Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

Andy. Pilton home of Glast Fest
Mr Blue Sky is definately a classic. Managed to see ELO at wembley in 1981, Jeff done a tribute to John Lennon which was just mind blowing. Love ELO, its hard to pick one above the rest but can understand why this is up there but what about Telephone Line, Wild West Hero, Livin' Thing, Rockaria, the list goes on and on.

Chris, Brum
I think Mr Blue Sky was Jeff Lynne's finest musical achievement, but so many of his songs were special in their own right... Mr Blue Sky is sublime from Start to finish...Jeff's own pocket symphony...but the final moments of the song where the beat kicks in again is truly magnificent Like Brian Wilson before him, Jeff was writing, singing, performing and producing...How can one man have all that talent ? Out of the Blue is one of the greatest and most underrated albums of the 70s...Truly wonderful from start to finish... Lynne was undoubtedly a genius from 1975 to 1980 but like all geniuses he shone brightly but burned out...Most of ELO's material after Discovery (their last great album) never achieves the standard set during the mid to late 70s...

eric amstelveen the netherlands
mr blue sky is my favorite song, and it will always be. if I hear the song, it makes me happy and gives good memories. concerto for a rainy day, is all we need, every day

Paul - Carlisle
Love this song - always sounds sunny!

Adrian Morris
It must have been a truly satisfying moment for Jeff and the band to hear the final playback mix of Mr Blue Sky in the studio. Surely a 'wow' moment! I love the bit where it starts up again near the end - all dark with a storm brewing. A truly wonderful song and truly wonderful recording also. Let us not forget the talents of the sound engineers who bring these things to life.

Chris - Swansea
THE all good feel song, summer, winter, whenever always makes you remember a summer day somewhere.

newcastle
my most favourite band in the world, mint music, lyrics, everything, love all the elo songs

bryan bradford
how can you choose a favourite from so many classics from probably the most underrated band ever.seen them in 1998 at leeds grand and can honestly say that was my best night out ever and believe me i have had some great nights over the years lol.Can't wait for the 12th just a week 2 go b4 i'll be havin another great night at st georges in bradford granted the maestro jeff is no longer with them but nor was he at leeds but that didn't detract from the sheer genius of the rest of the band particularly mik kaminski how he played 3 tunes at once on that violin is still beyond me.Anyway back 2 favs after bein an avid fan from day one i never took much notice of shangri-la until my partner of 12mths (she was hooked immediately)pointed out how particularly the last third sent shivers up you're spine so i sat and listened and sure enough it did so i now spend most late nights with shangri-la on loud in a dark bedroom and on repeat gets the spine tingling every time and never get fed up of listening to it as i don't with the rest of their unequalled music from the best band of all time.try it and see what i mean happy tinglin lol

Barb / London
I would like to thank Phil / Bolton for his Mr Blue Sky comment. My husband said that the last line in the song said 'Mr Blue Sky'. I said that it was 'Please Turn Me Over'. Phil / Bolton, confirmed that it is in fact 'Please Turn Me Over'. This record is one of, if not THE best song of the 70's. I play it over and over and never get bored with it.

Laetitia Van Der Linden, Toronto, Canada
Simply put, Jeff Lynne is a genius. His music is unique in every sense. Unfortunately as most geniuses, he is not fully understood and appreciated, which is too bad.

Mike Iowa City, IA
Mr. Blue Sky is one of those songs that just make you HAPPY and glad to be alive! It's so simple and yet profound, I love it. Whenever it's been gray for a month or so, which happens here, this song gets played. ha

Karl, wantage,oxon
the ultimate feel good song, no matter what your mood, Mr Blue sky will make you smile. Everything will get better eventually. The sun will come out.

Rose, Grays Essex
The excitement, the lights, the space ship opening.... unfortunately I am old enough to have gone to see ELO's Out of the Blue tour at Wembley and what a fantastic concert it was! I love this song (although my favourite is 'standing in the rain'), it brings memories of my teenage years and still sounds good today. ELO, along with Supertramp, have criminally been overlooked as the best band(s) of the time whose music stands just as well today as it did when first released. Fantastic structure and depth to this song, as with most of their music. Not just a 'simple pop song'!

