Message from the Country [Original recording remastered] [Import]

Product Description
The group's last good album, weaker than Shazam but pleasant enough in its sub-White Album way. EMI. 2005.

Message from the Country,The Move,EMI Int'l,British Psychedelia,Pop,Prog-Rock/Art Rock,Psychedelic,Psychedelic Pop,Rock,Rock & Roll,Rock/Pop

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Message from the Country [Original recording remastered] [Import]

Average customer rating: It Wasn't My Idea to Dance ~ MESSAGE FROM BENNY HILL COUNTRY ~ Move on over for the 2nd best album by The Move Peter Mew has improved but not on this release Awful Remastering!!!

Message from the Country The Move Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Looking On Shazam The Move Movements Wizzard Brew ASIN: B0009Y335Q Release Date: 2005-09-12

Tracks:

1. Message From The Country
2. Ella James
3. No Time
4. Don't Mess Me Up
5. Until Your Moma's Gone
6. It Wasn't My Idea To Dance
7. The Minister
8. Ben Crawley Steel Company
9. The Words Of Aaron
10. My Marge
11. Tonight
12. Chinatown
13. Down On The Bay
14. Do Ya
15. California Man
16. Don't Mess Me Up
17. The Words Of Aaron
18. Do Ya

Album Description

The group's last good album, weaker than Shazam but pleasant enough in its sub-White Album way. EMI. 2005.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Expanded Edition of the Final Move Album that Included Bev Bevan, Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne, who Would Eventually Disband the Group to Form Electric Light Orchestra. Amid the Eight Added Bonus Tracks Are the Original Single plus an Alt Version of "do Ya", One of the Groups Last Recordings that Would Become a Hit for Elo Later in the Decade. This Edition is Released in Celebration of the 35th Anniversary of the Group's Signing to EMI Records.

Customer Reviews:

It Wasn't My Idea to Dance.......2007-03-02

This is a monumental re-release, the sonics are much improved and the scope and expanse of the talent revealed in glorious technicolor. Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood are a human jukebox, channeling everything from Beatles pop, pyschedelia, Elvis, sitars, Led Zep riffs, lush Brian Wilson harmonies, straight-on rock, Phil Spector -- you name it -- all tied up in a fantastic bow.

The inclusion of several strong bonus tracks -- singles and b-sides released by the Move during this time frame, including the anthem "Do Ya"-- round out what is a spectacular re-release and one of the better records of the decade.

~ MESSAGE FROM BENNY HILL COUNTRY ~.......2007-01-18

ROY WOOD PERFORMS: BENNY HILL AND THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION (including Jeff Lynne with the every great rock artist you ever knew or loved orchestra). Somewhere in season three of the original Benny episodes, he comes out as Roy Wood in his ultimate uber hippie imitation (hair, beard and all), performing a funny musical skit. Now I shall forever associate this album with him since images like that never give up your captive memory cells. THANKS BENNY!

This remaster is very enjoyable with many extras, released (singles, etc.) and unreleased (outtakes). The music covers every imaginable influence from the then burgeoning rock scene. Acid-rock phasey-crunchy guitars, heavy-trebly Rick bass pickings and funky hard-hitting drums cross with surf harmonies, electric folk/country and kooky doo-wop throwbacks. It's ALL mixed up in a pre-ELO orchestra of comedic madness - quite funny actually, and very experimental (they really change it up with each song). Everyone who loves rock 'n' roll will find many things to latch on to and enjoy for the long run - It's all a pleasant trip (Darth's review above does a great job on the song by song). Some of the song passages and writing/arranging are unbelievably adept at capturing the era's stream-of-consciousness higher strivings (played out in the best bands), but then switching to slapstick absurdity like the Ben Crawley Steel Co. song and a couple of others (HEY, maybe Roy and Benny were actually good friends??? That would explain a few things).

