Telephone Line - ELO / 1977

[ODH]

Anyone that's keeping up might remember me saying when I posted my recent Clash cover that I was meant to be finishing a different song. It was this one. And here it is.

In places it kind of feels like as if Yazoo had done a copy.

[64Guitars]

"Telephone Line" was released in October 1976 on the ELO album A New World Record, so it really doesn't qualify for 1977 Fest. However, I'm going to let you get away with it because the single was released in May 1977. But please folks, check the release date of your song before submitting it for 1977 Fest. It's the original release date that matters; not the date that it was subsequently released in another format such as a single, compilation album, live album, remake, etc. If it wasn't originally released in 1977, then please don't submit it for the fest.

[kenny mac]

Alot of work has went into this.
Im a big elo fan so its great to hear a different take on it.
Like the strings runs on the chorus.
And yes it has a vince clark vibe to it.
Cool sounds.

[Pete C]

A very nice cover indeed. I like your take on this - very 80's synth-ish, some great details to listen to in the backing !

Pete

[Zoltan]

This is the third time i'm writing this. The first time i wasn't ready, the second time i was interrupted by a phone call. So i've already heard this at least six times. It's certainly worth it. You've put a lot of work making this. It keeps all the important pieces of the original and has that vibe.

Great performances and an instantly gratifying 70s meets early 80s sound. Sound wise there's nothing heard here that reaches beyond the year 1983. So i think you've managed to build a time machine also (next you're probably going to be abducted by aliens, or other powers that be. It was nice knowing you!).

[Ted]

Something that I never liked about some music from the 70's was the apparent arms race between certain bands to hit ever-higher notes in the harmonies. In the original recording, that Oh, oh, telephone line chorus is (almost) like fingernails on a chalkboard for me – along with the general over-production.

So I love that you didn't reach for those showy notes. The softly sung vocals reveal the emotional core that I never noticed. You made me like this song, damn you.

[Farrell Jackson]

A very cool cover of this song ODH. You've captured the vibe of the original but have definitely made it your own. All those synth parts are gorgeous. A very impressive cover! 

[chapperz66]

This really cool Nick.  You made this your own.  Brilliant.

Paul

[Rene Asologuitar]

Hi ODH,
This song is new to me, and I am so glad to hear this song from you.
This version is so nice, the synths are super nice and your vocals fit it real tight.
Thanks for this recording.
Rene

[Trist]

I know this song well , very interesting to hear a cover of it, it's one of those songs you just don't hear covers for, really liked the synth on this so lush.