I once asked one of my best friends what was his favorite Moody Blues album, and after a moment's thought he looked at me and said "whichever one I'm listening to at the time" a remarkably insightful comment I still think of often. To me, The Moody Blues have been such a big part of my life. I remember the first time I heard Tuesday Afternoon playing on a car radio as it drove by in 1967 and immediately thinking "what was that"? I soon bought DOFP and knew I had found something new and special that touched me in a way no music ever had before, and I am from a musical family (Dad was a concert pianist and classical composer). Three years later, in college, friends introduced me to Children's and Questions, and my life changed forever (and I brought Days home to play for my Dad). They made the world a better place, and taught this somewhat sheltered and naive 18 year old a different way of looking at life, and how to view and treat other people. Graham's The Balance still gives me goosebumps "when we knew hurt or felt fear, it was because we were not understanding" and gave me a new sense of morality and compassion to explore, leading me to look at others a different way. Today, Children's remains my very favorite masterpiece, a seamless symphony made up of exquisite movements and incredible transitions, from the classic explosive Higher and Higher to Ray's whimsical Floating to Justin's haunting Never thought I'd live to be a hundred, then a million, and the incredible Watching and Waiting, not to mention John Lodge's Eyes of a Child Part 2, which to me has always been like lightning in a bottle. I've seen them countless times, met the band more than once (my son got to meet Justin Hayward one on one just the three of us when he was 5 years old and I'll never forget how sweet Justin was to him, just like you'd expect from his gentle and loving songs and lyrics (Raised on Love). These are special people. They changed my life, and millions of others. I credit them with helping me become the person I wanted to be, always asking questions and making us think, but never telling us what to do, leaving so much to our own interpretations. Justin, John, Graham, Ray, and Mike, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am "MoodyStew"
I couldn’t have said it better! Always wanted to meet them, not sure what I would say. I have been lucky enough to see them on the 25th anniversary and 50 anniversary tours. The 25th with the full orchestra - amazing!!!
This is the album that introduced me to the Moodies. I didn't realize it at the time I put it on the turntable, but I started on side 2. "Gypsy" was what greeted my ears, and I was hooked!
when I was a kid I really didn't "get it." Now, some thirty years later, Children's Children's... is my absolute number one favorite album of all time. (and I mean of a genres. like Lateralus, from Tool, Bowie's Earthling, and NIN Downward are all up there in the top ten.) But when it gets down to it, this is the album I want to hear right before I leave this earth. Like, yeah, I'm good now. Peace! ✌️
On The Threshold Of A Dream is the most underrated album of their catalogue and maybe one of the most underrated albums of all time in my humble opinion. I really love it! I used to have a very early vynal pressing of it in pretty good condition too!!!
Yeah my parents had it when I was born, in '72. And as soon as I could talk, I had them play records for me. I know every note of Threshold and To Our Children's Children's Children
In My opinion I always thought of the Moody Blues as the very core of progressive rock. The Styles, The themes. Pushing the boundaries of what popular music was thought to be at the time. "Progressing" rock and rolls very structure in a most creatively ingenious dynamic. Very progressive indeed.
The seven albums are a way of life and inspiration for me. Never a day passes by without listening to their music. From Frank Zappa & the Mothers to The Dubliners, I love the lot, music is my life, my inspiration and my comfort. R.I.P. my two heroes, Graeme Edge/Ray Thomas.
I agree. Especially the early albums. ps, I am not sure why they left out" Keys to The Kingdom" " Sur La Mer" " Strange Times" and the Christmas album. were they that bad ?
1. Seventh Sojourn 2. To Our Children's... 3. Days of Future Passed 4. A Question of Balance 5. Blue Jays (okay, I cheated). 6. In Search... 7. EGBDF 8. Octave 9. On the Threshold... 10. Long Distance Voyager The Moody Blues are my favorite group (The Doors are second). The first time I ever hears them was at a party in high school where Tuesday Afternoon was playing . I still remember that moment. I love that song. Later, they got me though college. I'd sit down to study looking forward to the music while I studied, and eventually I'd get so involved in some math proof that an hour later I would realize that the music had stopped; repeat over and over. Justin Hayward is such a great songwriter and singer, but everyone in the group had an important role. I was at a concert several years ago, and a man behind me kept yelling loudly, over and over, "THE POEM! THE POEM! DO THE POEM!". Since then I've had a special appreciation for Graham Edge's spoken word contributions. My favorite songs of theirs include Tuesday Afternoon, Night in White Satin, New Horizons, Land of Make Believe, Driftwood, I Know You're Out There Somewhere, Your Wildest Dreams, The Voice, Eternity Road, Gypsy, The Story in Your Eyes, etc..... gosh, there are so many great ones! Enjoy!