I am not well-informed enough about this band to give technical details, band history and whatnot, but my general FEELING for the band and this album is ANOTHER GREAT ONE from these guys! The influence from The Move seems to be far more widespread than many ever thought with all that was going on back then. Humor, good musicianship and creative exploration make this a full five sitar attraction to my mind (with over 75 minutes of musical mayhem that includes a juicy booklet full of interest) ~ Peace ~

Move on over for the 2nd best album by The Move.......2006-11-20

While "Shazam" tends to be my favorite Move album, "Message from the Country" occupies a firm place in my heart as well. The last Move album and truly first ELO album "Message from the Country" has been remastered and while the sonics aren't ideal (Peter Mew tends to lean a bit too heavily on Sonic Solutions "No Noise" hiss reduction and also glossed over the original master recordings flaws a bit too much for my taste here)this is probably one of the better sounding reissues of the album (particularly when compared to "Great Move" the anthology that included this album plus the singles recorded for EMI--that version mixed up the original running order of the album and didn't sound all that great).

We get the original album plus five single sides and a version of "Don't Mess Me Up" stripped down to the vocals, "The Words of Aaron" with additional woodwind overdubs and an alternate take of "Do Ya" with "My Marge" mysteriously tagged on at the end (although it's not mentioned on the CD at all and the running time is curiously states it runs 4:20 when with "My Marge" it runs around 7 minutes).

Liner notes includes brief comments from Lynne, Wood and Bevan discussing the album. Also we get an extensive discussion of the recording of the album and a brief history of the band. It's not a bad reissue it just could sound better.

Peter Mew has improved but not on this release.......2006-10-14

While not as scintillating hard rock as Looking On or Shazam, this is still one killer collection of tunes, esp. the Roy Wood songs. Funny thing is, on the ELO guy's tunes, you can hear the smarmy production that ruined future Harrison and Petty productions coming into bloom. He must be a hell of a nice guy. Otherwise, why would any artist want his gooey fingerprints smearing their art? That said, the album is still miles better than anything Wood or the ELO guy have done since. The biggest drawback is Peter Mew's mastering, which emphasizes the digital realm's tendency towards shrillness and a thin sound that wears and tears on the ears. Mew and the ELO guy have a lot in common. But then again, the price is right. So, I say go for it. Pick it up and enjoy. Just don't expect any analogue delights.

Awful Remastering!!!.......2006-05-26

It is unfortunate that such amazing music gets such heavy handed remastering. Peter Mew (Abbey Road mastering engineer) has once again smothered another remaster with noise reduction until it chirps like an MP3. The sound is boomy and closed off.

I'm grateful to have The Move on CD once again but I wish a more competent remastering engineer was employed. When's Peter Mew going to retire?

Average customer rating: Awful remastering... The Move goes out on top A tremendous archievement,if you understand the context of the sessions. The most special and unique album by the BRILLIANT Move

Message from the Country The Move Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Shazam Looking On Harvest Showdown The Move Movements ASIN: B0009Y3356 Release Date: 2005-09-12

Tracks:

1. Message from the Country
2. Ella James
3. No Time
4. Don't Mess Me Up
5. Until Your Moma's Gone
6. It Wasn't My Idea To Dance
7. Minister
8. Ben Crawley Steel Company
9. Words Of Aaron
10. My Marge
11. Tonight
12. Chinatown
13. Down On The Bay
14. Do Ya
15. California Man
16. Don't Mess Me Up (Alternate Version)
17. Words Of Aaron (Alternate Version)
18. Do Ya (Alternate Version)
19. My Marge (Session Version)

Album Description

The group's last good album, weaker than Shazam but pleasant enough in its sub-White Album way. EMI. 2005.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Expanded Edition of the Final Move Album that Included Bev Bevan, Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne, who Would Eventually Disband the Group to Form Electric Light Orchestra. Amid the Eight Added Bonus Tracks Are the Original Single plus an Alt Version of "do Ya", One of the Groups Last Recordings that Would Become a Hit for Elo Later in the Decade. This Edition is Released in Celebration of the 35th Anniversary of the Group's Signing to EMI Records.

