Face The Music (Expanded Edition) by Electric Light Orchestra (CD, Sep-2006, Legacy Recordings)

Being a die-hard ELO fan, it is not easy for me to NOT recommend and ELO CD, but with an "Expanded Edition", you have to feel like you are getting your money's worth. In this case, I felt the Expanded Edition was just an attempt to sell the same CD again. Leader Jeff Lynne expanded upon "Evil Woman" with some new lyrics, but the original is a classic and stands great on its own. The added vocals didn't fit well either. The never before released "Fire on High" intro was a bit monotoneous and I can understand why the cut it out. Then there was the addition "Waterfall" minus the vocals, which is nice and interesting, but not really expanded or additional to what was already out there. That's why I say for fans only.

I have long been a fan of ELO and have what I consider to be the best of their (too many) "Best of-Greatest Hits" compilations. What I didn't have was a copy of several of the songs that are on this disc, specifically; Fire on High, Waterfall and One Summer Dream. The other songs are good, too...but I have always liked the creepy moodiness of Fire on High's intro. I had to have it.

In addition to the original songs, there are some interesting remixes and some great commentary in the liner notes that is worth the read. This release gives old and new fans an opportunity to see why the band caught on so hot in the 1970's and a glimpse of why Jeff Lynne was so influential to the Rock-n-Roll scene in so many ways; from ELO to the Traveling Wilbury's to producing many other top artists along the way.

If you are looking to experience ELO for the first time, or if you are just looking for a great gift or stocking stuffer for that long-time ELO fan, this is the CD I would recommend. The only reason I can't give it an excellent rating is because I feel that rating is reserved for extraordinary records, which this isn't. It's damn good...but it is not life alteringly good. New word, alteringly???

Thanks for the memories, Jeff L.& Co....and thanks for re-releasing one of the hard to find diamonds from my youth. Rock on!

Electric Light Orchestra ..... What a classic CD !!! This is " A BLAST FROM YOUR PAST " If you like the album back then ,, You will LOVE the latest Version of the CD .... Being remaster Its better then its ever been in quality .... This is truely a TREAT for ALL of You ELO FANS ......

E.L.O. is one of those unique bands that combines great rock with a brilliant orchestra sound that nobody else has. Face the Music is probably their best album. It's a great listen that will really get you going.

just got our cd today and can't wait to open it.. my husband was so happy to see this on line.. i guess it makes him feel like a kid again... thanks so much