This set has exactly the same lineup as "
", but with a different cover, though I think one might have to be a bit obsessive to need to have both. I have this one, and it is a fine collection. Arranged chronologically, the songs help to chart the development of one of the founding bands of the progressive rock movement. The listener gets a taste of the first incarnation, with Denny Laine and Clint Warwick, on "Go Now," then it launches into highlights from what devoted Moodies fans call the Core Seven with the twin Justin Hayward hits, "Tuesday Afternoon" and "Nights in White Satin", followed up by a string of topnotch songs from the years during which Michael Pinder was acknowledged as the paterfamilias of the band, including Ray Thomas' "Legend Of A Mind," Hayward's "Watchin and Waiting" and "The Story In Your Eyes," and Pinder's "Melancholy Man" and "Lost in a Lost World." Disc two takes the listener on a quick glimpse of Hayward and John Lodge's duo album "Blue Jays", then to the 1978 reunion followed by the somewhat more uneven material after Pinder's departure; the disc is highlighted by the duo of hits from video, "Your Wildest Dreams" and "I Know You're Out There Somewhere." On the whole, even with the difference in consistency between the two discs, this is really an excellent overview of an excellent band. I strongly recommend "The Collection" to anyone who wants to hear some fine music by a terrific band.
Or get "Anthology." Whatever cover looks better to you ...
Superbe compilation des Moody Blues en deux volumes. Tout est dit sur les Moody Blues sur cette compilation. Que des titres formidables même si certains sont moins connus.
Nevermind the dates or the uninspiring cover, it's the music that counts.
And from 1967's Tuesday Afternoon to Justin Hayward's 1978's Forever Autumn the music is fantastic.
The Moody Blues found their niche of orchestral rock in 1967 with the album Days Of Future Passed, I recommend it to purchase in it's own right.
Highlights are many, in fact the songs seem to run into each other effortlessly, for example The Story In Your Eyes and Lost In A Lost World.
The question is could this distinctive style continue beyond the 1970s?
To my mind the answer is not in such a sustained way.
From The Voice to Highway I can only pick out I Know You're Out There Somewhere as completly essential.
So there it is, The Moody Blues will always hold a place in rock history and if you like this be sure to seek out their original albums, especially the remastered versions.
