Livin' Thing

"Livin' Thing" is a song written by Jeff Lynne and performed by Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). It appears on ELO's 1976 album A New World Record and was also released as a single. Patti Quatro sang uncredited vocals, particularly the "higher and higher" parts.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

The original single had "Fire On High" on the flip side, a tune that became the band's most popular instrumental piece. The UK version was released in a blue vinyl format.

Background

"Livin' Thing" makes prominent use of augmented chords.<ref name=goldmine/> Lynne said about that:

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AllMusic's writer Stewart Mason described the song structure: "[it] opens with a mock-Spanish orchestral flourish before swinging into a more typical mid-tempo ELO rocker, driven by a battery of acoustic rhythm guitars on the verses and modulating upwards into a falsetto Jeff Lynne vocal on a chorus that’s powered by an even more prominent than usual contribution from the group's string section", adding that it lacks "that impossible-to-dislodge hook that typified Lynne's most successful songs from this era, but it's still a darn sight better than most of what was at the top of the charts in late 1976".<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Critical reception

Los Angeles Times critic Robert Hilburn called it an "extremely catchy record that has all the vocal and instrumental hooks to keep you listening."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Billboard said that it "moves through a dark U.K. rock distillation into a soaring, ethereal chorale and a return to the minor-key mode.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Cash Box said that "a diabolical arrangement hits hard along with some ever ready harmonies which sew this record up into sure hit potential."<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Record World called it a "Jeff Lynne masterwork" and said that "a savory rock sound makes it happen."<ref name=rw>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

Ultimate Classic Rock critic Michael Gallucci rated it ELO's 2nd best song, specifically praising the "string-solo opening, soulful backing vocals, synth waves occasionally crashing into the chorus and a gigantic hook."<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Classic Rock History critic Brian Kachejian rated it as ELO's 6th best song.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Stereogum contributor Ryan Reed rated it as ELO's 5th best song, saying that "From the dramatic classical opening, incorporating pizzicato strings, to the extended chorus fade-out, this one’s pure pop pleasure."<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In August 2006, "Livin' Thing" was named by the UK's Q as the number 1 "Guilty Pleasure" single of all time – a list designed to celebrate "uncool" but excellent records, and which received considerable publicity.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Charts

Weekly charts

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Chart (1976–1977)	Peak position
Australia (Kent Music Report)<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>	2
South Africa (Springbok Radio)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	1
Spain (AFE)<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>	11
US Billboard Hot 100<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	13
US Billboard Adult Contemporary<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>	36
US Cash Box<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	10
US Record World<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	10

Year-end charts

Chart (1976)	Rank
Canada Top Singles (RPM)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	106
Netherlands (Single Top 100)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	85

Chart (1977)	Rank
Australia (Kent Music Report)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	27
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	25
Canada Top Singles (RPM)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	106
South Africa (Springbok Radio)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	16
US Billboard Hot 100<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	77

Jeff Lynne version

Jeff Lynne re-recorded the song in his own home studio. It was released in a compilation album with other re-recorded ELO songs, under the ELO name.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Covers

In 2001, PFR covered the track on the album Lynne Me Your Ears – A Tribute to the Music of Jeff Lynne.

In 2004, The Beautiful South covered the track for their covers album Golddiggas, Headnodders and Pholk Songs. It reached number 24 on the UK charts and number 26 on the Irish charts.<ref name="IRL"/><ref name="UK"/>

Livin' Thing – CD1 (Sony Music UK; 6753711)

1. Livin' Thing [3:17]
2. I'm Living Good [4:00]

Livin' Thing – CD2 (Sony Music UK; 6753712)

1. Livin' Thing [3:17]
2. Lovin' You [2:53]
3. Another Night with the Boys [3:32]

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Chart (2004)	Peak position

Uses in other media

In 2017, "Livin' Thing" was featured in Telltale's Guardians of the Galaxy game.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

The 1997 feature film Boogie Nights includes the track for the final scene and end credits of the movie. Initially, Jeff Lynne refused to release the rights to the song, but changed his mind after viewing a screening of the film with director Paul Thomas Anderson and being impressed.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The song was featured in the film Cruella.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>