, Hugh McDowell, Melvyn Gale, Louis Clark, Dave Morgan.

Compilation producers: Jeff Lynne, Al Quaglieri, Jeff Magid.