ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA [AKA: NO ANSWER]

After being completely blown away by my initial encounter with Electric Light Orchestra, right around 2004, I began specifically seeking out more of their early '70s material only to a realization that it was nowhere to be found. Eventually after losing all hope of finding any new material I suddenly stumbled upon a weird looking 2-CD Limited Edition release called No Answer in a downtown used records store. The packaging reminded me at first of a compilation album but after browsing through the track listing without recognizing a single of the band's popular '80s hits I decided to give it a shot. If I recall correctly, the album was priced at around $5-7 so this would, in worst case, be a very affordable disappointment.

It was only a few years later that I figured out that I owned a complete version of the band's debut album with a bonus CD that was filled with alternative takes and other nice surprises. My first impression of the album was pretty positive, even though it wasn't as instantly recognizable as Eldorado. The first two tracks really set a high bar in terms of musicianship and melodic arrangements that made it difficult for me to get into the rest of the album. Steadily I sank my teeth into the remainder of the songs and found a few more hidden gems like Mr.Radio and the dreamy album-closer Whisper In The Night.

Even to this day I still play this album from time to time and it has so far held up pretty well. I like the raw sound of the string arrangements which would eventually be smoothed out on the band's consecutive albums. This album also clearly sounds like more of a collaboration between Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood, opposed to the rest of the band's discography which functions merely as Jeff Lynne's solo output. Just like many others have mentioned before me, Electric Light Orchestra is not a band for everyone but if you enjoy their style then I can definitely recommend this debut album.

***** star songs: 10538 Overture (5:37) Look At Me Now (3:20)

**** star songs: Nellie Takes Her Bow (6:02) First Movement (Jumpin' Biz) (3:04) Mr.Radio (5:07) Manhattan Rumble (49th Street Massacre) (4:26) Queen Of The Hours (3:26) Whisper In The Night (4:50)

*** star songs: The Battle Of Marston Moor (July 2nd, 1644) (6:05)