BEATLES ANTHOLOGY 2025 ctd

BEATLES ANTHOLOGY 30 ctd

 

An early preview of the new Real Love.

FREE AS A BIRD - AUDIO

NEWS: BEATLES ANTHOLOGY 2025

 

It's been almost 30 years since the original Beatles Anthology aired around the world.  Now, team Beatles is revisiting the series with all new upgraded releases.  Included in that, of course, Free As A Bird and Real Love. 

From TheBeatles.com:

New for 2025, the video features newly remixed audio by its original producer, Jeff Lynne. Free As A Bird, a John Lennon demo from 1977, was first worked on in February 1995 by Paul, George and Ringo and, once final, was released as part of The Beatles’ Anthology project that same year. Joe Pytka’s (director) official music video, was also released in 1995, to great acclaim.

Real Love is also re-mixed with the AI-improvement of John's voice ala Now And Then.

 It also includes new mixes of The Beatles’ Anthology-associated hit singles: the GRAMMY-winning “Free As A Bird” and “Real Love,” given new life by their original producer, Jeff Lynne, using de-mixed John Lennon vocals.

The upgraded Anthology will not only have an additional 2-CD set called Anthology 4, but the video will have an additional episode spanning the mid-90s when the Threatles started work on the Anthology.  

There is now a completely new Episode Nine, including unseen behind-the-scenes footage of Paul, George and Ringo coming together between 1994 and 1995 to work on “The Anthology” and reflecting on their shared life as The Beatles.

 Free As A Bird is streaming live now on your favorite music service.  The YouTube video they have to fix still because the audio is the 1995 original.  

The final 3 tracks of this series. 

15. Free As A Bird (2025 mix)
16. Real Love (2025 mix)
17. Now And Then

The 8-CD or 12-LP boxed sets are released 21 November 2025 - almost 30 years to the day of Free As A Bird's premiere in 1995.  The Beatles Anthology will start streaming on Disney+ beginning 26 November 2025.

XANADU 4K cont'd

 Just an update regarding the new Xanadu 4K and Blu-ray Disc - out today.

 Making Xanadu (from 1980) was supposed to be featured mastered in 2k on the Blu-ray.  It is instead the original 1980 Sizzle Reel (or early abbreviated cut of the movie) with all demo versions of the songs - which made it's way around to some collectors over the years.  It's now mastered in 2K.

OT: JULIANNA RAYE - HUSH

 

Our dear old friend Julianna Raye has returned with a new video and new album called 'Hush'

OVER AND OUT

I'm way overdue to send my best wishes to everyone involved for our venture to see Jeff Lynne's ELO for the last time.  It's been nothing but busy work and chaos since my return home, but I'm finally catching up to reality.  My travel adventure to London involved the following:

• My home Metro train station to get to the airport was closed for 3 weeks of repairs.
• Initial flight delayed because of mechanical issues, will now miss my connecting flight
• Airport #1 gave me an unexpected taxi ride to Airport #2 to catch last-ditch direct flight - gate closed.
• Uber home for the night.  Uber back to the Airport #2 next day.
• Get to London - taxi dropped me off at the wrong hotel
• Departing flight delayed because of weather
• Connecting flight to go home cancelled because of weather
• Extra night in Montreal
• Finally arrive home and forgot my home Metro train station was still closed.

 Would I do it again?  Absolutely.  It was great seeing these guys again and while we were all bummed Jeff didn't get to the stage at Hyde Park, the thing that matters is that Jeff gets better.  I think I speak for all the guys (and then some) in the photo when I say, "Please, get well soon, Jeff!"

This photo was taken at one of the entrances to the old Phillips Studios where Roy Wood brought in a cello to the recording studio and ELO was born - 55 years and 1 day from the Hyde Park performance.

Ken Greenwell (in this shot) made a very valid point (had the Hyde Park show gone on) while we were all standing there.  That very spot where ELO started and the spot where Jeff Lynne would have ended ELO on stage were just a mere few feet apart.  Amazing.

FLAMING PIE MINI-LP

 

Paul McCartney's Flaming Pie is the latest to join the Japanese Mini-LP craze.  