Pete Fenelon, York
Odd, overblown and curiously optimistic; wait until you've heard Half Man Half Biscuit's deadly-serious cover dedicated to drug addicts on the Wirral.

Steve Cripps, Great Dunmow, Essex
This was an inovative piece of work. The whole album, for me, was the begining of a love affair for Jeff's music & saw me buying all the back catalogue stuff! His solo album 'Archair Theater' and the latest ELO offering 'Zoom' demonstrates how Jeff has evolved. Long may he continue!

Diarmuid,cork
One of the greatest pure pop songs ever from the most underated singer/songwriter of our time - Jeff Lynne

Thomas Wehner, Connecticut/USA
Mr. Blue Sky is ELO's finest moment within their crowning musical achievement, "Out of the Blue."

Jonny Johansson, Uddevalla, Sweden
First of all, I am glad as a an ELO fan that any of ELO's many songs reached so high on the list. There is quite a competition. Personally, I favour "Livin' Thing", "Don't Bring Me Down" and "Sweet Talking Woman" more but Mr Blue Sky was one of four songs that I played over and over again the Christmas Night of 1978. The chords, drums and the bass give the song a character that you do not easily forget. Shine on ELO! //Jonny

David Phillips, Rutland
If you were to play every ELO single in order, back to back, there wouldn't be a single duff one in there and would form one of the all time great 'Greatest Hits' compilations. Jeff Lynne is probably the most under-rated musician EVER in the history of popular music. Who can argue with a talent that's worked with George Harrison, Macartney, Dylan, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison....Mr Blue Sky is one of ELO's best known tracks but Jeff's done many 'better tracks in my opinion. 'Getting to the Point' from the 'Balance of Power' album is unbelievably heartbreaking. And an unreleased song 'Bye Bye My Old Friend' (from the same album sessions I think) is simply awesome.

John O'Hare
A supergroup so often derided or forgotten... On their day one of the top ten bands of all time.. May the Light Shine On!

Johnnyboy, Wickford, Essex
been an ELO fan since the age of 7 (now 36!) and 'Mr Blue Sky' is a fantastic track from a fantastic album. But believe it or not their are even better tracks from an even better album! Hard to take in I know, but if you haven't heard it beg, borrow or steal a copy of 'Discovery' from ELO's all conquering year of 1979. You will not be disapointed!!

Tom from London.
This song is absolutely incredible. First time I heard it was on the documentary/"makingof" the excellent film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind...so only just this year.

Mal/Sheffield
A masterpeice. Thanks Jeff.

Bobby C
A definite conveyor classic as I take my last ride into Wakefield Council's increasingley popular furnace.

lauren hague , rotherham
after hearing this song for the first time, i could have swore i had heard this song before but realised i couldnt have this song was released way before i was born and i dont think anyone could copy the style, i realised that the darkness and queen are a cheap make of ELO,although they will only ever be one band like this, mr bright sky is a personal favourite and i think its personally the best song they have ever written with a beautiful structure , melody and beat totally a up beat song to relaz to

John Robetson Edinburgh, Scotland
Not a bad cover version, would like to hear them cover more ELO tracks in the future

Iain - Banstead, Surrey
Have just read one of the comments (obviously someone who disagreed with all the others - actually the ONLY one!!). There is more inventive ingenuity and orchestral mastery and musical knowhow in this one track than in the entire content of the top 40 for the past 10 years (plus!!). They don't write them like they used to now because they just don't know how. (p.s. Why use the 10538 picture?)

Joanie Alford, North Carolina USA
"Mr. Blue Sky" is a melding of "Penny Lane" with Paul's middle bit in "A Day in the Life" with a bit of "Good Morning" thrown in for good measure -- yet still it is PURE Jeff. I adore Jeff Lynne...just adore him.

