Strange Magic
	Produced by Jeff Lynne
	Released on March 1976
	UK CHART POSITION #38 . . . US CHART POSITION #14 (charted March 13, 1976 for 14 weeks)
	Find it at GEMM
UA-XW770-Y wo. picture sleeve [high resolution scan]

W ell this is strange: the album version of “Strange Magic” runs at 4:29, the version on Ole ELO runs at 4:05, which I assumed was the single edit, but Lo and Behold the single weighs in at a slim 3:22. Using my magical stopwatch (which came with a warning not to pull down the shorts of high school gym coaches during crowded assemblies), I confirmed the times on all three. The album version at 4:29 includes the string intro missing from the Ole ELO version, and thus your absent 24 seconds are explained. Honestly, I’m not sure what’s missing from the single edit, although it does sound a little faster than the elpee versions. Several B sides exist depending on the country of origin; I got “New World Rising” (which includes the uncredited “Ocean Breakup Reprise”) and I’m not complaining. On a side note, I’m disappointed with the stewardship of the ELO back catalog. The band certainly warrants a full digital remaster reissue with extensive liner notes and new tidbits like the single edit of “Strange Magic” tacked on (i.e., the works). It’s a sad day for ELO fans when the custodians of Uriah Heep outdo you.

TRACK LISTING

1. STRANGE MAGIC    (Jeff Lynne)    3:22
2. NEW WORLD RISING    (Jeff Lynne)    4:04
   
   UK 7-inch single
   
1. STRANGE MAGIC
2. SHOWDOWN (LIVE)
   
   GER 7-inch single
   
1. STRANGE MAGIC
2. DOWN HOME TOWN

CREDITS

Jeff Lynne, Richard Tandy & Louis Clark -- string arrangements (1)

return to ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA discography

For more discographies visit...

© 2005 Connolly & Company. All rights reserved.