Classical Composer Reacts to ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA: Telephone Line | The Daily Doug | Ep. 756

[@alan11121959]

John Lennon commented that Jeff Lynne and ELO were the logical extention of The Beatles... I think he was right.

[@markusjayne]

It’s funny you say that. My wife and I were listening to ELO Essentials the other night on Apple Music and I kept commenting on how some songs reminded me so much of the Beatles. 10538 Overture could have easily been on Magical Mystery Tour. Such an amazing band that draw from so many great influences. I also hear The Beach Boys in some of their harmonies.

[@rayjr62]

I thought John Lennon (who after hearing Your Song) said it was Elton John who kinda picked up where the Beatles left off.

[@cazgerald9471]

The comparison could only hold up if the Beatles had a lone song writer who was also their producer.

[@c8Lorraine1]

Agree with you but don’t think it’s a compliment to Jeff, poor guy .

[@MrJambug]

@@markusjayne A bit of trivia for you. 10538 Overture is heavily sampled (credited) by Paul Weller, a self confessed fan, for his song Changing Man. And yes, Jeff was a massive fan of The Beatles, he worked with George Harrison in The Traveling Wilbury's of course. There are signs everywhere in ELO's work, but one of the most obvious is the drum line in Don't Bring Me Down which is directly lifted from Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club band (Reprise). He also produced albums for George Harrison, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney. My personal favourite on A New World Record is Rockaria. That would be a brilliant track for Doug to do.

[@davidschecter5247]

Jeff is one of THE greatest melodic songwriters of the 20th and 21st centuries. Not to mention and iconic producer, amazing singer, and guitarist. He is a TREASURE!

[@alcasey6548]

There are some great vids on KZbin of Jeff and Richard Tandy playing ELO hits in Jeff’s home. Incredible talents

[@ljw5768]

He shafted the old members though. Kelly had to litigate to get co-writing credits for Mr Blue Sky and others.

[@giantsquid2]

Absolutely. He is so underrated. He wrote numerous super-catchy and infectious and beautiful songs.

[@dragonriders729]

The way Jeff sings "Let it ring forevermore". Goosebumps. Every time.

[@jsprite123]

Agreed. That is the punch line of the entire song!

[@giantsquid2]

So soulful

[@evek2501]

He captured a very real vulnerability we've all experienced. That's why it struck a chord (pardon the pun).

[@madelineanabella6400]

Yes!!!! And I love the way his voice echos at times ❤

[@karengray662]

I have vivid memories of babysitting as a teenager & finding this album. I put it on & lay on the floor with my ear to the speaker, so as not to disturb the children. I loved it, told my brother about it & for my 13th birthday he bought me Out of the Blue on blue vinyl. My child has it now & it is as precious to them as it is to me 😊 More ELO please

[@markh.7650]

Sounds like we are about the same age. When I was 13-14 I had out of the blue on my turntable on repeat for hours every day. Those were the days...

[@karengray662]

@@markh.7650 oh yes. Brother started to regret buying me it 😄

[@operationoverloard]

How many children you have?

[@existential_horror5045]

@@operationoverloard They said child, so they're only mentioning one :)

[@WhereIsPancakesHouse]

I’ve listened to this song for 40-some years and I never get tired of it. ELO is so underrated.

[@Jamesdylandean]

This done at Wembley Stadium, UK is one the greatest live performances, ever!!!!

[@markusjayne]

Jeff Lynne’s ELO are doing their final tour this year. Do yourself a favor and go see one of the greatest songwriter/bands ever! They also released a Live at Wembley concert from 2017 on Blu-ray that is absolutely amazing!

[@kristenheaslip8668]

I wish they would come to australia

[@BlackSpiderPro]

They're not coming to Europe, though :( I'll never get to see my music hero.

[@triciamoller1472]

The British never fail to impress. Lead singer sang with George Harrison,Roy Orbison ,Tom Petty, Bob Dylan in the master group Travelling Willburys🇦🇺

[@operationoverloard]

In 1976 I was much younger and did not understand the meaning of the song, but still fell in love with it's entire execution. I then became an avid ELO fan. THEN started dating. After losing my first girlfriend tragically😢 I started to understand the song. I never lived it, can't totally relate to it, but I "get it" and still love it.

[@billcoonley319]

Great song. Jeff Lynne has written a lot of fantastic music, and Richard Tandy is one of the early synthesizer wizards in the rock world. More ELO would indeed be welcome!