Paul Lee Blyth/Northumberland
Massive E.L.O./Jeff Lynne fan, have been every since i could listen, Jeff Lynne to me and to millions of fans is the next best thing along side Lennon and Mccartney Mr Blue Sky is one of the many classics produced, written, Orchestra and Choral arranged by Jeff Lynne, young or old once you listen to any of Jeff's songs you will never forget it!, it is great to see Jeff Lynne finally get the recognition that he deserves. Simply one of Britain's greatest musicians.....Paul

Graham - Gillingham
This song is coming back. Jeff Lynne will finally get the recognition that he deserves. It's the greatest track ever written.

Nick Hardy, London
There's a great night in Vauxhall that plays disco and classics. This came on not so song ago and it sounded fantastic. It's a true original, a masterpiece.

J R Bavister, London
Just rediscovered this after hearing it on the latest M&S ad campaign. Quality.

James Gaussen, Sevenoaks, Kent
John Lennon once said that if the Beatles had stayed together, they would have sounded like ELO. For good measure, he added that ELO was "Son of Beatles", and praised the singles "Showdown" and "All Over the World" in separate interviews. "Mr. Blue Sky" would have fitted perfectly on "Sgt. Pepper" or "Magical Mystery Tour" - it's the greatest song that Paul McCartney never wrote! On ELO's classic album, "Out of the Blue", it is the final track on a four-song piece titled "Concerto For a Rainy Day", which is utterly superb, ranging from the driving, Wagnerian orchestral rock of "Standin' in the Rain", through the introspective yet passionate power ballad "Big Wheels", then the moody and magnificent, angst-filled "Summer and Lightning", culminating in the joyous song which has rightly been acclaimed as a classic tune of our times, "Mr. Blue Sky".

Daphne Mundy, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire
Since hearing Mr Blue Sky on the current TV commercial, it has reminded me how I've always liked this song. Must be ELO's best record!

Lesley /Leeds
Have just rediscovered ELO since not listening to them since my childhood and now my 6 year old daughter loves them too! Mr Blus Sky is one of our particular faves!!

Andy Stinton - Worcester
One of the best songs ever made by ELO. with its ditinct beat and its blend of orchestral backing. makes it a song that will stand the test of time

Colin, Dover
"A vastly underrated classic"? Who are you kidding; it's overproduced nonsense. It should have been left in the dustbin of history where it belongs. The theme from Captain Pugwash is more of a classic than this ever could be! Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Dumbing down? whatever next?

Ron Greenslade /Holwell Flintshire n/wales
well what can i say to this song one of the best came out of the album still one of my favorites

Paul S
Absolutely love this. Just when everyone else was turning on the Specials and the Jam I was listening to ELO... it was at least 4 years before i woke up to the Smiths

Pete, Bristol
It does what it says-brings out the Blue Sky no matter what the weather. A timeless track from one of the all-time great bands.So glad Jeff was influenced by John Lennon, otherwise we wouldn't have such a great back catalogue. We could do with more of this, in a world of mundane boy bands, and girlie voiced male artists.

Anton Harridial , Trinidad, West Indies.
I've been an ELO fan longer than I can recall . Jeff Lynne is a magician ! Mr Blue Sky is magic ! As with so many other ELO tracks, it takes you off to another world . Dump your worries in the dustbin outside the door, and hop on the ship for the ride of your life - Mr Blue Sky is out there waitin ' !!! Anton ( please forgive all these exclamations !!!)

Peter, Gillingham
This song has it all-a pounding intro,superb lyrics, a cracking guitar solo and even a vocoder! I love the way the song calms down towards the end with it's swirling strings and fully blown choir courtesy of Mr Louis Clark.And if you could never make it out, the play out is saying "Please turn me over" as it appeared as the last track on side three from the band's classic album "Out of the Blue".

