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APRIL
2012 |
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JOE WALSH IS AN ANALOG MAN
Joe Walsh's long awaited solo album 'Analog Man' (co-produced with Jeff Lynne), will finally be released June 5.
You can hear the title track by visiting Rolling Stone online.
On Feb 1, Joe hosted a private party at the Troubadour in Los Angeles to preview his first album of original music in 20 years. On stage with his six piece band, Joe played a handfull of songs from his new solo album with Jeff joining him on stage for two of the songs. The songs played that evening were... 'Analog Man', 'Wrecking Ball', '(I'm Just) Lucky That Way' and an instrumental number called 'India'. You can read more HERE.
Joe has also talked to Matt Wardlaw at ultimateclassicrock.com about his new album.
Back in December 2010, Joe revealed in an undercover.fm interview that he had been working on the album for quite some time in between his Eagles commitments with Jeff Lynne.
The full interview can be found HERE.
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 'ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA' 40th ANNIVERSARY RELEASES
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of ELO's first album 'Electric Light Orchestra', EMI released a CD/DVD and a 180 Gram Vinyl version on March 12th, 2012.
The '40th Anniversary Edition' CD features the original album and has 6 bonus tracks.
The accompanying DVD features a Quad to 4.1 DTS 96/24 (taking the original 1973 Quad and adding a sub to create the 4.1) and a flat transfer of the original stereo analogue master from 1971 in 96kHz/24 bit PCM stereo.
Sleeve notes for this release were written by Dom Lawson and the original 10538 Overture promo clip is included as as a special bonus!
The vinyl release features the original analogue stereo master.
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LYNNE & McCARTNEY
Jeff Lynne is taking part in a new Paul McCartney tribute album which is currently being assembled by Ralph Sall (who was responsible for the Grateful Dead tribute album Deadicated).
The album will also feature some other big names from the music world such as Brian Wilson, Billy Joel, Heart, B.B. King, KISS, Alice Cooper, Willie Nelson, Wanda Jackson, Ronnie Spector, the Cure, Corinne Bailey Ray and many, many more!
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LIVE AT THE FILLMORE FINALLY RELEASED!
Thanks to Sue Wayne, The Move’s legendary 1969 performances at the Fillmore West has finally been released! Over 100 minutes of Move live magic plus bonus material and exclusives was released worldwide on iTunes and online on 19 December 2011.
A 2CD version was released 5 March 2012. Special offers, news and details here…
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ELDORADO ON 180 GRAM VINYL!
Electric Light Orchestra's sumptuous, groundbreaking fourth album was released on 180 Gram Vinyl (with insert) on January 30, 2012 by Music On Vinyl.
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THREE NEW ELO RELEASES!
ELO - THE CLASSIC ALBUMS COLLECTION
Sony USA are about to release a boxset that collects together ELO's eleven classic albums. Each album has been packaged in a mini replica LP sleeve that reflects the original cover art and the box also features a booklet. The albums were sourced from the recent remaster series and as such, also include the alternative vesions and bonus tracks.
The official global release date for the 'ELO - The Classic Albums Collection' is September 13 and is available exclusively from www.popmarket.com.
ESSENTIAL ELO - DOUBLE CD
This will be the first ELO compilation that presents ELO's singles in chronological order!
The original 'Essential ELO' artwork has been re-jigged and as a result, there will now be two different covers. The U.S. and Australian releases will share the same design (pictured top left) whilst the rest of the world will feature the other.
More details will be posted as soon as they come to hand.
VINYL!
Courtesy of Music On Vinyl, ELO's three landmark albums... 'Eldorado', 'A New World Record', and 'Out Of The Blue' will be released in November, January, and March respectively. These 140 Gram Vinyl releases will feature artwork that's as true to the original as possible!
More details soon!
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THE MONTH OF GIVING CAMPAIGN
George Harrison's Fund for UNICEF's 'Month of Giving Campaign', which celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the Concert for Bangladesh August 1st, is raising funds to support UNICEF's emergency relief efforts in drought-affected Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia and Djibouti (Horn of Africa).
"The situation is worsening and famine has now spread to five areas of southern Somalia. Tens of thousands of children are dying, and we must continue to bring immediate attention to this crisis. UNICEF has called this situation in the Horn of Africa "the most severe humanitarian emergency in the world."
For more information on this extremely worthy cause, please watch this video and then visit The George Harrison Fund for UNICEF official website to see the growing list of artists who are supporting the 'Month of Giving' and find out how you can get involved.
Further details on the 'Month of Giving' are available via Facebook and Twitter... |
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JEFF LYNNE - LISTEN TO HIM!
