Jeff Lynne’s ELO
“Alone in the Universe”
Columbia
Original Electric Light Orchestra mastermind Jeff Lynne gets the band back together for the supergroup’s first disc in years, “Alone in the Universe.” The disc sounds both vintage and current, recapturing the signature sounds that made the act such a hit with songs like “Evil Woman,” “Telephone Line” and “Turn to Stone.” For their 21st century curtain call, ELO tries out new tricks on the stellar “When I Was a Boy,” while “Dirty to the Bone” will trick you into believing it’s still 1977 — thankfully without the bellbottoms! Album drags a bit in the center, but comes bouncing back with “Ain’t It a Drag,” which mixes electronic with bluegrass and country-rock sounds. “All My Life” and “One Step at a Time” continue the retro sound, and the title track caps the new musical experience for ELO.
Mr. Lynne recently put on the first ELO shows in three decades, showing that the sound that defined the ’70s remains as relevant today as ever.
• Eric Althoff can be reached at twt@washingtontimes.com.
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