Customer Reviews

Light Years: The Very Best of

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When I heard the Electric Light Orchestra was releasing a box set "Afterglow" (ten years ago), I was eager to acquire it. Upon closer examination, however, I learned that it failed to include such essential ELO hits as "Confusion," "Last Train to London," "Calling America" and their five songs recorded for the "Xanadu" soundtrack. So when I learned that ELO was releasing yet another box set, "Flashback" in 2000, I was once again hopeful that it represented a comprehensive collection of their work. Wrong again. Although "Flashback" contains many of the omissions from "Afterglow," it nevertheless fails to include "All Over the World," "I'm Alive," and the original title track recording of "Xanadu." [for the high price] I was disappointed that "Flashback" wasn't what I'd hoped it to be. On amazon.com, I learned of "Light Years: The Very Best of the Electric Light Orchestra," an import from the U.K. This collection contains all 20 of ELO's Top 40 hits including their three hits from "Xanadu" plus "Don't Walk Away" from the same soundtrack. Not only is "Light Years" more comprehensive than either U.S. box set, it is also...less expensive! If you're an avid fan of the Electric Light Orchestra, this is the collection for you. My only regret is that it doesn't include the non-radio hit, "Tightrope" from "A New World Record." Other than that, I've finally found the ELO collection I've been spent ten years looking for!

While it is noted on the CD that these are all 7" versions except where noted, the biggest surprise is an excellent remastering of these ELO classics. They all sound far crisper and Jeff Lynne's vocals are much improved than any of the oringal releases or their "Afterglow" box set. Jeff said in the liner notes that he wanted to make every song a single, so most of the songs are the album versions anyway. You get plenty of bang for your buck, even for an import. Highly recommended!

This cd collection of Elo greatest hits is not in chronological order, but it really does'nt matter.There are some edited versions of songs but I really believe Jeff Lynne put alot of care into this remastered gem. These two cds sound so awesome that the edits really don't take alot out of this collection. Jeff Lynne believed each Elo song should be treated like a single, each single given the time and effort and care to make each single song stand out in it's own way,weather you love or hate the song, Jeff Lynne had that philosophy. This Elo collection defines that Jeff Lynne philosophy. I listen to this collection and I am just amazed at the skill and craftmanship of Jeff Lynne and Elo. Jeff truly is one of Englands greatest single hit makers. This collection is better than the Elo box sets that have been released in the last 16 or so years. the sound quality of these cds is incredibly pristine. This music may sound like gooey 1970s bubblegum music to some, but to me it is amazingly creative structured music that is catchy with rythm and spiritual form. I have to admit when I hear some of these Elo songs I have to crack a smile. Jeff Lynne and the rest of Elo put alot of pride into each song they ever created, this collection shows that. A true must have for Elo fans and music fans in general. The remastering on this cd set is incredible. Note: Jeff Lynne in 1994-1995 engineered for the three remaining Beatles at the time with the Beatles song "True Love", this shows you the respect even the remaining Beatles had for Jeffs amazing talent.............

Electric Light Orchestra was one of the UK's most consistent and successful bands of the 1970s. They had a long string of hits throughout that decade and the first part of the next one. Their sound was characterised by plush harmonies, loads of strings and catchy tunes. These 38 tracks include the overwhelming majority of their hits from the 1970s and the early 1980s plus some great album tracks. My favourites include Livin' Thing with its captivating fiddle, the addictive Sweet Talkin' Woman, the rousing Turn To Stone and others like Wild West Hero Don't Bring Me Down, Mr Blue Sky and 10538 Overture. It may sound like lightweight pop, but it is a skilfully honed, intelligent and cleverly produced style with classical flourishes that always remained accessible. If you like catchy pop with a touch of the orchestral, this album's for you.

Producers had the good sense to load this two-disc CD complete with not only the dozens and dozens of Top 40 radio gems from the 70s and 80s but also provide a special touch -- some great pieces from ELOs 11 albums that weren't "hits" but are great tunes. One drawback -- some classics are unnecessarily edited, such as Can't Get it Out of My Head. CD quality clear, though light on liner notes and supporting materials.

If you are a ELO fan and want a large collection of their music without breaking the bank, this is the one to get. Just like the label of this CD says, "The Very Best Of The Electric Light Orchestra"

This collection is well worth it. I Highly recommend "LIGHT YEARS" to any fan of the Electric Light Orchestra.The amount of songs compaired to other compilations is hard to beat.

My,my,what a diverse taste in music I have.Part of it extends to this heavily enjoyable assortion of superb musical numbers.Particular favourites include the funky,fusion noted number Evil Woman,the jolty,unforgettable Mr.Blue Sky,the brilliant Last Train to London and the heavy bass number Confusion.Born,bred and based in Birmingham myself,it makes me proud such musical talent could emerge from my home city.Definitely one of the best bands of the '70's,and significantly make us remember the decade.I thoroughly recommend this product.

This is a fantastic collection of ELO songs. I already had almost half of them and it was still worth the purchase. If you have ever liked any of their music, (It's a livin' Thing, Telephone Line, Evil Woman, etc.), then you will love this set. Highly recommended.

all these songs are great-I remember hearing most years ago-the one's I have not heard before, I like-if you like E.L.O., get this!