Magnetic Waves of Sound: The Best of the Move

Personnel: Roy Wood (vocals, guitar, saxophone, keyboards); Jeff Lynne (vocals, guitar, piano); Trevor Burton (vocals, guitar); Bev Bevan (vocals, drums); Chris "Ace" Kefford, Rick Price , Carl Wayne (vocals).
Given the historical importance of the Move and their long-held status as beloved cult heroes, it would seem that a decent one-disc compilation covering the group's history wouldn't be that hard to come by. But since the Move's recording history was scattered across several different labels, licensing issues have made such things rather elusive. So kudos to Esoteric Recordings, who have compiled Magnetic Waves of Sound: The Best of the Move, which skims the cream from their releases for Deram, Regal Zonophone, Fly, and Harvest and delivers it in one convenient package. Summing up the many facets of this blessedly eccentric group in under 80 minutes is a fool's errand in some respects, but Magnetic Waves of Sound comes admirably close, and there isn't a dud to be found in these 21 tracks, spanning the group's 1966 to 1972 lifespan. Running the gamut from the clever psychedelia of "I Can Hear the Grass Grow" and the arty affectations of "Blackberry Way" to the frantic rock & roll of "Wild Tiger Woman," the proto-heavy stomp of "Brontosaurus," and the final glorious one-two punch of "California Man" and "Do Ya?," this set offers a fine overview of the Move's eclecticism, and just as importantly, how great they were at every turn. Roy Wood is truly one of the secret heroes of British rock, and if you want to know why, Magnetic Waves of Sound is a splendid introduction to the band where he first earned his stripes. [The CD edition also comes with a bonus DVD of promo clips and TV appearances that allows one to see as well as hear the genius of the Move.] ~ Mark Deming