Customer Reviews:

Awful remastering..........2006-04-24

It is unfortunate that such amazing music gets such heavy handed remastering. Peter Mew has once again smothered another remaster with noise reduction until it chirps like and MP3. The sound is boomy and closed off.

I'm grateful to have The Move on CD once again but I wish a more competent remastering engineer was employed. When's Peter Mew going to retire?

The Move goes out on top.......2006-02-16

Message From The Country (1971.) The final studio album from the Move

INTRODUCTION:
It was in 1971 that the Move ultimately disbanded. By this time, Jeff Lynne, Roy Wood, and Bev Bevan had shifted their attention toward their new musical project, which would ultimately become the legendary Electric Light Orchestra. But, before they abandoned the Move entirely, they would record one last album. That album was Message From The Country. Although the Move is relatively obscure and unknown by all but the biggest fans of the musicians in question, this album has gained a cult following as the band's most popular, being considered their swansong. Read on, and see how the album really fares!

OVERVIEW:
The Move released their final album, Message From The Country, on October 8, 1971. For the album, the band featured the usual lineup of Jeff Lynne, Roy Wood, and Bev Bevan. Lynne and Wood produced the album. Tracklist for the album consists of Message From The Country, Ella James, No Time, Don't Mess Me Up, Until Your Moma's Gone, It Wasn't My Idea To Dance, The Minister, Ben Crawley Steel Company, The Words Of Aaron, and My Marge.

REVIEW:
The Move really did go out on top. It's amazing, really. For the final album, the band just kicked back and had a good time making their music, not taking the project too seriously. It's incredible that this album, made without tremendous effort or care on the band's part, ended up being their most revered work! Remarkable, but true. The album was released just a few short months prior to the Electric Light Orchestra debut, and in many places, it shows. Let's take a look at the tracks, and see how each one fares!

-SIDE A-

-Message From The Country: Starting an album is no easy task, because the artist needs to create a song that is catchy and appealing to the listener, as well as one that shows off what the artist is all about. The Move does this excellently on their final album. This is an awesome semi-symphonic rock piece, which definitely serves as a premonition to the Electric Light Orchestra material that was just around the corner. Many portions of the song resemble the 10358 Overture from the self-titled Electric Light Orchestra debut, which followed just a few months later. A GREAT way to start the album!

-Ella James: On this tune, the trio takes that classic early rock and roll sound, and fuses it with their own unique stylings. What results from this is one of the band's most memorable tunes. It's catchy as hell, and you're gonna remember it long after you finish listening to the album. An excellent song.

-No Time: This is a slower and more melodic piece, which heavily emphasizes woodwind instrumentation. The slower stylings end up working very well, creating something totally and distinctly the Move. It's definitely some of the best flute usage ever heard in a pop-rock song! As usual, the band doesn't fail to impress their listeners. On the track, the vocals are very similar to those from Queen Of The Hours from the self-titled Electric Light Orchestra debut.

-Don't Mess Me Up: Roy Wood tries to be Elvis Presley - and he does a surprisingly good job of it! The neo-rockabilly instrumentation goes perfectly with Wood's Elvis-esque vocals, making for yet another memorable track. If you listened to this track, and this track only, you'd have no idea this was a British symphonic rock group! An excellent track, and one that shows off the band's diversity nicely.

-Until Your Moma's Gone: For this track, the band tries their hand at a somewhat bluesy rock sound that heavily integrates horns into the mix. The Move rarely failed to make excellent music, and this track proves to be no exception. Once again, the band shows off beautifully how diverse they are, while at the same time remaining true to the sound that is uniquely their own. Awesome stuff.

-SIDE B-

-It Wasn't My Idea To Dance: This is, by far, one of the strongest songs on the album.
The baroque-flavored instrumentation definitely gives a hint of what's to come on the self-titled Electric Light Orchestra debut. Hell, this song could have been put on THAT album and it would have fit perfectly! From its earliest moments right up to its closing, this song definitely stands as one of the Move's finest.

