Made in Britain
Keith James Sinclair ELOBF
Former Electric Light Orchestra member Dave Scott-Morgan is a man with a mission - literally! After a hectic decade in which he has released an amazingly prolific number of physical and digital albums, from the 2011 reissue of "Earthrise" through to the most recent "Seven", whether it be solo or with his Morganisation outfit, he has grasped the nuances of the modern music media business with both hands whilst writing and recording a remarkable collection of memorable songs.
As 2020 recedes, new album "Made In Britain" sees Dave and Morganisation return with an exceptional set of eleven (11) new tunes thanks to the combined resources of wife Mandy, guitarist Alex Lowe and Rick Benton (Rebecca Downes, Magnum) whilst renewing musical acquaintances with fellow ex-ELO tourist and bassist Martin Smith (Balance of Power, 1986).
"an album just waiting to be discovered" "Made In Britain" duly landed at elobf HQ earlier this week and Yours Truly KJS has to say that from the first play of track numero uno onward, this is a record that will most certainly appeal to not only Dave's growing band of admirers but also fans looking to explore and expand their musical horizons beyond the proverbial ELO spaceship. This is an impressive collection of songs that serves to highlight the songwriting and production skills of someone who is surely one of the most unsung of Birmingham's musical talents.
You could say this is an eclectic as you venture through the songs and you get the feeling that Morganisation had fun putting this together! Whether its the stomping rock 'n' rollers "Lovin' On You" and "Cindy's Place" or sublime ELOesque ballads "Starry Lady" and "A Day Called Today" (replete with a superb guitar solo!), the folksy almost Beatlesque "Go-Getter Lady", the pensive "Turn To Grey" or atypical Morganisation stomper "Love Is ...", you find yourself musing on how quickly "Made In Britain" seems to fly by. ELO fans will love the pacy if not funky opening title track and "In The Darkness" (which wouldn't be out of place on any of ELO's Eighties long players). Check out the expansive "Big Ocean" and the Celtic tinged "Ammer & Pickle" which has the feel of a glorious jam session too! Ultimately this is an album just waiting to be discovered and something that is sure to uplift the listener during difficult times.
John D Mylton “They don’t make ‘em like that no more” is a phrase we often hear with regret, but I know this little place in Birmingham that’s got a menu that will make your mouth water and guarantee you need a change of tie afterwards! “I will have a ‘Morganisation Burger — the Made In Britain’, please”! Well done with all the ingredients and flavours that are the timeless compliments to an eager to be pleased pallet... melody, imagination, creativity, produced for that discerning consumer of quality and the manifestation of a promise to keep a standard alive and mouth-watering for 39 minutes with 11 superbly crafted flavours... fresh and new in traditional style, there is nothing more satisfying on the menu. This is a must-enjoy addition to your favourites! (24 OCT)
Jayne Read Each song has beautiful words and music. So uplifting, it's what we all need now. Loved it!
The Starclipse
The new album is superb! My favorite is "Big Ocean" :)
DaleAmigaMan Every song is brilliant! Loved it. Cheered me up no end :)
Guido Beijderwellen
Sounds superb! Ordered my copy straight away... It lifts up the spirit... Thanks.
gandalfwhi40 Love "Big Ocean" and " Go Get a Lady" by the way. Favourite Tracks
*Colin Owen * Love it...
Pam Van Allen - Feb 2018 Lovely melody and minor chords appearing in surprising spots on “Day Called Today.” Love the line about “footprints in yesterday’s sand.” “In the Darkness”–just when it starts to become repetitive, the tempo and key change! This happens several times. Highly reminiscent of ELO. “A Minor Pickle”–very symphonic. Love this one. Don’t understand the name? “Big Ocean”–Worthy addition to Earthrise. I’m thinking it’s to flesh out the story?