THE LIGHT SHINES ON

This is a compilation of songs from ELO's first three albums, No Answer, ELO II, and On the Third Day. Of the nine tracks, five are from their debut No Answer, one track (Momma) is from ELO II, one track (Showdown) is from On the Third Day, and one track was a short instrumental version of In Old England Town, which was originally released as the B-side to the single Showdown (UK release only).

All of this material is from ELO's progressive rock period (maybe with the exception of Showdown), but unfortunately it isn't the best stuff from this time period. With a release date of 1977, I'm guessing this was issued mostly to rake in a few more pounds (as it was a UK release only) during ELO's heightened popularity in the late 1970's. Even so, the back cover of the LP gives a short historical essay of the band written by Harry Doherty of Melody Maker. Thus, it was also released to bring attention to the group's history, although I'm sure this was a minor point.

This LP (not issued on CD as far as I know) is certainly only for collectors and completionists of the band. Musically, it's good, but not essential, thus worth three stars. All of the songs on this compilation can be found on the group's first three studio albums with the exception of the instrumental version of In Old England Town. This rare B-side is available on the 2-CD remastered version of ELO II called ELO 2/Lost Planet and on Harvest Showdown, a compilation of rarities released in 2005 featuring ELO, The Move, Wizzard, and Roy Wood.