-The Minister: Essentially, this track is more of a straight-up classic rocker. Nothing too progressive here, just basic, straight-to-the-point classic rock. Many portions of this song are reminiscent of the Beatles, which isn't at all surprising. The Move was one of those bands that rarely did anything wrong musically - this song is solid proof.

-Ben Crawley Steel Company: Bev Bevan does vocals on this - definitely one of the most different-sounding tracks on the album. Essentially, this is the band's attempt at country music, and it even sounds like Bevan is trying to mimic Johnny Cash vocally. Usually experimenting with different styles like this would be a recipe for disaster - but that's certainly not the case with the Move, as they prove time and time again on this album. This is no exception to the rule.

-The Words Of Aaron: Here we have pop rock, with a light symphonic touch to it. Jeff Lynne's piano playing on this one really has to be heard to be appreciated. The guy is so well-known as a singer, that his other skills often get neglected, as this song proves. Don't pass this one by!

-My Marge: The only disposable song on the album. This song is obviously a joke the band just did for a laugh. Still, it's worth listening to for its sheer novelty value. It's actually very similar to what Cream did with Mother's Lament at the end of the Disraeli Gears album. The band could just as well have left this song off the album, though - it wouldn't have hurt my feelings. Still, one weak cut doesn't derail an album consisting of mostly masterpieces.

OVERALL:
In the end, the final effort from the Move is quite possibly the finest one they recorded. It's just a shame that the band's material, this masterpiece of an album included, ended up being overshadowed in favor of the Electric Light Orchestra stuff the trio began doing just months later. But whether it gets the proper recognition or not, it's a masterpiece. If you're a fan of these musicians, or perhaps you're an Electric Light Orchestra fan who wants to look into the past of that band's founding members, this album is for you. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

EDITION NOTES:
At long last, this album finally got remastered and reissued in America! It took long enough, but the remastered version is awesome. In addition to greatly expanded liner notes and remastered sound, the album features a ton of bonus tracks. You get non-album cuts from the same era, as well as many outtakes that were never officially released. The former feature Do Ya and California Man, and it's great to finally be able to get those cuts on an album! This version is the one most readily available in America, and the best version of the album, so buy it!

A tremendous archievement,if you understand the context of the sessions........2005-09-26

First of all,I'd like to say,that with the discovery of the actual first generation mixdown masters(which were not at EMI),that the album now has unprecidented clarity.As with previous reissues(such as "Great Move") you get the bonus singles "California Man","Chinatown","Tonght","Do Ya" & "Down on The Bay".With this remaster,you also get four further unreleased selections,though the first two could be described as "Out-Fakes":an accapella mix of "Don't Mess me Up",and a remix of "The Words of Aaron" which strips the song back to just piano & vocals.The next two selections are genuine outtakes;an alternate take of "Do Ya" recorded for use by the BBC,and an alternate of "My Marge"(the original album's 1930's-style throwaway).However,most people don't realize that the album "A Message From The Country"(and its' related non-L.P. singles) & the first "Electric Light Orchestra" album were recorded simultaneously,on the same reels of tape and at the same sessions.Selections without the horns & cellos were earmarked for release under the name "The Move"(because,for commercial reasons,EMI wanted more recordings under the group's already established name),while the songs with the orchestral players were set aside for release under the name "Electric Light Orchestra".Had all the recordings been released as a double album,people would have hailed these recordings for the major achievement that they were.Both groups featured the same basic personel(Roy Wood,Bev Bevan & Jeff Lynne).Bassist Rick Price was involved at an early stage of the sessions,only to exit the group,and have his parts wiped,and re-played by Roy Wood.But,alas Wood & Lynne were each prolific writers,and each could fill an entire album without another writer,so they each started bands that were basically backing bands;Lynne's revised "Electric Light Orchestra" & Wood formed "Wizzard"

The most special and unique album by the BRILLIANT Move.......2005-09-06

I must start this review by saying how excited and happy I am that this truly wonderful album is FINALLY being reissued- about time, too!!!! I am a huge Move fan: I love their totally unique, bizarre, zany, colorful, rumbunctious psych pop ("Disturbance"), their murky, muddy, funky, grinding, swampy hard rock ("Brontosaurus"), their sinister, epic, gorgeous, mysterious, strange progressive rock ("What?"), and their crisp, shining, melodic beatelesque pop rock ("Tonight").

