This song has more significance to those of us who remember a time before the interwebs, social media, facetime, etc.. For us, a landline telephone, anchored to the wall, was the only contact we had with someone far away.
You totally explained how it was back in the day. Option two was driving, riding a bus, bicycle, or walking to see if she was home, and hopefully would answer the door, to talk to you.
I agree Bill. This song is a great remembrance to those of us who grew up before computers and who lived through our telephone lines in the 50's through the 1990's.
OLD SCHOOL SONG! Everyone had Land lines. No answering machines. When you called someone the phone rang in your home. If you were not home, nobody knew where you were. Imagine that today !!! LOL !!!!
Interesting what happens when you listen to an old song, with fresh ears. All I can see when I hear ‘Turn to Stone’ now is “Xanadu”. Olivia Newton John movie, not RUSH. But this song wasn’t one of the ELO songs in the movie? Was it?
You just don't and can't have the context. I know Andy said "I get it" concerning the monaural, tinny opening vocal, but you guys have ALWAYS had high-tech phones. The call fidelity on rotary dial phones in the 1970s was garbage. And if you were out of state or international? Forget it. Static-y, tinny, remote sound was the best you could hope for. The moment we (Boomers and Gen-X) hear this, we know how distant and lonely he's feeling on a 70's handset - probably in a phone booth. And unlike today's phones, almost no one had an answering machine or service. You could literally let the phone ring for an hour if they weren't home and you were crying on the other end.
There's a line that makes it clear he's asking the operator to let it ring a bit longer. Long distance calls from a phone booth required dialing zero for an operator at a switch board to connect you to the person you were calling.
Yes, younger people can't imagine what it was like. I had a very soft-spoken long-distance girlfriend in the 1980s. Called her one day to plan another trip, and she suddenly broke up with me. She was moving to another continent with her military dad. Imagine a crackling home phone line, a crying soft-spoken girl that you are straining to understand. There was no Zoom, no texting, no cell phone, not even email. When she hung up it was over. She moved the next week, her family home phone number changed. She didn't want to give me an address and endure more heartache. Gone. Still don't know what happened to her.
So true. And with rotary phones in the'70's you were literally dialing. No caller ID, either, you literally had no idea who was on the other line. BTW so glad you all are hitting up ELO, probably my favorite band.
I had to scroll FAR too much before seeing this recommendation. I vote this for the next song they do, without question. It's in top 5 ELO songs for sure.
Yes - I think they need to go back to the earliest album "On the Third Day" to get a feel for the unique explosion of innovation that they were back then. Really fun album.
"Don't you realize the things we did, we did Were all for real, not a dream? I just can't believe They've all faded out of view..." This verse says everything you need to know about the pain and heartache and disbelief he's feeling; really raw emotion.
The doo-wop section was a nod to the nostalgia for the 50’s which was surging in the 70’s...Happy Days was a top show on TV and there were tons of 50’s references in popular culture at that time. It would not have felt out of place at the time.
I like the lyrical/vocal nod to doo-wop in the ELO style, since Lynne is using a standard doo-wop chord progression (I, vi, IV, V) in that part of the song.
True, but it was also the American music of his early youth. Lynn was seven in '55 ... I was seven in '73 and certainly remember the pop music from those days. But yeah, Lavern and Shirley, Happy Days, American Graffiti.
I always thought the doo wop part kinda ruined it. I know that this was Jeff Lynne's reach back... but I agree with Alex on this. And I thought that from the time I bought the album back in the day. It's really a great vocal overall, truly one of his best.
I love how first few lines go from sounding like he's singing through the phone and then he hits you with those perfectly clear vocal notes right after the "lonely, lonely, lonely".. and the crispness of the "if you'd pick up that telephone". One of my al time favorite songs. It's all about the emotion for me. I was a child in the 70's and could still feel that emotion when my mom played this album.
The part were he (Jeff Lynne) sings: “ Can’t you just let it ring a little longer, longer, longer...” he is talking to the operator who had originally connected him to his long distance lover. The operator has interrupted and wants to end the call since it’s obvious that the lover is not gonna pick up the phone, but Jeff Lynne is asking for more time, knowing in his mind she won’t pick up.
IMO there is better songs than "dont bring me down" cmon any song in discovery album are better than that one. Shine a little love, confusion, wishing, etc...
"Echo Valley 26809" came out in 1971 by the Partridge Family and "634-5789" by Wilson Pickett came out in 1966 and then “Beechwood 4-5789,” by The Marvelettes came out in 1962.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS SONG!! The telephone was the only thing back in 1978 that kept me and my long distance boyfriend together..😪 Very melancholy vibe to it. Jeff Lynne's voice is so beautiful. Thankyou Andy and Alex have a good one.❤
I totally relate to that. Reminds me of standing at a pay phone talking with my high school girl friend who went to another college 4 hours away from mine. As one might expect, we didn’t make it past our sophomore year when she broke my heart. It all worked out as it should though since she had a 40+ year marriage until her husband past away and my 44 year marriage to my college sweetheart is still going strong. Another great review Andy and Alex.
Hate to sound like the quintessential boomer here, but kids today have no understanding of a world without email, text, chat etc. at their disposal 24/7. You are right, back in the day the telephone was HUGE to people in a way that is hard to understand for young people of today. The reason it matters for a song like this is because those times of direct voice-to-voice communication was so much more personal than texting and email etc. and it was all we had. I don't remember even getting an answering machine-capable phone until the mid-80s. It was live, or nothing, before then.