[@davidpax]

ELO has made so much great music. Their old stuff as well as the newer songs are great. The album Time is all hits. Start with the Prologue+Twilight songs.

[@soniasimaria]

I would add Yours Trully 2095 to those, I just love the trio initial songs of Time album 🥰😊

[@andrewgood4230]

Agreed. Even the songs that didn't make the Time album are fantastic. It was their SGT Peppers!

[@ianross5970]

The live from Wembley version is so much better. Seeing them play this live and watching the audience dancing is what ELO are all about.

[@armp1287]

Probably (in my hmble opinion always) one best songs ever written,its just a joy to listen to everytime.

[@JeffLynnesELOFan]

❤❤❤Jeff Lynne's ELO will be on Tour in the Summer and Fall of 2024 in North America for 32 concerts.💯💯💯

[@xbia1]

You should do the whole album. It's their best one.

[@alcasey6548]

I'd agree with that. Closely followed by Eldorado.

[@email7919]

You mean out of the blue?

[@alanglover9117]

At least do Tightrope

[@andyvanleuvan3852]

The ending of Shangri-La is worth a listen and reaction

[@dav147]

1 Eldorado, 2 On the Third Day, 3 Out Of The Blue - in that order..

[@xyprophis3067]

All Over The World, Don't Bring Me Down, Do Ya, Living Thing and so many more ELO greats!

[@66hss]

Shangri-La (also -76) and Now you're gone from Jeff's solo album Armchair theatre (1990) would be the perfect sequel for this song.

[@hellemarc4767]

I love this band. They have so many great songs.

[@Paul_Halicki]

BTW: ELO is my desert island band. If I were on an island and only had the music of one artist it would be Jeff Lynn/ELO.

[@rev7verse14]

RIP Richard Tandy he was the glue of ELO's hits

[@MrMrdlegend]

Jeff is a genius. The first band I started listening to in earnest as a kid

[@philnicholls4954]

My favourite ELO song. Full of longing and pleading. Beautifully futuristic with trinkets of sounds, yet nostalgic, timeless, personal and relatable.

[@whaleshark2672]

Great band, lots of great songs, beautifully constructed. I always loved Bev Bevan’s thudding Slingerland drum sound.

[@jamesmaass8929]

Jeff Lynne is a musical genius. A composer with a unique vision. Genius. Mr Blue Sky is a concert all in it's own

[@Paul_Halicki]

Actually it's the fourth movement in Concerto for a Rainy Day (the entire 3rd side of the album).

[@themrnoname2945]

It bothers me so much how underrated Jeff Lynne still is

[@Biden_Cult_Morons]

Don't let it bug you too much. Sleep well knowing that Jeff lives in a mansion, and has for a long time

[@roystoyscomics1361]

And has his own home studio to putter around in when he is so inclined. 😊

[@themrnoname2945]

@@roystoyscomics1361 I obviously know hes rich? still underrated as a musician

[@happyolddude]

Not with me!

[@mattlauer6817]

Not underated amongst musicians

[@geoff6942]

What amazes me about Jeff, is that in the renowned Wembley concert 2017, his voice sounded unchanged from the 1977 recording of telephone line. I understand a great deal of work was done by Jeff and his team, to make sure all the songs performed sounded like the originals. It worked!

[@magicbrownie1357]

"Schrodinger's phone call" LOL

[@operationoverloard]

Sweet Talking Woman, Turn To Stone, Mr. Blue Sky, Do Ya, Evil Woman, Above the Clouds, Summer and Lightning.....many more

[@alzo7891]

The intro in lo-fi mono transforming into glorious hi-fi stereo is the audio equivalent of the start of 'The Wizard of Oz.'

[@lizzyfolks9116]

With classmate friends, I attended an ELO concert in the ‘70’s as I was going through uni, taking Music Education. Loved the concert. They warmed up the audience with Ravel’s “Bolero”. Who today would do that?

[@perry3928]

Ah ELO. What an awesome band. Going to have to go back and re-imerse myself in their music. Especially Eldorado album.Thanks so much for bringing me back!

[@justlookingaround9834]

Yes this is a particular favourite album of mine.

[@richteezer1]

You must do the opener to the album, Tightrope and the closer, Shangri-la la. Incredible tracks.

