Jul 19, 2002 06:34 PM
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(Updated Jul 19, 2002 06:38 PM)
August 2000, Moody Blues release their Hall of Fame album recorded live at Royal Albert Hall in London. The concert is considered as one of the most successful ones of all times.
Cut to 1966. “The Magnificent Moodies” Moody Blues first album is released and though it had the backing of their hit single ‘Go Now’, the album falls flat at the charts. The group is left dejected and finally breaks.
The story would have ended there itself but it was not to be cos’ this band was destined to create history. Enter Justin Hayward and Jhon Lodge and Moody Blues was back. 1967; ‘Days Of Future Passed’ is released and takes the world with it. This innovative attempt of the Moodies becomes the most celebrated classic-rock work of all times. This innovative and ground breaking album stayed for ruled the charts for over two years and marked a milestone in rock history as one of the very first concept albums, recorded not only with a symphony orchestra but also in stereo, both uncharted territory at that time. And thus started the story, which still goes strong even after more than 30 years, has passed since the release of that classic stuff.
Released in 1977 ‘Best of Moody Blues’ cover 17 of their greatest hits. The listing of the songs featured on the album is as follows
1. Go Now
Though this one featured on the album ‘The Magnificent Moodies’ this one was actually released as single in 1964 and was a top ten hit in both UK and US.
2. Tuesday Afternoon (Forever Afternoon)
3. Nights In White Satin
Taken From ‘Days Of Future Passed’; these are what established them in the music industry. ‘Nights in white satin’ is considered as a legendary classic-rock song. In fact the whole album is worth listening.
4. Ride My See-Saw
5. Voices In The Sky
As a follow up to ‘Days Of Future Passed’; the Moodies released ‘In Search of the Lost Chord’ which was an equally successful album. These two songs in fact the whole album had extensive use of Mellotron, a synthesizer type of instrument, which later became a very key part of their sound. Both of these though are very different from each other but have a touch of psychedelic rock. Simple yet effective lyrics and powerful Orchestra and of course great voices of Hayward and Lodge. ‘Ride My See-Saw’ has a high tempo and sounds more of rock n roll
6. Question
Taken from ‘A Question of Balance’ which was recorded with a fewer special effects and studio sounds, Moodies used a new, more stripped-down sound and the result was awesome. This one was a no.1 album in UK and a no. 3 album in US. This song was the best song of the album and a very different one too.
7. The Story In Your Eyes
By 1971, when ‘Every Good Boy Deserves Favour’ was released the band had already achieved the legendary status which was further consolidated by this album which had great hits like ‘The Story In Your Eyes’ and ‘Emily’s Song’ among others.
8. Isn't Life Strange
9. I'm Just A Singer (In A Rock And Roll Band)
These are from the album Seventh Sojourn. ‘Isn't Life Strange’ is a very soft song with very good lyrics and as usual having a typical blue feeling as every Moody Blue song has. The second song is a fast number with great guitar work.
10. Blue Guitar
This one was a single released by the band and had a very good electric guitar sound going on in the background.
11. Steppin' In A Slide Zone
In 1974 the Moodies went for hiatus to come back in 1978 when they released ‘Octave’ which did even better (they seemed to redefine better with their every successive release) then their earlier releases becoming their first platinum album. This song has little story and a sort of mysteriousness in it. The sound of this album was quite different in comparison to their earlier works and this can be very well felt once you listen this song. In future also The Moodies kept on changing their sound to cater to the changing times but one thing that never changed was the absolute beauty of their lyrics and great music which kept haunting you.
12. Forever Autumn
A typical Moody Blues song with Justin Hayward at his very best. You got to listen to this one to feel it. Simply marvelous and heart rendering.
13. The Voice
14. Gemini Dream
Gemini Dream is beautiful number with terrific guitar work. This one surely rocks you up. The Voice is also a fast track though not as fast as Gemini Dream. A very good thing about their songs is that though almost every song has the same bluishness in it, the same haunting touch yet they all are so different from each other. If one takes you in a world of dreams, the other will sound nostalgic in nature then there will be yet another one talking about nothing but our daily life and of course a few songs like Forever Autumn and Go Now also talk about that feeling called love. Its really surprising to find such differences in songs which all have a single uniting thread, The Blue Feel. Perhaps this is the very greatness of this band.
15. Blue World
Yet another significant change of tune by the band; this one being a synth-pop track rather than a rock type and yes it of course talks about a blue world. There is plenty of cosmic sound as well which gives the song a terrific effect.
16. Wildest Dreams
From their 1986 release ‘The Other Side Of Life’ this songs slowly grows on you. A very smoothly crafted number, this one features a gorgeous high-range vocal work from Hayward. In all a beautiful song. Pity the album didn’t had anymore-great songs like this one.
17. I Now You're Out There Somewhere
This one is from their last release of the 80’s ‘Sur La Mer’ and also happens to be the last song of this compilation. This one was again a very big hit with a touch of romanticism in it.
Overall this compilation is an awesome collection of hits and a must for every music lover. There isn’t a single song which wont strike a chord with your heart. So do listen to these timeless jewels and enjoy.
