ELO UK Singles

 

Electric Light Orchestra - The UK Singles


Comments and Observations

From July 1972 to February 2007, the Electric Light Orchestra released 37 singles on the UK market. 28 of these charted on the UK Top 50/75 charts published in Music Week magazine, yielding an amassed total of more than 254 weeks on the official charts.

All A-side songs were taken from the current-at-the-time LPs with the last two being digital only singles taken from the re-issued remaster albums' bonus tracks (before marketing changed to Jeff Lynne's ELO releases). Many of the songs were uniquely edited, especially those issued before 1979. Most common of the edits were removed intros or early fades, but some had more interesting cuts including whole verses and choruses. This was done presumably to keep the songs short and interesting for radio broadcasts.

The 7" B-side songs were mostly taken from the album tracks of the current-at-the-time album or earlier. Three singles had tracks taken from the European only The Night The Light Went On In Long Beach LP. And seven singles had unique B-sides, two of which were only available on the 12" single counterparts. Digital singles have no B-side. As with the A-sides, often the B-sides were uniquely edited. This was presumably done in case the records were flipped by radio stations and to shorten the longer tracks for the 7" single format. It is known that ELO recorded several non-LP songs especially for the B-sides from the On The Third Day to Face The Music albums, with titles such as Give Me Fever and Like A Rat Up A Drain, but these songs were not used and have never been released.

Many of the singles had unique releases beyond the simple 7" singles. Ten singles also had 12" single releases with the first being the 1978 Wild West Hero single (Jet JET 12-109). Further, Wild West Hero 12" single was issued on yellow vinyl, the Shine A Little Love 12" single was issued on white vinyl and the Ticket To The Moon/Here Is The News 12" single was issued as a picture disc. The Secret Messages 7" single was also issued as a picture disc with a contest to decipher the hidden code in the pictures and win a "Personal Gold LP Disc". In addition, the Xanadu single was also issued as a 10" pink vinyl disc and the All Over The World single was also issued as a 10" blue vinyl disc. Both Livin' Thing and Mr. Blue Sky 7" singles were issued on blue vinyl, with both also having a black vinyl counterpart. Sweet Talking Woman was issued as a 7" and 12" on purple vinyl, but only the 7" had a black vinyl counterpart.

Singles from July 1972 to October 1973 (10538 Overture, Roll Over Beethoven and Showdown) were issued on the Harvest label. Both Ma-Ma-Ma Belle and Can't Get It Out Of My Head were issued on the Warner Brothers label. Evil Woman, Nightrider and Strange Magic were issued under the newly created Jet Records label, distributed by Polydor. All standard singles from the January 1976 issue of Livin' Thing to the January 1978 of Mr. Blue Sky were issued by Jet Records, distributed by United Artists. It was during this period, starting with the Rockaria! single that the famous yellow Jet label was first used on an ELO record. (Roy Wood's Oh What A Shame (JET 754) takes the honors for being the first to use that label.) From the June 1978 issue of Wild West Hero until the October 1983 issue of Four Little Diamonds, all singles were issued on Jet Records and distributed by CBS and all these releases used the familiar Jet label. The three singles taken from the Balance Of Power LP, from March to July 1986 were issued on the Epic label distributed by CBS. There were no official UK releases of singles from the Zoom album, although Alright and Moment In Paradise were commonly imported from the continental European market. The digital only singles of Surrender (2006) and Latitude 88 North (2007) were released on the Epic label, without known stock numbers.

Some singles have atypical multiple issues. The Harvest single for Roll Over Beethoven (HAR 5063) actually had two releases. The first, theoretically released in late 1972, featured Manhattan Rumble (49th Street Massacre) on the B-side. For unknown reasons, this issued was quickly recalled and the single was issued again in January of 1973 with Queen Of The Hours on the B-side. The A-sides are identical, however the Manhattan Rumble (49th Street Massacre) version has "B-1" in the runout groove and the Queen Of The Hours version has "B-2" in the runout groove. Similarly, the Wild West Hero 12" single on yellow vinyl had two issues, both with the same A and B-sides. The first features the ELO logo as the A-side label and a regular label listing the songs that are on both sides on the B-side label. The second version features a standard label on both sides identifying the track on the side as a normal single does. On the runout groove of the A-side for both versions is written the same "JET 12109 A1" text. However, the B-side of the ELO logo version is written "JET 12109 B2" and the non-ELO logo version is written "JET 12109 B3".

All 7" singles issued prior to the 1977 issue of Rockaria! had no picture sleeve, but instead used a standard company sleeve. Curiously, the November 1976 Livin' Thing single used a plain white sleeve and the first issue May 1977 Telephone Line single used a plain black sleeve. The February 1977 Rockaria! single was the first UK ELO single to feature a picture sleeve and all 7" singles from Turn To Stone to the final Getting To The Point featured a picture sleeve except the March 1982 issue of The Way Life's Meant To Be which was in a standard company sleeve. As is typical for UK singles during this period, the first releases of the singles that featured picture sleeve art, were subsequently released with a standard company paper sleeve.

Two singles are considered double A-sides, meaning both sides were being promoted for radio play and they would chart as a pair. These are Confusion/Last Train To London and Ticket To The Moon/Here Is The News. Although technically neither side of the single was to be considered for first billing, both Confusion and Ticket To The Moon were labeled as "Side A" and Last Train To London and Here Is The News were labeled as "Side AA" on the record label and sleeve. The "Side A" side was also given first billing on the picture sleeves.

Promotional singles (or promos) were issued to radio stations and retailers to help promote the single releases. Currently information on promo singles from 1986 and earlier is incomplete, due to limited resources, therefore some of the comments and images below may be incomplete or incorrect. This is a best guess given the currently available information.

Most of the 7" single promos were the same pressings as the standard release singles, but with special labels that were sometimes marked with "Promotion Copy Not For Sale" (or similar) and marked with a large letter "A" stamped on the A-side of the label. Not all singles had special promos like this, however. All of the Warner Brothers released and Polydor distributed singles (Ma-Ma-Ma Belle to Strange Magic) did not have these special label promos, but instead used a simple "Demo only - Not for sale" sticker attached to the label of the standard release single (which already has the large letter "A" on it with the exception of Ma-Ma-Ma Belle). It is probably the case that this sticker method was also used on some of the very early Harvest singles and/or the 1986 Epic singles, but that remains uncertain. It is also known that some promos were pressed for the double A-side singles, although it is uncertain how the large letter "A" was handled given the double A-side nature of the singles. It is also not entirely clear if these methods, some other method or none at all was used to mark the 12" singles. At least one case of a 12" single promo for the Getting To The Point song has been identified that uses a gold-embossed stamp on the sleeve stating "Property of CBS - Demonstration Only - Not for Sale".

Beyond these "standard" promo releases, there were several special promo single releases that bear special attention. There were a few special promos created in the 2000s to promote the ELO remasters. These include the 2006 release of Surrender as a rare, opaque blue vinyl 7" promo record and a one-track promo CD single issued to promote the 2006 remaster of the A New World Record album and the song as a downloadable digital single. And there was a 2007 release of Latitude 88 North as a rare, translucent orange vinyl 7" promo record and a one-track promo CD single issued to promote the 2007 remaster of the Out Of The Blue album and the song as a downloadable digital single. More information on special promos related to reissue singles is noted below under the reissue comments.

Also of interest to collectors, many of the 7" singles appear to have had several different pressings as noted by the design of the center hole. There are three different types of center hole:

  • Small, LP sized hole (approximately 1/4"); the most common available
  • Large, approximately 1" hole for use with automatic record dropping devices and juke boxes
  • Small hole with scoring in the plastic and label so that it can be broken out to create the large hole
It is known that some, but not all, of ELO's 7" singles were issued in a variety of these formats. Although the labels on the various issues are identical, looking at the text on the record's runout groove reveals that the vinyl are different pressings. It's not well documented at this time as to which records were issued in which format. It is known that the Harvest singles were mostly issued with the "small hole" and the "small hole with scoring" formats. Many of the non-Harvest, pre-1978 singles were issued with the "small hole" and "large hole" formats. It appears that all 7" singles after 1978 were of the "small hole" variety only, although a large holed version of Rock 'n' Roll Is King seems to break that trend. There is incomplete information currently available so this issue is not fully addressed here.

Occasionally singles have had multiple pressings, although it is not always easy to tell when this was done because the labels are nearly always identical. The only way to discern that a single is a subsequent pressing is to compare the writing on the record's runout groove. Obvious issues of singles with second pressings include the Roll Over Beethoven 7" singles (with a different B-sides and labels) and the Wild West Hero 12" singles (with different labels). A not so obvious second pressing is Telephone Line, where the first pressing has "UP 36254 A-1U" on the A-side's runout groove and was issued with a plain black sleeve and the second pressing has "UP 36254 A-2U" on the A-side's runout groove and was issued with the Jet logo sleeve. Due to the difficulty of identifying these multiple pressings, there is incomplete information currently available so this issue is not fully addressed here.

