THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION

Interesting release. Of all ELO compilations this is surely the best one if you´re looking for a single disc collection. Which is not a big deal, really. It only means that the other ones are quite poor. Eletric Light Orchestra, or ELO, is one of the most misunderstood bands of all time. Ok, the fact they had huge radio hits did not help much with the critics, but the music remains: great pop tunes, with some prog influenced arrangements and a truly unique sound. Jeff Lynne is a genius songwriter (and one of the most prolific in the 70´s), no matter what some people say. And the musicians involved are absolute skillful and creative.

But for the record itself: it is very good. Almost every tune here is a winner and the tracks are presented in chronological order, something always missing from other ELO´s compliations. It gives a good overview of some of their most important hits. Still a good chunk of their best stuff is missing. Songs like Do Ya, Last Train To London, Telephone Line and Tighrope are only the unforgiveable ones. I stil bought at the time because as a single disc it is a good collection and it was cheap. Besides, it is simply impossible to have a fair compliation without at least a two disc format.

All in all a good introduction to the band. Not THE definitive collection, but certainly a good starting point for the newbie. 3,5 stars .