Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) is known for incorporating various musical styles, orchestral elements, and, in the case of their album "Eldorado," some intriguing hidden messages. Here are some interesting facts about ELO and their use of secret messages:
Backmasking in "Eldorado": The album "Eldorado" released in 1974 is notable for its use of backmasking, a recording technique where a sound or message is recorded backward onto a track that is meant to be played forward. In the case of "Eldorado," there are hidden messages when certain portions of the album are played backward.
Reversed Messages: One of the most famous instances of backmasking in "Eldorado" occurs in the song "Fire On High." When the backward guitar solo at the end of the song is played in reverse, a mysterious voice can be heard saying, "The music is reversible, but time is not. Turn back, turn back, turn back..."
Intentional Mystery: The inclusion of these reversed messages was intentional, adding a layer of mystery to the album. It sparked curiosity among fans who tried to decipher the hidden meanings.
Legal Controversy: Backmasking has been a source of controversy, with some claiming that hidden messages can have subliminal effects on listeners. This led to legal battles and debates in the music industry.
Album Concept: "Eldorado" is a concept album that tells the story of a dreamer who escapes his mundane reality through his dreams. The inclusion of reversed messages adds an extra element to the dream-like and mysterious atmosphere of the album.
Influence on Popular Culture: The use of backmasking by ELO in "Eldorado" has influenced other artists and has become a part of popular culture. It became a trend for fans to search for hidden messages in various songs, contributing to the mystique surrounding certain albums.
Jeff Lynne's Vision: Jeff Lynne, the creative force behind ELO, is known for his meticulous approach to music production. The use of backmasking in "Eldorado" is an example of Lynne's desire to create a unique and immersive listening experience for the audience.
While backmasking and hidden messages in music have been controversial, they undeniably added an extra layer of intrigue to ELO's "Eldorado" album, making it a memorable and talked-about piece of their discography.