Releases

Issue Date
Singles
Comments
10538 Overture
1972 July 29
10538 Overture First Movement (Jumping Biz)
7" single -- Harvest HAR 5053 (standard issue)
7" single -- Harvest HAR 5053 (promo issue)
10538 Overture Running Time: 4:04

This song is edited from the Electric Light Orchestra album version and fades about 10 seconds after the last chorus with the fade starting immediately after the final lyric.


First Movement (Jumping Biz) Running Time: 3:03

This song is the same as the Electric Light Orchestra version.

This UK single edit of 10538 Overture was supposedly released on several compilations in the 1990s and 2000s, but what is on these compilations is actually the German single edit. Although both single edits fade early and end at the same fade point during the French horn just after the final chorus, the rate of fade is different. The UK single edit begins the fade immediately after the final lyric while the German single edit begins its fade following the guitar/cello after the final lyric and just as the French horn part begins. This UK single edit has never been issued in digital form.
* Show/Hide release information for 10538 Overture and First Movement (Jumping Biz)...
Roll Over Beethoven
1973 January 27
Roll Over Beethoven Manhattan Rumble (49th Street Massacre)
7" single -- Harvest HAR 5063 (first/standard issue)
7" single -- Harvest HAR 5063 (promo issue)
Roll Over Beethoven Queen Of The Hours
7" single -- Harvest HAR 5063 (second issue)
Roll Over Beethoven Running Time: 4:33

This song is edited from the full 7:03 ELO 2 album version, where the mellotron intro and the second Beethoven's Fifth sequences are cut from the intro; one of the keyboard sequences, the guitar solo and the following keyboard/cello part are cut from the first instrumental bridge; the entire second chorus is cut; and the second instrumental bridge except the guitar solo is cut.


Manhattan Rumble (49th Street Massacre) Running Time: 4:25

This song is the same as the Electric Light Orchestra version.


Queen Of The Hours Running Time: 3:26

This song is the same as the Electric Light Orchestra version.

There were two issues of this single with identical stock numbers, but different B-sides.
* Show/Hide release information for Roll Over Beethoven, Manhattan Rumble (49th Street Massacre) and Queen Of The Hours...
Showdown
1973 October 6
Showdown In Old England Town (Instrumental)
7" single -- Harvest HAR 5077 (standard issue)
7" single -- Harvest HAR 5077 (promo issue)
Showdown Running Time: 4:11

This is an original A-side in England, although it appeared in many other countries on the On The Third Day album using the same version.


In Old England Town (Instrumental) Running Time: 2:44

This is an original B-side, adapted from the original ELO 2 version of In Old England Town (Boogie No. 2).

* Show/Hide release information for Showdown and In Old England Town (Instrumental)...
Ma-Ma-Ma Belle
1974 March 9
Ma-Ma-Ma Belle Oh No Not Susan
7" single -- Warner Brothers K 16349
Ma-Ma-Ma Belle nothing
7" single -- test pressing (label has no writing)
Ma-Ma-Ma Belle Running Time: 3:21

This song is a unique mix of the song. It is similar to the On The Third Day album version except it cuts half the guitar/cello riff following the first chorus and two lines from the second and third choruses. In addition, it adds a distinctive phased string interlude following the second chorus and fades a few seconds early.


Oh No Not Susan Running Time: 2:50

This song is edited from the On The Third Day album version, fading in past the intro and fading out early.

These edits of Ma-Ma-Ma Belle and Oh No Not Susan have never been issued on CD.
* Show/Hide release information for Ma-Ma-Ma Belle and Daybreaker...
Can't Get It Out Of My Head
1975 January
Can't Get It Out Of My Head Illusions In G Major
7" single -- Warner Brothers K 16510
Can't Get It Out Of My Head Running Time: 3:11

This song is edited from the Eldorado album version. It cuts the second verse, the second chorus and two parts of the moog synthesizer from the instrumental bridge.


Illusions In G Major Running Time: 2:38

This song is the same as the Eldorado version.

The single uses a large letter "A" on the A-side to identify to radio disc jockeys the side being promoted. This was a technique typically used for promo singles, but no special promo was manufactured for the Can't Get It Out Of My Head single.
* Show/Hide release information for Can't Get It Out Of My Head and Illusions In G Major...
Evil Woman
1976 January 10
Evil Woman 10538 Overture (Live)
7" single -- Jet JET 764
Evil Woman Running Time: 4:15

This song is edited from the Face The Music album version. It cuts the orchestral intro and fades early.


10538 Overture (Live) Running Time: 5:23

This song is the same as the European The Night The Light Went On In Long Beach album version. It includes a portion of the Do Ya guitar riff midway through the song.

The version of 10538 Overture has never been issued on CD.
* Show/Hide release information for Evil Woman and 10538 Overture (Live)...
Nightrider
1976 March
Nightrider Daybreaker (Live)
7" single -- Jet JET 769
Nightrider Running Time: 3:44

This song is edited from the Face The Music album version. It cuts part of the instrumental intro and fades early.


Daybreaker (Live) Running Time: 5:03

This song is edited from the European The Night The Light Went On In Long Beach album version. It fades in at the start of the spooky, discordant keyboard, string and drum intro, then plays the full song. It fades on the audience cheering after the end of the song.

This edit of Daybreaker has never been issued on CD.
* Show/Hide release information for Nightrider and Daybreaker (Live)...
Strange Magic
1976 July 3
Strange Magic Showdown (Live)
7" single -- Jet JET 779
Strange Magic Running Time: 3:25

This song is edited from the Face The Music album version. It cuts the orchestral intro, a small portion of the guitar on the intro, and the next to last two choruses.


Showdown (Live) Running Time: 5:01

This song edited from the The Night The Light Went On In Long Beach album, fading early.

The edit of the live Showdown has never been issued on CD.
* Show/Hide release information for Strange Magic and Showdown (Live)...
Livin' Thing
1976 November 13
Livin' Thing Fire On High
7" single -- United Artists JET UP 36184 (standard blue vinyl issue)
7" single -- United Artists JET UP 36184 (standard black vinyl issue)
7" single -- United Artists JET UP 36184 (promo issue)
Livin' Thing Running Time: 3:32

This song is the same as the A New World Record album version.


Fire On High Running Time: 5:30

This song is the same as the Face The Music album version, including the long intro.

This single has two issues both with the same stock number, one on blue vinyl and the other on standard black vinyl.

Note that some fans have detected that the cut from So Fine to Livin' Thing on the UK single is a tad late. This does appear to be accurate, but it is no more than 1/10th of a second short.

* Show/Hide release information for Livin' Thing and Fire On High...
Rockaria!
1977 February 19
Rockaria! Poker
7" single -- Jet JET UP 36209 (standard issue)
7" single -- Jet JET UP 36209 (promo issue)
Rockaria! Running Time: 3:10

This song is edited from the A New World Record album version, cutting the misstart by opera singer Mary Thomas at the song's beginning.


Poker Running Time: 3:31

This song is the same as the Face The Music album version.

The images of the band seen on the back of the picture sleeve is taken from an unidentified performance on the Face The Music tour.
* Show/Hide release information for Rockaria! and Poker...
Telephone Line
1977 May 21
Telephone Line Poor Boy (The Greenwood)
King Of The Universe
7" single -- Jet JET UP 36254 (stock first pressing issue)
7" single -- Jet JET UP 36254 (promo issue)
7" single -- Jet JET UP 36254 (stock second pressing issue)
Telephone Line Running Time: 4:38

This song is the same as the A New World Record album version.


Poor Boy (The Greenwood) Running Time: 2:57

This song is the same as the Eldorado album version.


King Of The Universe Running Time: 2:51

This song is edited from the On The Third Day album version, cutting the Ocean Breakup part of the song from the song's beginning.

The single's first pressing, issued in a plain black sleeve, has etched in the runout groove the text "UP 36254 A-1U" on the A-side and "UP 36254 B-1U" B-side. The single's second pressing, issued in a Jet company sleeve, has etched in the runout groove the text "UP 36254 A-2U" on the A-side and "UP 36254 B-2U" B-side.
* Show/Hide release information for Telephone Line, Poor Boy (The Greenwood), and King Of The Universe...
Turn To Stone
1977 October 14
Turn To Stone Mister Kingdom
7" single -- Jet JET UP 36313 (standard issue)
7" single -- Jet JET UP 36313 (promo issue)
Turn To Stone Running Time: 3:48

This song is the same as the Out Of The Blue album version.


Mister Kingdom Running Time: 5:32

This song is edited from the Eldorado album version, adding a slow fade to the song's end, so that it doesn't have the abrupt end as on the album.

* Show/Hide release information for Turn To Stone and Mister Kingdom...
Mr. Blue Sky
1978 January 28
Mr. Blue Sky One Summer Dream
7" single -- Jet JET UP 36342 (standard blue vinyl issue)
7" single -- Jet JET UP 36342 (standard black vinyl issue)
7" single -- Jet JET UP 36342 (promo issue)
Mr. Blue Sky Running Time: 5:01

This song is edited from the Out Of The Blue album version, cutting the rain and radio tuning at the song's beginning.


