Electric Light Orchestra ELO Classics

1990's ELO CLASSICS is a one-disc condensation of AFTERGLOW, the three-disc box set from the same year. With ELO CLASSICS, casual fans and interested neophytes don't have to spring for the full box to enjoy the benefits of the fully remastered sound that made the box set sound better than any ELO compact disc that had preceded it.

Ignoring both the early years when Jeff Lynne co-led the band with his former musical partner Roy Wood and the less commercially successful '80s albums, ELO CLASSICS focuses entirely on the 1973-1979 glory days. Most of the monster hits, from the funky "Evil Woman" and "Ma-Ma-Ma Belle" to the plaintive ballads "Telephone Line" and "Can't Get It Out of My Head," are present, but unlike earlier ELO compilations, ELO CLASSICS features a nice smattering of great album tracks as well, like the heavily orchestrated "Boy Blue" and the homesick "Birmingham Blues." A fine set.