Eldorado

Description

· A Bold Celebration of Romantics, Escapists, and Dreamers: Electric Light Orchestras Eldorado Marries Rock and Symphonic Elements, Includes the Aptly Titled Hit Cant Get It Out of My Head

· Mastered from the Original Analog Master Tapes for Audiophile Quality: Mobile Fidelity 180g Vinyl LP and Hybrid SACD Reissues Play with Previously Unheard Dynamics, Rich Tones, and Bountiful Colors

· Melodic, Beatles-Inspired Tour de Force Features Full Orchestra and Choral Section: Arrangements and Lyrics Transport the Listener to Faraway Horizons

Electric Light Orchestra leader Jeff Lynne did more than figuratively reach for the sky on Eldorado. Daring to be bold, and creating imaginative worlds that invite the listener to escape the mundane, the visionary composer-musician achieved a multidisciplinary fantasia and, in the process, a prog-rock landmark. Nearly 50 years later, the concept albums brilliance can be experienced like never before in cinematic fashion.

An artistic breakthrough that established Electric Light Orchestra as a pioneering band (and confirmed Lynne as the leading practicing Beatles disciple), the 1974 effort remains notable for its involvement of a full orchestra and choral section, the range of which are captured with exquisite results on this LP. Eldorado distinguished itself from the bands first two works not only via Lynnes sharpened songwriting but due to the hiring of an orchestra that augmented the groups three string players. Co-arranged by Lynne and conductor Louis Clark, the symphonic movements bolster the contagious fare without ever drowning it. The accents also act as transports into the varied narrative universes.

Finished as a story before Lynne put notes down on paper, Eldorado ironically owes its inspiration to Lynnes father. In response to his dads criticisms about the band, Lynne conceived a melodic tour de force that, like The Wizard of Oz, which informs the cover art, emphasizes the power of everyday dreams and everyman heroism. Its no coincidence that the sonic journey begins with an overture punctuated by the words of a cynic who condemns the dreamer, the unwoken fool.

Beautiful yet fun, ambitious yet consistent, Eldorado proceeds to celebrate such romantics and escapists. A Technicolor escapade marked by lush melodies, fluid crescendos, and an intoxicating blend of energetic rock and sweeping orchestral elements, the album weds rich imagery and sweeping sounds in manners that make the two inseparable. In Lynne and companys hands, reality and fantasy collide, and dissolve any dividing lines. The proof is not just in the epic production, but in the timeless (and catchy) nature of songs such as the balladic Boy Blue, power-pop packed Illusions in G Major, and, of course, the aptly titled hit, Cant Get It Out of My Head.

Decades later, Eldorado doubles as the equivalent of an out of body experience, an invitation to break away from monotony whether youre listening to your Mobile Fidelity reissue on a large system or an excellent pair of headphones.