One Summer Dream Running Time: 4:25

This song is a unique mix of the song. It is basically the same as the Face The Music album version, however all the female backing vocals are missing from the mix. Also it cuts half the orchestra intro that contains the vocal part and also fades early.

This edit of One Summer Dream has never been issued on CD.
The black vinyl single is a second pressing. The blue vinyl has hand etched in the runout grooves the text "UP 36342-A1" on the A-side and "UP 36342-B1" on the B-side (and "ALLEN" on both sides). The black vinyl second pressing has machine etched in the runout grooves the text "UP 36342 A-2U" on the A-side and "UP 36342 B-2U" on the B-side. Further, the black vinyl second pressing has a hand etched "ALLEN" on the A-side and "ALLEN C.B.S.". The "C.B.S." is significant as the band was in the process of changing Jet distributors from United Artists to CBS at this time and although this second pressing uses the same United Artists record label, it clearly had CBS involvement.
* Show/Hide release information for Mr. Blue Sky and One Summer Dream...
Wild West Hero
1978 June 10
Wild West Hero Eldorado
7" single -- Jet JET 109 (standard issue)
7" single -- Jet JET 109 (promo issue)
12" single -- Jet JET 12-109 (first issue)
12" single -- Jet JET 12-109 (second issue)
Wild West Hero Running Time: 4:41

This song is the same as the Out Of The Blue album version.


Eldorado Running Time: 5:13

This song is edited from the Eldorado album version, fading at the song's end, just before the start of Eldorado Finale.

This edit of Eldorado has never been issued in digital format.

The 12" single was issued on yellow vinyl only. There are two different issues of the yellow vinyl 12". They both have "JET 12109 A1" on the run-out groove of the A-side, while the first issue (with the ELO logo) has "JET 12109 B2" on the run-out groove and the second issue (without the ELO logo) has "JET 12109 B3" on the run-out groove.

The image of the band shown on the picture sleeve of the 7" single is taken from a photo session when the band was filming the music videos for Turn To Stone, Sweet Talkin' Woman and Mr. Blue Sky.

* Show/Hide release information for Wild West Hero and Eldorado...
Sweet Talkin' Woman
1978 October 7
Sweet Talkin' Woman Bluebird Is Dead
7" single -- Jet JET 121 (standard issue purple vinyl)
7" single -- Jet JET 121 (standard issue black vinyl)
7" single -- Jet JET 121 (promo issue)
12" single -- Jet JET 12-121 (purple vinyl)
Sweet Talkin' Woman Running Time: 3:50

This song is the same as the Out Of The Blue album version.


Bluebird Is Dead Running Time: 4:22!@#

This song is the same as the On The Third Day album version, except the stereo channels are reversed.

The 7" single has two issues both with the same stock number, one on purple vinyl and the other on standard black vinyl. The 7" promo and 12" editions were only pressed on purple vinyl.
* Show/Hide release information for Sweet Talkin' Woman and Bluebird Is Dead...
Shine A Little Love
1979 May 19
Shine A Little Love Jungle
7" single -- Jet JET 144 (standard issue)
7" single -- Jet JET 144 (promo issue)
12" single -- Jet JET 12-144 (white vinyl)
12" single -- Jet JET 12-144 (black vinyl)
Shine A Little Love Running Time: 4:10

This song is edited from the Discovery album version, cutting the choral intro.


Jungle Running Time: 3:52

This song is the same as the Out Of The Blue album version.

The 12" was issued on both white and black vinyl, with the black vinyl being the more rare of the two.

A few years ago, a 12" test pressing appeared on eBay.

* Show/Hide release information for Shine A Little Love and Jungle...
The Diary Of Horace Wimp
1979 July 21
The Diary Of Horace Wimp Down Home Town
7" single -- Jet JET 150 (standard issue)
7" single -- Jet JET 150 (promo issue)
The Diary Of Horace Wimp Running Time: 4:17

This song is the same as the Discovery album version.


Down Home Town Running Time: 3:52

This song is edited from the Face The Music album version, with a fade in so that only about half of the backwards Waterfall intro is included.

The image of the band shown on the picture sleeve of the 7" single is taken from a photo session when the band was filming the music videos for Wishing.
* Show/Hide release information for The Diary Of Horace Wimp and Down Home Town...
Don't Bring Me Down
1979 August 24
Don't Bring Me Down Dreaming Of 4000
7" single -- Jet JET 153 (standard issue)
7" single -- Jet S JET 153 (alternate label standard issue)
7" single -- Jet JET 153 (French press issue)
7" single -- Jet JET 153 (promo issue)
12" single -- Jet JET 12-153
Don't Bring Me Down Running Time: 4:07

This song is the same as the Discovery album version.


Dreaming Of 4000 Running Time: 5:03!@#

This song is the same as the On The Third Day album version, but is reverse stereo.

There was a curious pressing of the Don't Bring Me Down 7" for the UK market that was pressed in France. The label states that it was "Made in France," however it was made for the UK market. It features a yellowish green label (rather than the regular yellow Jet label), the UK catalog number (JET 153 for the UK instead of JET 503 for France), copyright in the UK, the UK picture sleeve, and "U.K." pressed into the single's runout grooves. Clearly this single was made for the UK market, although it is often misidentified as a French single instead. This single was made in France for import to the UK because the song was rush released in the UK and UK pressing plants did not have the capacity to print all singles needed. Thus the job was exported to a French pressing plant for some singles.

Official Jet Records press release for release of the UK Don't Bring Me Down singleThis is an official Jet Records press release announcing the release of the UK Don't Bring Me Down single.

* Show/Hide release information for Don't Bring Me Down and Dreaming Of 4000...
Confusion / Last Train To London
1979 November 17
Confusion Last Train To London
7" single -- Jet JET 166 (standard issue)
7" single -- Jet S JET 166 (alternate label standard issue)
7" single -- Jet JET 166 (promo issue)
Confusion Running Time: 3:42

This song is the same as the Discovery album version.


Last Train To London Running Time: 4:31

This song is the same as the Discovery album version.

This record was marketed as a double A-side, meaning either side could be the hit song and played on radio, but in reality, Confusion was the primary A-side based upon the fact that Confusion is listed first on the picture sleeve's cover and the label lists the Confusion side as "Side A" and the Last Train To London side as "Side AA".

The single was issued with a promotional sticker of the ELO spaceship.

* Show/Hide release information for Confusion and Last Train To London...
I'm Alive
1980 May 24
I'm Alive Drum Dreams
7" single -- Jet JET 179
I'm Alive Running Time: 3:45

This song is the same as the Xanadu album version.


Drum Dreams Running Time: 3:08

This is an original B-side.

Drum Dreams has never been issued on CD.
* Show/Hide release information for I'm Alive and Drum Dreams...
Xanadu
1980 June 21
Xanadu Fool Country
7" single -- Jet JET 185 (original issue)
7" single -- Jet JET 185 (promo issue (with gatefold cover))
7" single -- Jet JET 185 (alternate issue)
10" single -- Jet JET 10-185
Xanadu Running Time: 3:29

This song is the same as the Xanadu album version.


Fool Country Running Time: 2:28

This song has no Jeff Lynne involvement.

The single actually had two different picture sleeves: a gatefold sleeve with Olivia's eyes seen through an opening in the front cover and an alternate non-gatefold sleeve with no hole and a solid pink cover instead. There are also two different labels, the first solid red with black writing and the second with the typical Jet logo.

The 10" record was issued on pink vinyl only.

* Show/Hide release information for Xanadu...
All Over The World
1980 August 2
All Over The World Midnight Blue
7" single -- Jet JET 195 (standard issue)
7" single -- Jet JET 195 (promo issue)
10" single -- Jet JET 10-195 (dark blue vinyl)
10" single -- Jet JET 10-195 (medium blue vinyl)
All Over The World Running Time: 4:03

This song is the same as the Xanadu album version.


Midnight Blue Running Time: 4:19

This song is the same as the Discovery album version.

The 10" record was issued on blue vinyl only, however, there are two slightly different versions. All markings are the same, even in the records runout groove (which shows that they were pressed from the same master), but two different shades of blue wax was used; one is a darker, slightly translucent blue while the other is a lighter, mostly opaque blue.
* Show/Hide release information for All Over The World and Midnight Blue...
Don't Walk Away
1980 November 22
Don't Walk Away Across The Border
7" single -- Jet JET 7004 (standard issue)
7" single -- Jet JET 7004 (promo issue)
Don't Walk Away Running Time: 4:47

This song is the same as the Xanadu album version.


Across The Border Running Time: 3:53

This song is the same as the Out Of The Blue album version.