Iain Kirk / Liverpool
Still sounds wonderful all these years on and it still gets a reaction from people... Do people remember it was the closeing part of "Concerto for a Rainy Day...?" No; I did not think so... Lynne is unique in that he could get would he could hear in his head onto tape - genius!

Wurzel - St.Neots, Cambs
A stunning feel good song from the king of composition and recorded by the greatest band ever. So good my friends John and Sue had it played as they left their wedding service!

Gareth, Garnant, Ammanford, Wales
Mr. Blue Sky by the ELO - Just the best 'make me happy' song ever. How can you feel sad when you hear this song!!

Larry Hutson / Blackville / South Carolina / USA
Hello John, Jeff Lynne is the most underated song writer in the modern era. Jeff is ELO and wherever he goes so does ELO. I consider Jeff the Mozart of my lifetime. I will spend my hard earn money on anything Jeff has a hand in because you know that you will be getting a work of art. I just cannot understand why he hasn't had his name all over the Rock and Roll hall of fame. Everyone in the music world knows his talents. I guess his modest approach and low keyed style doesn't help the fame out for him. Long live Jeff Lynne and Electric Light Orchestra there music is made for generations. A timeless work of Art. Respectfull, Larry Hutson

Bradford Abbas Dorset
In June 1978 we left our wedding reception to Mr Blue Sky belting out on our 6 speaker stereo ( a rarity then!) Forever a favourite... Thanks for the memories! John & Lynne

Jane Enright, New York City
There is no better contemporary musician than Jeff Lynne. His resume is beyond extensive. The songs he's written, the instruments he's mastered...I could go on an on!

davie, glasgow
jeff lynne GOD!!

Richard, Staffs
Like many other people here, I was too young to be present at the legendary 70's space-ship concerts. I first got into ELO when i was about 10, I remember the 'Time' album was the first I ever bought with my own pocket money. I have all the Live video concerts. I am clearly not the only one who are desperate for Jeff and the boys to do it again. Zoom was amazing. As for Jeff, where do i start? He is the most amazing song-writer, producer, arranger I've ever heard in my life. I cannot hear enough of his stuff, be it ELO or Traveling Wilbury's. Listening to Out of the Blue or Eldorado now, the vision that he had to be turning that stuff out in his 20's! (Phil in Bolton: Quite right on the side 3 lyrics - learned that on radio 2!!). Quite simply, ELO and Jeff in particular are the best ever. Mr. Blue Sky : Easily one of the all tome classic songs! ELO: GO ON TOUR!!!

Richard, Biddulph
It's about time Jeff and the boys got the credit they deserve. Mr. Blue Sky is a legend

david wiltsher / st neots cambs
Out of the Blue may be it is one of best remembered album but Eldorado was the best ever album holding the orginal ELO with new twists and good rock n roll. The best part of ELO for me beside Mr Blue Sky are Bigs Wheels from Rainy Day and Bluebird is dead. Would love Jonny Walker to be able to play a crusing of concherto for a rainy day from out of the blue. Good to hear ELO on today. Come on Jeff brong it back to the uk one more TIME and with R2D2

pete,manchester
what a great beat in this song. it is a brilliant happy summer song. Mr blue, you really did do it right!

SHARON
I love love love Jeff Lynne as a producer, writer and singer. I am still heart broken over the Zoom tour being canceled!! I hope this year bring good new for us Jeff Lynne/ ELO Fans ELO/JEFF LYNNE 4EVER FAN SHARON

Werner Bednarzik jr., Haltern, Germany
Mr. Blue Sky surely is kind of a blue-print for all what you expect from an ELO-song (if you aren't an all-time fan like me who experienced all ELO music and knows with how varying styles ELO songs were constructed over the years and twelve diverse, yet always amazing studio albums): great melody, lavish orchestration, superb production, but the whole catalog of ELO songs is so varied, mind-boggling and timeless that I would not call one single song their finest moment. There are countless top-notch ELO songs waiting to be discovered on their albums that were never released as singles or on a compilation set. And I'm very happy that my interest for ELO always went beyond the familiar radio staples. I think Jeff Lynne is not only a fantastic songwriter and singer. For me he is one of the greatest musical composers of the 20th century.

