Classic Rock Album of the Day (5/18)

[Dawn]

Thanks to Sat for suggesting today's featured album!

Face the Music - Electric Light Orchestra, 1975[/size]

The tracks:

1. Fire On High
2. Waterfall
3. Evil Woman
4. Nightrider
5. Poker
6. Strange Magic
7. Down Home Town
8. One Summer Dream

What are your thoughts on this album?

[SAT-I need more room!!]

Well, I guess I should be the first to answer then! LOL!

Of course growing up, I knew Evil Woman, and then later, Strange Magic. These were both faves at the time. When I started listening to classic rock, I discovered Fire on High, which is up there with Frankenstein as one of the most popular instrumentals of classic rock. (Hard to believe it didn't make their first box set!)

Speaking of that first box, that was where I discovered three more songs, one of which has become a top 5 ELO tune for me. (Although I did have it on vinyl for years, since I heard Fire on High) Waterfall is ok, One Summer Dream better, but to me, Nightrider is the best tune on here. Love the singing, love the music, love the switching of vocals from Kelly Grocutt to Jeff Lynne. You would think all those years heading out ELO Part II that Kelly would have performed this, but no such luck.

Not as good as A New World Record (few albums are), but a winner nonetheless!

[kathyb]

My husband is a big ELO fan. I never got into them a whole lot when I was younger, but when my husband and I were dating, it seems he was constantly listening to ELO, which exposed me to their music on a much deeper level. And now I consider myself a fan. This is a mighty fine album. Really like the tunes Strange Magic, One Summer Dream, and Nightrider.

[Ken]

Hi Dawn:) I never had this album growing up but I do remember seeing it in the stores back in the 70's. I heard tracks like Strange Magic(such a great one) from my brother 8 track of OLE ELO , and I did have the 45 of Evil Woman(oh where is it now?? And the b -side to Do Ya was Nightrider which I always liked. I've heard Fire on High a few times as well , Iwould have liked if it had been included on the Strange Magic 2 CD best of but oh well:)

[Dawn]

SAT-The said:

Well, I guess I should be the first to answer then! LOL!

Of course growing up, I knew Evil Woman, and then later, Strange Magic. These were both faves at the time. When I started listening to classic rock, I discovered Fire on High, which is up there with Frankenstein as one of the most popular instrumentals of classic rock. (Hard to believe it didn't make their first box set!)

Speaking of that first box, that was where I discovered three more songs, one of which has become a top 5 ELO tune for me. (Although I did have it on vinyl for years, since I heard Fire on High) Waterfall is ok, One Summer Dream better, but to me, Nightrider is the best tune on here. Love the singing, love the music, love the switching of vocals from Kelly Grocutt to Jeff Lynne. You would think all those years heading out ELO Part II that Kelly would have performed this, but no such luck.

Not as good as A New World Record (few albums are), but a winner nonetheless!

I got this album on vinyl just recently, after reading about many of the songs on your INSANE list!

I've always loved 'Evil Woman' and 'Strange Magic' - I remember getting the 45s of both of those back in 1976. I agree, 'Fire on High' should have been included on Afterglow - as much as I like that set, it's missing a few crucial tracks. 'Nightrider' is fantastic - when I got this album, I played 'Evil Woman' and it over and over. Excellent track!

[Dawn]

kathyb said:

My husband is a big ELO fan. I never got into them a whole lot when I was younger, but when my husband and I were dating, it seems he was constantly listening to ELO, which exposed me to their music on a much deeper level. And now I consider myself a fan. This is a mighty fine album. Really like the tunes Strange Magic, One Summer Dream, and Nightrider.

Thanks, Kathy. I've loved ELO's singles ever since I was a kid, but it's only been within the last few years that I've been familiar with many of their album cuts. Like you, I've really enjoyed getting acquainted with their deeper cuts. 'Strange Magic' is wonderful - reminds me so much of my childhood!

[Dawn]

KenFrank said:

Hi Dawn:) I never had this album growing up but I do remember seeing it in the stores back in the 70's. I heard tracks like Strange Magic(such a great one) from my brother 8 track of OLE ELO , and I did have the 45 of Evil Woman(oh where is it now?? And the b -side to Do Ya was Nightrider which I always liked. I've heard Fire on High a few times as well , Iwould have liked if it had been included on the Strange Magic 2 CD best of but oh well:)

Hi Ken! Like you, I had the 45 to 'Evil Woman', and somehow it came up missing over the years. I remember getting ELO's Greatest Hits on cassette in my senior year of high school, and playing it constantly in my car. 'Fire on High' really should be included on their compilations - it's a great track!

[Pete70s]

The first installment of ELO's great "Triple slam" (Face The Music, A New World Record, Out Of The Blue). They OWNED the late 70's!!

"The music is reversable, but time is not... Turn back... Turn back...."

[Dawn]

Pete70s said:

The first installment of ELO's great "Triple slam" (Face The Music, A New World Record, Out Of The Blue). They OWNED the late 70's!!

"The music is reversable, but time is not... Turn back... Turn back...."

I agree with you, Pete - they were red-hot in the late 70's. All three of those albums are superb!

[SAT-I need more room!!]

Pete70s said:

The first installment of ELO's great "Triple slam" (Face The Music, A New World Record, Out Of The Blue). They OWNED the late 70's!!

"The music is reversable, but time is not... Turn back... Turn back...."

I've always called that one of rock's greatest Triple Plays!

[beatles4ever]

[glow=red,2,300]ELO is a great group![/glow]

[Dawn]

beatles4ever said:

[glow=red,2,300]ELO is a great group![/glow]

I agree - they've always been one of my favorites!