The Hollywood Reporter published an interview with Peter Asher (acclaimed producer and he of Peter & Gordon fame in the 1960's) several months ago reporting that he was busy putting together a Buddy Holly tribute album...
The album is called 'Listen To Me: Buddy Holly' and will finally be released on the Verve Forecast label, September 6 in the US and Canada with International territories to follow soon thereafter.
The great news is that Jeff Lynne has contributed to the project by recording and producing his own version of 'Words Of Love', a song also covered by the Beatles on their 1964 album 'Beatles For Sale'.
The tribute album features a vast array of artists including Brian Wilson, Ringo Starr, Jackson Browne, Stevie Nicks, Patrick Stump (Fall Out Boy), Lyle Lovett, Cobra Starship, Natalie Merchant, The Fray, Imelda May and Chris Issak (to name but a few!).
This is not the first time that Jeff has been involved with a Buddy Holly song. In 2000, he produced and played on Paul McCartney's version of 'Maybe Baby' which was featured in a movie by the same name.
David Leaf ("The U.S. vs. John Lennon") is producing and directing film & audio recordings of the studio sessions with the film planned for release on DVD.
For more information on this exciting release go to the official website.
'Listen To Me' can be pre-ordered through Amazon.
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EARTH HAS RISEN
Richard Tandy and Dave Morgan have just re-issued their 1984 masterpiece 'Earthrise'. The 'new sequenced edition' which was released in the UK on August 18, features previously un-released tracks and bonus material!
At one point, it was envisaged that 'Earthrise' would be released as a limited edition vinyl picture disc and a digital download which would include bonus tracks and feature new artwork, but due to the overwhelming demand from fans, they decided to release the album on CD.
'Earthrise' was recorded between ELO's Time (1981) and Secret Messages (1983) albums and is a 'must have' for ELO fans!
In an interview published by Rock Legacy, Dave Morgan talks about recording 'Earthrise' with Richard.
For more information visit the Earthrise website.
When ordering the Earthrise CD, make sure that you select the 2011 version by Morgan-Tandy!
The CD can be ordered through Amazon UK.
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THE VERY BEST OF ELO !
One of ELO's best selling compilations, 'All Over The World - The Very Best Of Electric Light Orchestra' was re-released by Sony in the UK/Europe on May 30.
The tracklisting is as per the original 2005 release, but this time around features stunning new slipcase artwork!
Backed with heavy television promotion in the UK, the album re-entered the UK Top 40 album charts at number 22 and reached number 10 the following week!
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BEV GETS HIS STAR
First it was Roy, now Bev has a star on Broad Street in Birmingham...
You can read more here.
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DART ATTACK!!!
New record label Drumfire Records is releasing (for the very first time), all three of Darts studio albums (originally released on Magnet Records) which includes the fabulous Roy Wood produced 'Dart Attack' album from 1979.
The bands best selling album ‘The Amazing Darts’ – which brought together tracks form the first two albums plus singles tracks for a push in the Christmas market of 1978 has also been released.
"Darts were a nine-strong, energetic doo-wop group whose brand of visual excitement and tight harmonies earned them rave reviews wherever they played..." They were one of the top concert draw cards in the UK in the late 70's and enjoyed considerable chart success in a relatively short period of time, picking up several gold and platinum awards along the way.
'Dart Attack' features 5 bonus tracks including the Roy Wood penned Christmas song 'Sing Out The Old, Bring In The New'. Roy later released his own version in the 1980's.
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CLASSIC SONGWRITER AWARD FOR ROY!
Roy Wood was presented with a 'Classic Songwriter Award' at the 6th Marshall Classic Rock Roll Of Honour ceremony held on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at the Roundhouse in London.
The December issue of Classic Rock Magazine (pictured left) has a special feature on Roy.
Read more about the ceremony here.
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WOODY A CHRISTMAS STAR!
Roy Wood was presented with the 2010 Christmas star of Birmingham after thousands of Sunday Mercury readers and fans had signed a petition to get him a star on Broad Street.
Before recieving the award, Roy was guest of honour in Birmingham's Christmas Parade riding in a reindeer-drawn sleigh that wound its way through the main streets of Birmingham!
You can read more here.
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Mike Edwards, lead cellist for ELO during 1972-1975, died in an accident on Friday 3 September 2010.
Originally a student of the Royal Academy Of Music, Mike Edwards was asked to join the embryonic Electric Light Orchestra by Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne and played at ELO’s debut live performance in Croydon on 16 April 1972. Over the next three years, the cellist toured and recorded with the band as they strove to develop and establish their unique sound. |
A vital part of those pioneering early ELO albums, Mike’s distinctive cello playing was especially prominent on the first side of the band’s breakthrough album in America, ‘On The Third Day’. With fellow cellist Colin Walker having left the group and no time to audition a replacement before recording sessions at George Martin’s Air Studios, Mike studiously and patiently overdubbed his cello parts until he sounded like a full string section.