[@dougefresh7435]

Going to see ELO in September/24 . A life time of enjoying Jeff’s genius and finally going to see and hear it live . ❤❤I can’t wait!

[@tomdiodati5028]

I saw them in 2019 and if this concert approximates that one you won’t regret going. I’m going again to see him in Toronto in September.

[@richardhargrave6082]

You can't forget about ELO! A New World Record is a brilliant album

[@Astro-Markus]

Look for "Jeff Lynne's ELO - Telephone Line (Live at Wembley Stadium)" to listen to a perfect live version from 2017.

[@adamblackwelder1963]

This is my favorite E.L.O. song...and that's saying a lot!

[@digibirder]

Jeff is doing his last tour soon. If you get a chance, go see him. He puts on a great show!

[@neorich59]

Face The Music was the album where everything came together, particularly using a full string orchestra. But, things went stratospheric with A New World Record, which was massive on _both_ sides of the pond and was then followed by another handful of truly great albums. Lynned is a genius. He used a number of very distinctive chord progressions. Whether with ELO, or the myriad other artists he produced, you always know when you are listening to his work! Try "I Won't Back Down," by Tom Petty! Or, "You Got It," by Roy Orbison, both produced by Lynne!

[@misha-jz4yx]

ELO songs have stayed so classy over the years. They sound of their time, and timeless, at the same time. I love Jeff Lynne & ELO.

[@Astro-Markus]

That's one of their songs that clearly shows their Beatles inspiration.

[@alcasey6548]

You know that Jeff Lynne produced the Beatles Anthology albums, and worked with George Harrison. Jeff is an absolute legend.

[@Astro-Markus]

@@alcasey6548 Sure. The Travelling Wilburys were grand!

[@Thorgrim247]

Jeff Lynne is a genius as a composer and producer. He loved The Beatles.

[@wizard70]

Brother... your content is really good. Glad to see people who are excited by great music!

[@alcasey6548]

If you enjoyed ELO, then check out one of their earliest hits, 10538 Overture. 🙂

[@paulfranklin8636]

Their very first hit in fact

[@chriswiedeman2956]

"Mister Blue Sky" is one of my favorites, too.

[@johnnieangel99]

Every break up when this came out is this song

[@flexiblebus]

I have watched several reaction videos to this song and I'm thrilled to see someone finally mention my favorite part of this song! The mono "imagined" conversation which then transitions into the stereo reality that the other person isn't answering the phone is pure genius to me. Always gives me chills. Such a subtle but beautiful detail imo.

[@bryane154]

ELO! These reviews are getting more exquisite by the minute

[@courtneywallace871]

You need to do Mr. Blue Sky, my favorite ELO song. I’ve pretty much given up on you checking out some Todd Rundgren. What a shame. You don’t know what you’re missing.

[@tuffsheddweller]

He reacted to the suite, "Concerto for a Rainy Day" which contains Mr. Blue Sky

[@matthewglidden4860]

I cannot second this motion more.

[@JoriDiculous]

@@matthewglidden4860 He already reacted to it when he did "Concerto for a rainy day"

[@matthewglidden4860]

@@JoriDiculous Oops, my mistake. Thanks for the insight. I'll put that in my queue.

[@ditmavic]

This album I think was a practice run before the big one, "Out of the blue". if you look at the main image on the album cover you can see where they got the design for the spaceship on "Out of the blue" album cover!

[@alcasey6548]

The spaceship became the set for the tour with the band playing inside the spaceship.

[@daniellevy2272]

You're gonna LOVE Shangri-La

[@ChristyAbbey]

Oh yeah. I did an acoustic cover for Telephone Line. So when I broke it down bit by bit, that mono to stereo really popped out. On my old transistor back in the day, it just sounded like two different recordings. Just got the remaster cd, and have yet to listen to the original mix included as bonus track.

[@violinmke]

I was a Beatles kid then grew into an ELO teen. I saw them on the Spaceship tour which lifted a mechanical spaceship on hydrolics to reveal the band. Maybe '77 or 78.

[@matsholmberg1272]

My favourite ELO track. One of my favs altogether among pop songs (I am more into prog rock like otherwise)

[@gregarioussolitudinist5695]

There is a very good version of this song with Jeff Lynne singing to a piano accompianment in a casual room setting. You can really hear the words and the chording.

