Customer Reviews

Very Best of

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Made in AUT in 2000, Serial# 489039-5, Playing Time 148:08

Not much to say about this compilation, but here's the lowdown:

Ever heard of the 2-disc set "Light Years" everyone that's craving for a great "best of" is raving about? No... well, it was released in 1997.

This set is the same, also made in Austria (not in Sweden as the title might suggest!) but in 2000, same track content, but with different artwork.

Same material (even the core serial number is the same!), but better priced!

I am sick of ELO being bashed as the poor man's Beatles, as sappy, as "disco-flavored violin trash," and as infantile muzak. All of these criticisms are from people who haven't bothered to listen to ELO from beginning to last and who are too obtuse to realize that Jeff Lynne is a musical genius (and no, I don't use that word lightly). Yes, his lyrics are banal, but with this type of music, who on earth cares? The lyrics to "Ob La Di, Ob La Da" are trite too, but with such catchy music, one can overlook the banality of the words.

This set is the not definitive set of the three issued ELO compilations, check out "Flashback" for that distinction. "Xanudu" is still a limping dog of a song, but there are some remastered gems here. ALl of the first 2 discs are pure magic, including ELO's most underrated (and, I think, best) song, "Nightrider." And how about "Four Little Diamonds" on disc three, where you can Lynne counting down the intro and sounding exactly like Ozzy Osbourne, in their mutual Birmingham accents.

The sound quality is excellent and the track order is pleasing. There are no omissions and only a few questionable inclusions, and they all appear on disc three.

I bought my first ELO single when I was 10 years old and I never looked back. If you've read this far, you're a fan like me and you will devour this set. Long live this sappy, trite, banal band... I still love 'em forever!

Made in AUT in 2000, Serial# 489039-5, Playing Time 148:08

Not much to say about this compilation, but here's the lowdown:

Ever heard of the 2-disc set "Light Years" everyone that's craving for a great "best of" is raving about? No... well, it was released in 1997.

This set is the same, also made in Austria (not in Sweden as the title might suggest!) but re-issued in 2000, same track content, but with different artwork.

Exactly the same versions (even the core serial number is the same!), but better priced!

...and in my opinion, that's a damn shame.

ELO was such a refreshing band when they were in their prime. Their music was nothing more than feel-good rock and roll with melodies you can hum or whistle and lyrics you CAN ACTUALLY UNDERSTAND!

Nowadays, "popular" rock and roll seems to be dark and angry and full of angst. Why is everyone so pissed off?

Don't get me wrong. There are a few talented musicians in today's music world and yes, the world has changed a great deal in the past 20+ years, and yes, there are a lot of problems in and with the world in general, but when I listen to music, I do it to ESCAPE my problems and the problems of the world. I want to be uplifted and have some fun.

Enough ranting.

This is a very good compilation, but by no means is it complete. I think the only way to get ALL of your favorite ELO songs is to collect their individual albums (yes, even Xanadu! "Don't Walk Away" and "I Take The Fall" are EXCELLENT songs!).

This set might be good for a new ELO fan and for those who need a place to start when trying to upgrade from LPs, cassettes or 8-tracks!

Made in AUT in 2000, Serial# 489039-5, Playing Time 148:08

Not much to say about this compilation, but here's the lowdown:

Ever heard of the 2-disc set "Light Years" everyone that's craving for a great "best of" is raving about? No... well, it was released in 1997.

This set is the same, also made in Austria (not in Sweden as the title might suggest!) but in 2000, same track content, but with different artwork.

Same material (even the core serial number is the same!), but better priced!

I was very pleased with the CD. The shipping was prompt and CD was well packed and arrived in good shape.