Jeff Lynne's production techniques are far more meticulous than BW's. Whether it's better or not is subjective, but according to this Recording Engineer's book I recently bought, Lynne's compression obsession is noted. He's pretty much Phil Spector without any reverb as far as his kitchen sink productions.
Some other trademark Lynne techniques....listen to any ELO song or Lynne production post 1976 and you'll hear them.
Background vocals are the same volume as the leads
Barely any reverb (if any at all)
That notorious drum sound (I love it, actually)
Acoustic guitars (usually 12-string) used nearly as percussion, as they are played without any strumming variation and used to punctuate the snares
As with the metronomic acoustics, very metronomic rhythms
No hi-hats
Big "falling down stairs" drum fills, usually ending with timpanis. Often flanged or hard panned.
Slide guitar, vocoders, "Oh Darling" esque staccato guitar lines...
Can anyone add to the list?
Jeff Lynne is probably my production hero. Say what you will, but his style is immediately identifiable...his 80's stuff is a bit dodgy though (i.e Tom Petty's "Learning to Fly" is ultra corny and too 80's." Lynne seems to have gotten back to the Abbey Road/White Album style of production. Underrated pop-genius in every aspect.....maybe except the fro and the giant sunglasses...
NICE POST! I would add the often used descending electric guitar line, usually on the low E or A string, as the verse is turning over (BW's Let it Shine; Del Shannon's Walk Away; GH's Cheer Down, etc.)
The dry vocals really work. I think he literally uses NO vocal reverb, just an occasional slap back echo (Don't Let Go, Stormy Weather, etc.)
I am a Lynne fan bordering on Lynne freak...
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