The Move (June 6 1971) Message From The Country -Album

The Move’s fourth and final studio album Message From The Country, released in June 1971, served as a creative bridge between the band’s glam-pop roots and the symphonic ambitions of the newly formed Electric Light Orchestra. Recorded simultaneously with ELO’s debut, it marked the end of an era for one of Britain’s most inventive groups

RELEASE DETAILS

Artist: The Move

Label: Harvest Records

Date: June 6 1971

Catalogue: SHVL 800

Format: LP

Country: United Kingdom

THE STORY

Message From The Country was created under contractual obligation to EMI for one final Move album. Recorded at the same time as the first Electric Light Orchestra album, it features heavy overdubbing by Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne, resulting in a rich, multi-layered sound that blends rock, pop, and orchestral elements. The album includes strong contributions from both Wood and Lynne, with Lynne taking more lead vocals than on previous Move records.

CONTEXT & NOTES

By this point, The Move had largely transitioned into ELO. Bassist Rick Price had left, reducing the band to a trio. The album showcases Roy Wood’s multi-instrumentalism and Jeff Lynne’s emerging songwriting strength. Although it received positive reviews for its musical ambition, it was a commercial disappointment compared to earlier hits. Several tracks, including “Do Ya,” would later find greater success with ELO.

CHARTS

• UK Albums Chart: Did not chart significantly

• The album remains a cult favourite among fans of both The Move and early ELO.

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TRACK LIST

Side One

1. Message From The Country (4:45)

2. Ella James (3:10)

3. No Time (3:40)

4. Don't Mess Me Up (3:05)

5. Until Your Moma's Gone (5:40)

6. 
   

Side Two

1. It Wasn't My Idea To Dance (5:30)

2. The Minister (4:25)

3. Ben Crawley Steel Company (4:35)

4. The Words Of Aaron (5:25)

5. My Marge (2:00)

PERSONNEL

Musicians

• Roy Wood – vocals, guitars, bass, oboe, recorder, steel guitar, clarinet, bassoon, saxophones, percussion

• Jeff Lynne – vocals, piano, guitar, electric piano, percussion

• Bev Bevan – drums, percussion, backing vocals

Production

• Produced by Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne

PACKAGING HIGHLIGHTS

• Textured flipback sleeve

• Front cover painting by Roy Wood

• Original LP version does not include bonus tracks found on later reissues

WHAT THE SLEEVE SHOWS

The front cover features Roy Wood’s surreal, colourful painting of a golden road leading through snowy canyons with floating portraits of the band members in the sky and a large white eagle in the foreground — a striking psychedelic image that perfectly captures the album’s eclectic and imaginative spirit.

SINGLES RELEASED

• “Ella James” / “Don’t Mess Me Up”

• “California Man” / “Do Ya” (B-side later became a hit for ELO)

SOURCES

Wikipedia, Discogs.

All album artwork, photographs, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.