Toon Rientjens, The Hague, Netherlands
ELO at it's best!

James Gaussen, Sevenoaks, Kent
Dear Beeb people, Many thanks for publishing my recent comments on Mr. Blue Sky. I've just seen that Radio 2 has moved the date of broadcast of "The ELO story" to July 5th, so if you could change the date stated in my comment accordingly, I'd be most grateful - and you might get a few more listeners to the programme in the process! Best wishes, James G.

David Geddes / Greenock
Sheer masterfull brilliance from one of the music industries more private individuals, Jeff Lynne. Great to see ELO making a well deserved chart comeback and who knows what next....?

Paul, Milton Keynes
ELO were always very underrated, because they were not a guitar band. A very different band and Jeff's voice is very distintive. Well done Mr Brummie.

Jacky,Dagenham,Essex
I love the ELO and especially Mr Blue Sky.It takes me back to when I was a teenager and every time I hear it it makes me feel good!

craig/ blackpool
I wish Jeff would make some albums of the songs he co-wrote with Harrison, Petty,Dylan and Orbison.A lot of people dont realise just how good a songwriter he is.

Chris, Breuil Batard France
When Mr Blue Sky was released I didn't like it that much but,over the last twenty odd years, I have come like ELO songs and appreciate the quality of Jeff Lynnes' writing/arrangements. There is something of the Beatles "Sgt. Pepper" about this song which can't be all bad. By comparison the Delgados' version is ploddy and unimaginative and almost depressing. The energy of the original has been lost and the lower key and slower tempo makes this cover seem almost funarial. sorry guys! I'm sure you are sincere but missed the point somehow.

Tris, Bristol
I'm too young to have seen them 1st time 'round. Wish Jeff would tour again, he is so under-rated!

Scott G. Sims, Peoria, AZ.
Saw the band in the late 70's in Chicago. Great seats, good friends, the space ship opened, and the boys rocked the house. Absolutely electrifying concert.

Lee / Colne
I am sure Radio 2 and the listeners could force the boys from Brum to stage a tour? too many of us never got the chance, it would make all our skys blue..

Neekee - Shrewsbury
This signals the start of summer for me and it always make me smile!

Mark, Telford
To Phil, I always thought it said 'Mr Blue Sky Days', and it's the end of side 3 (Out of the Blue was a double album). I think its good to hear the whole of side three now and again as Mr Blue Sky seems to the last part of a concerto (according to the album cover) of four songs, concerning rain and sunshine. Still a classic track though, and a shame it only reached number 6 - the charts were tougher in those days!

Brian Barr / Bristol
From the first album i ever bought (and still possess)when it first came out, this song still gives me goose bumps and definitley cheers me me up when feeling low. Hit that volume dial and turn it up.

Phil / Bolton
The "Sparky" vocoder line at the end, usually quoted as saying "Mr Blue Sky," in fact says "Please turn me over." It was the end of Side 1 on the vinyl album... go back, take a listen, and with those words in your head, see if you agree! (To my ears, it can't be "Mr Blue Sky, as there's a syllable too many.)

Rusty Shackelford / St. Helens
Revolutionary. Visionary. Precedent setting.

Alison, York
Impossible to feel down when you've listened to this!

Angus
Simply the best. It was the 70's. Music whent downhill from thereon in.

Pete Colorado Springs
Still makes you tap your foot 27 years later

Peter, Edinburgh
Just makes me happy, great stuff.

~~dlfndeb~~/USA
I absolutely love this song!! I've loved it since I was 7 years old when it first came out....You can't listen to it just once. I have it on repeat on MP3 player.

another John
Heard this for the first time in years after watching the extra content on the DVD of "Eternal Sunshine of the spotless mind" and indeed it is joyous to behold, a true classic indeed.