@@i_kill_for_zardoz I agree with you. The phone was so much more personable. There's been a lack of conversational skills, and I often feel more disconnected than ever, even with all this technology. Sigh.
Mr. Telephone Man by New Edition. 876-5309/Jenny by Tommy Tutone I Just Called to Say I Love You by Stevie Wonder Don’t Call Us, We’ll Call You by Sugarloaf Rikki Don’t Lose That Number by Steely Dan Call Me by Blondie
It's gonna grow on you. I hear it now at 52, and I imagine a telephone call now back to the past and no one is answering. Pure nostalgia for a simpler time that a lot of listeners wish we could recapture.
Guys. I’m 58. That song means so much to people my age. For you guys in the age of texting..you don’t understand the angst..the sound of that phone ringing and no one answering.
@@RicoCosta317 People can text you now. There’s a huge difference. Totally not the same. Calling on the phone was the only way to talk to someone besides literally going to their house.
"Telephone Line" is my favorite song from ELO. Besides "Turn to Stone" you might want to check out "Last Train to London", "Evil Woman", and "Strange Magic", all were hits. You also should check out The Traveling Wilburys. I mean with ELO's Jeff Lynne already having worked with George Harrison and Roy Orbison, adding in Tom Petty and Bob Dylan makes their super-group line-up legendary.
John Lennon was quoted as saying~ "We're gonna play Electric Light Orchestra from last year - "Showdown" - which I thought was a great record and I was expecting it to be number one but I don't think UA got their fingers out and pushed it. And it's a nice group. I call them 'son of Beatles' - although they're doing things that we never did, obviously. But I remember the statement they made when they first formed was to carry on where 'The Beatles' left off with "Walrus" - and they certainly did ..."
The "being 14 and not knowing what love was about, but getting a clue from this song" scenario was me. I was 11. This song was then, and still is, touching.
John Lennon called ELO the "Son of Beatles"; George Harrison was a member of Jeff Lynne's 'Traveling WIlbury's; and Paul McCartney asked Jeff Lynne to produce "Blackbird (singing in the dead of night)" when they found a John Lennon cassette years after he died. ELO is prog rock royalty. Good review.
Jeff also produced Tom Petty's Free Fallin (another artist Alex and Andy should DEFINITELY react to) and was one of George Harrisons best friends. Went from being influenced by the Beatles to being dear friends of theirs, how cool is that?
Exactly. For Andy, the overall “purpose” of ELO was that the Beatles were amazing and made rock music the intellectual equal of classical, so ELO was supposed to be the next step. You aren’t going to get “ballad” type songs because he wants to fill out the songs with orchestration
GREAT 3 choices! Three of my faves! "Night in the City" is very under-recognized, and what an amazing hook, and an even more amazing bridge. Really great sound effects!
Here's a trippy one for all to check out if you don't know. ELO evolved out of the band The Move. Do Ya was the B side from the band's last single as The Move. Technically, they cover themselves when they did Do Ya as ELO. It's a treat to hear.
If you guys like ELO and the Beatles, you’d love The Traveling Wilburys. Vastly overlooked band, the greatest super group of all time. I mean, can you pass up a band who’s members are George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, and Jeff Lynne?
I love the compression of his voice at the beginning of this song, along with the old phone sounds. I believe this song came out during the era in which we reflected on 1950's music, thus the doo-wop refrain. The hit movie at the time was American Graffiti, which spawned the TV shows Happy Days and Laverne and Shirley. Other hit songs of the era tipped their hat to the 50s, like Crocodile Rock. There's lots more ELO to go. 👍
Couldn't agree more. Definitely hits an emotional nerve. Sometimes you have to have lived in the '70s to appreciate the full context. Telephone Line is a beautiful, complex song with great vocals, drumming and a wonderful chorus (doo wops and all.) A+ for sure.
Saw these guys in concert last year with my dad, easily the best concert I've ever seen. Turn to Stone, Wild West Hero, hard to find a bad song from them.
Thankfully, after the Mid 70's fiasco in Saginaw Michigan, they learned playing their music fully live is important to being authentic with their audience. That stands out in their shows today.
When he says “can’t you just let it ring a little longer” he’s talking with a telephone operator who he probably asked to call or ring her up as they used to say...
There was also a big 1950s revival going on in the 70s -- Happy Days, American Graffiti, etc. I suspect Jeff Lynne was doing a bit of an homage to love songs of that more innocent time. And contrasting with the overall darker tone of this song. Like he desperately wants things to turn out all happy like in the 1950s songs, but it's not going to happen.
You have to remember that when the song was written in 1975 rock and roll was barely 20 years old. '50s music was the music of his childhood. A nostalgia for '50s music was everywhere when I was 13. Happy Days. American Graffiti. Elton John's crocodile Rock. It was literally everywhere. Even ELO.
I'm 36 and I love '50s music :) We used to have decade parties when I was in my 20s and our sock hops were epic....drinking and twisting the night away lol.
This is my favorite song by them! I wasn't around when the music came out (only 32) but, my parents raised me on all the amazing classic rock and other genres you've been recently discovering. It makes me so happy to see people still finding so much joy and appreciation for it. Music has and will never be better! I saw ELO in concert a year or two ago and it was the best concert experience I've EVER had. Hands down. Once the craziness of the world has passed, see them if you can!
This group was ahead of their time. They were different and fun and interesting to listen to, doo waaps and all. I still love this music. They opened the door for many others and should always be respected for that.
