Unlike their previous release ‘Eldorado’, Electric Light Orchestra’s ‘A New World Record’ changed course markedly, as radio appeal and their requirement for shorter songs meant that ELO had to adapt, which they did successfully.
Written by: gdmonline
ARTIST: Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)
ALBUM: A New World Record
LABEL/SERIAL: UK: Jet Records, JET LP 20 * United Artists, UAG 30017, UA-LA 679 * USA: United Artists, UA-LA679-G
YEAR: 1976
CD REISSUE: Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: England
LINEUP: Jeff Lynne – lead and backing vocals, guitars, percussion, electric piano, arrangements, lyrics, production * Richard Tandy – keyboards, guitar, percussion, backing vocals * Kelly Groucutt – lead and backing vocals, bass, percussion * Bev Bevan – drums, percussion, backing vocals * Melvyn Gale – cello * Hugh McDowell – cello * Mik Kaminski – violin
Additional Musicians: Louis Clark – conductor, arrangements
TRACK LISTING: 01 Tightrope * 02 Telephone Line * 03 Rockaria! * 04 Mission (A World Record) * 05 So Fine * 06 Livin’ Thing * 07 Above The Clouds * 08 Do Ya * 09 Shangri-La
WEBLINKS: Site Link
Background
During this phase of the Electric Light Orchestra journey, their profile was starting to take off. Much like their big circular spaceship, it seemed the British symphonic rockers were heading into outer space. By now their relationship with Jet Records was cemented, and I’m sure Don Arden’s bank balance was looking healthy too.
The album also introduced bassist/vocalist Kelly Groucutt to Electric Light Orchestra, he would remain a presence for the next decade or so. The album contained two well-known hits for the band: ‘Telephone Line’ and ‘Livin’ Thing’. Both were all over radio during 1976 right across the globe. The 2006 reissue contains another six bonus tracks.
In Summary
Unlike their previous release ‘Eldorado’, ‘A New World Record’ changed course markedly, as radio appeal and their requirement for shorter songs meant that ELO had to adapt, which they did successfully. As a result, this album was considered Electric Light Orchestra’s break-through moment. No shitty reviews from the UK music press this time! The album went to No 1 in several countries, traversing its run from release (Oct 1976) and then well into 1977.
Video
Entire Album (Select Tracks)
