Do Ya

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to Electric Light Orchestra's "Do Ya" from the Burning Bright compilation, a track that’s pure rock energy with a wild history. Originally written by Jeff Lynne for The Move, "Do Ya" was recorded on December 19, 1971, at Phillips Studio in London and released as a B-side single in 1972. The song got a second life when ELO re-recorded it for their 1976 album A New World Record, turning it into a hit that peaked at number 13 on the UK Singles Chart. A cool tidbit from a 2021 social media post by @JeffLynnesELO highlights Jeff Lynne playing nearly every instrument in the studio for the ELO version, showcasing his multi-instrumental wizardry. Fans on Songfacts also note that Todd Rundgren covered the song, and Ace Frehley’s band, Frehley’s Comet, gave it a spin in the early '80s, proving its lasting vibe.

Another fun story comes from the song’s raw, gritty edge, which Jeff Lynne crafted to contrast ELO’s usual orchestral polish. In a 2016 Rolling Stone interview, Lynne mentioned preferring studio work over fame, and "Do Ya" reflects that hands-on passion, with its punchy guitar riffs and driving beat. The song’s lyrics, like “I’ve seen pigs all sitting watching picture slides,” paint a surreal, almost rebellious scene, perfect for the Zoo Crew’s hippie vibe. On Facebook, fans in groups like ELO Fans often rave about how "Do Ya" captures ELO’s ability to blend rock with quirky, cinematic flair, making it a staple for their live shows in the '70s.

Electric Light Orchestra kicked off in Birmingham, England, in 1970, born from the creative minds of Jeff Lynne, Roy Wood, and drummer Bev Bevan. The trio, previously part of The Move, wanted to push boundaries by mixing rock, pop, and classical music, inspired by the Beatles and orchestral arrangements. Their name, a nod to both electricity and “light orchestral music,” reflected their fusion of modern and classical sounds. After Wood left in 1972 to form Wizzard, Lynne took the helm, writing, arranging, and producing nearly all of ELO’s material. Their debut album, The Electric Light Orchestra, dropped in 1971 (titled No Answer in the U.S. due to a record company mix-up), featuring the track “10538 Overture,” which set the stage for their signature sound. By the mid-'70s, hits like “Evil Woman” and “Mr. Blue Sky” made ELO global stars, selling over 50 million records during their original run.

Lynne’s leadership and studio obsession shaped ELO’s rise, with their elaborate live shows—complete with spaceships and lasers—wowing audiences. Despite a dip in popularity in the '80s, Lynne revived ELO in 2014 as Jeff Lynne’s ELO, performing to massive crowds, like their 2014 Hyde Park comeback. Today, Jeff Lynne’s ELO keeps the legacy alive, with their final tour announced for 2024-2025, including a farewell concert at London’s Hyde Park in July 2025. You can follow their journey on Instagram, X, and Facebook. For more fan love, check out the ELO Fans Facebook group or visit fan sites like elo.biz for news, forums, and merch. Keep spinning those records, Zoo Crew!