ELO was so much fun to see live back in the 70s, their light show that absolutely lived up to their name, and who expected to see cello players BANGIN' on stage!
From what I've seen on TH-cam (particularly their Wembley show from just a few years ago), they're still just as good. I would give an arm or leg to see them live just once!
I wonder if you two youngsters have ever used a rotary dial phone...I somehow think not. The song totally reflected the misery of trying to get through to someone after a break up, the tone at the start of the song was just how it sounded. Standing in a phone booth waiting for them to pick up...oh yes, lots of us have been there. I think it’s an A rating just for the nostalgia factor. I recommend night in the city for your next ELO hit. Merry Christmas to you both, keep doing what you do! 🎅🎅🎅🎅🎅
Some facts about Jeff Lynne (ELO)...First, he is a very humble man, simply because this Music Genius is not interested in fame, the limelight, and money, he just loves to create great music. Jeff Lynne is one of the most versatile musicians ever, this is why he is considered by his peers to be among the greatest. He didn't stick to one style of music because, after decades, it gets boring. Jeff has done progressive Rock, Symphonic Rock - Pop, New wave, and Disco. Everything he does turns to gold. He even flirted with Country music. From 1972 to 1986 (During 14 years) Jeff Lynne's Electric Light Orchestra has had more top 40 hits than any other group in the world... 51 years later they still play in sold-out Arenas, festivals and Stadiums. During Jeff Lynne's ELO 2019 Tour, many reviews agreed in saying they are the best live Classic Rock Band in the world still touring and Jeff Lynne is a Music Genius( From Forbes Magazine and the Washington Post). ELO is in the Rock Hall of Fame. Lynne is on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame and Birmingham Walk OF Fame. Jeff Lynne’s ELO won the Best Classic Rock Band plus Lynne won the best Songwriter award ( ASCAP ) in 2019 for his fantastic contribution over the years. In October of 2020, Jeff Lynne has been made an officer of The Order Of The British Empire for his extraordinary contribution to music. He previously has received three Ivor Novello Awards, which celebrate songwriters and composers, including the award for outstanding services to British music. He created the best Super Group of all time with his best friend George Harrison, The Traveling Wilburys. The Legends in the Music Industry call Jeff Lynne the best overall Musician ever and a Producer Extraordinaire. Jeff Lynne has written and produced many hit songs for music legends like George Harrison, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, Joe Walsh, Brian Wilson, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Bryan Adams, Aerosmith, Del Shannon, the Everly Brothers, The Beatles, and so many others...
Im so excited you listen to this song, thank you!❤❤❤ Lyrically speaking "Cant Get it Out of Head" is a masterpiece, its about a mermaid, in short. Im so glad enjoyed this song!!
Now see, I'd always associated "the ocean's daughter" in "Can't Get It Out of My Head" with Venus, because of the Botticelli painting of Venus arriving over the ocean on a scallop shell. I realize Venus is the daughter of Jupiter, not Neptune... but the painting's image fits the song lyric so well! Could totally be a mermaid though... either way, a lovely song.
I totally understand your reaction to the "Do Wop" part of the song, but for me growing up with this it really seems to fit. I think it's something that you have to listen to several times. Turn to Stone would be a great follow up
I agree. This was a big hit. Not all hits are great music, as we know all too well. 😆 They have a lot more in the tank. Don't give up on them! Thanks Gents! I needed you today! ✌️❤️
I love this song and it's absolutely out of place with modern technology. Those of us who used phones when this song came out absolutely understand the desperation in his voice as he hopes he can connect with the one he loves, he has no other options. This song is over 40 years old and it still resonates and perhaps even more now.
Such an amazing song. I love it even though it makes me cry. It's so real, his voice is filled with chilling emotion. "Ok, so no one's answering, but can't you just let it ring a little longer longer longer, oh. I'll just sit tight in shadows of the night. Let it ring for ever more."
Next ELO needs be their early hit, "Roll Over Beethoven" that hooked me from the beginning! Fusion of Jerry Lee Lewis rock n roll with classical orchestra finding its banger chops!
I feel old saying this but the sound of the phone ringing whether incoming or outgoing will always be remembered as music to my ears. But the sweetest of sounds was never fully realized until she picked up on the other end and said "Hello?" I was mesmerized! And in the moments that followed it was as if I myself had been captured in twilight. I didn't care if anyone in the room heard me talking to her or if anyone was listening in on the party line because for a few moments it was just her and me, everything was right with the world and we owed it all to "Ma Bell" and Jeff Lynne. You see while we are chatting it up with our tin cans thru a string ol' Jeff was spinning around and around on a turntable in the background. It was perfect timing actually because when she asked me what I was listening to I was able to speak 2 truths in a single reply when I answered "Sweet Talkin' Woman"! I encourage you guys to give it a few more listens to see if it will grow on you and be sure to check out "Starlight" for a 50's meets deep space sort of feel. ELO has so many great songs but if you really want get doobie do wopped you'll need to fire up "Turn To Stone" 🙂
When the song ended and almost went into Sweet Talking Woman I wanted you guys to continue so badly 😂 This whole album is phenomenal. Scratch that, everything ELO has done is phenomenal!
This is one of my favorites next to Can't Get It Out of My Head. Others have commented about the whole telephone itself and it is true, young people today can not really understand how different things were then. Waiting for a call... all that. Made me remember party lines, one phone for the entire wing of the college dorm, long distance rates so you had to make the time count.