Message From The Country finds the Move's music very much in the region of the last three styles that I have mentioned- this album is a very strong collection of hard, bluesy rockabilly ("Till your Mama's gone", "Ella James" and the jaw droppingly bizarre "Don't mess me up"), moody, mysterious, achingly gorgeous prog rock ("Words of Aaron", "Message From The Country"), silly, throwaway vaudeville romps ("My Marge")
and crisp, clean, beatlesque pop rock ("Tonight"). And there's also the sinister, paranoid, manaic rock of "The Minister" and the etheral, sad, atmospheric balladry of "No Time".

In my opinion, I find that this album gets unfairly underrated and ignored, simply because it is the Move's last album- All Music guide call it "pleasant enough in it's sub-White album way"- This is a grave disservice to the Move, suggesting that they are mere Beatles clones- the Move had their own strong. unique, bizarre brand of music, totally unlike the Beatles!
It seems that if a band are melodic with good vocal harmonies they are dismissed as being "Beatles-like" , like the brilliant Bee Gees were in their fantastic 60's heyday.

"Message" is even Roy Wood's fave Move album, and he'd know!

I find that the Move's music got much more atmospheric and sinister as they moved into their prog/hard rock territory, and the cantankerous, heavy, predominant bass lines, compressed, treated vocals, morbid, creepy lyrics and enigmatic, eerie arrangments (especially in the stunning "Words of Aaron")all add up to create the moving, memorable, truly unique brand of rockabilly/hard rock/blues/progressive/pop/rock that the Move perfected on this, their best album.

Don't worry, they still retained their trademark sense of fun and humour- listening to the lyrics of "My Marge" will make you cringe as they sing "She picks her nose!Throws the brown lumps over the left side, green over the left side..."- Urgh!

Average customer rating:

Message from the Country The Move Manufacturer: One Way ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Days of Future Passed Thick as a Brick On the Third Day Face the Music Eldorado ASIN: B000GW87VQ Release Date: 2006-10-02

Tracks:

1. It Wasn't My Idea to Dance
2. Minister
3. Message from the Country
4. Words of Aaron
5. Ben Crawley Steel Company
6. Until Your Mama's Gone
7. No Time
8. Ella James
9. Don't Mess Me Up
10. My Marge

Album Details

Japanese Limited Edition Issue of the Album Classic in a Deluxe, Miniaturized LP Sleeve Replica of the Original Vinyl Album Artwork.

Average customer rating:

Gershwin Performs Gershwin: Rare Recordings 1931-1935 Manufacturer: Music Masters Jazz ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Tin Pan Alley | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Plays George Gershwin The Gershwin Plays Gershwin: The Piano Rolls, Vol. 2 George Gershwin: His Life and Work Levant Plays Gershwin Gershwin Plays Gershwin: The Piano Rolls ASIN: B000000FMO Release Date: 1991-08-13

Tracks:

