Carrying on with our ELO appreciation, "Turn to Stone" is a 1977 song by Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). The song is the opening track to the double album “Out of the Blue”. It was the first song released as a single from the LP.
Not the original, I have selected a near perfect live rendition from the ELO line-up of 2017. Jeff is still a very present and relevant music genius. John Lennon once said if The Beatles had kept going they would have sounded like ELO… what a complement to Jeff Lynne.
The Electric Light Orchestra came to prominence during the 1970’s, being originally formed, in tandem with members of Birmingham group The Move, Roy Wood, Jeff Lynne and Bev Bevan. Appropriate genres are combinations of Progressive Rock, Pop and Classical. In their use of electric strings you can hear Beatlesque influences. They certainly don't behave like normal string players. A few years before, the idea of cellos and violins playing together with guitars, bass and drums was often heard as backing to Beatles classics. ELO brought strings to the fore to make it look and sound like they always belonged together.
“Rockaria!” was the third track on the band's successful 1976 album, A New World Record and was the second single from the album.
I fell under Kate’s spell many years ago now and have literally lost count of the number of times we have been to see her. We avidly book her local appearances as well as being regular weekend residents at her annual Folk Festival, Underneath the Stars at Cawthorne near Barnsley.
Known as the ‘Barnsley Nightingale’, Kate is for us the quintessential, leading light of English Folk music. Her voice has that Northern lilt and this song became a foundation of the festivals, also title tune of this album of yet more spellbinding trad and self-penned tunes. I will certainly be returning to Kate at a later date.
Arguably one of the best performances of one of the best guitar solos ever. Pink Floyd, cerebral poets of rock, put on a live performance of this classic track from their Album, Dark Side of the Moon. It took place at Earl’s Court, London as part of the 1994 Division Bell tour.
The singing, lyrics, audio and harmony are all laid before us with a stupendous light show. This performance had it all and literally takes you on a trip! Surely David Gilmour must rank as one of the top 5 exponents of the electric guitar in a very crowded field.
Not only that, the vocal skill with which he bridges across the ascending stages of this epic are perfect for the haunting lyrics and mood of the piece.
I intend to revisit all the tracks from the album in future posts. Meanwhile, just sit back and let this one sink in!
So what’s this about!
First and foremost it’s a personal blog about my favourite music.
Secondly, an aide memoire to the best sources for celebrating the artists and tracks that have impressed me the most, usually a YouTube or other video.
Thirdly, to share it with other music lovers (aren’t we all), to take in their views, expertise and personal knowledge.
Lastly, discover new music that I have missed. I will take suggestions for further posts from you in the comments section (this would need a web link, usually to a video and a short message with why the artist/track impressed you). I will feature the best and most requested ones in a subsequent post.