* Show/Hide release information for Don't Walk Away and Across The Border...
Hold On Tight
1981 August 1
Hold On Tight When Time Stood Still
7" single -- Jet JET 7011 (standard issue)
7" single -- Jet JET 7011 (promo issue)
Hold On Tight Running Time: 3:06

This song is edited from the Time album, fading very quickly on the last note as it would lead into Epilogue.


When Time Stood Still Running Time: 3:35

This is an original B-side.

* Show/Hide release information for Hold On Tight and When Time Stood Still...
Twilight
1981 October 24
Twilight Julie Don't Live Here
7" single -- Jet JET 7015 (standard issue)
7" single -- Jet JET 7015 (promo issue)
Twilight Running Time: 3:28

This song is edited from the Time album, fading in and including a small part of Prologue. It also fades just as the song ends and does not include the between song part heard on the Time album.


Julie Don't Live Here Running Time: 3:44

This is an original B-side.

The image of the band shown on the picture sleeve of the 7" single is taken from a photo session when the band was filming the music videos for Hold On Tight.

This was an instance where the sleeve opening was on the side, rather than the top like other UK singles. It is believed the sleeve was actually made in Holland, for the UK single use.

* Show/Hide release information for Twilight and Julie Don't Live Here...
Ticket To The Moon / Here Is The News
1982 January 9
Ticket To The Moon Here Is The News
7" single -- Jet JET 7018
12" picture disc single -- Jet JETP 12018
Ticket To The Moon Running Time: 4:07

This song is the same as the Time album version.


Here Is The News Running Time: 3:49

This song is edited from the Time album, fading just before the link to 21st Century Man.

This record was marketed as a double A-side, meaning either side could be the hit song and played on radio, but in reality, Ticket To The Moon was the primary A-side based upon the fact that Ticket To The Moon is listed first on the picture sleeve's cover and the label lists the Ticket To The Moon side as "Side A" and the Here Is The News side as "Side AA".

The cover of the single is remarkably similar to the Four Light Years boxed set and is possibly the cover designed for the aborted second ELO EP.

The 12" single was issued as a picture disc only.

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The Way Life's Meant To Be
1982 March
The Way Life's Meant To Be Wishing
7" single -- Jet JET 7021 (standard issue)
7" single -- Jet JET 7021 (promo issue)
The Way Life's Meant To Be Running Time: 4:38

This song is the same as the Time album version.


Wishing Running Time: 4:09

This song is the same as the Discovery album version.

* Show/Hide release information for The Way Life's Meant To Be and Wishing...
Rock 'n' Roll Is King
1983 June 18
Rock 'n' Roll Is King After All
7" single -- Jet A 3500 (standard yellow label issue)
7" single -- Jet A 3500 (standard silver label issue)
7" single -- Jet A 3500 (standard blue label issue)
7" single -- Jet A 3500 (promo issue)
Rock 'n' Roll Is King After All
Time After Time
12" single -- Jet TA 3500
Rock 'n' Roll Is King Running Time: 3:08

This song is an edit of the Secret Messages album version, cutting the between song segment attached to the beginning of the track and fading at the very end, including the cross fade into the Secret Messages Outro.


After All Running Time: 2:23

This is an original B-side.


Time After Time Running Time: 4:01

This song is the same as the Secret Messages album version.

The original single had three different pressings: one with the standard yellow Jet label, another with a unique silver label, and yet another with a unique blue lablel. Both the silver and yellow labels have "A 3500 A" and "A 3500 B1" etched in the runout grooves. However one has a "V" and the other has a "C", indicating they are separate pressings, presumably from different manufacturing plants. Little is known about the blue label version yet, other than it looks remarkably similar to the silver label version.
* Show/Hide release information for Rock 'n' Roll Is King, After All, and Time After Time...
Secret Messages
1983 September 3
Secret Messages Buildings Have Eyes
7" single -- Jet A 3720 (standard yellow label issue)
7" single -- Jet A 3720 (standard silver label issue)
7" single -- Jet A 3720 (promo issue)
7" picture disc single -- Jet WA 3720
Secret Messages Running Time: 3:35

This song is edit from the Secret Messages album version, cutting the Secret Messages album intro, beginning at the first guitar part (mixed louder), cutting an instrumental bit following the final chorus, and then fading on the final "secret messages" repeated lyric and ending the fade before the final long "secret" lyric.


Buildings Have Eyes Running Time: 3:56

This is an original B-side.

The 7" picture disc, featured a contest to decode the clues on the picture disc to win a "Personal Gold LP Disc". Entrants had to figure out the line and send it in for prizes. The clues were:
1. Backwards writing on the disc that says "GO TO JETLX 527" referring to the Secret Messages album (by it's UK stock #).
2. A picture of four diamonds referring to the Four Little Diamonds song.
3. More backwards writing on the disc that says "WE SHOUT RAVING NOTES", and...
4. A picture of a jester.
By rearranging the letters in "WE SHOUT RAVING NOTES" and the word "JESTER", one gets the line "there's just no answer to give" from the song Four Little Diamonds. And that's the answer!

The original single had two different pressings, one with the standard yellow Jet label and other with a unique silver label. Both the silver and yellow labels have "A 3720-A1" and "A 3720-B1" etched in the runout grooves. However one has a "V" and the other has a "C", indicating they are separate pressings, presumably from different manufacturing plants.

There was an additional single pressed in the UK for the Holland market. The single itself was made in the UK and marked so on the label, but the picture cover was made in Holland and this hybrid single was sold in Holland, not the UK.

* Show/Hide release information for Secret Messages and Buildings Have Eyes...
Four Little Diamonds
1983 October
Four Little Diamonds Letter From Spain
7" single -- Jet A 3869 (standard issue)
7" single -- Jet A 3869 (promo issue)
Four Little Diamonds Letter From Spain
The Bouncer
12" single -- Jet TA 3869
Four Little Diamonds Running Time: 3:58

This song is the same as the Secret Messages album.


Letter From Spain Running Time: 2:52

This song is the same as on the Secret Messages album.


The Bouncer Running Time: 3:12

This is an original B-side.

The Bouncer is an outtake from the Time sessions and was reportedly to originally be the B-side of Hold On Tight in early press releases.
* Show/Hide release information for Four Little Diamonds, Letter From Spain and The Bouncer...
Calling America
1986 March 1
Calling America Caught In A Trap
7" single -- Epic A 6844
Calling America Caught In A Trap
Destination Unknown
12" single -- Epic QTA 6844
Calling America Running Time: 3:27

This song is the same as on the Balance Of Power album.


Caught In A Trap Running Time: 3:45

This is an original B-side.


Destination Unknown Running Time: 4:10

This is an original B-side.

* Show/Hide release information for Calling America, Caught In A Trap and Destination Unknown...
So Serious
1986 April
So Serious Matter Of Fact
7" single -- Epic A 7090
So Serious Matter Of Fact
Matter Of Fact (Alternate Lyrics)
12" single -- Epic TA 7090
So Serious Running Time: 2:44

This song is the same as on the Balance Of Power album.


Matter Of Fact Running Time: 3:59

This is an original B-side.


Matter Of Fact (Alternate Lyrics) Running Time: 3:52

This is an original B-side.

To promote further sales of the single, a special double single was released, featuring a bonus copy of the Calling America single. Both singles were simply shrinkwrapped together and a special sticker attached. There was nothing unique about either single and they were the same as the standard releases, however the sticker identified it under the unique stock number of "DA 7090". This may have been a method to also move extra copies of the overproduced Calling America single.
* Show/Hide release information for So Serious, Matter Of Fact and Matter Of Fact (Alternate Lyrics)...
Getting To The Point
1986 July
Getting To The Point Secret Lives
7" single -- Epic A 7317
Getting To The Point Secret Lives
ELO Megamix
12" single -- Epic TA 7317
Getting To The Point Running Time: 4:30

This song is the same as on the Balance Of Power album.


Secret Lives Running Time: 3:28

This song is the same as on the Balance Of Power album.


ELO Megamix Running Time: 10:08

This is an original B-side that combines a mix of samples from Don't Bring Me Down, Sweet Talkin' Woman', Livin' Thing, Calling America, So Serious, Shine A Little Love, Twilight, Turn To Stone, and Hold On Tight.

The ELO Megamix has never been released on CD.
* Show/Hide release information for Getting To The Point, Secret Lives and ELO Megamix...
Surrender
2006 September 4
Surrender
Digital single -- Epic ISRC USSM10601003
Surrender B-side has no groove
7" single -- Epic ELOPR1/
82876833007 (promo issue)
Surrender
CD single -- Epic LC 00199 (promo issue)
Surrender Running Time: 2:37

This song the same as the A New World Record remaster album version.

The digital single is available at the UK iTunes store only.

The promo 7" single is a one-sided single only on opaque blue vinyl.