1. 'Music by Gershwin' Radio Program, February.19, 1934: Signature
2. 'Music by Gershwin' Radio Program, February.19, 1934: Of Thee I Sing: Overture
3. 'Music by Gershwin' Radio Program, February.19, 1934: The Man I Love
4. 'Music by Gershwin' Radio Program, February.19, 1934: I Got Rhythm
5. 'Music by Gershwin' Radio Program, February.19, 1934: Commercial
6. 'Music by Gershwin' Radio Program, February.19, 1934: Swanee; Sign-off
7. 'Music by Gershwin' Radio Program, April.30, 1934: Signature
8. 'Music by Gershwin' Radio Program, April.30, 1934: Mine
9. 'Music by Gershwin' Radio Program, April.30, 1934: Variations On 'I Got Rhythm'
10. 'Music by Gershwin' Radio Program, April.30, 1934: Love Is Sweeping The Country
11. 'Music by Gershwin' Radio Program, April.30, 1934: Commercial
12. 'Music by Gershwin' Radio Program, April.30, 1934: Wintergreen For President; Sign-Off
13. Rudy Vallee 'Fleischmann Hour' Radio Program, November 10, 1932: Variations On 'Fascinating Rhythm'.
14. Rudy Vallee 'Fleischmann Hour' Radio Program, November.10, 1932: Second Prelude
15. Rudy Vallee 'Fleischmann Hour' Radio Program, November.10, 1932: Interview
16. Rudy Vallee 'Fleischmann Hour' Radio Program, November.10, 1932: I Got Rhythm
17. Second Rhapsody Rehearsal Performance, June.26, 1931
18. Porgy And Bess Rehearsal Performance, July.19, 1935: Introduction; Summertime
19. Porgy And Bess Rehearsal Performance, July.19, 1935: A Woman Is A Sometime Thing
20. Porgy And Bess Rehearsal Performance, July.19, 1935: Act 1, Scene 1: Finale
21. Porgy And Bess Rehearsal Performance, July.19, 1935: My Man's Gone Now
22. Porgy And Bess Rehearsal Performance, July.19, 1935: Bess, You Is My Woman Now

Amazon.com

More interesting (and--predictably--less mechanical) than his piano rolls, Gershwin Performs Gershwin showcases the Gershwin-conducted rehearsal sessions for Second Rhapsody and Porgy and Bess along with two Gershwin radio specials recorded in the early '30s titled Music by Gershwin. These are period pieces, for sure--the sound is shoddy, and the radio spots' commercials are as entrancing as the music that's being played. But, yes, that is Gershwin conducting and playing piano, and this is as close as we'll get to hearing these familiar tunes being played the way he wanted them. --Jason Verlinde

Average customer rating: Best Sounding CD Version... Ages like fine wine AND UNSUNG MASTERPIECE GOODBYE TO THE MOVE....HELLO E.L.O. toss up between this and shazam

Message from the Country The Move Manufacturer: One Way Records Inc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Pop Rock | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Pop Rock | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: The Best of the Move Shazam ASIN: B000002RA3 Release Date: 1992-07-30

Tracks:

1. It Wasn't My Idea To Dance
2. The Minister
3. Message From The Country
4. The Words Of Aaron
5. Ben Crawley Steel Company
6. Until Your Mama's Gone
7. No Time
8. Ella James
9. Don't Mess Me Up
10. My Marge

Amazon.com

Although they had three more fine singles in them--the Supergrass- inspiring "Tonight" and "Chinatown" together with "California Man"--album-wise, Message from the Country, released in July 1971, was the Move's curtain call. It was also the first ELO album in all but name. The Birmingham band responsible for an enviable run of eclectic '60s hits ("Flowers in the Rain," "I Can Hear the Grass Grow," "Fire Brigade," "Brontosaurus") had now trimmed down to a nucleus of three members--principal songwriter, autodidactic multi- instrumentalist and latter-day heavy-rocking hairball Roy Wood, dependable drummer and fellow cofounder Bev Bevan and former Idle Race rival and Beatles disciple Jeff Lynne.

Oddly--given the quality of their work--the Move only existed at this time as a financial vehicle to fund Wood and Lynne's vision for fusing rock music with classical instruments in the manner of the Beatles' "I Am the Walrus." Thus, the Electric Light Orchestra, whose live debut was only months away, would go one better than John and Paul by playing their own cellos (Roy Wood, who else?) and the gothic, chamber orchestra rock blueprint can be heard on Message from the Country. It remains a fascinating chapter in the bafflingly complicated Move/ELO/Wizzard/Roy Wood chronicles. --Kevin Maidment

Customer Reviews:

Best Sounding CD Version..........2007-05-27

I bought the EMI remaster of this album the day it came out. The only thing it did was upset me. The remaster is drowning in digital tape hiss removal (not to mention heavy handed digital EQ). This noise reduction (NR) caused the sound to gurgle and chirp in much the same way as low bit rate MP3s. It also makes the softer moments become very muffled sounding and the whole album sounds sterile, as if the atmosphere has been removed.

