From the Vault...

06/26/2011
#1261

info
Moody Blues
"In Search Of The Lost Chord"


© Deram/Polygram Records

Year of Release: 1968
Rating:

track listing
  • Departure
  • Ride My See-Saw
  • Dr. Livingstone I Presume
  • House Of Four Doors
  • Legend Of A Mind
  • House Of Four Doors
    (Part 2)
  • Voices In The Sky
  • The Best Way To Travel
  • Visions Of Paradise
  • The Actor
  • The Word
  • Om

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    Previous Review: #1260
    Derek Trucks Band--Songlines
    Next Review: #1262
    Jack Johnson--To The Sea
    Moody Blues
    "In Search Of The Lost Chord"



    It's been a while since The Moody Blues have been our Album Pick of the Week -- Last was the not-so-favorite To Our Children's Children's Children. This week, is one of the Moodys' best, In Search Of The Lost Chord, released in 1968. The biggest hit from this album (and probably considered one of their finest songs of their career, "Departure/Ride My See-Saw." Another radio favorite from this release was "Legend Of A Mind," dedicated to Timothy Leary.


    The Moodies have always been a great British band, especially displaying the great British sound from the early-to-late 1960s Rock. The songs that equally shows how great their British style is heard on many tunes -- "Dr. Livingstone, I Presume," "The Actor." "House Of Four Doors" is another one, where it has a little mix of Classical, or maybe even Progressive to some. It's "(Part 2)" is exceptionally done well, yet Part 1 is the better of the two.


    "Voices In The Sky" is quite peaceful, and is another great track. The Psychedelic touches are exceptional on "The Best Way To Travel." The Moody Blues have always been referenced greatly for their Orchestation in music. Two songs stand out in this category on "Visions Of Paradise," and the last track, "Om." On the latter tune, not just the orchestration is superb, likewise the almost-Gregorian vocals -- all in all, one word, Great.


    The liner notes says it all: It's as dark as a tomb! Shadows appear from nowhere, great long arms reach upward into the gloom, and sinister coiled shpaes lurk in every corner -- even the walls seem to hold their breath. High up near the ceiling a soft light casts an eerie glow on upturned faces and all around, strange sounding music.
    Suddenly a voice cries out "Great!!... come and have a listen!"
    Yes, a recording studio can be a very strange place at 4-30 a.m., especially if it has been invaded by the Moody Blues.
    The studio floor resembles a museum for musical instruments, since in this Album every single note, beat, or word is performed by the Moodies themselves. Their versatility never ceases to amaze me from Album to Album, in face to me they will always be the smallest symphony orchestra in the world.
    Tony Clark, Being of "Sound" mind and the Producer of The Moody Blues



    Truly the standouts are the music, the vocals, and everything else in between. A little bit of Classical, quite a bit of Psychedelia, and overall great British Rock. The vocals of Justin Hayward and John Lodge are also the standouts. Their voices just suits fine on the more peaceful, relaxing songs, as well as all their songs in general.


    Another source to admire regarding the Moody Blues, are the exceptional album artworks of their earliest albums. In Search Of The Lost Chord is one of them, others include To Our Children's Children's Children, A Question Of Balance, Every Good Boy Deserves Favour, On The Threshold Of A Dream, Seventh Sojourn. Days Of Future Passed is one album that everyone praises, as it has their most famous hit, "Nights In White Satin." This album also could be considered more of a Classical album. Some say this is their best album. In Search Of The Lost Chord I feel, is a better album of the two. Lost Chord is a good introduction to those interesting in 1960s Rock, even Psychedelic. Overall, it is a Classic album, and should be in any Rock fan's collection.


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    Previous Review: #1260
    Derek Trucks Band--Songlines
    Next Review: #1262
    Jack Johnson--To The Sea