Murray...I think Lynne (ELO, Trav Wilb, Petty, etc) has got a great ability to write/produce hits that lots of people like, and they do sound good. And if you where a rock musician in 1985 or so, and you were coming off a couple of non commercially successful albums, Lynne was definitely an expert you could hire to turn things around. Maybe like Phil Spector in an earlier era. Lynne had a particular sound that he was very successful with....but to me after a while it was somehwhat formulaic.
I do like it when an ELO song plays on the car radio every so often...they are easy and fun to sing along to. And, while I'm no expert, it seems he's a really good musician, since so many Rock greats enjoy playing music with him....from Roy Orbison, to Bob Dylan. That says alot.
Having said all that, I prefer a more 'down home' sound in general, with more character and soul. I dont mind hearing the defects.
I mean do you have any thoughts on Lynne's sound?
best.