Good morning A& A. This is my 20 min break from remote learning with my 7 year old. I lovvvvvve this song. Needed a good one this morning! Waiting on the snow to fall and ELO. Not a bad break! Much love from West Virginia. 💙
Looping back to some ELO!! You guys have said we got to hit this one, what’s next?! Cheers all! 🙌🏻🔥
You guys should check-out The Tubes: What do you want from life and White punks on dope.
Turn to Stone is good. Can't Get It Out of My Head is great.
Can't Get It Out of My Head is their one true masterpiece.
Fire on High, Sweet Talkin Woman, Turn to Stone for the win!
Will ya do "Do Ya"?😉
This song has more significance to those of us who remember a time before the interwebs, social media, facetime, etc.. For us, a landline telephone, anchored to the wall, was the only contact we had with someone far away.
You totally explained how it was back in the day. Option two was driving, riding a bus, bicycle, or walking to see if she was home, and hopefully would answer the door, to talk to you.
It was cheesy in the 70s and it’s even cheesier now
@@edvonblue Ed wouldn't know a good song if it hit him in the face.
Came here to say something similar, but I can save my typing. Nailed it.
I agree Bill. This song is a great remembrance to those of us who grew up before computers and who lived through our telephone lines in the 50's through the 1990's.
Check out “CAN’T GET IT OUT OF MY HEAD” and “DON’T BRING ME DOWN” next.
My two favorite ELO songs, other than maybe Mr. Blue Sky.
Can't Get it out of my Head is my favorite ELO song.
BOTH 4 SURE! 👊✌️❤️
Don't Bring Me Down absolutely!
@@loosilu Fountains of Wayne did a great cover.
OLD SCHOOL SONG! Everyone had Land lines. No answering machines. When you called someone the phone rang in your home. If you were not home, nobody knew where you were. Imagine that today !!! LOL !!!!
This whole album is amazing. Jeff Lynne is a musical genius
Turn to Stone is a total banger that *will* surprise you. ELO has many bangers, but it is definitely now time for Turn to Stone.
And “Don’t bring me down!”
Live at Wembley 2017 is the greatest thing i've ever heard !
Yes!!!!
Interesting what happens when you listen to an old song, with fresh ears.
All I can see when I hear ‘Turn to Stone’ now is “Xanadu”.
Olivia Newton John movie, not RUSH.
But this song wasn’t one of the ELO songs in the movie? Was it?
Damn straight
You just don't and can't have the context. I know Andy said "I get it" concerning the monaural, tinny opening vocal, but you guys have ALWAYS had high-tech phones. The call fidelity on rotary dial phones in the 1970s was garbage. And if you were out of state or international? Forget it. Static-y, tinny, remote sound was the best you could hope for. The moment we (Boomers and Gen-X) hear this, we know how distant and lonely he's feeling on a 70's handset - probably in a phone booth. And unlike today's phones, almost no one had an answering machine or service. You could literally let the phone ring for an hour if they weren't home and you were crying on the other end.
So true. Early Gen-X'er here. And people their age: "What's a phone booth?"
You may need to explain what a phone booth is.
There's a line that makes it clear he's asking the operator to let it ring a bit longer. Long distance calls from a phone booth required dialing zero for an operator at a switch board to connect you to the person you were calling.
Yes, younger people can't imagine what it was like. I had a very soft-spoken long-distance girlfriend in the 1980s. Called her one day to plan another trip, and she suddenly broke up with me. She was moving to another continent with her military dad. Imagine a crackling home phone line, a crying soft-spoken girl that you are straining to understand. There was no Zoom, no texting, no cell phone, not even email. When she hung up it was over. She moved the next week, her family home phone number changed. She didn't want to give me an address and endure more heartache. Gone. Still don't know what happened to her.
So true. And with rotary phones in the'70's you were literally dialing. No caller ID, either, you literally had no idea who was on the other line. BTW so glad you all are hitting up ELO, probably my favorite band.
"Showdown" by ELO is a killer classic, ELO at their best .....
I had to scroll FAR too much before seeing this recommendation. I vote this for the next song they do, without question. It's in top 5 ELO songs for sure.
Yes - I think they need to go back to the earliest album "On the Third Day" to get a feel for the unique explosion of innovation that they were back then. Really fun album.
love Showdown i agree next song please
Big Ern approves!
Geoff Lynne is a frikin musical genius, period!
"Don't you realize the things we did, we did
Were all for real, not a dream?
I just can't believe
They've all faded out of view..."
This verse says everything you need to know about the pain and heartache and disbelief he's feeling; really raw emotion.
That's the hole his heart left behind, trying to talk to her heart, if she'll just listen for a second or two.
Great lines, isn't it?
@@davidgraham2673 Yeah they are.
@@robertcarran9585 Oh yeah.
The doo-wop section was a nod to the nostalgia for the 50’s which was surging in the 70’s...Happy Days was a top show on TV and there were tons of 50’s references in popular culture at that time. It would not have felt out of place at the time.
I like the lyrical/vocal nod to doo-wop in the ELO style, since Lynne is using a standard doo-wop chord progression (I, vi, IV, V) in that part of the song.
They should review Sha Na Na.
True, but it was also the American music of his early youth. Lynn was seven in '55 ... I was seven in '73 and certainly remember the pop music from those days. But yeah, Lavern and Shirley, Happy Days, American Graffiti.
I always thought the doo wop part kinda ruined it. I know that this was Jeff Lynne's reach back... but I agree with Alex on this. And I thought that from the time I bought the album back in the day. It's really a great vocal overall, truly one of his best.
I never thought of that. By the time Grease came along...enuff.
