THE MOVE/LOOKING ON FLY 1 (-70) UK

 When Jeff Lynne left Idle Race ( https://monolover.blogspot.com/2021/04/idle-racethe-birthday-party-lbl-83132.html ) to work with his old friend Roy Wood in The Move there were already plans to kill the group and start a new one with emphasis on string infested rock. Both were fans of the Beatles songs "Strawberry Flields" and "I'm the Walrus" and wanted the same kind of heavy agenda. Those plans would later evolve into Electric Light Orchestra, but first they had to ride out The Move contract with two more LP:s (which would be this and "Message from the Country"  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-movemessage-from-country-shsp-4013.html  and a number of singles (the late non-LP ones are best caught here   https://monolover.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-movecalifornia-man-shsp-4035-74.html ). On this it's very clear the aim is experimenting, both in songwriting and producing. With five of the tracks they're just trying to be as raw and heavy as they can, creating a very dark atmosphere. The two remaining are among the most complicated Lynne compositions ever, filled with ideas that partly would be re-used later on with ELO. During the sessions they also recorded "10538 Overture", originally intended for a Move B-side, but decided to save it for later and it became a massive UK hit for ELO 1972. The "Brontosaurus" track from the album was recorded previous to the LP and released as single on Regal Zonophone. It went top 10 in UK, but didn't do well in US. "When Alice Comes Back From the Farm" was the groups least commecial '45 and didn't chart at all. I'm very found of this album and think most of its charm comes from the obvious lack of commercial interest. The guys are trying out stuff here with the final goal still set two years ahead, yet there is so much talent and skill involved it never gets boring or introvert. A remain from a musical era when everything was possible. Full album below. Also issued on vinyl in Canada and USA (Capitol ST-658), Germany, Italy and Downunder. Japan 2001 CD on Cube (VICP-61315) came with ten bonus tracks. Premiere UK had label as shown here in a fully laminated cover. (RÖWS*) (FXÖ*)