Electric Light Orchestra – First Movement Review

Compilation releases are, after a time, forgotten. New songs make their way through the ranks naturally, years removed from the release of the album they make up. First Movement is one such example, an Electric Light Orchestra compilation devoid of all-time greats but still suggesting there is a nice hook, a layer of interest, to their earliest works. Hunt down a used copy or piece it together yourself. Whatever the case, First Movement is a strange beast of progressive rock, released at a time when the band was far removed from this sound. It is a similar situation here as to Pulp and the Fire Records compilation, Masters of the Universe. One of many chances capitalised on to cash in on the popular sound, far removed from the earlier works. First Movement is a bit of fun, at the very least, though a far stretch from the thrills heard on the later releases.  

Some extended versions here or there for this compilation are the real draw. Credit to Jeff Lynne and whoever else was behind putting this one together, there is at least a nod of respect to listeners hungry for more. This was a time of great indifference to ELO, the mid-1980s and all through the 1990s were bereft of the band. Early works from the self-titled debut, The Electric Light Orchestra, are neat but non-essential. Meat and potatoes stuff, decent stock for what is to come after. Complete versions of 10538 Overture and Roll Over Beethoven are the best of the bunch, and it is rather telling these two songs still, even now, make the setlist now and then. Certainly an acquired taste when paired with the rest of the dreck on First Moment, but at least it is committed to its title.  

These are deeper cuts and early works from a band which would drift, as closer Showdown hints at, into a groovier, pop-oriented twist. That move is essential for ELO, it defines them even now. Scrappy bits and pieces like Mr Radio and Kuiama are the lull section, that midpoint of transitional intent where the Roy Wood bits begin to fade and the Lynne launch begins. First Movement is as it says, the earliest works of the band and a short but understandable evolution of their sound. Symphonic rock was the route through but it would not be for long, the likes of Rockaria! and the rapid progressive and instrumental evolution to come for ELO can be heard in a triple-bill of their best albums. None of that is here.  

Even without those crutches of great songs, First Movement holds up as well as a compilation should. Early efforts from a band who would eclipse these moments. There is no reason to rake through the discount bin for this one, unless desperate to hear some slightly lengthened versions of two great songs. Nothing more to it than that – the rest can be heard on the first three records from the band. Nothing wrong with First Movement, though. It picks the right pieces from that triple bill of records which would hear Wood storm to the front, recede to the back and disappear entirely. Charting that is not the objective of First Movement but it can certainly serve as a Wood-era compilation. The bulk of it can, anyway…