[@bedazzled64]

I love ELO so much. Please check out their "Out of the Blue" album. So many good songs on there, including ones that never got airplay. My favorites are Big Wheels, Summer and Lightning, Birmingham Blues and the intro to It's Over is incredible. I would always crank it up in my car.

[@hillardschlachman6610]

Their Album Face The Music only 8 tracks but all are fantastic ! The opening all musical track - Fire On High ( except for the words Fire On High ) , one of the greatest B-side recordings ever ! Used at many sporting events to get the crowd going ! Final track One Summer Dream one of most beautiful ballads you will ever hear , and the favorite song of many hardcore ELO fands !

[@deborahhuckstep2379]

If you want a SAD relationship song....the last one on this album will rip your heart out. Richard Tandy just kills it with an extended keyboard solo outro that makes me cry every time.

[@StevenMichals0812]

ELO burst onto the scene with a cover of Roll Over Beethoven that blew me away at 12.

[@grahamhowes6904]

ELO was originally Jeff and ROY WOOD of THE MOVE so Roy was on several early albums before parting company. Jeff is a laconic genius that’s for sure - Birmingham born and with that same lugubrious humour. Music to bathe in. And trusted by the remaining BEATLES to produce FREE AS A BIRD.

[@TehZombish]

I agree with you, Doug. The kids these days DO have it easier... but any of us that grew up in the previous century will relate to this. Nothing more lonesome than the cold electronic ringing of a phone. This song is one of my all time favorites, and give me such good feelings of longing and melancholy.

[@davexvs]

you are absolutely correct they are always soooo under rated and I agree with your sentiment they are like a warm hug couldn't have put it better myself {:-) PAV UK

[@markh.7650]

One of the coolest parts of this recording is, in the beginning, his voice is band limited like he was really on a phone line, then the bandpass filter is slowly widened until it's full spectrum. Genius! PS- MORE ELO! They never fail to put a smile on people's faces. PPS- I wrote the first part of this before your explanation of the effect at the close of your review. Great minds think alike I guess. Good work sir!

[@seaturtledog]

I was surprised he didn't mention that. the same Idea of Wish You Were Here where the first guitar sounds like it is coming from a cheap speaker.

[@humphreygruntwhistle3946]

McCartney does the same effect with the phone call on Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey.

[@joolz4848]

You can't have too much ELO. Jeff Lynne is a multi instrumentalist and engineering genius, their self titled first album is amazing for 1971

[@joachimkessler3339]

Almost the same age, 60% of the time I listened to the same music in the background, am from Germany!!

[@kencreten7308]

Jeff Lynne is a big hero of mine. His music and producctions... I'm very thankful for them.

[@karlmidgley5187]

You don't know what you are missing---Dive In--so much good and varied music

[@jimgrant4348]

Some of the best music from my college days. We wore this album out! Face the Music was my favorite album.

[@hillardschlachman6610]

Not a bad track on the album ! Last track One Summer Dream such an underrated beautiful ballad !

[@gregthomas1346]

Jeff lynne is musical panacea, written some fantastic tunes , is in the grand tradition of down to earth brummie brilliance a la Halford , iommi ,ozzy and others

[@HarrierMan99]

Great reaction video! One of the best produced pieces of music ever in my opinion. If you do more Electric Light Orchestra in the near future, Shangri-La off the same album is absolutely astonishing: a beautiful tune, an opera singer, choir, and possibly the most haunting coda ever put on record. It's that good.

[@hernanpatrik4908]

Esta cancion la recuerdo desde un principio cuando la oi desde niño en 1977 en radios de Chile 🇨🇱, fue una cancion que se interpuso entre tantas melodias duras de Zeppelin, Purple, Stones etc. ELO es una banda virtuosa y esta para mi, entre las mejores que he oido. Excelente analisis y recuerdo. Thanks you

[@charleswills4554]

I think that in the studio making the albums Jeff did all the vocals as well as the instruments.

[@heytallman]

Oh man I adore this song. It's so beautiful and heartbreaking.

[@AlanRogers250]

You need to react to ELO's Mr. Blue Sky. It's simply the joy of seeing a blue sky after days of rain. In my humble opinion, it's the happiest song on Earth, even today. Jeff Lynne nailed it.

[@Sammybunny711]

I adore this song. It's so melodic and pretty.