Than l got into psuedo 50s fashion via PUNK.....gofig.
I hope that you guys react to Sweet Talkin' Woman in the future. It's catchy as hell.
It's one of their best for sure.
It's my favorite ELO song.
Nice blast from the past suggestion.
A n A PLEASE React to there song DON'T BRING ME DOWN From 1979 . Its a very fun UP lifting ,,, Song Have fun ,,, 70s Magic
I love how first few lines go from sounding like he's singing through the phone and then he hits you with those perfectly clear vocal notes right after the "lonely, lonely, lonely".. and the crispness of the "if you'd pick up that telephone". One of my al time favorite songs. It's all about the emotion for me. I was a child in the 70's and could still feel that emotion when my mom played this album.
The part were he (Jeff Lynne) sings: “ Can’t you just let it ring a little longer, longer, longer...” he is talking to the operator who had originally connected him to his long distance lover. The operator has interrupted and wants to end the call since it’s obvious that the lover is not gonna pick up the phone, but Jeff Lynne is asking for more time, knowing in his mind she won’t pick up.
Don't Bring Me Down... fantastic ELO song!
Yesss! I requested the same!
BRUCE!
IMO there is better songs than "dont bring me down" cmon any song in discovery album are better than that one. Shine a little love, confusion, wishing, etc...
@@lucaanf no, don't bring me down is Best song on Discovery objectively.
@@paulgauguin7730 definitely not, my friend.
"Sweet Talkin' Woman" is such a radio gem, I have to recommend it. And "Fire On High"......so cool.
ELO's Telephone Line was released 7 years before Hello, by Lionel Richie.
But after " Operator" by Jim Croce ...
@@phillipecook3227 makes you think...
Rob Kangas - Also Telephone line came out 9 years after "Hello, How Are You" by The Easybeats. Released in 1968.
"Echo Valley 26809" came out in 1971 by the Partridge Family and "634-5789" by Wilson Pickett came out in 1966 and then “Beechwood 4-5789,” by The Marvelettes came out in 1962.
When he says ''can you just let it ring a little longer'' this is still back in the days you could talk to an operator...
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS SONG!! The telephone was the only thing back in 1978 that kept me and my long distance boyfriend together..😪 Very melancholy vibe to it. Jeff Lynne's voice is so beautiful. Thankyou Andy and Alex have a good one.❤
I totally relate to that. Reminds me of standing at a pay phone talking with my high school girl friend who went to another college 4 hours away from mine. As one might expect, we didn’t make it past our sophomore year when she broke my heart. It all worked out as it should though since she had a 40+ year marriage until her husband past away and my 44 year marriage to my college sweetheart is still going strong. Another great review Andy and Alex.
Absolutely a favourite all time song for me. Love it! 💕💕💕
Hate to sound like the quintessential boomer here, but kids today have no understanding of a world without email, text, chat etc. at their disposal 24/7. You are right, back in the day the telephone was HUGE to people in a way that is hard to understand for young people of today. The reason it matters for a song like this is because those times of direct voice-to-voice communication was so much more personal than texting and email etc. and it was all we had. I don't remember even getting an answering machine-capable phone until the mid-80s. It was live, or nothing, before then.
@@i_kill_for_zardoz I agree with you. The phone was so much more personable. There's been a lack of conversational skills, and I often feel more disconnected than ever, even with all this technology. Sigh.
If you never lived 70's long distance relationships you can't really get this song.
For a great phone song you guys will dig, check out Jim Croce's "Operator" (hell, check out any Jim Croce).
Hell yeah... I was just thinking that.... he's awesome ❤️
TRUTH.
I was thinking the same!
Mr. Telephone Man by New Edition.
876-5309/Jenny by Tommy Tutone
I Just Called to Say I Love You by Stevie Wonder
Don’t Call Us, We’ll Call You by Sugarloaf
Rikki Don’t Lose That Number by Steely Dan
Call Me by Blondie
@@VinzClorthokeymasterofGozer Blondie's "Hanging on the Telephone" too
It's gonna grow on you. I hear it now at 52, and I imagine a telephone call now back to the past and no one is answering. Pure nostalgia for a simpler time that a lot of listeners wish we could recapture.
Guys. I’m 58. That song means so much to people my age. For you guys in the age of texting..you don’t understand the angst..the sound of that phone ringing and no one answering.
💯 you are so right!
🎯💯😩
Sitting in the dark and hoping they’ll pick up…
Yeah I remember.
Cell phones still ring.
@@RicoCosta317 People can text you now. There’s a huge difference. Totally not the same. Calling on the phone was the only way to talk to someone besides literally going to their house.
"Fire on High" is where ELO justifed its "orchestra" label.
Agreed
In the hall of the mountain king
Agree don't know why they didn't start with this one.
I've been shouting ' FIRE on High' forever. Their best imo..
A song designed to be listened to backwards as well as forward. And it actually sounds good both ways.
"Telephone Line" is my favorite song from ELO. Besides "Turn to Stone" you might want to check out "Last Train to London", "Evil Woman", and "Strange Magic", all were hits. You also should check out The Traveling Wilburys. I mean with ELO's Jeff Lynne already having worked with George Harrison and Roy Orbison, adding in Tom Petty and Bob Dylan makes their super-group line-up legendary.
Jeff Lynne has one of music's great singing voices.
Telephone Line is my personal favourite from A New World Record but to be honest, I love every single song off that particular gem of an album.
An entire generation of young men went straight to this song to ease the heart-ache of a break-up.
