Timeless Music, Eighties Style, in "Xanadu"

Xanadu is the story of a struggling artist, Sonny Malone, who opens a disco roller rink with some help from a Greek muse (Olivia Newton-John) and a former club owner (Gene Kelly.) This 1980 movie from Universal Pictures included plenty of music in the pop and disco styles of the eighties, as well as some flashbacks to the forties (Whenever You're Away from Me duet with Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly.) The elegance of Newton-John and Gene Kelly's interactions add elegance and class to what is otherwise a sweet but mediocre screenplay.

The British rock group Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) performs most of the music on the soundtrack, beginning with I'm Alive in which a painting of the muses produces Kira, an incarnation of one of the muses played by Olivia Newton-John. The title track, Xanadu, is is performed by ELO and Newton-John. Olivia Newton-John's versatile voice also joins with Cliff Richard (Suddenly) and The Tubes (Dancin'.)

I would recommend this album for an eighties or disco theme party. It is also a romantic selection for those of us who first fell in love in the eighties. Show the movie on DVD as well so you can enjoy the dancing and live performances of the music. Gene Kelly choreographed his dance with Olivia Newton-John, of course, so it is excellent.

This album can be enjoyed by the entire family, as there is no explicit or vulgar content. This is just good, clean fun with happy, upbeat music.

If you enjoy the music from Xanadu, you might also check out these discographies for more listening pleasure:

• Electric Light Orchestra discography
• Olivia Newton-John discography.