* Show/Hide release information for Surrender...
Latitude 88 North
2007 February 6
Latitude 88 North
Digital single -- Epic ISRC USSM10606964
Latitude 88 North B-side has no groove
7" single -- Epic 88697048787 (promo issue)
Latitude 88 North
CD single -- Epic 88697048782 (promo issue #1)
CD single -- Sony BMG ? (promo issue #2)
Latitude 88 North Running Time: 3:24

This song the same as the Out Of The Blue remaster album version.

The promo 7" single is a one-sided single only on clear orange vinyl.
* Show/Hide release information for Latitude 88 North...
When I Was A Boy
2015 September 25
When I Was A Boy
Digital single -- Columbia ISRC USSM11506458
CD single -- Columbia ? (promo issue #1)
CD single -- Columbia ? (promo issue #2)
When I Was A Boy Running Time: 3:13

This song the same as the Alone In The Universe album version.

This single was only commercially released as a digital single, available nearly three weeks before the Alone In The Universe album from which it was taken.

There were two very similar and subtly different promo CD singles made. All and individually numbered and it appears that the first issue had only 50 copies made, but the later issue had many more. There are unconfirmed reports that the second issue promo CDs might actually be only clever bootlegs of the first issued promo.

* Show/Hide release information for When I Was A Boy...
One Step At A Time
2015 December 4
One Step At A Time
Digital single -- Columbia ISRC USSM11506466
CD single -- Columbia ? (promo issue only)
One Step At A Time Running Time: 3:23

This song the same as the Alone In The Universe album version.

This song was released commercially only as a digital single and was also available as a promo CD single. It was the BBC Record of the Week the week prior to release as a single.
* Show/Hide release information for One Step At A Time...
Ain't It A Drag
2016 March
Ain't It A Drag
Digital single -- Columbia ISRC USSM11506463
Ain't It A Drag (Radio Edit)
CD single -- Columbia ? (promo issue only)
Ain't It A Drag Running Time: 2:35

This song the same as the Alone In The Universe album version.


Ain't It A Drag (Radio Edit) Running Time: 2:35

This is unique from the album version, replacing the line "...the shit hits the fan" with "...it all hits the fan" instead.

This song was released commercially only as a digital single and was also available as a promo CD single. The radio edit was only available on the promo CD single and had no commercial release.
* Show/Hide release information for Ain't It A Drag...
When The Night Comes
2016 June
When The Night Comes
Digital single -- Columbia ISRC USSM11506461
CD single -- Columbia ? (promo issue only)
When The Night Comes Running Time: 3:20

This song the same as the Alone In The Universe album version.

This song was released commercially only as a digital single and was also available as a promo CD single.
* Show/Hide release information for When The Night Comes...
From Out Of Nowhere
2016 September 26
From Out Of Nowhere
Digital single -- Columbia ISRC USSM11904866
From Out Of Nowhere Running Time: 3:14

This song the same as the From Out Of Nowhere album version.

This song was released commercially only as a digital single.
* Show/Hide release information for From Out Of Nowhere...

Technically not considered a single but included here is the only ELO 7" EP (Extended Play) released. Issued in December 1978, and simply called The ELO EP, it included Can't Get It Out Of My Head, Strange Magic, Ma-Ma-Ma Belle and Evil Woman. The song selection is a bit unusual as none of the songs other than Evil Woman were a hit in the UK. It was issued to cross-promote the Three Light Years box set (a collection of the On The Third Day, Eldorado and Face The Music LPs) and the "should have been" hits that were popular in several countries outside of the UK.

There was to be a second EP issued in April of 1981, presumably to promote the Four Light Years collection, but it was cancelled before it was released. It got as far as having songs prepared and a stock number assigned (Jet JET ELO 2) and it is uncertain why it was cancelled. Songs assigned to this second EP were Mr. Blue Sky, Across The Border, Telephone Line and Don't Bring Me Down. The 1997 Light Years: The Very Best Of Electric Light Orchestra CD includes a version of Across The Border that is billed as the "EP Version" and is supposedly the version prepared for the EP, but there is no noticeable variation between this version and the standard Out Of The Blue album version. The cover for the Ticket To The Moon/Here Is The News single issued in January of 1982 bears a striking resemblance to the Four Light Years boxed set and it is possible that this single's cover used the cover designed for this second and unreleased EP.

Issue Date
Singles
Comments
The ELO EP
1978 December 9
Can't Get It Out Of My Head
Strange Magic
Ma-Ma-Ma Belle
Evil Woman
7" EP -- Jet JET ELO 1 (standard issue)
7" EP -- Jet JET ELO 1 (promo issue)
Can't Get It Out Of My Head Running Time: 4:21

This song the same as the Eldorado album version.


Strange Magic Running Time: 4:02

This song edited from the Face The Music album version, cutting the orchestral intro.


Ma-Ma-Ma Belle Running Time: 3:52

This song edited from the On The Third Day album version, fading during the merge with Dreaming Of 4000.


Evil Woman Running Time: 4:21

This song is edited from the Face The Music album version, cutting the orchestral intro.

* Show/Hide release information for Can't Get It Out Of My Head, Strange Magic, Ma-Ma-Ma Belle and Evil Woman...

Although Alright was not the popular choice by Sony UK as the lead-off single for Zoom, it was the choice by Sony in the USA and Sony UK had planned a CD single of the song. However, due to the promo video being made over a month after the album's release and the lack of Sony UK enthusiasm for the single, it was cancelled and only supported via the single's BBC presence. Occasionally record companies will simply import foreign made product and sell it as domestic releases, but this is not the case for the Zoom singles in the UK. Any singles sold in the UK were actually the imported European market singles manufactured in Austria and are not official Sony UK releases.

Although the singles for Alright and Moment In Paradise were not actual UK singles, they are included here because many UK shops imported and sold them domestically.

Issue Date
Singles
Comments
Alright
2001 May
Alright
Love Changes All
CD single -- Epic EPC 671136 1 (standard issue 1)
Alright
Love Changes All
Do Ya (Unedited Alternate Mix)
CD single -- Epic EPC 671136 2 (standard issue 2)
Alright
CD single -- Epic XPCD2559 (promo issue)
Alright Running Time: 3:11

This is the same as the Zoom album version (sometimes referred to as the remaster version because it includes keyboard input by Richard Tandy, added just before the album went to press).


Love Changes All Running Time: 3:25

This song the same as the Flashback album version.


Do Ya (Unedited Alternate Mix) Running Time: 4:09

This song the same as the Flashback album version.

Both of these CD singles were manufactured in Austria for European distribution. The first (EPC 671136 1) is issued in a paper sleeve only while the second (EPC 671136 2) is issued in a slimline CD case.
* Show/Hide release information for Alright, Love Changes All, and Do Ya (Unedited Alternate Mix)...
Moment In Paradise
2001 September
Moment In Paradise
Alright (PBS 2001 Version)
CD single -- Epic EPC 671772 1 (standard issue 1)
Moment In Paradise
Mr. Blue Sky (PBS 2001 Version)
Alright (PBS 2001 Version)
Livin' Thing (PBS 2001 Version)
CD single -- Epic EPC 671772 2 (standard issue 2)
Moment In Paradise
CD single -- Epic SAMPCS 10453 (promo issue)
Moment In Paradise Running Time: 3:35

This song the same as the Zoom album version.


Alright (PBS 2001 Version) Running Time: 3:13

This song is the same as the Zoom Tour Live video and DVD version, minus Jeff announcing the song.


Mr. Blue Sky (PBS 2001 Version) Running Time: 3:39

This song is the same as the Zoom Tour Live video and DVD version.


Livin' Thing (PBS 2001 Version) Running Time: 4:12

This song is the same as the Zoom Tour Live video and DVD version.

Both of these CD singles were manufactured in Austria for European distribution. The first (EPC 671136 1) is issued in a paper sleeve only while the second (EPC 671136 2) is issued in a slimline CD case.
* Show/Hide release information for Moment In Paradise, Mr. Blue Sky (PBS 2001 Version), Alright (PBS 2001 Version) and Livin' Thing (PBS 2001 Version)...

Reissues

There were several single reissues for the oldies music market. In early 1977, Harvest reissued Showdown and Roll Over Beethoven on a 7" (with a special issue promo only 12"), used to promote the The Light Shines On compilation LP. Harvest reissued these songs on another 7" and 12" in 1979, this time to promote the The Light Shines On Vol 2 compilation LP. In 1984, Harvest once again issued a reissue, this time pairing 10538 Overture and Roll Over Beethoven, although appears that there was no particular album this was meant to promote, rather it was part of a general EMI single reissue series.

In May of 1978, due to the change of Jet Record distribution from United Artists to CBS, four of ELO's recent singles were reissued under the new distributor, including the single for Mr. Blue Sky which had been a single under United Artists distribution just four months prior. Curiously, this series of reissues uses the nearly consecutive stock numbers of 100, 101, 103 and 104, skipping 102. The "S JET 102" release was not an ELO record, but instead was a reissue of the Doin' That Crazy Thing/Goin' Down To Rio Jeff Lynne solo single. The "S JET 103" single for Turn To Stone/Mister Kingdom was assigned a number, but not actually produced (although one fan owns a test pressing, proving that it was planned). One suggestion is that Jet simply sold off the United Artists labeled records even when under CBS, pressing new singles only for what they thought they needed. So much stock of the United Artists Turn To Stone single was still available, that the reissue single never got past the planning stages and no such single was ever produced.

