Record Reviews

MOODY BLUES ~ LIVE AT THE BBC 1967-1970 DERAM 602498472026 (Barcode: 602498472026) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1967 - 1970 Released: 2007 This is a collection of BBC Radio recordings by the seminal British Prog group The Moody BluesFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten radio sessions, two TV sessions and a concert, which cover the material included on the three albums by the group on the DeramFind albums on this label Records label: "Days Of Future PassedFind albums with this title", "In Search Of The Lost ChordFind albums with this title" and "On The Threshold Of A DreamFind albums with this title" and two albums on their own ThresholdFind albums on this label Records label: "To Our Children`s Children`s ChildrenFind albums with this title" and "A Question Of BalanceFind albums with this title", altogether forty one tracks on two CDs. All the songs bar one were written by the group´s members. Following a relatively brief flirt with Pop and the release of their debut album "The Magnificent MoodiesFind albums with this title", the group switched to writing their own material and soon became one of the pioneers of British Progressive Rock and Psychedelia, creating a series of seven magnificent groundbreaking albums between 1967 and 1972. Their music was always deeply melodic and at the same time cleverly sophisticated, using the developing recording techniques to create multilayered epic works, often using Classical Music influences and orchestration combine with advanced use of early synthesizers and electronics. In retrospect the achievements of The Moody Blues have but a few equals as far as contemporary Popular music is concerned and the music they created at the time seems to be unmatched by almost anything done since as far as expanding the musical horizons is concerned. The live snippets of their music captured on this album thanks to the BBC open-mindedness and liberal approach to documenting the music being created regardless of its popular appeal, is a time capsule of quality and ingeniousness, which we can only admire today and perhaps set as an example, although with little hope of it being followed anytime soon. Brilliant stuff!

Updated: 26/05/2019Posted: 26/05/2019

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MOODY BLUES ~ TO OUR CHILDREN`S CHILDREN`S CHILDREN (DELUXE EDITION) THRESHOLD 9832156 (Barcode: 602498321560) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1969 Released: 2006 5th album and perhaps their grandest “magnum opus” of all. With layers upon layers of overdubbed instruments and vocals the resulting sound is truly monumental. Superb songwriting, as usual, produced some of the most interesting compositions the group ever recorded. Although a great artistic success, this album was perhaps a bit “before its time” for many Moody BluesFind albums by this artist fans at the time of its release. The album was released on the Moodies own record label, called ThresholdFind albums on this label, which was created to enable them more artistic and economic freedom. This new edition adds an entire CD of previously never heard material, both studio and live (BBC), which of course is a revelation, considering how long it was kept in the vault and how great it is. The new remasters are pristine and sound better than anything recorded these days and the SACD 5.1 mix (based on the original 1972 Quadraphonic release) is stunning. This is an absolute classic and a must in every record collection.

Updated: 26/05/2019Posted:

CD 2 Digipak SACD Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

MOODY BLUES ~ A QUESTION OF BALANCE (EXPANDED EDITION) THRESHOLD 9837706 (Barcode: 602498377062) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2006 6th album by the magnificent Moody BluesFind albums by this artist. After delivering 4 sublime and intensely complex concept albums the group decided to come up this time with a selection of songs, which could provide an easier basis for their live performances, as the elaborate songs on their previous albums were difficult to reproduce live on stage. This approach led to the creation of a much rockier album than anything else they recorded previously, but being what they were it was as good as anything else they ever did. The use of the Mellotron is less dominant this time and the guitar is more prominently featured. All together another timeless classic (yes I know I repeat myself, but what else can I say in this case…). The new edition adds never previously heard bonus tracks and a crystal clear remastered sound, including the SACD 5.1 mix. Essential!

Updated: 26/05/2019Posted:

CD 1 Digipak SACD Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

MOODY BLUES ~ EVERY GOOD BOY DESERVES FAVOUR (EXPANDED EDITION) THRESHOLD 9845506 (Barcode: 602498455067) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2007 7th album by Moody BluesFind albums by this artist and their 6th opus in four years, which means they were able to produce a new masterpiece every 9 months in addition to almost non-stop touring, surely a most grueling task, which was already creating many internal pressures and conflicts between the band members. However, on the outside everything seemed to be perfect and the Moody Blues managed to sustain the image of a perfect and unstoppable music-making machine. With five songwriters in the band there was never a shortage of new material and the flow of creative powers was simply outstanding. The band also looked constantly to improve and extend their (already magnificent) sound, using newly available versions of the Mellotron and Moog synthesizers. The overall sound becomes even denser, with vocal harmonies and overdubbed instrumental parts creating layers of sound with a dramatic effect matched by no other contemporary group. The material is, as usual, a mixture of beautiful ballads and rocky numbers, all perfectly executed, which withstand the test of time beautifully and remain a classic. The new edition adds never previously heard bonus tracks and a crystal clear remastered sound, including the SACD 5.1 mix. Essential!

CD 1 Digipak SACD Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

MOODY BLUES ~ SEVENTH SOJOURN (EXPANDED EDITION) THRESHOLD 9845507 (Barcode: 602498455074) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1972 - 1973 Released: 2007 8th album by Moody BluesFind albums by this artist and their 7th opus (as suggested by the title). By the time this album was recorded the band had behind it five years of grueling schedule of non-stop touring and recording, which basically created a complete burnout of everybody’s energies. Nevertheless they still managed to produce yet another masterpiece this time, but it will take 6 years to make the next Moody Blues album (OctaveFind albums with this title – the last album as a quintet) and their glory days were definitely over. Of course the public was unaware at the time of the situation and the group’s (temporary) disintegration came as total surprise. The album includes all the essential Moody Blues ingredients to make it a classic: a great mixture of fabulous songs, some romantic ballads and other up-tempo rockers and rich instrumentation with layers upon layers of sound. Justin HaywardFind albums by this artist, Mike PinderFind albums by this artist, Ray ThomasFind albums by this artist, John LodgeFind albums by this artist and Graeme EdgeFind albums by this artist will stay forever in our minds as creators of cutting-edge music and the seven classic albums constitute one of the mightiest musical achievements of the era. The new edition adds never previously heard bonus tracks (among them the only track recorded in 1973 as part of the failed effort to start the next album) and a crystal clear remastered sound, including the SACD 5.1 mix. Essential!

CD 1 Digipak SACD Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend