LIVE AT WINTERLAND '76

Live at Winterland '76 is a live recording of an ELO performance at the Winterland in San Francisco during the Face the Music tour. Although not as interesting as their The Night the Light Went Out in Long Beach (1974), it does cover some aspects of ELO's progressive rock period including performances of Fire On High, the 10538 Overture/Do Ya medley, and a nicely done version of the Eldorado Suite, which featured six tracks off the Eldorado album. Production-wise, this recording is a bit of a mixed bag. During some songs (or even portions of songs) the sound is great, and at other times, the mix is just horrible. Probably the worst moments are from Jeff Lynne himself as it doesn't really sound like his guitar is in tune (or maybe he isn't even playing the right notes?). This is especially noticed during Fire On High and the Eldorado Overture. The energy on this recording is exceptional. It's a shame Lynne didn't allow (or maybe write into his music) the energy this band could create to show up in its studio recordings.

My biggest surprise after listening to this was Groucutt's bass playing. He was never considered exceptional on this instrument and it appears Lynne only thought of him as a session musician, but during this live recording, he really lets loose. It's a shame he never played for a real prog band. I now have a new appreciation for Mr. Groucutt.

Overall, I think this deserves three stars as it has its technical difficulties and doesn't cover enough from the group's prog era. Highly recommended to ELO fans. Good, but not essential.