ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA

ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA
OUT OF THE BLUE (1977)
320 KBPS

As much as I would love to gush on about this album, I'll let others do that. I can't be objective...it's been one of my fav albums since I was 10. Simply put, this was ELO and Jeff Lynne's high-water mark artistically and production-wise, as well as comercially. If you're a fan, you already own a tattered version. If not...what are you waiting for?
Sony Legacy has slowly been issuing the ELO remasters since the turn of the century, with "Out of the Blue" and "Balance of Power" (why bother?) being the last two. Why they waited for so long to get their biggest selling album out as a remastwer is beyond me, but the wait has been worth it. This is one of the best remasters I have heard in a LONG time. In fact, although it is not mentioned in the credits, I wouldn't be surprised if there was some minor re-mixing involved. Some may claim sacreledge, but if this is the case, it has worked to this album's favor. The production and sound quality is impeccable, the "audio landscape" is vastly improved. The seperation of instruments has improved, the bass has serious depth, the highs soar. Twelve-string guitars sound like musical waterfalls ("Sweet Talking Woman"), the strings sizzle all over. The guitar on "Jungle" has been boosted a bit, giving the track a power it only hinted at before. The overall sound flows wonderfully with a great balance.
Let's put it this way...say you've only ever watched your favorite movie on a small black & white TV. All of a sudden, you get to see it in color on IMAX. This remaster of "Out of the Blue" is the audio equivalent of that.
Jeff Lynne states that this is his favorite of the ELO catalogue, and it certainly shows with this lovingly done remaster. Every ELO fan (or want-to-be fan) and every serious audiophile should have this in their collection. If you've ever owned this album, it's now time to trade up and experience it as if it were the first time.

1. Turn to Stone 3:49
2. It's Over 4:08
3. Sweet Talkin' Woman 3:49
4. Across the Border 3:53
5. Night in the City 4:03
6. Starlight 4:31
7. Jungle 3:53
8. Believe Me Now 1:21
9. Steppin' Out 4:40
10. Standin' in the Rain 3:59
11. Big Wheels 5:32
12. Summer and Lightning 4:14
13. Mr. Blue Sky 5:03
14. Sweet Is the Night 3:27
15. Whale 5:07
16. Birmingham Blues 4:23
17. Wild West Hero 4:45
18. Wild West Hero [Alternate Bridge: Home Demo]* 0:26
19. Quick and the Daft* 1:49
20. Latitude 88 North* 3:24

*bonus tracks on remaster

password: NS118