"Armchair Theatre" is the first solo album by Jeff Lynne, released in 1990.
A little gem of an album that is becoming increasingly rare as it spends further years inexplicably out of print. Other reviewers got it spot on when commenting that this is definitely not ELO. But it was never meant to be. There is a very down to earth and back to basics feel to this very personal and intentionally self-indulgent project, clearly influenced and possibly inspired by recent collaborations with Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, George Harrison et al. The sound that Lynne played such an integral part in creating on albums such as 'Full Moon Fever' and 'Cloud Nine', also runs through this work. Beautifully crafted songs appear all over this rather too short masterpiece, interestingly most of which were recorded in various rooms in Lynne's very own mansion. Although often accused of "over-producing" songs, this is not very apparent on this album, as most of the songs have an almost 'live' and intimate feel to them, perhaps because we're listening to Jeff as he is rocking away in his living room or kitchen! Other than his enormous producing expertise, Lynne's biggest asset is his astounding and unfailing voice that lends itself so effortlessly to multi-layer harmonies, to best effect on my personal favourite 'What Would It Take'. The covers of a couple of standards detract a little from the overall direction of this album, leaving the listener a touch confused about what Lynne was trying to achieve. My personal feeling is that Jeff made this album and recorded all of the stylistically varied songs on it because he wanted to do it, which is not at all selfish or too much to ask from someone who has greatly inspired others over the years and more recently, resurrected the careers of some of his own musical heroes.
Track listing
01. Every Little Thing (Lynne) - 3:41
02. Don't Let Go (Jesse Stone) - 3:00
03. Lift Me Up (Lynne) - 3:36
04. Nobody Home (Lynne) - 3:51
05. September Song (Maxwell Anderson, Kurt Weill) - 2:57
06. Now You're Gone (Lynne) - 3:57
07. Don't Say Goodbye (Lynne) - 3:09
08. What Would It Take (Lynne) - 2:40
09. Stormy Weather (Ted Koehler, Harold Arlen) - 3:42
10. Blown Away (Lynne, Tom Petty) - 3:29
11. Save Me Now (Lynne) - 2:39
Released: 13 June 1990
Recorded: Raindirk at Posh Studios, England
Genre: Rock
Length: 36:41
Label: Reprise
Producer: Jeff Lynne
Personnel
Jeff Lynne - Guitars, bass guitar, piano, keyboards, synthesizer, percussion, vocals
Richard Tandy - Keyboards, organ, piano, electric guitar, vocals
George Harrison - Guitars, vocals
Mette Mathiesen - Drums, percussion
Jim Horn - Saxophones
Jake Commander - Backing vocals
Phil Hatton - Backing vocals
Dave Morgan - Backing vocals
Del Shannon - Backing vocals
Michael Kamen - String arrangements
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