ELDORADO

In 1974, I read a very good review in a local magazine of which six pages or so a week were dedicated to rock music (merci Télémoustique et Piero). The reviewer was so impressed and his review was so exhuberant about this record that I went to purchase it without knowing the band. What a wonderful surprise I got !

For several reasons, I stopped almost completely to listen to music for about ten years (1986 to 1995), and more specifically to prog music for almost twenty years (1977 to 1995).

When I re-discovered this album in 2001, I was immediately brought back to 1974 and therefore I can only confirm that "El Dorado" (The Golden One) is a pure gem of symphonic music that left an indelible mark on me.

From the very first seconds till its very end "El Dorado" is a monster of melody, nice music and brilliant vocals arrangements : a total beauty.

It is of course very much Beatles-esque, but Lynne really surpassed himself and produced such a beautiful album that he should be remembered (and probably will) for the decades to come as one of the best songwriter in pop music. He is such a master to write great pop tunes (maybe some will regret the time of Kuiama and the prog side of ELO) but boy ! This one is so melodramatic in its harmonies than it just deserves the greatest respect.

During the recording, the work with the orchestra was rather difficult. The musicians paying very little attention to the band's work. This seems to be rather frequent : the classical musicians snobbing pop music as if it is not on par with their "art".

If you have read some of my earlier reviews, you know already that I usually do not appreciate too much the combination of rock and classic music. This particular album is a noticeable exception. I'm so found of it ! ELO (or should I say Jeff) putting together what will be probably remembered as the best symphonic pop album of all times.

The "El Dorado Overture" is bizarre, scary and highly symphonic. It leads to the pure beauty of "I Can't Get It Out My Head". I guess only Mc Cartney could have done a similar one (but I already have made this comment in a previous review). The difference though is that Lynne reaches this incredible quality level almost throughout the whole album, which has never been achieved before.

"Laredo Tornado" is quite shivering but words are difficult to find to describe the feelings / emotions one can go through when listening to this album. At least it is my opinion. "Poor Boy" is another great piece of melodious rock / pop song. It is the fourth highlight of side one.

"Mister Kingdom" which opens side two is one of the very few average tracks, a bit too long and repetitive. "Nobody's Child" on the contrary is a very good tune : it has a complex intro and marvelous cellos/ violins arrangements. A very pleasant song that keeps the level of the whole work to a very, very high level.

"Illusions in G Major" brings us back to the pure rock'n'roll atmosphere : a song a la Chuck Berry if you see what I mean. Great rythm that breaks a bit with the general mood of this wonderful album which is somewhat sweet all the way through.

"El Dorado" (the Golden One) is one of the most lyrical / emotional tune on this album. Probably a song that I would request for my burial party (I will once post my wish list for this "happening").

The "Finale" is the logical end to this conceptual masterpiece : we are basically brought back to the start actually of this jewel. I guess you all have understood that I can only rate "El Dorado" as a five star masterpiece.

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