Electric Light Orchestra The Ultimate Collection ELO 1996 CD Top-quality

Why the disrespect? The Electric Light Orchestra were one of the biggest and most successful bands of the late 1970s, producing a massive string of hit singles and albums that almost any other band would envy. Their works have been cited as influences by such hip new acts as Grandaddy and Super Furry Animals. Their frontman and leader Jeff Lynne has been the producer of choice for people such as Paul McCartney, Tom Petty and George Harrison. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, ELO have for too long been the object of ridicule, considered relics of a bygone era. Hopefully, that all ends here: The Ultimate Collection is a two-disc set that gathers the biggest hits of this important and influential band. From “Evil Woman”, “Don’t Bring Me Down” and “Mr Blue Sky” to “Livin’ Thing”, “Roll Over Beethoven” and “Hold On Tight”, there are few duds amongst these 38 remastered tracks (okay, “Xanadu” is a bit cringe-worthy in retrospect). ELO produced some of the biggest and best singles in rock & roll’s history, and The Ultimate Collection is an excellent reintroduction to this great band. Hopefully, this also signals the beginning of a long-overdue revival and re-evaluation. –Robert Burrow