In addition, a special 7" release of Can't Get It Out Of My Head backed with Evil Woman was issued in 1978 to promote the Three Light Years set and The ELO EP. It featured a larger center hole for use in machines supporting the automatic dropping mechanism used for juke boxes (thus the "JB" in the stock number). Theoretically, it was only available to juke box vendors, and it is unclear if it was ever available in the shops.

In late 2007, Can't Get It Out Of My Head was reissued as a digital single to promote the Ticket To The Moon - The Very Best Of The Electric Light Orchestra Volume 2 compilation.

The UK Singles Volume One 1972-1978 front The UK Singles Volume One 1972-1978 back The UK Singles Volume One 1972-1978 open The UK Singles Volume One 1972-1978 sticker Then, when singles seemed to be a thing of the past (especially reissue singles), a collectable box set called The UK Singles Volume One 1972-1978 was released in September 2018 that reissued the first fifteeen UK 7" singles as well as the first and only EP record, in reproduction sleeves and labels. This set was sold worldwide and was not just a UK exclusive (although marketed in the UK and USA only). All sleeves, although reproductions, were a thicker cardboard material rather than the original thin paper material. All single labels were descreetly marked as copyright 2018 and by Epic Records.

The producers of the set did a remarkable job in reproducing all the unique edits from the original singles. By careful listening, it is clear that in many instances, they used actual recordings of the original singles, cleaned them and remastered them; this was noticable on the live B-side tracks from the Polydor singles and the unique version of One Summer Dream. In other instances, they reproduced the original edits from digital album material, with this likely being done for songs such as Nightrider and Mister Kingdom. The one exception is 10538 Overture, which was a reproduced edit (just an early fade), that is very close to the original UK single edit, but it still not quite right.

There has been no digital release of songs from the The UK Singles Volume One 1972-1978 box set, leaving many of these very rare and unique edits still unavailable digitally in any form.

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Issue Date
Singles
Comments
Showdown / Roll Over Beethoven
1977 March
Showdown Roll Over Beethoven
7" single -- Harvest HAR 5121
12" single -- Harvest HAR 12-5121 (promo issue)
Showdown Running Time: 4:11

This song the same version as the original Showdown single.


Roll Over Beethoven Running Time: 4:33

This song is edited from the full 7:03 ELO 2 album version, where the mellotron intro and the second Beethoven's Fifth sequences are cut from the intro; one of the keyboard sequences, the guitar solo and the following keyboard/cello part are cut from the first instrumental bridge; the entire second chorus is cut; and the second instrumental bridge except the guitar solo is cut.

The 12" single was not a commercial release. It was a promo only.
* Show/Hide release information for Showdown and Roll Over Beethoven...
Rockaria!
1978 May
Rockaria! Poker
7" single -- Jet S JET 100
Rockaria! Running Time: 3:10

This song is edited from the A New World Record album version, cutting the misstart by opera singer Mary Thomas at the song's beginning.


Poker Running Time: 3:31

This song is the same as the Face The Music album version.

* Show/Hide release information for Rockaria! and Poker...
Telephone Line
1978 May
Telephone Line Poor Boy (The Greenwood)
King Of The Universe
7" single -- Jet S JET 101
Telephone Line Running Time: 4:38

This song is the same as the A New World Record album version.


Poor Boy (The Greenwood) Running Time: 2:57

This song is the same as the Eldorado album version.


King Of The Universe Running Time: 2:51

This song is edited from the On The Third Day album version, cutting the Ocean Breakup part of the song from the song's beginning.

* Show/Hide release information for Telephone Line, Poor Boy (The Greenwood), and King Of The Universe...
Mr. Blue Sky
1978 May
Mr. Blue Sky One Summer Dream
7" single -- Jet S JET 104
Mr. Blue Sky Running Time: 5:01

This song is edited from the Out Of The Blue album version, cutting the rain and radio tuning at the song's beginning.


One Summer Dream Running Time: 4:25

This song is a unique mix of the song. It is basically the same as the Face The Music album version, however all the female backing vocals are missing from the mix. Also it cuts half the orchestra intro that contains the vocal part and also fades early.

This edit of One Summer Dream has never been issued on CD.
* Show/Hide release information for Mr. Blue Sky and One Summer Dream...
Can't Get It Out Of My Head / Evil Woman
1978 December
Can't Get It Out Of My Head Evil Woman
7" single -- Jet ELO 1 JB
Can't Get It Out Of My Head Running Time: 4:21

This song the same as the Eldorado album version.


Evil Woman Running Time: 4:21

This song is edited from the Face The Music album version, cutting the orchestral intro.

This single was intended for sale to juke box vendors only, thus the "JB" in the stock number and the larger size center hole.
* Show/Hide release information for Can't Get It Out Of My Head and Evil Woman...
Showdown / Roll Over Beethoven
1979 March
Showdown Roll Over Beethoven
7" single -- Harvest HAR 5179 (standard issue)
7" single -- Harvest HAR 5179 (promo issue)
Showdown Roll Over Beethoven
12" single -- Harvest 12-HAR 5179
Showdown Running Time: 4:11

This song the same version as the original Showdown single.


Roll Over Beethoven (from the 7") Running Time: 4:33

This song is edited from the full 7:03 ELO 2 album version, where the mellotron intro and the second Beethoven's Fifth sequences are cut from the intro; one of the keyboard sequences, the guitar solo and the following keyboard/cello part are cut from the first instrumental bridge; the entire second chorus is cut; and the second instrumental bridge except the guitar solo is cut.


Roll Over Beethoven (from the 12") Running Time: 7:03

This song is the same as the UK ELO 2 album version.

The image of the band shown on the picture sleeve of the 12" single is taken from a performance of Evil Woman on the UK TV show Supersonic in 1975.
* Show/Hide release information for Showdown and Roll Over Beethoven...
10538 Overture / Roll Over Beethoven
1984 May
10538 Overture Roll Over Beethoven
7" single -- Harvest G45 22 (black label)
7" single -- Harvest G45 22 (blue label)
7" single -- Harvest G45 22 (silver label)
10538 Overture Running Time: 4:04

This song is edited from the Electric Light Orchestra album version and fades about 10 seconds after the last chorus.


Roll Over Beethoven Running Time: 4:33

This song is edited from the full 7:03 ELO 2 album version, where the mellotron intro and the second Beethoven's Fifth sequences are cut from the intro; one of the keyboard sequences, the guitar solo and the following keyboard/cello part are cut from the first instrumental bridge; the entire second chorus is cut; and the second instrumental bridge except the guitar solo is cut.

This single had two different pressings: one with a black label and another with a blue lable.
* Show/Hide release information for 10538 Overture and Roll Over Beethoven...
Can't Get It Out Of My Head
2007 November 16
Can't Get It Out Of My Head
Digital single -- Epic ISRC USSM19801650
CD single -- Epic ? (promo issue)
Can't Get It Out Of My Head Running Time: 4:21

This song the same as the Eldorado album version.

The promo CD cover isn't really a sleeve, but a home printer printed slip of paper folded over to create a cover, then this and the CD are in a clear plastic sleeve.
* Show/Hide release information for Can't Get It Out Of My Head...
10538 Overture
2018 September 21
10538 Overture First Movement (Jumping Biz)
7" single -- Harvest HAR 5053
10538 Overture Running Time: 4:04

This song is edited from the Electric Light Orchestra album version and fades about 10 seconds after the last chorus with the fade starting immediately after the final lyric.


First Movement (Jumping Biz) Running Time: 3:03

This song is the same as the Electric Light Orchestra version.

* Show/Hide release information for 10538 Overture and First Movement (Jumping Biz)...
Roll Over Beethoven
2018 September 21
Roll Over Beethoven Queen Of The Hours
7" single -- Harvest HAR 5063
Roll Over Beethoven Running Time: 4:33

This song is edited from the full 7:03 ELO 2 album version, where the mellotron intro and the second Beethoven's Fifth sequences are cut from the intro; one of the keyboard sequences, the guitar solo and the following keyboard/cello part are cut from the first instrumental bridge; the entire second chorus is cut; and the second instrumental bridge except the guitar solo is cut.


Queen Of The Hours Running Time: 3:26

This song is the same as the Electric Light Orchestra version.

* Show/Hide release information for Roll Over Beethoven and Queen Of The Hours...
Showdown
2018 September 21
Showdown In Old England Town (Instrumental)
7" single -- Harvest HAR 5077
Showdown Running Time: 4:11

This is an original A-side in England, although it appeared in many other countries on the On The Third Day album using the same version.


In Old England Town (Instrumental) Running Time: 2:44

This is an original B-side, adapted from the original ELO 2 version of In Old England Town (Boogie No. 2).

