ONE NIGHT, LIVE IN AUSTRALIA (ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA PART II: POST ELO)

One Night was a live recording of ELO Part 2 in Sydney, Australia. As I understand it, this concert has been released under various titles with different numbers of songs. I believe this two-disc version is the full concert, but with the discography of this particular release looking as confusing as it does, I could be wrong.

Anyway, ELO Part 2 performs chiefly ELO hits and mixes in some of their own songs into the foray. The production is mostly nicely done, though it sounds muddy from time to time. The band is actually quite energetic and sounds as if they really are enjoying performing this material. I'm not sure if the original ELO ever toured with an orchestra as I've only seen footage of them with their ever-present string trio. On this performance, ELO Part 2 uses an actual orchestra which is probably why the strings are more out in front than on other earlier ELO performances I've heard.

If you're chiefly interested in hearing the hits of ELO performed live, I highly recommend seeking this out. I would rather much have preferred a concert of their earlier stuff (like Kuiama, In Old England Town, 10538 Overture, From the Sun to the World, Ocean Breakup, etc.), but how can you expect to sell tickets to that when everyone wants to hear "Don't Bring Me Down" or "Mr. Blue Sky?" Oh well, one can only wish. Two stars since there isn't any prog rock on here. Again, recommended to ELO fans if you can get over the fact that Jeff Lynne isn't singing any of these.