The Essential Electric Light Orchestra
Encyclopedia
The Essential Electric Light Orchestra was originally a single CD, US-only compilation album
by the Electric Light Orchestra
, released in 2003. It is part of Sony Music
's The Essential series.
An eco-friendly repackage of this album called Playlist: The Very Best of Electric Light Orchestra, released on 2 September 2008, includes a multimedia section on the CD with photos, credits and two new wallpapers.
The original artwork has been re-jigged, there will now be two different covers. The U.S. and Australian releases will share the same design whilst the rest of the world will feature the other for an October 2011 2 CD worldwide release. This will be the third ELO compilation that presents a chronological run-through of ELO's singles/songs, it was preceded by USA compilations Olé ELO
in 1976 and Strange Magic: The Best of Electric Light Orchestra
in 1995.
, except where noted.
, except where noted.
CD 1:
CD 2:
Compilation album
A compilation album is an album featuring tracks from one or more performers, often culled from a variety of sources The tracks are usually collected according to a common characteristic, such as popularity, genre, source or subject matter...
by the Electric Light Orchestra
Electric Light Orchestra
Electric Light Orchestra were a British rock group from Birmingham who released eleven studio albums between 1971 and 1986 and another album in 2001. ELO were formed to accommodate Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne's desire to create modern rock and pop songs with classical overtones...
, released in 2003. It is part of Sony Music
Sony Music Entertainment
Sony Music Entertainment ' is the second-largest global recorded music company of the "big four" record companies and is controlled by Sony Corporation of America, the United States subsidiary of Japan's Sony Corporation....
's The Essential series.
An eco-friendly repackage of this album called Playlist: The Very Best of Electric Light Orchestra, released on 2 September 2008, includes a multimedia section on the CD with photos, credits and two new wallpapers.
The original artwork has been re-jigged, there will now be two different covers. The U.S. and Australian releases will share the same design whilst the rest of the world will feature the other for an October 2011 2 CD worldwide release. This will be the third ELO compilation that presents a chronological run-through of ELO's singles/songs, it was preceded by USA compilations Olé ELO
Olé ELO
Olé ELO is the second compilation album by the Electric Light Orchestra covering their early years. Released in 1976, this LP was originally compiled by United Artists Records as a promotional album for American radio stations, but when copies of the LP started selling to fans "underground" United...
in 1976 and Strange Magic: The Best of Electric Light Orchestra
Strange Magic: The Best of Electric Light Orchestra
Strange Magic: The Best of Electric Light Orchestra is a compilation album by Electric Light Orchestra, released in 1995 only in the US.The compilation favours album versions rather than single versions; tracks such as "Rock 'n' Roll Is King", "Shine a Little Love" and "Boy Blue" are longer...
in 1995.
Track listing
All tracks written by Jeff LynneJeff Lynne
Jeffrey "Jeff" Lynne is an English songwriter, composer, arranger, singer, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer who gained fame as the leader and sole constant member of Electric Light Orchestra and was a co-founder and member of The Traveling Wilburys together with George Harrison, Bob...
, except where noted.
- "Evil WomanEvil Woman (Electric Light Orchestra song)"Evil Woman" is a song written by lead vocalist Jeff Lynne and recorded by Electric Light Orchestra.First released on the band's fifth album, 1975's Face the Music. Released as a single in late-1975, the song became the band's first worldwide hit...
" – 4:19 - "Do Ya" – 3:47
- "Can't Get It Out of My HeadCan't Get It Out of My HeadCan't Get It Out of My Head is a song by Electric Light Orchestra.First released on the band's fourth album, Eldorado, in July 1974, the song is the second track on the album and follows "Eldorado Overture." The song was released in November of that same year as a single.The song became the band's...
" – 4:26 - "Mr. Blue SkyMr. Blue Sky"Mr. Blue Sky" is a song by English rock group Electric Light Orchestra, featured on the band's seventh studio album Out of the Blue . Written and produced by frontman Jeff Lynne, the song forms the fourth and final track of the "Concerto for a Rainy Day" suite, on side three of the original double...
" – 5:08 - "Strange MagicStrange MagicFor the greatest hits collection of the same name, see Strange Magic: The Best of Electric Light Orchestra."Strange Magic" is a song written and performed by the Electric Light Orchestra. It can be found on the 1975 Face the Music LP....
" – 4:07 - "Livin' ThingLivin' Thing"Livin' Thing" is a song written by Jeff Lynne and performed by Electric Light Orchestra. It appears on ELO's 1976 platinum-selling album, A New World Record...
" – 3:33 - "Turn to StoneTurn to Stone"Turn to Stone" is a 1977 song by Electric Light Orchestra.The song is the opening track to the double album Out of the Blue. It was the first song released as a single from the LP. The single reached #18 in the U.K. charts and stayed there for 12 weeks. Out of four singles from the album, "Turn to...
" – 3:48 - "Sweet Talkin' WomanSweet Talkin' Woman"Sweet Talkin' Woman" is a 1978 single by The Electric Light Orchestra from the LP Out of the Blue. Its original title was "Dead End Street", but it was changed during recording, perhaps to avoid confusion with a 1966 hit of the same title by the Kinks...
