ROLL OVER BEETHOVEN / QUEEN OF THE HOURS

We are standing here in front of a window open to a couple of key moments in the origin of the lovable combo assembled by Roy Wood and later continued by Jeff Lynne. We're talking about a time before the recruitment of such iconic members as bassist / singer Kelly Groucutt, chelists Hugh McDowell & Melvyn Gale, and, of course, violinist Mik Kaminski. But don't be afraid, bases are well covered anyway, and the compositions are outstanding on both sides:

On face A, taken from their 2nd LP, we have the first E.L.O. truly smashing hit & concert staple, the cover version of Chuck Berry's foundational "Roll over Beethoven", which, even having been often dismissed as simplistic, with its basic alternation between Beethovens' 5th quotes and electric riff, is however a must if you are interested in the development of Symphonic-Rock.

And finally, on face B, taken from their 1st, shines the lesser known gem "Queen of the Hours", a gorgeus slow pace, minor key, fragile melody intertwined in an almost chamber music arrangement.