TIME

After ELO recovered from Disco's "Discovery" and Xcruciating "Xanadu", it would be only fair to suspect that the next album would be a vast improvement. Thankfully it is and for my money this one really is consistent in quality and hides some genuine treasures within, many of which are quite unknown, and criminally not appearing on the swag of ELO compilations.

This concept album begins with the awesome majestic Prologue and Twilight. From the outset listening to this on vinyl I was totally drawn in to the wall of sound, the spaceyness and atmospheres. The sci fi elements continue on Yours Truly, 2095, and Ticket to the Moon, that are melodic and full of amazing classical textures. The Way Life's Meant to Be has a more traditional sound but is no less memorable.

The next gem on the album is on side 2, namely From the End of the World, followed y the tremendous The Lights Go Down. My favourite is definitely Here is the News with some stirring lyrics and special effects. The use of synths and echo effects along with downbeat vocal technique is memorable. It is a chilling song in some ways and I love the way it breaks into different rhythms. This is followed by a cool song 21st Century Man, though he is not schizoid here, and the smooth single that everyone heard back then, the optimistic Hold on Tight.

Overall my first ELO vinyl album here really peaked my interest in the band and listening to this again takes me back to sitting in a lounge room in my teens, with old phonograph player crackling, turning the sound up loud and closing my eyes to allow this music to soak through my system. I could never get it out once ELO entered my conscious and there was nothing like it back then.