ELO, Olivia and Xanadu
E.L.O. helps Olivia musically on her way to a new film success
Translation from Dutch
Discovery, the ninth LP from the Electric Light Orchestra, has been another huge success. Critics who felt Jeff Lynne had allowed too much disco influence to seep into his performances were proven wrong by the general public, and E.L.O. has released yet another platinum-selling LP.
Moreover, four singles were taken from the LP, each of which achieved significant chart success somewhere in the world.
The fact that things remained rather quiet around E.L.O. had nothing to do with the fact that the gentlemen were resting on their laurels. No, frontman and composer Jeff Lynne has been busy writing five songs for the soundtrack of the film “Xanadu”, which should be Olivia Newton-John’s second box office success after “Grease.”
Jeff also provides background music for the film, while five other songs for Olivia were written by ex-Shadows bassist John Farrar, who, incidentally, had written a few hits for Olivia in the past.
Two of Jeff’s compositions have already become huge hits. The title song of “Xanadu” is sung by Olivia and accompanied by E.L.O., “I’m Alive” is the new single from E.L.O. themselves.
The film itself is expected to be released in the States in early August, the full soundtrack is expected to arrive at record stores any day now.
The photos attached show three E.L.O. cornerstones: Lynne, bassist Kelly Groucutt, and keyboardist Richard Tandy, at work recording the “Xanadu” soundtrack.
Olivia photo from Hollywood Nights TV special.