" – 3:49 - "Telephone LineTelephone Line (Electric Light Orchestra song)"Telephone Line" is a song by Electric Light Orchestra.The song is track two on their 1976 album A New World Record and was the final single to be released from the band's LP until September 2006 when Surrender was released from the expanded reissue....
" – 4:40 - "Shine a Little LoveShine A Little Love"Shine a Little Love" is a song by the Electric Light Orchestra. It was released as a single in the US in May 1979 and in the UK in June of the same year.-Summary:...
" – 4:42 - "Hold on Tight" – 3:08
- "Calling AmericaCalling America"Calling America" is a song by the rock music group Electric Light Orchestra released as a single from their 1986 album Balance of Power. It became the band's first hit in three years. The song is, like most of the songs on Balance of Power, musically upbeat and bright but lyrically darker,...
" – 3:28 - "Rock 'n' Roll Is King" – 3:17
- "Don't Bring Me DownDon't Bring Me Down"Don't Bring Me Down" is a song by the band Electric Light Orchestra, and is the last track from their 1979 album Discovery. It is their highest charting hit in the US to date.-History:...
" – 4:04 - "Roll Over BeethovenRoll Over Beethoven"Roll Over Beethoven" is a 1956 hit single by Chuck Berry originally released on Chess Records, with "Drifting Heart" as the B-side. The lyrics of the song mention rock and roll and the desire for rhythm and blues to replace classical music...
" (Chuck BerryChuck BerryCharles Edward Anderson "Chuck" Berry is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter, and one of the pioneers of rock and roll music. With songs such as "Maybellene" , "Roll Over Beethoven" , "Rock and Roll Music" and "Johnny B...
) – 4:33
Track listing
All tracks written by Jeff LynneJeff Lynne
Jeffrey "Jeff" Lynne is an English songwriter, composer, arranger, singer, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer who gained fame as the leader and sole constant member of Electric Light Orchestra and was a co-founder and member of The Traveling Wilburys together with George Harrison, Bob...
, except where noted.
CD 1:
- "10538 Overture10538 Overture-Song history:The song, written by Jeff Lynne, was intended to be a B-side on one of The Move's singles. Rick Price of The Move played bass on the track originally but was never credited, apparently with all the overdubs and layers that were added to the track the bass line 'got lost' in the mix...
" - "Roll Over BeethovenRoll Over Beethoven"Roll Over Beethoven" is a 1956 hit single by Chuck Berry originally released on Chess Records, with "Drifting Heart" as the B-side. The lyrics of the song mention rock and roll and the desire for rhythm and blues to replace classical music...
" (Chuck BerryChuck BerryCharles Edward Anderson "Chuck" Berry is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter, and one of the pioneers of rock and roll music. With songs such as "Maybellene" , "Roll Over Beethoven" , "Rock and Roll Music" and "Johnny B...
) - "ShowdownShowdown (Electric Light Orchestra song)"Showdown" is a song written by Jeff Lynne and recorded by the Electric Light Orchestra.It was the band's last contemporary recording to be released on the Harvest label....
" - "Ma-Ma-Ma BelleMa-Ma-Ma Belle"Ma-Ma-Ma Belle" is a song recorded by the Electric Light Orchestra.It was taken from the 1973 album On the Third Day. In the UK, the single version had a slightly different mix from the album original featuring a descending string crescendo and was edited in length.Marc Bolan plays twin lead...
" - "Can't Get It Out Of My HeadCan't Get It Out of My HeadCan't Get It Out of My Head is a song by Electric Light Orchestra.First released on the band's fourth album, Eldorado, in July 1974, the song is the second track on the album and follows "Eldorado Overture." The song was released in November of that same year as a single.The song became the band's...
" - "Evil WomanEvil Woman (Electric Light Orchestra song)"Evil Woman" is a song written by lead vocalist Jeff Lynne and recorded by Electric Light Orchestra.First released on the band's fifth album, 1975's Face the Music. Released as a single in late-1975, the song became the band's first worldwide hit...
" - "Nightrider"
- "Strange MagicStrange MagicFor the greatest hits collection of the same name, see Strange Magic: The Best of Electric Light Orchestra."Strange Magic" is a song written and performed by the Electric Light Orchestra. It can be found on the 1975 Face the Music LP....
" - "Livin' ThingLivin' Thing"Livin' Thing" is a song written by Jeff Lynne and performed by Electric Light Orchestra. It appears on ELO's 1976 platinum-selling album, A New World Record...
" - "Do Ya"
- "Rockaria!Rockaria!"Rockaria!" is a song by Electric Light Orchestra. It was the third track on the band's successful 1976 album A New World Record and was the second single from the album. Featuring the operatic voice of Mary Thomas during the introduction, she flubbed the first take by starting the vocals too early...
" - "Telephone LineTelephone Line (Electric Light Orchestra song)"Telephone Line" is a song by Electric Light Orchestra.The song is track two on their 1976 album A New World Record and was the final single to be released from the band's LP until September 2006 when Surrender was released from the expanded reissue....