I went back and listened to this CD release and found it to be quite an accurate representation of my UK vinyl. The tonality is nice and open (with respect to the original mixes anyway) and it didn't suffer from the heavy handed Abbey Road mastering process.

Unless you have a Harry T. Moss mastered UK vinyl pressing this CD on One Way Records is the only way to hear this brilliant album.

Ages like fine wine.......2002-06-01

1. Bought a used copy of the American CD version two years ago. Hated it. Gave it to my brother. He sold it.

2. Bought a new CD copy of "Great Move! ..." with the proper English track listing, remastering, and the five non-album cuts. Can't get it out of my head. (har har)

3. The album is growing on me on ways I never thought it would. Best digested after 4-5 listenings, on long car trips through the flat, rolling Midwest.

4. The context improves when you keep in mind that some of the tracks ARE MEANT TO BE PARODIES of Elvis, Johnny Cash and the Beatles. The entire album is tongue-in-cheek, a direct contrast to its "artsy" twin, ELO's "No Answer." In fact, if you want to simulate what a Wood/Lynne/Bevan session must have been like in 1970-71, put those two discs in a player and hit the "random" button. Incredibly eclectic. And they're playing 98 percent of the instruments themselves! Think throbbing, heavy-metal bass (was it Woody or Rick Price?) and high woodwinds (think Mos Eisley canteen band from "Star Wars") and you'll have a feel for it. Slightly prog but highly cheeky. And enduring, too.

5. Bring on the EMI re-master this summer!

AND UNSUNG MASTERPIECE.......2001-04-14

FIRST OFF, I'M A FAN OF THE BEATLES,THE PRETTIES,AND MOST OF THE EARLIER BRITISH ROCK GROUPS(1960'S,TO 1980'S). THERE IS NO AMOUNT OF AMERICAN MUSIC THAT EVEN COMES CLOSE TO THE MUSIC THAT THESE FELLOWS RECORDED." MESSAGE FROM THE COUNTRY",TAKES A FEW TIMES TO SINK IN.BECAUSE I REGARD THERE PREVIOUS WORK,ON THE WHOLE TO BE WITHOUT PEER, I KEPT LISTENING AND LISTENING. I MUST BE HONEST , HOWEVER,IT MUST BE NOTED THAT I WAS A HEAVY CONSUMER OF WACKY TABACCY AT THE TIME OF ITS RELEASE,(WHO WASN'T?). THIS MAY HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO MY EUPHORIA WHEN LISTENING TO THE LIKES. ANYONE WHO CONSIDERS THEMSELVES WELL HEELED IN HEAVIER ROCK BANDS OF THOSE YEARS,AND TODAY, CANNOT COME AWAY WITHOUT WISHING THE GROUP SHOULD HAVE CONTINUED TO EVOLVE ITSELF INSTEAD OF SHOOTING OFF ON EGO TRIPS OF THERE OWN. ALTHOUGH ELO WAS A IMPRESSIVE ATTEMPT AT PICKING UP WHERE THE BEATLES LEFT OFF, THE ASSEMBLY OF ROY WOOD ,JEFF LYNNE, BEV BEVAN AND VARIOUS OTHER MUSICIANS HAS BEEN SORELY MISSED. IF THERE IS A ROCK AND ROLL GOD, I HOPE HE SHOOTS AN ARROW INTO THOSE GUYS BRAINS TO GET THEM TO REFORM THE MOVE AND SEE WHAT THEY GOT. COME ON BOYS DROP THE EGOS, FOR US. HOPEFULLY O'MAN