This is the sound of 70’s roller rinks! Very Beatlesesque.
Yes! Those roller rink days were great times! Parts of this song are so reminiscent of “Golden Slumbers” to me.
John Lennon was quoted as saying~ "We're gonna play Electric Light Orchestra from last year - "Showdown" - which I thought was a great record and I was expecting it to be number one but I don't think UA got their fingers out and pushed it. And it's a nice group. I call them 'son of Beatles' - although they're doing things that we never did, obviously. But I remember the statement they made when they first formed was to carry on where 'The Beatles' left off with "Walrus" - and they certainly did ..."
"Don't Bring Me Down" is about as close as ELO gets to a banger, and it's close enough. :)
The "being 14 and not knowing what love was about, but getting a clue from this song" scenario was me. I was 11. This song was then, and still is, touching.
John Lennon called ELO the "Son of Beatles"; George Harrison was a member of Jeff Lynne's 'Traveling WIlbury's; and Paul McCartney asked Jeff Lynne to produce "Blackbird (singing in the dead of night)" when they found a John Lennon cassette years after he died. ELO is prog rock royalty. Good review.
Jeff also produced Tom Petty's Free Fallin (another artist Alex and Andy should DEFINITELY react to) and was one of George Harrisons best friends. Went from being influenced by the Beatles to being dear friends of theirs, how cool is that?
“Free as a Bird” was the Lennon song left behind in demo.
Exactly. For Andy, the overall “purpose” of ELO was that the Beatles were amazing and made rock music the intellectual equal of classical, so ELO was supposed to be the next step. You aren’t going to get “ballad” type songs because he wants to fill out the songs with orchestration
Jeff also produced George's Cloud Nine album.
Actually it was “Free as a Bird” not Blackbird
"Do Ya" "Night In the City" "Rockaria"
GREAT 3 choices! Three of my faves! "Night in the City" is very under-recognized, and what an amazing hook, and an even more amazing bridge. Really great sound effects!
Here's a trippy one for all to check out if you don't know. ELO evolved out of the band The Move. Do Ya was the B side from the band's last single as The Move. Technically, they cover themselves when they did Do Ya as ELO. It's a treat to hear.
“Do Ya” has the best intro of any ELO song. ❤️
If you guys like ELO and the Beatles, you’d love The Traveling Wilburys. Vastly overlooked band, the greatest super group of all time. I mean, can you pass up a band who’s members are George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, and Jeff Lynne?
Great suggestion!
I love the compression of his voice at the beginning of this song, along with the old phone sounds. I believe this song came out during the era in which we reflected on 1950's music, thus the doo-wop refrain. The hit movie at the time was American Graffiti, which spawned the TV shows Happy Days and Laverne and Shirley. Other hit songs of the era tipped their hat to the 50s, like Crocodile Rock.
There's lots more ELO to go. 👍
I watched Am Graffiti so many times. Hit a real nerve.
I think this is my favorite of theirs. There's a melodic eerinness about it that is so dark and engrossing.
"Doo-wop doobie doobie- wop"
If you guys haven’t done “Don’t bring me Down” by ELO, it’s a must! Please-🤍❤️✌️✨
I was a MAJOR ELO fan back in the day, and this was one of my very favorite songs. So beautiful.
Great choice! A+ for me. This song has always hit an emotional nerve for me. Thanks for covering it.
I really like the bombastic drums
Alex: "Such a great song...B+..."
Me: !?!?!?!? #%$$#%*^&$*^%(&$^
@@craigtennant7637 possibly because of it's slow pace. I think they would like something like Turn To Stone a lot more.
Couldn't agree more. Definitely hits an emotional nerve. Sometimes you have to have lived in the '70s to appreciate the full context. Telephone Line is a beautiful, complex song with great vocals, drumming and a wonderful chorus (doo wops and all.) A+ for sure.
Saw these guys in concert last year with my dad, easily the best concert I've ever seen. Turn to Stone, Wild West Hero, hard to find a bad song from them.
I saw them too. They were stellar.
"Wild West Hero", an english boy's romantic idea of the American west.
Thankfully, after the Mid 70's fiasco in Saginaw Michigan, they learned playing their music fully live is important to being authentic with their audience. That stands out in their shows today.
ELO - "Turn to Stone!!!" or "Sweet talking Woman" Must be Next!!
When he says “can’t you just let it ring a little longer” he’s talking with a telephone operator who he probably asked to call or ring her up as they used to say...
Jeff Lynne definitely loves his 50's music, thus the "doo wop" bits.
"Hold On Tight" has a 50's vibe to it, but more up tempo.
Even his prior band The Move had a lot of ‘50s rock & roll revival elements.
There was also a big 1950s revival going on in the 70s -- Happy Days, American Graffiti, etc. I suspect Jeff Lynne was doing a bit of an homage to love songs of that more innocent time. And contrasting with the overall darker tone of this song. Like he desperately wants things to turn out all happy like in the 1950s songs, but it's not going to happen.
You have to remember that when the song was written in 1975 rock and roll was barely 20 years old. '50s music was the music of his childhood. A nostalgia for '50s music was everywhere when I was 13. Happy Days. American Graffiti. Elton John's crocodile Rock. It was literally everywhere. Even ELO.
I'm 36 and I love '50s music :) We used to have decade parties when I was in my 20s and our sock hops were epic....drinking and twisting the night away lol.
Hey Guys! I hope "Do Ya" is on your short list! ELO, one of the best concerts I ever attended!!!😁🥰
My favorite ELO song!