[@Rhialto-the-Marvellous]

Jeff Lynne's natural habitat was the recording studio. He was adept at constructing musical structures - an audio architect. I would suggest, he shared with Jon Anderson a delight and comprehension of the sound of a a word, a lyric, rather than it's meaning. Mr. Lynne was never a truly accomplished lyricist, but he found an enjoyable and celebratory middle ground, between a songs lyrics and melody. I would offer What?, from The Moves, Looking on album, as a prime example

[@PlatypusPerspective]

Worth mentioning the contribution of the late Lou Clark as ELO's strings arranger. (And tour keyboardist.)

[@markkershenblatt]

Yes !!! Louis Clark was also known for "Hooked on Classics" with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. I vaguely remember him playing a concert with an orchestra in my hometown of Atlantic City, NJ back in the late 70s on the beach.

[@PlatypusPerspective]

@@markkershenblatt Indeed, the "Hooked On" series was his baby, and he collaborated as conductor and arranger with numerous other artists.

[@johng5710]

Strange Magic next

[@scottbrown5235]

Just, the "Hello, how are you?" in the beginning says that he's calling from the future or another realm. But, that shitty telephone line... I'm living in twilight.

[@gussyshield2456]

Great video Doug, the ELO are one of the most technically brilliant (as in construction/arrangement) bands from the UK. Jeff Lynne is a genius.

[@joemonstermaker4784]

This guy takes literally ALL the fun out of listening to a song.

[@iznone]

ELO is absolute phenomenal, Doug you just miss a huge treasure.

[@lesliedavis2185]

Got free tickets to see them live, been a fan ever since.

[@davidparker1458]

Thanks Doug - you made me reach for the album and the earlier album 'Face the Music'. It's easy to forget how great the ELO back-catalogue is!

[@anthonybillington3717]

Love this. ELO produced so many magical songs. I'd love to see you react to more of them. Thank you.

[@doobiewonkanooby]

Well done Doug. 😎 Keep digging into ELO. They have a deep catalogue and many amazing works. I’d suggest Tightrope if you haven’t done that yet. It blew my mind the first time I heard. I was instantly in love. 😎

[@adamtrogdon959]

“Boy im glad I called that guy”!!

[@timconnecticut6263]

I lived that phone call more than I care to remember...haha!

[@tommonk7651]

Fantastic song! Fantastic album! Jeff Lynne is about to embark on his final tour.... IMO A New World Record is ELO's best album. You should listen to Rockaria! And Sweet Talkin' Woman from Out of The Blue....

[@alistairmilton6007]

Just for your info Richard Tandy passed away on 1st May 2024. Jeff Lynn wrote on social media: 'He was a remarkable musician and friend and I'll cherish the lifetime of memories we had together.' RIP Richard

[@christopherhobson247]

Discovery is an awesome album.

[@DavidMetzener]

You should take a listen to "Mr. Blue Sky" if you liked that one. Mr. Blue Sky is a really happy fun little ditty. Also, another wonderful ELO song, "The Diary of Horace Wimp". A couple of my favorite ELO songs.

[@CoastPropertyBuyers]

Definitely in my top 10 artists of all time; reminds me of my boarding school days. Hit after hit after hit throughout the 70’s and 80’s. Jeff Lynne is a genius!

[@robertstap5531]

take a listen to can't get it out of my head of the elderado album, brilliant piece of work from elo.

[@bradparnell614]

That's my favorite ELO song.

[@scottcrawford4148]

Takes me back to '76

[@Coats2112]

Every time this song plays, I will always think of the Billy Madison scene.

[@ingridgabelo2934]

Love ELO ❤❤❤

[@TheMGLaw]

You should watch their Wembley or Bust concert on YT from a few years ago, as the live performance is as good as the studio version.

[@spacefanatic]

Jeff Lynne (who is from my home City of Birmingham, UK) is a great muscian and producer. E.L.O. had loads of fantastic songs and sound just as good live as they do on the studio versions. You should watch their live version of this and Evil Woman. My favourite song is 'All Over The World' of which there are many flash mob videos on YT. Jeff Lynne was also in the 'Travelling Wilburys with George Harrison (The Beatles), Roy Orbison, Tom Petty and Bob Dylan. Love their 'End of the Line' and 'Handle with Care'.

[@celebro469]

That whole album is fantastic.

[@roevega9902]

When they do it live, it sounds just like the recording. Amazing to see and of course hear.