1 Seventh Sojourn 1972 2 On the Threshold of a Dream 1969 3 A Question of Balance 1970 4 Every Good Boy Deserves Favour 1971 5 Long Distance Voyager 1981 6 In Search of the Lost Chord 1968 7 Octave 1978 8 To Our Children's Children's Children 1969 9 Days of Future Past 1967 10 The Present 1983 I only like Days of Future past for the two great songs. As an album, not much to my taste.
It didn't sell as well as the other albums, but for me and many Moody Blues fans the best album by far is "To Our Children's Children's Children". I also have to mention "Blue Jays". Not exactly a Moody Blues album, but arguably better than the group albums. "Long Distance Voyager" best of the Moraz albums.
Long Distance Voyager was the last Moody Blues album that I really thought was a "total" Moody Blues album. "Talking Out of Turn" is my favorite song on that album.
Right before the pandemic started I was at a record store and picked up this Moody Blues last Voyager for $2. Really good album and I love listening to it when I need to have something really calm in my life. Actually I was listening to it just a few days ago.
My ranking: 1. To Our Children's Children's Children 2. In Search Of The Lost Chord 3. On The Threshold Of A Dream 4. Days Of Future Passed 5. Seventh Sojourn 6. A Question Of Balance 7. Every Good Boy Deserves Favour 8. Octave 9. Long Distance Voyager 10. Sur La Mer
Life long fan of the Moodies. To me, they are like a comforting blanket or jacket you use when times get tough or dark. No other band hits me quite like they do.
@@jasonshort1437 agreed,,,but its the first 6 or 7,,,last really good one was LONG DISTANCE,,albums leading up to their 80s and beyond pop stuff with some exceptions of course
For me, #1 is Balance. Then Children’s. After that, of the top seven, it’s hard to rank them, maybe Sojourn higher. Then for 8, 9, 10, I like Octave a lot, The Present and Long Distance Voyager. Octave higher than the other 2.
GREAT band. For every Moodies fan, I think there are 999 potential fans who haven't yet heard them. They're wonderful people, all love. Bridging rock, psychedelia, Moog, Mellotron and orchestration that calls you back over the years into a wonderful world of optimism, inclusion, great vibes... An open invitation. Great job spreading the word, guys.
To Our Children’s Children’s Children is by far my favorite. It plays like one long piece, sustaining that haunting mood created partially by Pinder’s passing tones. After Childrens: Lost Chord, Threshold, EGBDF, Question, Days, Seventh Sojourn. I might have put Days higher on the list (I especially love “Nights”), except that the album is so logical, tangible, grounded-whereas the others are mysterious, magical, hard to put one’s finger on just what makes them work. Everything after the Classic Seven: I hear some nice tunes but for me it’s a different band.
The Moody Blues are phenomenal. Caught them few years back doing the Days Of Future Past live with orchestra in Toronto 🤘. Love Question Of Balance and Every Good Boy... records
Outstanding catalog, many great songs and albums. To our children's children's children one of my favorite albums ever. Eternity Road awesome or side 2 on the lp. great show.
First of all - THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for tackling the discography of THE MOODY BLUES. My first exposure to their music was via an 8-Track tape of "To Our Children's Children's Children". I was instantly transported to another place with the lush melodies and atmosphere. It wasn't until when I was much older that I heard the album in its vinyl version. The song order of the 8-Track was much different (and admittedly a jarring experience). But a great album nevertheless. My top ten: 1. To Our Children's Children's Children 2. Seventh Sojourn (my first purchase of a vinyl album of THE MOODY BLUES. 3. Days of Future Past 4. In Search of the Lost Chord 5. Long Distance Voyager 6. On the Threshold of a Dream 7. Every Good Boy Deserves Favour 8. A Question of Balance 9. Octave 10. The Other Side of Life
I agree that To Our Children's Children's Children is their best - it's a mysterious and profound album. I've been listening to the Moodies for many, many years and it took me a while to get it because Days of Future Passed and others are so strong, but they absolutely came up with a phenomenal album in To Our Children's Children's Children
Love this band. Of the big 7, here is my list. 1. Days of Future Passed 2. Seventh Sojourn 3. To Our Children’s Children’s Children 4. In Search of the Lost Chord 5. Every Good Boy Deserves Favour 6. On the Threshold of a Dream 7. A Question of Balance
My ranking of the classic 7 1. Days of Future Passed 2. To Our Children’s Children’s Children 3. Seventh Sojourn 4. In Search of the Lost Chord 5. A Question of Balance 6. Every Good Boy Deserves Favour 7. On the Threshold of a Dream
I agree with Pete's number one spot. Lost Chord is pure adventure. Thanks for a great discussion by two guys who love their music and respect the Moody Blues.
