FACE THE MUSIC

"Face the Music" is not as 'grimy" as "On the Third Day" and not as lushly symphonic as "El Dorado" but rather the beginning of the swerve towards more "commercial" arrangements which , sadly would worsen with each subsequent release. All this because this album failed to chart well in the UK and ELO would "Americanize" their future sound. It remains nevertheless a masterful album with lots of shining qualities, huge melodies and a series of "classic" songs ("Strange Magic", "One Summer Dream" and "Evil Woman"). The production and overall sound is simply impeccable and the musicianship verging on somewhat sterile perfection. But only track 1 can qualify as anything remotely progressive. "Fire on High" is a rousing opener with thundering drums blasting away riotously, violins bathed in violence and spiraling effects make this the most progressive track here but no real innovation as this is a variation on previous album openers. The heavily Beatled "Waterfall" is a decent tune while "Poker", "Nightrider" and "Down Home Town" really don't impress by any stretch, certainly no where near the "harder" songs from "On the Third Day" . As many others have correctly stated, ELO is now a commercially motivated pop outfit that evolved from arguably the most progressive rock band structure ever. The quality of their pop is undeniable but frankly the "hits" require little imagination beyond the fabulous sound and production. It's all just way too clean .A damn shame though but a very common occurrence, as prog was veering already into its death dive. Cool cover though 3 Zepp Lynnes