ELO – On The Third Day – LP

On The Third Day captures a pivotal moment for Electric Light Orchestra as their third studio album, arriving after Roy Wood’s departure and showcasing a refined blend of rock and orchestral textures. Notably, “Ma-Ma-Ma Belle” features a guest appearance by Marc Bolan from T. Rex, adding a distinctive edge to the record. The album’s cover, shot by Richard Avedon, stands out visually with its candid shot of the band revealing their navels—a quirky detail that’s as unexpected as the music’s layered arrangements. The U.S. release includes “Showdown,” a track omitted from the U.K. version, which adds a bit of transatlantic variation to the listening experience. This 1973 pressing offers a solid slice of ELO’s early evolution on vinyl, suited for listeners intrigued by the band’s transition period. The record grades at VG+, indicating it carries some light surface marks and minor paper scuffs but remains a strong everyday player without distracting noise. If you’re organizing your shelf, this one might just nudge its way between classic rock and orchestral pop without needing a magnifying glass to appreciate its form.