Wizzard: "Do Ya" Single (1974)

The Move’s "Do Ya" backed with "No Time", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by Harvest Records (catalog number HAR 5086) on September 13, 1974.

A-Side: "Do Ya":

Written by Jeff Lynne, "Do Ya" is a high-energy rock track characterized by its driving guitar riffs, catchy melody, and layered production, showcasing The Move's transition toward a more polished, proto-power pop sound.

This 1974 version was a precursor to the more famous rendition by Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), which Lynne later led. ELO re-recorded "Do Ya" for their 1976 album A New World Record, where it became a hit in the US, peaking at #24 on the Billboard Hot 100. The Move’s original, however, was less commercially successful, only reaching #93 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Reception and Legacy:

The single was not a major chart success in the UK, reflecting The Move’s declining commercial fortunes by 1974 as they transitioned into ELO.

The Move in 1974

Lineup: By 1974, The Move was primarily a vehicle for Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood, with other members like Bev Bevan contributing. The band was in its final phase, with Lynne and Wood focusing on their new project, Electric Light

Orchestra (ELO), alongside Move associate Richard Tandy.

Context:

The Move had been a significant UK rock band in the late 1960s, with hits like "Night of Fear" (#2 UK), "I Can Hear the Grass Grow" (#5 UK), "Flowers in the Rain" (#2 UK), and "Fire Brigade" (#3 UK). By the early 1970s, their chart success waned, with singles like "Wild Tiger Woman" and "When Alice Comes Back to the Farm" failing to chart significantly.

The 1974 release of "Do Ya" came after hits like "Tonight" (#11 UK), "Chinatown" (#23 UK), and "California Man" (#7 UK), but the band was effectively dissolving as ELO took precedence.

Harvest Records, known for progressive rock acts like Pink Floyd and Deep Purple, was The Move’s label during this period, having released several of their later singles.

Transition to ELO: The Move disbanded shortly after this single, with Lynne, Bevan, and Wood forming ELO, which became a global success. "Do Ya" was a key track that Lynne carried into ELO’s repertoire, refining it for a broader audience.