* Show/Hide release information for Showdown and In Old England Town (Instrumental)...
Ma-Ma-Ma Belle
2018 September 21
Ma-Ma-Ma Belle Oh No Not Susan
7" single -- Warner Brothers K 16349
Ma-Ma-Ma Belle Running Time: 3:21

This song is a unique mix of the song. It is similar to the On The Third Day album version except it cuts half the guitar/cello riff following the first chorus and two lines from the second and third choruses. In addition, it adds a distinctive phased string interlude following the second chorus and fades a few seconds early.


Oh No Not Susan Running Time: 2:50

This song is edited from the On The Third Day album version, fading in past the intro and fading out early.

* Show/Hide release information for Ma-Ma-Ma Belle and Daybreaker...
Can't Get It Out Of My Head
2018 September 21
Can't Get It Out Of My Head Illusions In G Major
7" single -- Warner Brothers K 16510
Can't Get It Out Of My Head Running Time: 3:11

This song is edited from the Eldorado album version. It cuts the second verse, the second chorus and two parts of the moog synthesizer from the instrumental bridge.


Illusions In G Major Running Time: 2:38

This song is the same as the Eldorado version.

* Show/Hide release information for Can't Get It Out Of My Head and Illusions In G Major...
Evil Woman
2018 September 21
Evil Woman 10538 Overture (Live)
7" single -- Jet JET 764
Evil Woman Running Time: 4:15

This song is edited from the Face The Music album version. It cuts the orchestral intro and fades early.


10538 Overture (Live) Running Time: 5:23

This song is the same as the European The Night The Light Went On In Long Beach album version. It includes a portion of the Do Ya guitar riff midway through the song.

* Show/Hide release information for Evil Woman and 10538 Overture (Live)...
Nightrider
2018 September 21
Nightrider Daybreaker (Live)
7" single -- Jet JET 769
Nightrider Running Time: 3:44

This song is edited from the Face The Music album version. It cuts part of the instrumental intro and fades early.


Daybreaker (Live) Running Time: 5:03

This song is edited from the European The Night The Light Went On In Long Beach album version. It fades in at the start of the spooky, discordant keyboard, string and drum intro, then plays the full song. It fades on the audience cheering after the end of the song.

* Show/Hide release information for Nightrider and Daybreaker (Live)...
Strange Magic
2018 September 21
Strange Magic Showdown (Live)
7" single -- Jet JET 779
Strange Magic Running Time: 3:25

This song is edited from the Face The Music album version. It cuts the orchestral intro, a small portion of the guitar on the intro, and the next to last two choruses.


Showdown (Live) Running Time: 5:01

This song edited from the The Night The Light Went On In Long Beach album, fading early.

* Show/Hide release information for Strange Magic and Showdown (Live)...
Livin' Thing
2018 September 21
Livin' Thing Fire On High
7" single -- United Artists JET UP 36184
Livin' Thing Running Time: 3:32

This song is the same as the A New World Record album version.


Fire On High Running Time: 5:30

This song is the same as the Face The Music album version, including the long intro.

This was issued on blue vinyl only.
* Show/Hide release information for Livin' Thing and Fire On High...
2018 September 21
Rockaria! Poker
7" single -- Jet JET UP 36209
Rockaria! Running Time: 3:10

This song is edited from the A New World Record album version, cutting the misstart by opera singer Mary Thomas at the song's beginning.


Poker Running Time: 3:31

This song is the same as the Face The Music album version.

* Show/Hide release information for Rockaria! and Poker...
Telephone Line
2018 September 21
Telephone Line Poor Boy (The Greenwood)
King Of The Universe
7" single -- Jet JET UP 36254
Telephone Line Running Time: 4:38

This song is the same as the A New World Record album version.


Poor Boy (The Greenwood) Running Time: 2:57

This song is the same as the Eldorado album version.


King Of The Universe Running Time: 2:51

This song is edited from the On The Third Day album version, cutting the Ocean Breakup part of the song from the song's beginning.

* Show/Hide release information for Telephone Line, Poor Boy (The Greenwood), and King Of The Universe...
Turn To Stone
2018 September 21
Turn To Stone Mister Kingdom
7" single -- Jet JET UP 36313
Turn To Stone Running Time: 3:48

This song is the same as the Out Of The Blue album version.


Mister Kingdom Running Time: 5:32

This song is edited from the Eldorado album version, adding a slow fade to the song's end, so that it doesn't have the abrupt end as on the album.

* Show/Hide release information for Turn To Stone and Mister Kingdom...
Mr. Blue Sky
2018 September 21
Mr. Blue Sky One Summer Dream
7" single -- Jet JET UP 36342
Mr. Blue Sky Running Time: 5:01

This song is edited from the Out Of The Blue album version, cutting the rain and radio tuning at the song's beginning.


One Summer Dream Running Time: 4:25

This song is a unique mix of the song. It is basically the same as the Face The Music album version, however all the female backing vocals are missing from the mix. Also it cuts half the orchestra intro that contains the vocal part and also fades early.

This was issued on blue vinyl only.
* Show/Hide release information for Mr. Blue Sky and One Summer Dream...
Wild West Hero
2018 September 21
Wild West Hero Eldorado
7" single -- Jet JET 109
Wild West Hero Running Time: 4:41

This song is the same as the Out Of The Blue album version.


Eldorado Running Time: 5:13

This song is edited from the Eldorado album version, fading at the song's end, just before the start of Eldorado Finale.

* Show/Hide release information for Wild West Hero and Eldorado...
Sweet Talkin' Woman
2018 September 21
Sweet Talkin' Woman Bluebird Is Dead
7" single -- Jet JET 121
Sweet Talkin' Woman Running Time: 3:50

This song is the same as the Out Of The Blue album version.


Bluebird Is Dead Running Time: 4:22

This song is the same as the On The Third Day album version.

* Show/Hide release information for Sweet Talkin' Woman and Bluebird Is Dead...
The ELO EP
2018 September 21
Can't Get It Out Of My Head
Strange Magic
Ma-Ma-Ma Belle
Evil Woman
7" EP -- Jet JET ELO 1
Can't Get It Out Of My Head Running Time: 4:21

This song the same as the Eldorado album version.


Strange Magic Running Time: 4:02

This song edited from the Face The Music album version, cutting the orchestral intro.


Ma-Ma-Ma Belle Running Time: 3:52

This song edited from the On The Third Day album version, fading during the merge with Dreaming Of 4000.


Evil Woman Running Time: 4:21

This song is edited from the Face The Music album version, cutting the orchestral intro.

* Show/Hide release information for Can't Get It Out Of My Head, Strange Magic, Ma-Ma-Ma Belle and Evil Woman...

Premium Releases

In late November of 2018, Genesis Publications released the lavish Wembley Or Bust book. The book included a bonus 7" picture disc single, containing songs from the June 24, 2017 concert at Wembley Stadium (as well as a specially designed ELO spaceship cutout only available in the deluxe edition). This was a worldwide release and not exclusive to the UK or Europe.

No other such premium edition singles were released in the UK.

Issue Date
Singles
Comments
Xanadu/Don't Bring Me Down
2018 November
Xanadu Don't Bring Me Down
7" picture disc single -- USSM11708573/USSM11708584
Released with Wembley Or Bust
book set -- Genesis Publications ISBN 9781905662524
Xanadu
(Jeff Lynne)

Running Time: 3:22
This is the same version as the Wembley Or Bust audio album releases, including the fade-in and fade-out.


Don't Bring Me Down
(Jeff Lynne)

Running Time: 4:13
This is the same version as the Wembley Or Bust audio album releases, including the fade-in and fade-out.

The single was available in a special pocket in the back page of the book.

The single is actually misprinted, with the label stating Xanadu is on the A-side and Don't Bring Me Down on the B-side. However, the songs that play are reversed with Don't Bring Me Down on the A-side.

The images on the disc show the band performing Roll Over Beethoven at Wembley

* Show/Hide release information for Xanadu and Don't Bring Me Down...

Sales Figures

There is no known UK sales information currently available. If anyone reading this has this kind of information, please contact me at the email address listed on the bottom of this page.

Music Charts

The primary measure of the success of a single is by the music chart rating. In the UK, the history of the official UK singles charts has a bit of an uncertain start, with various entities compiling their own lists. However by the time ELO came on the scene in 1971, the officially recognized charts were compiled by the British Market Research Bureau based upon retail sales and this chart was published in the Record Retailer trade magazine (later retitled to Music Week), which is a UK music retailer trade magazine similar to the USA's Billboard. This chart is currently known as simply "The UK Singles Chart". The original format when ELO first entered the charts was the Top 50 songs. In May of 1978 this was expanded to the Top 75. Although the Top 75 have been the only official listings, in January 1983 it was expanded to the Top 100 and in May of 1991, it expanded again to the Top 200 At this time, all entries greater than 75 have had variable rules applied to calculate their chart positions and are not officially recognized like the Top 75. When the expansion to 200 was done, only the Top 75 continued to be published in Music Week, therefore details about positions 76 to 200 after May 1991 are unclear.