GOODBYE TO THE MOVE....HELLO E.L.O........2000-09-22

Alot of Move fans really like this album and I have to say it is good BUT I don't think it's as good as everybody thinks. I've had this CD for about three months now and I still think "Looking On" is a better album and that one was hated by most of thier fans. One promblem that I have with this album is that it just doesn't sound like it's finished in places. Some of the songs are great(It Wasn't My Idea To Dance, Words of Aaron, The Ben Crawley Steel Company) but others sound too much like the Beatles(say hello to Jeff Lynne). I think this album could've used a little more production work. I suspect that Roy,Jeff,and Bev only did this because they had to. The Electric Light Orchestra was what they wanted to get going. Although I think this album is flawed by what sounds like a rushed production, I still like it and think that anyone interested in The Move should hear it. I just don't think it's brilliant.

toss up between this and shazam.......2000-04-13

i first heard this material as part of the split ends album. this is incredible music , not a bad track in the bunch. hard to say which is better this or the shazam album. right now i'm leaning towards shazam , but this is definitely an excellent , brilliant recording in its own right. lynne's ' the words of aaron' may be his single greatest piece of music ever. it is a haunting and beautifully performed track with great keyboards and it is a jazzy and heavy , tail- end of the psychedelic era masterpiece. wood's it wasn't my idea to dance is somewhat similar, another great eerie cut you'll play over and over and over again. i guess you could say that the song is somewhat bombastic, but you'll love it anyway. ' the minister' is a paperback writer knock-off that may be the only instance ever where someone totally ripped off the beatles and actually IMPROVED on them, it's an impressive and very infectious piece. until your momma's gone proves that the move could even add stunning old-time blues to their diverse palette, wood's vocals are great. the title track features a good deal of the ominous, rolling bass rythyms that characterize much of this album, as well as its predecessor, looking on.it also has earth conscious lyrics and ends with some beach boys type harmonizing. don't mess me up is fine elvis mimicry , and ben crawley has fun with johnny cash, showing the band to be excellent at tributes and pastiches. no time sounds somewhat like the bee gees with a slight hint of british isles type folk music and is a track that grows on you.my marge is a humorous 20's style song and ella james is a r and b influenced catchy pop song that would have probably been the best choice for a single off this album. somewhat strangely, only don't mess me up appeared on a 45, and that was as the b-side of tonight, which does not appear on this album. amazingly, like both shazam and looking on, this record sold poorly not only in america, where the move remained cult artists , but also in the u.k., where they were unfairly thought of as borderline bubblegum singles artists. which is a shame, as rather few artists have ever put out albums anywhere near as good as the move. this is one of those bands where it is best to own their complete catalogue , i have never heard a bad cut from the band and very very few mediocre ones, i strongly recommend this and / or any move disc.

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Message from the Country ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00005NGSH Release Date: 2002-11-26

Album Description

UK remastered reissue of the British prog-rock act's 1971 album that's out-of-print domestically. Includes eight bonus tracks from newly discovered & previously unheard session outtakes, 'Tonight', 'Chinatown', 'Down On The Bay', 'Do Ya', 'California Man'

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Just Reach Out & Call Him Manufacturer: Better Late Than Never ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Southern Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CAK9V8 Release Date: 2004-03-30

Tracks:

1. Give Him Your Life
2. Rob's Song
3. Chivo
4. Sweet Home
5. How To Get To Heaven
6. Rich Man
7. The Man I Used To Be
8. 456-2580
9. Welcome To God's Grace
10. It's All About You
11. You Are The Love

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Songs from the Heart Manufacturer: John Jorgensen ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CA73V2 Release Date: 2004-12-07

Average customer rating:

Love Can Grow Manufacturer: Godschild ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CAAGKM Release Date: 2001-10-23

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It Is Finished Manufacturer: Ronnie W. Moore ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CAH2LI Release Date: 2004-06-08

Tracks:

1. It Is Finished
2. Sacrifices of Praise

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4. Origin of Symmetry [Enhanced] [Import]
5. Pride & Glory (With Bonus CD) [Original recording remastered]
6. Rock Steady [Enhanced]
7. Ruby Vroom
8. San Francisco Days
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10. Song To A Seagull

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