Roy Wood was one of most important figures on the UK music scene from 1968 up to the mid-seventies. As founder/member of groups like Move, ELO and Wizzard his songs not only generated big sales but also proved a big inspiration for the contemporary English pop/rock/glam music scene. I've posted a lot on those bands earlier, now it's time for his first solo album. And a solo album it is. Apart from harmonium on one track he does it all - instruments, voices, production and cover design. Nowadays anyone can imitate any instrument using electronic devices, but back then you actually had to treat every single one and that's what he does here - the full rock setting plus cello, saxes, oboe, banjo, keyboards, flutes and a few more. He also sings all leads and background vocals. It was made as he just left ELO and at the same time touring and topping the UK list with his new group Wizzard. With all that going on it's amazing how fresh this sounds. The songs are ballads, gospel, country, pop and rock - well kept together by the production. Beautiful melodies bursting with feelings and some nice twists - not far from his work with Move or ELO, but lighter and less dense than the Wizzard numbers. Production and mixing is on the spot and I guess Alan Parsons who engineerd most of it had a big part in the final result. First US on United Artists (UA-LA 168 F). Premiere UK with label as shown here and structured f/o cover, later on Harvest Heritage (2021) with different wrapping. (RÖWS*)(HÄVL*)
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