ELO spent more than 254 weeks in the Top 50/75 charts, with 28 charted songs, having hit the #1 spot only once with the Olivia Newton-John sung Xanadu.

The chart listing below is almost complete, with unknown details for the 2006 charting of Surrender and a chart reentry in the lower ranks for Mr. Blue Sky some time in the mid-2000s. Any assistance in filling in the gaps for this song and any corrections greatly appreciated.

Week
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
10538 Overture
Top 50 Chart Entry Date: July 29, 1972
45
20
17
14
9
(August 26, 1972)
15
17
36
Roll Over Beethoven
Top 50 Chart Entry Date: January 27, 1973
28
17
10
6
(February 17, 1973)
8
15
21
35
50
48
Showdown
Top 50 Chart Entry Date: October 6, 1973
44
29
14
16
12
(November 3, 1973)
12
(November 10, 1973)
18
23
36
45
Ma-Ma-Ma Belle
Top 50 Chart Entry Date: March 9, 1974
43
37
28
24
22
(April 6, 1974)
30
43
49
Can't Get It Out Of My Head
Top 50 Chart Entry Date: Did not chart
Evil Woman
Top 50 Chart Entry Date: January 10, 1976
46
27
14
10
(January 31, 1976)
11
11
28
32
Nightrider
Top 50 Chart Entry Date: Did not chart
Strange Magic
Top 50 Chart Entry Date: July 3, 1976
49
38
(July 10, 1976)
41
Livin' Thing
Top 50 Chart Entry Date: November 13, 1976
49
23
13
5
5
4
(December 18, 1976)
6
6
15
19
22
33
Rockaria!
Top 50 Chart Entry Date: February 19, 1977
40
30
20
15
9
(March 19, 1977)
10
14
22
36
Telephone Line
Top 50 Chart Entry Date: May 21, 1977
42
28
18
13
8
(June 18, 1977)
10
8
(July 2, 1977)
13
20
33
Turn To Stone
Top 50 Chart Entry Date: October 29, 1977
43
27
24
24
21
22
18
(December 10, 1977)
21
20
20
25
29
Mr. Blue Sky
Top 50 Chart Entry Date: January 28, 1978
39
16
16
8
6
(February 25, 1978)
7
9
9
11
23
26
Wild West Hero
Top 75 Chart Entry Date: June 10, 1978
54
42
31
36
24
19
7
8
6
(August 5, 1978)
10
19
35
50
67
Sweet Talkin' Woman
Top 75 Chart Entry Date: October 7, 1978
17
7
6
(October 21, 1978)
6
(October 28, 1978)
6
(November 4, 1978)
9
15
34
51
The ELO EP
Top 75 Chart Entry Date: December 9, 1978
50
34
(December 16, 1978)
34
(December 23, 1978)
34
(December 30, 1978)
34
(January 6, 1979)
40
52
58
Shine A Little Love
Top 75 Chart Entry Date: May 19, 1979
33
14
16
6
(June 9, 1979)
6
(June 16, 1979)
11
17
37
49
68
The Diary Of Horace Wimp
Top 75 Chart Entry Date: July 21, 1979
71
27
17
8
(August 11, 1979)
10
10
19
31
52
Don't Bring Me Down
Top 75 Chart Entry Date: September 1, 1979
38
11
4
3
(September 22, 1979)
5
10
20
36
61
Confusion/Last Train To London
Top 75 Chart Entry Date: November 17, 1979
33
17
8
(December 1, 1979)
9
11
15
15
26
47
55
I'm Alive
Top 75 Chart Entry Date: May 24, 1980
47
25
22
20
(June 14, 1980)
20
(June 21, 1980)
26
26
53
69
Xanadu
Top 75 Chart Entry Date: June 21, 1980
39
14
3
1
(July 12, 1980)
1
(July 19, 1980)
2
4
13
20
35
47
All Over The World
Top 75 Chart Entry Date: August 2, 1980
57
24
18
11
(August 23, 1980)
15
18
29
48
Don't Walk Away
Top 75 Chart Entry Date: November 22, 1980
40
26
21
(December 6, 1980)
23
23
26
26
25
43
72
Hold On Tight
Top 75 Chart Entry Date: August 1, 1981
40
19
9
6
5
4
(September 5, 1981)
5
7
14
20
38
56
Twilight
Top 75 Chart Entry Date: October 24, 1981
50
37
30
(November 7, 1981)
30
(November 14, 1981)
34
43
54
Ticket To The Moon/Here Is The News
Top 75 Chart Entry Date: January 9, 1982
57
38
26
24
(January 30, 1982)
26
31
43
54
The Way Life's Meant To Be
Top 75 Chart Entry Date: Did not chart
Rock 'n' Roll Is King
Top 100 Chart Entry Date: June 18, 1983
58
25
15
14
13
(July 16, 1983)
17
23
36
58
Secret Messages
Top 100 Chart Entry Date: September 3, 1983
59
48
(September 10, 1983)
58
Four Little Diamonds
Top 100 Chart Entry Date: November 12, 1983
84
(November 12, 1983)
97
Calling America
Top 100 Chart Entry Date: March 1, 1986
42
39
28
(March 15, 1986)
31
32
38
57
So Serious
Top 100 Chart Entry Date: April 19, 1986
99
77
(April 26, 1986)
83
Getting To The Point
Top 100 Chart Entry Date: August 16, 1986
97
(August 16, 1986)
Alright
Top 200 Chart Entry Date: Did not chart
Moment In Paradise
Top 200 Chart Entry Date: Did not chart
Mr. Blue Sky re-entry
Top 200 Chart Entry Date: [DATE UNKNOWN]
UNKNOWN
(DATE UNKNOWN)
Surrender
Top 200 Chart Entry Date: Did not chart
Latitude 88 North
Top 200 Chart Entry Date: Did not chart
When I Was A Boy
Top 200 Chart Entry Date: Did not chart
One Step At A Time
Top 200 Chart Entry Date: Did not chart
Ain't It A Drag
Top 200 Chart Entry Date: Did not chart
When The Night Comes
Top 200 Chart Entry Date: Did not chart
From Out Of Nowhere
Top 200 Chart Entry Date: Did not chart

Below is a chart that shows the UK Top 50/75 chart position of each song versus its week on the chart. It's obvious from the chart that Xanadu and Don't Bring Me Down were top charting songs. What's interesting is that due to chart peak and longevity, other songs were actually bigger hits, garnering more sales and airplay. In this scenario, it appears that in reality, Livin' Thing is ELO's biggest hit with Hold On Tight and Mr. Blue Sky not far behind.

As an exercise to measure a song's true strength, let's assign points to each chart placing, with chart position #1 = 50 points, #2 = 49 points, #3 = 48 points, etc. down to #50 = 1 point. This disregards data for chart positions between #51 and #75 as all songs prior to Wild West Hero do not have records for these chart positions which could skew the data. Then accumulating these points for each song, the highest charting song, Xanadu garners 382 points, while Don't Bring Me Down gets 281 points, Mr. Blue Sky gets 391 points, Hold On Tight gets 394 points, and Livin' Thing gets the maximum at 412 points. Given this, it's clear that Livin' Thing is ELO's biggest UK hit of all time with Hold On Tight not far behind. The chart below illustrates this point system by ranking all ELO charted songs.

412 - Livin' Thing 394 - Hold On Tight 391 - Mr. Blue Sky 382 - Xanadu 325 - Wild West Hero 318 - Turn To Stone
317 - Telephone Line 308 - Sweet Talkin' Woman 281 - Don't Bring Me Down 278 - Confusion/Last Train To London 272 - Roll Over Beethoven 270 - Shine A Little Love
263 - Rockaria! 261 - Showdown 235 - 10538 Overture 235 - The Diary Of Horace Wimp 229 - Evil Woman 214 - Rock 'n' Roll Is King
206 - Don't Walk Away 194 - All Over The World 171 - I'm Alive 132 - Ma-Ma-Ma Belle 118 - Ticket To The Moon/Here Is The News 96 - Calling America
82 - Twilight 80 - The ELO EP 25 - Strange Magic 3 - Secret Messages

Of further interest, in a similar analysis of ELO's USA hits, Livin' Thing ranks #4 (with Telephone Line taking top honors there) and Hold On Tight is a #2. If the UK and USA rankings are combined, then Hold On Tight becomes the most popular song between both countries, which is a somewhat surprising result!


This page is intended to be a complete record of Electric Light Orchestra's UK single releases. If you notice any errors or omissions, please contact me at jefflynnesongs@gmail.com and let me know. I strive for accuracy.

Robert Porter
October 2023

Special thanks to Bob Coulter, Patrik Guttenbacher, Yoshinori Ochi and Euan Wilson for their contributions of images, information and support in making this page a reality.