Sobre el álbum
El álbum No Answer es el título con el que se conoció en Estados Unidos el debut homónimo de la ELO, de 1971. El nombre, de hecho, nace de una curiosa anécdota: ante la imposibilidad de contactar con la banda para confirmar el título, un secretario de la discográfica anotó "No Answer" ("Sin respuesta"), y así se imprimió. Por lo tanto, este trabajo es la primera declaración de principios de la banda.
En consecuencia, el sonido del álbum es el más crudo y experimental de su carrera. La producción es oscura y la fusión entre el rock y la música de cámara es la protagonista. La banda, liderada en esta etapa tanto por Jeff Lynne como por Roy Wood, busca crear un sonido completamente nuevo.
Como resultado, el disco es una obra fascinante y difícil, con canciones largas y complejas que se alejan del formato del pop tradicional. A pesar de ello, ya se puede apreciar el increíble talento de Lynne para la melodía en temas como "10538 Overture". El subtítulo 'ELO Classics' es una adición posterior, ya que este disco contiene algunas de sus primeras gemas.
En definitiva, 'No Answer' es el Big Bang del universo de la ELO, un debut valiente y vanguardista que sentó las bases de una de las carreras más originales de la historia del rock.
Listado de Canciones
- 10538 Overture
Letra
Did you see your friend crying from his eyes today Did you see him run through the streets and far away Aah Did you see him run, did you see him fall Did his life flash by at the bedroom door Did you hear the news it came across the air today Someone has been found on the rocks down in the bay Ahhh Did you see him hide, did you see him crawl Does his life mean more than it did before Did you see that man running through the streets today Did you catch his face, was it 10538 Ahhhh - Look at Me Now
Letra
Someone is waiting, lurking in the trees The spirit of her is walking back to me Ah look at me now feeling emotion Ah look at me now The King of the castle brought her to her knees Gave the Salvation Army girl a squeeze Ah look at me now feeling emotion Ah look at me now Look at me now Now she's a sallow face Scattering her lace -- on dewy ground Ah, I keep searching my head Now it's spinning around Lifting her head, her countenance redeemed Re-acted the murder by the silver stream Ah look at me now displaying emotion Ah look at me now Look at me now so cold and yet so brave Weave me some wings to take me to her grave Ah look at me now feeling emotion Ah look at me now Look at me now - Nellie Takes Her Bow
Letra
Who thanked the Lord for the clothes that she wore and mended, Nellie with the big old fashioned eyes Who won the heart of a crowd tore apart, took a bow, Nellie there's a different world backstage (Chorus:) I see the flood lights burning I hear the band play on Now Nellie takes her bow She said she really could not stay She had a brand new play to play And so she paints her face and smiles And she'll be someone else in a while (Chorus) Just a lonely girl who could not face a broken world, And so she acts out all her dreams and wishes that's how it had been But when the audience is near, it seems as though she doesn't even care. (Chorus) Nellie just sent me a line to tell me she was doing fine She got the lead and on Broadway, and now they're digging her today And as she turns the final page, living someone's life upon the stage (Chorus) - Battle of Marston Moor (July 2nd 1644)
- 1st Movement
- Mr. Radio
Letra
Hello, Mr. Radio, you friendly station, So glad of your company, your morning music, My wife she ran away, she left our home, And though you're here with me, I'm on my own. Hello, Mr. Radio, you friendly speaker, You played my request today, request to see her Your voice comes riding home across the air, You travel 'round the world, but still you're here. I heard on the news today the world is no good, But if she returns today mine could be so good I look into the sky, your waves rush by, The weather man has lied, it makes me cry. Hello, Mr. Radio, do I disturb you? Sometimes I forget my place, I seem to know you I miss you when you close, you'll never know, And when your programmes go, I'm on my own. - Manhattan Rumble (49th Street Massacre)
- Queen of the Hours
Letra
Queen of the hours lies waiting for the wind to blow away the veil of time Slowly now the threads of age are starting to unwind refrain: Queen of the hours Along, Along, Along the path of time, of time, She is still The clock shall tell the tale When all is well, is well. Black was the night that came in from the East and caused the land to sleep. Riding on a storm, it carved a message in Isabella Creek. refrain Dawn is the death wish night has passed away, it left the sacred flower, Opened up the grave and bowed its life unto the Queen of Hours. - Whisper in the Night
Letra
Whisper in the night Over silent evening air Angel's gown shines white All at once you're glad she's there Daughter of your dream shine a guiding light for me For I'll be here till light Whisper in the night Till she has forgiven me Night turns into gold So the tide may turn today Though God gave the world It's not mine to throw away Daughter of your dream shine a guiding light for me For I'll be here till light Whisper in the night Till she has forgiven me La da da -- da Whisper in the night Till she has forgiven me Help to face what the day may bring Angels sing You were sent to make the night be kind What will I find Snowflake bird she comes Taking grey clouds from your door Face the midnight sun You have something to live for Daughter of your dream shine a guiding light for me For I'll be here till light Whisper in the night Till she has forgiven me La da da -- da Whisper in the night Till she has forgiven me