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Xanadu (Olivia Newton-John and Electric Light Orchestra song)

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Wikipedia article




"'Xanadu'" is the title song from the soundtrack of the 1980 film 'Xanadu'. Written by Jeff Lynne of the English rock band Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), the song is performed by English-born Australian singer, songwriter and actress Olivia Newton-John, with Lynne adding parenthetic vocals in the style of his other songs on the 'Xanadu' soundtrack, and ELO providing the instrumentation. It is Lynne's favourite song of the ones he has written. "Xanadu" reached number one in several countries and was the band's only UK number-one single, when it peaked there for two weeks in July 1980. It was certified Silver by the British Phonographic Industry. It also peaked at number eight on the US 'Billboard' Hot 100.

Reception



'Billboard's reviewer described the song as a "sizzling track", writing, "Essentially it's Olivia taking Jeff Lynne's usual spot as lead singer of ELO. The combination is a winning one."

Personnel



*Olivia Newton-John lead and backing vocals

*Jeff Lynne guitars, keyboards, backing vocals

*Bev Bevan drums, percussion

*Richard Tandy keyboards

*Kelly Groucutt bass guitar, backing vocals

*James Newton Howard synthesizers

*Louis Clark strings

Charts



Weekly charts



Year-end charts



Olivia featuring Paula version



In late 1995, two Australian dance performers released versions of the song. Sydney singer Olivia Featuring Paula (on the MDS label) released a dance version first, followed by Kirsty K. (on Central Station Records). Both versions charted on the ARIA Singles and Dance Charts in the first half of 1996.

Charts



Kirsty K. version



Charts



New Electric Light Orchestra version



In 2000, ELO's Jeff Lynne re-recorded the song, with his own vocals, for the box set 'Flashback' and the 'All Over the World' compilation. Though it was billed as an ELO selection, the song was recorded by Lynne with Marc Mann on keyboards, but with no input from his former bandmates Richard Tandy, Bev Bevan, and Kelly Groucutt.

Sharleen Spiteri version



In 2009, Scottish singer-songwriter Sharleen Spiteri recorded the song for a second studio album titled 'The Movie Songbook' which was released on 1 March 2010 worldwide. Xanadu was released as the lead single from the album in February 2010 and has so far made the BBC Radio 2 C-List.

Charts



References




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