TIME

Well, well, well. I must say that it is about time that ELO was added to this site. While obviously not ful-blown prog they definitely had their moments. I'd like to preface my review with a bit of info on myself. I amm a huuuuge fan of progressive rock, specifically symphonic. My favorite bands include Yes, King Crimson, ELP, Floyd, Rush and others. Thanks to this fabulous website I am a recent initiate of Gentle Giant and Camel, both of whom I am in desperate need of hearing much more! Alright, enough rambling but I felt it necessary because so many like to dis ELO due to their "poppiness."

"Time" is a truly wonderful and enjoyable album. It really does have a progressive feel to it because it is a total concept album dealing with change, loss, sadness and, of course, time, in a futuristic way. ( One of my best friends has actually written a screenplay for this recording...whether he'll ever do anything with it remains to be seen.) I am a big fan of strings in music so when Jeff Lynne decided to continue ELO without violins or cellos I was a bit perturbed. But this album has some marvelous synthesizer work by Lynne and Richard Tandy, but then all the instruments are played well since Lynne is such the perfectionist when it comes to production. "Time" is not filled with the poppy fluff that ELO quite often put out for radio play, although two tracks (Here is the News, Hold on Tight) were fairly big hits on the air. Every song is very different from the next which also helps make this album so enjoyable to listen to. Lynnes voice is quite strong and clear on most tracks. And there are some really fine lyrics throughout.

My favorite tracks are "Yours Truly 2095," "Another Heart Breaks," and the hit tune "Here is the News" which you may or may not remember as having some great sound effects, a snappy beat and humorous futuristic lyrics. Speaking of sound effects, at the end of the tune "Twilight" leading into "Yours Truly 2095" you can hear the old stand-up video game Galaga. Perhaps I'm a bit biased in my opinion of this album since it's one of those that I've owned on vinyl, tape and cd. It most definitely has an ELO/Jeff Lynne sound to it, so if that annoys you then don't bother with this. But if you'd like to hear a very original and entertaining "almost prog" album then check this out! A solid 3 and one half stars. (See, I'm trying not to be too biased.)