L.E.O. | |
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| Background information | |
| Genres | Alternative Rock, Indie Pop |
| Years active | 2006 |
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L.E.O. is a 2006 project by Boston musicianBleu and collaborators which producedAlpacas Orgling, a 2006 album of original songs similar in style toElectric Light Orchestra (ELO), theTraveling Wilburys, and 1970sAM radio pop music.[1][2][3]
In 2002Bleu was chatting with the former frontman ofSemisonic,Dan Wilson.[4][3] Wilson retold details from producerRick Rubin aboutJeff Lynne's studio methods and techniques.[5][6][3] Bleu, interested in these techniques and ELO in general,[4] wanted to make songs similar to Jeff Lynne using his studio methods for fun.[7] Gradually those songs would develop in to the albumAlpacas Orgling.[6]Mike Viola joined the project after an onstage cover of ELO's "Telephone Line" by Bleu and Viola at theParadise Lounge inBoston.[1][7][3]
The name "L.E.O." is based on the letters in "ELO". However according to Bleu, the letters in L.E.O. could stand for "Little Electric Operas",[4] or "Little E-mail Operas".[5]
Their debut album,Alpacas Orgling, features major contributions fromMatt Mahaffey ofSelf,Andy Sturmer ofJellyfish,Hanson,Mike Viola, and members ofChicago.[8][9][3] The album was remotely recorded by the musicians over the course of 4 years in 12 different studios.[10][4] The album's name is an acknowledgement of alpaca farmer andExtreme's bassistPat Badger, who previously gave Bleu a place to live.[5]
Bleu would go on a release tour forAlpacas Orgling, tour venues includedT.T. the Bear's Place.[11]
The album was well received.Alpacas Orgling was number 8 onEntertainment Weekly's "must list".[12] Brian Mansfield ofUSA Today said, …"Bleu McAuley's supergroup side project does the Electric Light Orchestra better thanKlaatu didThe Beatles".[13] In his 4 of out 5 star review, Stewart Mason ofAllMusic wrote, …"Alpacas Orgling is the single best album any of its major participants have ever taken part in".[9]CityBeat gave the album an A−, praising Bleu for infusing his own "creative spark" with "a timeless pop era".[14]Prefix Magazine dismissed the album as a "terrible idea".[15] In January 2007 "Ya Had Me Goin'" peaked at 57 on theTokio Hot 100 inJapan.[16]
Studio Album
| Title | Album details |
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| Alpacas Orgling |
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Music Video
| Year | Song | Creator | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | "Goodbye Innocence" | Beth Jean[11] | Alpacas Orgling |
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