@@stephcol23 Mine too Stephanie! 100%👍👍
Same! Play it on repeat sometimes...
@@jennifertaylor6328 me too! L0l
This beautieful song is so 70s. ❤ I really miss that decade. Great music, great movies, cool over the top fashion and so on. Happy times!👌🥂🤗
This is my favorite song by them! I wasn't around when the music came out (only 32) but, my parents raised me on all the amazing classic rock and other genres you've been recently discovering. It makes me so happy to see people still finding so much joy and appreciation for it. Music has and will never be better! I saw ELO in concert a year or two ago and it was the best concert experience I've EVER had. Hands down. Once the craziness of the world has passed, see them if you can!
Your guys will really like "Showdown"
All around amazing song
A New World Record would be a great full album reaction.
This group was ahead of their time. They were different and fun and interesting to listen to, doo waaps and all. I still love this music. They opened the door for many others and should always be respected for that.
It's been fun watching your channel and seeing your first time reactions to songs I've loved for years!
Appreciate your comments and opinions! 👍
ELO was so much fun to see live back in the 70s, their light show that absolutely lived up to their name, and who expected to see cello players BANGIN' on stage!
The 2nd best concert I ever saw was ELO in 1978!! Absolute magic!
From what I've seen on TH-cam (particularly their Wembley show from just a few years ago), they're still just as good. I would give an arm or leg to see them live just once!
@@sallyphillips9175 I have watched the entire "Wembley or Bust" concert 3 times! Fantastic show!
The white, electric cello duo.
ELO "Fire On High" pretty awesome instrumental!
I wonder if you two youngsters have ever used a rotary dial phone...I somehow think not. The song totally reflected the misery of trying to get through to someone after a break up, the tone at the start of the song was just how it sounded. Standing in a phone booth waiting for them to pick up...oh yes, lots of us have been there. I think it’s an A rating just for the nostalgia factor. I recommend night in the city for your next ELO hit. Merry Christmas to you both, keep doing what you do! 🎅🎅🎅🎅🎅
They have no idea.
I hate when they compare to modern artists. Adele? What did she have to do with this.
Some facts about Jeff Lynne (ELO)...First, he is a very humble man, simply because this Music Genius is not interested in fame, the limelight, and money, he just loves to create great music. Jeff Lynne is one of the most versatile musicians ever, this is why he is considered by his peers to be among the greatest. He didn't stick to one style of music because, after decades, it gets boring. Jeff has done progressive Rock, Symphonic Rock - Pop, New wave, and Disco.
Everything he does turns to gold. He even flirted with Country music. From 1972 to 1986 (During 14 years) Jeff Lynne's Electric Light Orchestra has had more top 40 hits than any other group in the world... 51 years later they still play in sold-out Arenas, festivals and Stadiums. During Jeff Lynne's ELO 2019 Tour, many reviews agreed in saying they are the best live Classic Rock Band in the world still touring and Jeff Lynne is a Music Genius( From Forbes Magazine and the Washington Post).
ELO is in the Rock Hall of Fame. Lynne is on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame and Birmingham Walk OF Fame. Jeff Lynne’s ELO won the Best Classic Rock Band plus Lynne won the best Songwriter award ( ASCAP ) in 2019 for his fantastic contribution over the years. In October of 2020, Jeff Lynne has been made an officer of The Order Of The British Empire for his extraordinary contribution to music. He previously has received three Ivor Novello Awards, which celebrate songwriters and composers, including the award for outstanding services to British music.
He created the best Super Group of all time with his best friend George Harrison, The Traveling Wilburys. The Legends in the Music Industry call Jeff Lynne the best overall Musician ever and a Producer Extraordinaire. Jeff Lynne has written and produced many hit songs for music legends like George Harrison, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, Joe Walsh, Brian Wilson, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Bryan Adams, Aerosmith, Del Shannon, the Everly Brothers, The Beatles, and so many others...
Mr. Blue Sky is from the double album: Out of the Blue. It happens to be my favorite ELO album!
Listened to this double album SO. MANY. TIMES. in my youth! Back when you had to flip over on the record player.
Lionel Richie‘s „Hello“ was about 10 years after this one
The vocal qualities of Jeff in this song are up with his finest - just beautiful....
Man this was the 70s and these guys were 30 years ahead of there time.
Im so excited you listen to this song, thank you!❤❤❤ Lyrically speaking "Cant Get it Out of Head" is a masterpiece, its about a mermaid, in short. Im so glad enjoyed this song!!
This is the John Lennon song that Lennon didn’t write. That song got me to buy my first ELO album.
Now see, I'd always associated "the ocean's daughter" in "Can't Get It Out of My Head" with Venus, because of the Botticelli painting of Venus arriving over the ocean on a scallop shell. I realize Venus is the daughter of Jupiter, not Neptune... but the painting's image fits the song lyric so well! Could totally be a mermaid though... either way, a lovely song.
@@ETBrenner could be, its all interpretation💙
"Robin Hood and William Tell and Ivanhoe and Lancelot, they don't envy me, yeah" ❤️🎶
Their best song IMO. So evocative of longing and loneliness in the void. I think we've all been there. Thanks for this guys 💯💯
Try Turn to Stone, Evil Woman and Strange Magic.
Jeff Lynne: legend (and way underappreciated).
I totally understand your reaction to the "Do Wop" part of the song, but for me growing up with this it really seems to fit. I think it's something that you have to listen to several times. Turn to Stone would be a great follow up
Fire On High. Epic instrumental.
