Label: EPIC/LEGASY Records (US), 82796 94278 2
Style: Progressive Pop, Rock
Country: Birmingham, England
Time: 52:33
Format: Flac Tracks 16/44,1 kHz
Size: 328 Mb
Face
the Music is more fine work from the Electric Light Orchestra, which
rather quietly has evolved into a most consistent septet. Leader Jeff
Lynne remains one of a few Sixties rockers who has developed a new and
more adventurous style with a minimum of chaff in the process. In this
setting he has successfully integrated a recognizable string trio (an
achievement in itself) with his own melodic strings, producing a stately
music without being stuffy or saccharine. Nor do the cellos and violin
seem a mere afterthought.
All eight compositions are strong and fully
realized: "Poker" with its hard rock guitar explosions, the oddly
workable C&W flirtation "Down Home Town" and an instrumental with
lavish but spirited orchestration. The seven outdo themselves, however,
on "One Summer Dream," a beautiful and evocative tune sung touchingly by
Lynne. A trifle sentimental perhaps, but lyrically and musically, it
displays more emotion (not to mention pure ability) than one ordinarily
hears from a rock group. Most importantly the song, and the rest of Face
the Music as well, reiterates that rock can be complex, ambitious and
"arty," yet still remain rock.
(Charley Walters, Rolling Stone, 1-1-76.)
The
Electric Light Orchestra, led by former Move member Jeff Lynne, is
better than most groups who try to combine rock with classical motifs.
At least the ELO is skillful and unpretentious. But what is the sense of
mixing whiskey and wine? The powers, techniques, effects, and
schematics of rock and classical music are at polar odds with one
another. Outside of relief from the boredom of playing the twang-thump
of rock, there doesn't seem to be any valid reason to try to achieve
this mutant sound. And, even though ELO's classical orchestrations are
neatly done, they cannot disguise the basic weakness of the rock
material.
(Joel Vance, Stereo Review, 2/76.)
Another beautiful
set from the seven Brits who helped pioneer the merger of classical and
rock on a mass basis. Divided fairly equally into smooth, flowing
melodies fronted by equally relaxing singing and easy rockers, the
guitar, vocals and writings of Jeff Lynne remain dominant. New to the
group, however, is Kelly Groucutt, who handles bass and takes over on
lead vocals from time to time. With a softer voice than Lynne's,
Groucutt provides the balance that has been missed in past albums.
Guitars, violins and cellos melt together easily under Lynne's
production, and the unlikely combination works as well as anything the
band has ever done. Musically, a truly beautiful LP. Best cuts:
"Waterfall," "Evil Woman," "Poker," "Down Home Town."
(Billboard, 1975.)
Superb production and a good song lineup featuring "Evil Woman" and "Strange Magic."
(Bruce Eder, The All-Music Guide to Rock, 1995.)
ELO's
formula first jelled into a sleek hit-making machine with Face The
Music, an album on which Jeff Lynne's producing chops first match his
songwriting prowess -- fueled by songs such as the radio staple "Evil
Woman" and dreamy ballad "Strange Magic."
(Eric Deggans, Musichound Rock: The Essential Album Guide, 1996.)
01. Fire On High (05:31)
02. Waterfall (04:11)
03. Evil Woman (04:29)
04. Nightrider (04:26)
05. Poker (03:32)
06. Strange Magic (04:29)
07. Down Home Town (03:54)
08. One Summer Dream (05:51)
09. Fire On High Intro (Early Alt Mix) (03:23)
10. Evil Woman (Stripped Down Mix) (05:00)
11. Strange Magic (U.S. Single Edit) (03:27)
12. Waterfall (Instrumental Mix) (04:15)
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