From Universal Music Japan:

★ First paper jacket release
★ Jacket design using MPL-approved artwork
★ Reproduced obi with the design of the CD obi on the first Japanese edition
★ Includes 2020 international booklet
★ 2020 remastered audio/SHM-CD design
★ Includes English liner notes/lyrics and bilingual translation
★ Limited production edition

Release date: 27 July 2025 

GREG MASTERS

FROM FORBES - repost

 With everything going on, it seems we almost missed this from Forbes.

Five albums by ELO appear on at least one chart apiece in the U.K. this week. All of them live on the Official Album Downloads list, as it appears that many longtime lovers of the group wanted to own the group’s albums and compilations, and wanted to do so quickly.

And Long Wave is back on the charts too! 

Mr. Blue Sky downloads at #59 and Single sales are #63. 

All Over The World: The Very Best of Electric Light Orchestra and The Essential Electric Light Orchestra also seeing gains. 

OVER AND OUT - repost

 

REST IN PEACE, OZZY

 

RICHARD TANDY SCHOLARSHIP ctd

From the Birmingham Mail:

Electric Light Orchestra singer-songwriter Jeff Lynne has donated cash from his last ever UK tour to support the launch of a new production suite and scholarship in honour of his former ELO bandmate.

OVER AND OUT - THE HOME STRETCH

Jeff Lynne on stage with broken left hand. Involved in a taxi crash in London. “I’ve had a guitar in my hand all my life but not tonight. But nothing would keep you away from you,” he told sell out audience at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena pic.twitter.com/SlbiO5878L

— BBC Midlands (@bbcmtd) July 5, 2025

OUT OF THE BLUE ON RED/YELLOW VINYL

 Did you miss the HMV specialty day in the UK?  No problem.  The Official Jeff Lynne's ELO store has it available there.  Shipping mid-August.

XANADU 4K

Coming in August, a 2-disc Xanadu in 4K Ultra High Definition Blu-Ray.

 From Blu-ray.com: 

DISC ONE - 

4K BLU-RAY NEW 4K RESTORATION FROM THE ORIGINAL CAMERA NEGATIVE
DOLBY VISION/HDR PRESENTATION OF THE FILM
NEW Audio Commentary by Director Robert Greenwald, Moderated by Filmmaker Douglas Hosdale
NEW Audio Commentary by Filmmaker Jennifer Clymer and Film Historian Nathaniel Thompson
NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historians David Del Valle and Krystov Charles
NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historian Samm Deighan
Original 4.0 Stereo | 5.1 Surround & Lossless 2.0
Optional English Subtitles

DISC TWO - 

BLU-RAY NEW 4K RESTORATION FROM THE ORIGINAL CAMERA NEGATIVE
NEW Audio Commentary by Director Robert Greenwald, Moderated by Filmmaker Douglas Hosdale
NEW Audio Commentary by Filmmaker Jennifer Clymer and Film Historian Nathaniel Thompson
NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historians David Del Valle and Krystov Charles
NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historian Samm Deighan
Making Xanadu: 1980 Making-of the Musical Fantasy Movie (20:36) Newly Mastered in 2K
Going Back to Xanadu: 2009 Documentary with the Cast and Crew (27:15)
5 TV Spots (2:25)
17 Radio Spots (14:17)
Theatrical Trailer (2:05) Newly Mastered in 2K
Original 4.0 Stereo | 5.1 Surround & Lossless 2.0
Optional English Subtitles

 

So, we are getting a newly restored version of the original 1980 Making Of Xanadu feature.  For those in the know, it's got some really cool early bits of the songs.

Release day: 19 August 2025 

 

BRIAN WILSON 1942-2025

  Rolling Stone and Pitchfork among many mourning this incredible loss.  One of the true architects of 20th century popular music.

THANK YOU, TODD!

 

A quick thank you to Todd Stanton who made this amazing lighted ELO jukebox logo for some of us fans willing to take a chance.  He made it with a 3D printer and the inside is wired with an LED light.

He is reachable on Facebook if you're interested in one.  He'll fill you in on how much it will cost.

This is pretty (ahem) lit, isn't it!?