Electric Light Orchestra – The Electric Light Orchestra (1971)

Formed in 1970 by Roy Wood and Multi-instrumentalist Jeff Lynne this first album released in ’71 was misunderstood and came out in America as ‘No Answer’, which I like better.  Largely the result of Roy’s orchestral embellishments, this album sounds quite different from the albums that followed as Roy left after this one and Jeff took over.  Still, quite an incredible record – full of woodwind, brass and cello’s and songs with strange titles like ‘Nellie Takes Her Bow’ and ‘The Battle of Marston Moor’.  Pure prog rock really – and it didn’t stand a chance, despite the success of single ‘10538 Overture’ it flopped, maybe hastening Roy Wood’s departure.  I still like the album, despite it’s chaotic and almost rough mix – as if instruments were picked up at random.  Still, more in the light of how successful they soon became I have included this debut.  Brilliant?  Not so sure.