Let loose from the confines of the recording studio and onto the concert stage, Mike came into his own. While his accomplished cello playing was invaluable to ELO’s live orchestral sound, Mike quickly became a crowd favourite with his on-stage clowning, infectious grin, and on occasions, an exploding cello and a  rather unique solo that involved playing his instrument with a grapefruit!
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Adopting the example set by Roy Wood in the first ELO line-up, Mike was also a very colourful focal point in concert, wearing a bizarre collection of stage clothes that music paper Sounds described as successfully combining “formality and foolishness”.
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With ELO on the verge of a worldwide breakthrough in 1975, Mike decided to leave the group. While Don and David Arden were convinced they could launch the cellist as a solo star on the back of his incredible live performances with ELO, Mike was content to walk away from the spotlight to further his studies in Buddhism and pursue other musical interests.
In recent years, Mike settled in Totnes and taught music. A formidable musician with a range covering classical, jazz, medieval renaissance and modern genres, Mike was also a founder member of the Devon Baroque Orchestra and performed locally.
The talented cellist and performer played on the Electric Light Orchestra albums ‘ELO 2’, ‘On The Third Day’, ‘The Night The Light Went On (In Long Beach)’ and ‘Eldorado’ and hit singles ‘Roll Over Beethoven’, ‘Showdown’, Ma-Ma-Ma Belle’ and ‘Can’t Get It Out Of My Head’. |
Mike Edwards will be sadly missed by all and remembered fondly by ELO fans around the world.
JEFF LYNNE'S TRIBUTE TO MIKE EDWARDS
"Mike Edwards was unlike your average balaclava wearing cellist in a rock group. He was a very good natured chap who mixed politeness and reserve with wild and wacky stage performances.
Even though he left the group over 35 years ago I occasionally think about him on stage in his woolen balaclava playing his cello solo with an orange. Now that was pretty original.
Mike was a great cellist but most of all a real gentleman. The wild and strange middle bit in 'Showdown' is actually Mike Edwards Double tracked over and over adding odd notes all the time. I love that bit."
Jeff Lynne
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ELO live at the Watford Town Hall with Marc Bolan - Tuesday, 10 April, 1973 L-R Mike De Albuquerque, Mike 'Balaclava' Edwards, Marc Bolan & Jeff Lynne. Photo © Gary Merrin |
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MOJO HONOURS ROY WOOD!
Mojo Magazine honoured Roy Wood with a Classic Songwriting Award at the 2010 Mojo Honours List Awards held at The Brewery in London on June 10.
"Roy Wood formed three classic British bands: The Move, ELO and Wizzard. He also wrote some of the best pop music of any era, all before he'd turned 22. He has influenced everyone from Paul Weller to Kiss. That's why he is a Classic Songwriter - with a capital 'C' and an equally capital 'S'. This award is long overdue if you ask me. Oh, and have you noticed that I haven't even mentioned his evergreen role during the festive period..." Phil Alexander (MOJO's Editor-In-Chief)
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ELO.BIZ
The long awaited elo.biz website was finally launched on May 7th! Fans can visit the online store and check out the merchandise on offer!
www.elo.biz
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NEW JEFF LYNNE SOLO ALBUM!
Jeff is still busy recording his new solo album. More news on this and other exciting projects will be announced as soon as we are able – but you’ll hear it here first, so keep checking back!
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regina spektor 'FAR'
Jeff Lynne returned to the producer's chair for the regina spektor album 'Far' released worldwide on Sire/Warner Bros Records on June 22, 2009. Read more HERE!
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ASCAP HONOURS JEFF LYNNE
At the 4th Annual ASCAP "I Create Music Expo", Jeff Lynne was presented with the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to music. Following the award presentation made by ASCAP's president Paul Williams, Erik Philbrook carried out a wonderful interview with Jeff in front of a live audience that focused on his early days with The Nightriders/The Idle Race and his amazing career as a songwriter, producer and leader of the Electric Light Orchestra. He also talked about his time in The Traveling Wilburys, working with legendary artists The Beatles, George Harrison, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty and revealed his single string plastic guitar technique!
Courtesy of the Showdown Mailing List, list member David Jay and with special thanks to ASCAP, the full interview can be heard HERE.