" - "Turn to StoneTurn to Stone"Turn to Stone" is a 1977 song by Electric Light Orchestra.The song is the opening track to the double album Out of the Blue. It was the first song released as a single from the LP. The single reached #18 in the U.K. charts and stayed there for 12 weeks. Out of four singles from the album, "Turn to...
" - "Mr. Blue SkyMr. Blue Sky"Mr. Blue Sky" is a song by English rock group Electric Light Orchestra, featured on the band's seventh studio album Out of the Blue . Written and produced by frontman Jeff Lynne, the song forms the fourth and final track of the "Concerto for a Rainy Day" suite, on side three of the original double...
" - "Sweet Talkin' WomanSweet Talkin' Woman"Sweet Talkin' Woman" is a 1978 single by The Electric Light Orchestra from the LP Out of the Blue. Its original title was "Dead End Street", but it was changed during recording, perhaps to avoid confusion with a 1966 hit of the same title by the Kinks...
" - "Wild West HeroWild West Hero"Wild West Hero" is a song by Electric Light Orchestra, and the closing track and third single from the album Out of the Blue. The song was written by lead singer Jeff Lynne. Melvyn Gale, normally the band's cellist, provided the Western-style piano for this track.It entered the UK Top 40 at No. 31...
" - "It's OverIt's Over (Electric Light Orchestra song)"It's Over" is a song recorded by the Electric Light Orchestra.The song is the second track from the LP Out of the Blue. It was the last single to be lifted from the album and was released in the United States only, becoming a minor hit. The orchestral beginning was actually the end of "Mr...
" - "Shine A Little LoveShine A Little Love"Shine a Little Love" is a song by the Electric Light Orchestra. It was released as a single in the US in May 1979 and in the UK in June of the same year.-Summary:...
"
CD 2:
- "Don't Bring Me DownDon't Bring Me Down"Don't Bring Me Down" is a song by the band Electric Light Orchestra, and is the last track from their 1979 album Discovery. It is their highest charting hit in the US to date.-History:...
" - "The Diary of Horace Wimp"
- "Confusion"
- "Last Train To LondonLast Train to London"Last Train to London" is the fifth track from the Electric Light Orchestra album Discovery.The song was released in 1980 in the UK as a double A-side single with "Confusion". It peaked at #8 in the UK Singles Chart. However, in the US the two songs charted separately, with "Confusion" charting in...
" - "I'm AliveI'm Alive (Electric Light Orchestra song)"I'm Alive" is a song by the Electric Light Orchestra, released as a single in May 1980. It is featured in a sequence near the beginning of the feature film Xanadu. The song also appears on the soundtrack album Xanadu....
" - "Xanadu (Jeff Lynne only version from ELO's Flashback box set in the year 2000)"
- "All Over The WorldAll Over the World (song)"All Over the World" is a song by the Electric Light Orchestra . It is featured in the 1980 feature film Xanadu in a sequence with the film's stars Olivia Newton-John, Gene Kelly, and Michael Beck...
" - "Don't Walk AwayDon't Walk Away (Electric Light Orchestra song)"Don't Walk Away" is a song by the Electric Light Orchestra . It is featured in the 1980 feature film Xanadu in an animated sequence by Don Bluth.The song also appears on the soundtrack album Xanadu...
" - "Hold On Tight"
- "Twilight"
- "Ticket To The MoonTicket to the Moon"Ticket To The Moon" is a popular song written by Jeff Lynne and performed by Electric Light Orchestra.It was track four on the album Time and was released as a Double A along with "Here Is The News" in January 1982 , reaching #24 in the UK charts. The song is somewhat reminiscent of their earlier...
" - "The Way Life's Meant To BeThe Way Life's Meant to Be"The Way Life's Meant to Be" is a song written by Jeff Lynne and performed by Electric Light Orchestra.The song is track five on the 1981 album Time and was the last track to be released as a single from the album in the UK. It starts with gentle violins, and continues with flamenco-like guitar...
" - "Rock 'n' Roll Is King"
- "Secret MessagesSecret Messages (song)"Secret Messages" is a song recorded by Electric Light Orchestra and is the title track of the 1983 album Secret Messages....
" - "Four Little DiamondsFour Little Diamonds"Four Little Diamonds" is a song by the rock music group Electric Light Orchestra from their 1983 album Secret Messages. It was also featured on their compilation albums Afterglow and Flashback. The single did not do very well in the USA, spending only 2 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and...
" - "Calling AmericaCalling America"Calling America" is a song by the rock music group Electric Light Orchestra released as a single from their 1986 album Balance of Power. It became the band's first hit in three years. The song is, like most of the songs on Balance of Power, musically upbeat and bright but lyrically darker,...
" - "So SeriousSo Serious (song)"So Serious" is a song by the rock music group Electric Light Orchestra from their 1986 album Balance of Power.Released in the UK as the second single from the album in 1986...
" - "SurrenderSurrender (Electric Light Orchestra song)"Surrender" is a song by the Electric Light Orchestra, and was released as a bonus track on the 2006 remastered version of their 1976 studio album A New World Record....
" - "Latitude 88 North"