"FIRE ON HIGH" Instrumental gold
How have you not listened to every track on "A New World Record?" Speechless!
I agree. This was a big hit. Not all hits are great music, as we know all too well. 😆 They have a lot more in the tank. Don't give up on them! Thanks Gents! I needed you today! ✌️❤️
Next ELO song: "Sweet Talkin' Woman"
Dudes, I was 14 when this dropped. It was a perfect song then and even a better song now. Both of you dropped the ball on this one.
I love this song and it's absolutely out of place with modern technology. Those of us who used phones when this song came out absolutely understand the desperation in his voice as he hopes he can connect with the one he loves, he has no other options. This song is over 40 years old and it still resonates and perhaps even more now.
I love this song. Next up must be Turn to Stone. That's a great one. (Not another ballad.)
Such an amazing song. I love it even though it makes me cry. It's so real, his voice is filled with chilling emotion. "Ok, so no one's answering, but can't you just let it ring a little longer longer longer, oh. I'll just sit tight in shadows of the night. Let it ring for ever more."
Jeff Lynne's voice is just perfection. ELO has so many great songs...I hope y'all really delve into their catalog.
Try Eldorado Overture which leads into Can't Get It Out of my Head.
Stunning... everything that Jeff Lynne composes, arranges, performs, produces is pure class.
Next ELO needs be their early hit, "Roll Over Beethoven" that hooked me from the beginning! Fusion of Jerry Lee Lewis rock n roll with classical orchestra finding its banger chops!
Don't you mean Chuck Berry?
Their best BANGER. And yes a Chick Berry song also covered by The Beatles.
@@albertcornett7408 Strangely, I was never that crazy about ELO's version of ROB. I WAS a huge fan of The Beatles' version, tho!
Full 8 minute version please.
If you ever see ELO live, they always bring the house down with Roll Over Beethoven!
ELO songs are just make you feel good! No matter how sad and broken hearted they are, you still feel hopeful and upbeat after listening to them!
Evil Woman, Strange Magic, Don’t Bring Me Down. Also Last Train to London is great for the disco vibe
Mr. Blue Sky was from the album after this one, Out of the Blue
More ELO - Do Ya, Sweet Talkin' Woman, Turn to Stone, Showdown
"Mr Blue Sky" was on the "Out Of The Blue" album.
Telephone Line is One of the best Classic Rock Songs ever!
I feel old saying this but the sound of the phone ringing whether incoming or outgoing will always be remembered as music to my ears. But the sweetest of sounds was never fully realized until she picked up on the other end and said "Hello?" I was mesmerized! And in the moments that followed it was as if I myself had been captured in twilight. I didn't care if anyone in the room heard me talking to her or if anyone was listening in on the party line because for a few moments it was just her and me, everything was right with the world and we owed it all to "Ma Bell" and Jeff Lynne. You see while we are chatting it up with our tin cans thru a string ol' Jeff was spinning around and around on a turntable in the background. It was perfect timing actually because when she asked me what I was listening to I was able to speak 2 truths in a single reply when I answered "Sweet Talkin' Woman"!
I encourage you guys to give it a few more listens to see if it will grow on you and be sure to check out "Starlight" for a 50's meets deep space sort of feel. ELO has so many great songs but if you really want get doobie do wopped you'll need to fire up "Turn To Stone" 🙂
Sweet Talking Woman is my favorite by them.
When the song ended and almost went into Sweet Talking Woman I wanted you guys to continue so badly 😂 This whole album is phenomenal. Scratch that, everything ELO has done is phenomenal!
Out of the Blue album is a masterpiece! It’s impossible for ELO to create a bad song. 💙
There are a half dozen songs where I will always tear up when I sit down and really listen to them. This is one of them.
I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed this one.
Angry Eyes
Loggins and Messina
This is an awesome tune.
Yes! I’ve requested that before. I had forgotten how amazing it was until I heard it again over the summer! Brilliant
Yes, great song. I can't see A&A not loving this track.
Don’t do the radio edit though.
@@mt9054 absolutely right. The album version is incredible. Musicianship is awesome.
I've always been a big Kenny Loggins fan but Jim Messina's solo album "Messina" is one of my all time favorites.
Back in the 70s, I was at football practice and this song popped into my head. Now everytime I hear this song, I think of football practice. LOL
This is one of my favorites next to Can't Get It Out of My Head. Others have commented about the whole telephone itself and it is true, young people today can not really understand how different things were then. Waiting for a call... all that. Made me remember party lines, one phone for the entire wing of the college dorm, long distance rates so you had to make the time count.
ELOMG!!! Great song! Thanks.
Good morning A& A. This is my 20 min break from remote learning with my 7 year old. I lovvvvvve this song. Needed a good one this morning! Waiting on the snow to fall and ELO. Not a bad break! Much love from West Virginia. 💙
Strange magic is a must listen!
Alex’s nerd voice. I’m here for it,
❤️❤️
Who else is having a great day as well as having a great life? Cuz I am now due to this vid!
I am. With that being said...
Showdown, Strange Magic, Can't get it out of my head and Last train to London.
Gawd, I love ELO. You can really tell the influence the Beatles had on Jeff Lynne and his music, can't you. 🎶
That’s summer pre-8th grade (1977) heartache right there. Holds a special place in my heart.
I was literally just listening to this the other day an was thinking u guys should react to it an here u are 😂
Ya brothers, I've been requesting this for months! Great pick!
Dudes!!! I love the lofi drums pulled back in the mix! This is my perfect song, touched the soul