Photo © David Jay 2009
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THE RECORD PRODUCERS: ROY WOOD
Hopefully Birmingham City Council listened to the radio on April 13 when BBC Radio 2 showcased Roy Wood as part of their Record Producers series! The programme, hosted by Richard Allinson and Steve Levine, concentrated on Roy’s career with The Move, ELO, Wizzard and as a solo artist. Also featured was his production work for other artists, such as Annie Haslam and Darts. A fascinating insight into the complex and creative genius that is Roy Wood, the show also included exclusive interviews with Roy, Jeff Lynne, Rick Price, Alan Parsons, Dick Plant, Annie Haslam, Horace Trubridge, Mark Radcliffe, and EMI’s Nigel Reeve plus analysis of the original multi-track tapes for ‘10538 Overture’, Angel Fingers, 'I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday', ‘Forever’ - and more!
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'LET IT ROLL: SONGS BY GEORGE HARRISON'
On June 16, 2009, Capitol/EMI released George Harrison's first-ever solo career spanning hits collection. Featuring George’s remastered hits from 1970's 'All Things Must Pass' through to 2002's 'Brainwashed' plus live recordings from 'Concert For Bangladesh', Jeff Lynne features on several of the tracks: 'Got My Mind Set On You', 'Any Road', 'This Is Love', 'Marwa Blues', 'Rising Sun', 'When We Was Fab' and 'Cheer Down'.
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KELLY GROUCUTT 1945-2009
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Michael William (Kelly) Groucutt sadly passed away on February 19, 2009, aged 63 years. Husband to Anna and father to Christopher, Steven, Robin and Jennifer, he was an amazing man whose music, huge zest for life and care and concern for all those surrounding him inspired each person he met. Kelly was laid to rest on March 9 at Christ Church, Church Road, Coseley. During the moving service, one of Kelly's best-loved and most poignant songs 'Fly Away' was sung by all.
Please visit Kelly's website by clicking HERE. |
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THE MOVE ANTHOLOGY 1966 - 1972 EXCLUSIVE WORLDWIDE OFFER
10 years in the making! 62 career-spanning tracks - over three hours of Move magnificence on one superbly remastered 4-CD box set! Classic hit singles, b-sides, choice album cuts, a wealth of previously unreleased material including never-before-heard songs, demos, alternate takes & live recordings from 1966-72. The first pressing with limited edition postcards and double-sided poster is now only available via The Move Online and Face The Music. All orders will receive limited edition copies which include all 5 Move postcards, poster PLUS a new colour Move Collectors Edition postcard AND a new promo Move sticker! ORDER
NOW!
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ELO REMASTERED
    
The ELO Reissues section has full details of the critically acclaimed ELO Remaster Series. From 'No Answer' ('Electric Light Orchestra' in the UK) to 'Balance Of Power' plus the compilations 'All Over The World' & 'Ticket To The Moon', each album has been meticulously upgraded under the full supervision of ELO songwriter & producer Jeff Lynne. Digitally remastered from the original master tapes by Lynne with engineer Jeff Magid, all albums have upgraded booklets with original memorabilia & previously unseen & rare photos from band member archives, restored & improved front sleeve artwork plus new liner notes from both Jeff Lynne & ELO archivist Rob Caiger. All ELO remasters & compilations ordered via the FTM Shop come with EXCLUSIVE ELO COLLECTORS EDITION POSTCARDS (while stocks last).
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THE MOVE REMASTERED
    
Cruelly neglected for almost forty years, The Move's original album catalogue has at last been treated with the full remaster & deluxe packaging treatment it has long deserved. Comprehensive & lovingly compiled, each reissue has been digitally remastered from the original master tapes for the first time ever & expanded with rare & previously unreleased bonus tracks. Deluxe packaging includes rare & previously unpublished photos plus in-depth liner notes & band member interviews. And all are available WORLDWIDE with EXCLUSIVE MOVE COLLECTORS EDITION POSTCARDS from the Shop. Full details in The Move Remasters section where you will find News, Lyrics, Downloads, Sound & much more! Please click HERE….
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BOULDERS REMASTERED
The stunning Roy Wood solo album, originally recorded alongside ‘The Electric Light Orchestra’, 'Looking On' and 'Message From The Country' albums is now remastered with bonus material and fully illustrated booklet - with commentary by Roy Wood! Full details HERE…
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THE TRAVELING WILBURYS COLLECTION
EXCLUSIVE commentary from Jeff Lynne & updated news on the magnificent Wilbury's CD/DVD & limited edition 3-LP sets HERE…
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GLIMMERS FROM THE TWILIGHT…
Rob Caiger’s new column shining a little light on whispers in the night and daybreaking news still to be confirmed plus a (sometimes) behind the scenes look at forthcoming projects and ideas still in development…
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