My intro to Moody Blues was ON a Threshold of a Dream, then I discovered their other great albums. But, and it's hard to rank them, I still put Threshold of a Dream as my number one.
I get that. I had a similar experience with Yes' Relayer. I first heard it when I was nine and I only liked To Be Over, the other two tracks frightened me. Then I went back to the album a year later and started loving the whole album.
When I was in elementary and Jr high I wanted nothing to do with the Moody Blues - didn't like Nights in White Satin or Tuesday Afternoon but then in high school (mid 80s) I heard Ride My See Saw for the first time and loved it along with a few other tunes they done - a while later I listened to the words to Nights and I could relate - now I like a lot of their work - funny how your tastes change
The Present was the first Moody Blues album I ever got... birthday or Christmas (forget which!) 1983. Forty years ago! Incredible. Just got it again on CD. I love it. I can't understand why it is not highly rated. Great songs. Great performances. Blue World is a classic. Patrick Moraz brought a lot to the band and it's sad how it ended for him. Long Distance Voyager is another favourite.
For decades I had been lobbying the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame to induct the Moody Blues based on the groundbreaking "Days Of Future Passed" album. It finally paid off a few years ago. It's not only their best album, but one of the top 10 best albums of all-time.
Hey Pete,thank you for doing what you do!You've opened my ears to lots of,previously,unheard music.The Moodies are a criminally underappreciated band.Not much bombast and flair in their music.But lots of great songwriting and instrumentation,usually very subtle.Not many bands had 4 vocalists that were all solid as leads.Their first 5 albums were ahead of their time.Nobody was playing stuff like that.
Ride My See Saw Dr. Livingstone, Legend of a Mind, Voices in the Sky The Actor, House of Four Doors - just tons of great tracks on In Search of the Lost Chord - a few proggy moments.
Really terrific video, thank you Pete and John. I can rmember when I first heard 'On the Threshold of a Dream' on vinyl. Those spacey/dreamy sounds on the record lead-in/lead-outs, just fantastic.
Thank you for doing this I waited so long for this, here are my rankings: 16. December 15. Strange Times 14. The Magnificent Moodies 13. Keys of the Kingdom 12. The Present 11. Octave 10. Sur La Mer 9. The Other Side of Life 8. Long Distance Voyager 7. Every Good Boy Deserves Favor 6. Seventh Sojourn 5. To Our Children's Children's Children 4. On The Threshold of a Dream 3. A Question of Balance 2. In Search of the Lost Chord 1. Days of Future Passed
The Mike Pinder era Moody Blues (post Denny Laine) are by far my favorite group of all-time! My ranking is as follows; #1- Every Good Boy Deserves Favour, #2- Seventh Sojourn, #3- To Our Children's Children's Children, #4- A Question of Balance, #5- Days of Future Passed, #6- On the Threshold of A Dream, #7- In Search of the Lost Chord, #8- Octave, #9- Long Distance Voyager, #10- The Present. In America 'Seventh Sojourn' was a #1 seller, and its predecessor, 'Every Good Boy Deserves Favour' peaked at #2. Then they went on a hiatus, when arguably they were the #1 group in the world. They even topped the annual Playboy poll as top group which proves that adults really liked them. The album 'Octave' was filled with music they were not all crazy about (some solo stuff, with overdubs). I recommend the re-mastered cd's because they were 'constructed' like the original albums where one track bleeds into the next, the way a true concept album should. Also, some of the bonus tracks such as "Lost in a Lost World" and "You and Me" (extended instrumental version) on the re-mastered 'Seventh Sojourn' is worth the price of repurchasing).
Really appreciate you guys taking this time out to assess my favourite band. I agree with your selections in the order you choose...and Gypsy and Eternity Road are high on my list of favourite MB songs. The mellotron is so prolific on their earlier works...it could be no other way.
Saw them live three times great live band perfect summer night outdoor concert experience. Lot’s of excellent underrated albums well done enjoyed the show.
Pete....thanks for doing a Moody Blues show. I commented awhile back on the fact that believe or not I bought my first Moody album in Vietnam in 1969. I was an MP at Camp Enari near Pleaku and there was a small PX on the base and I bought “In Search of the Lost Chord” on the strength on the album cover alone and I loved it. When I came home I became a huge fan. Saw them in concert several times and took my Son to see them in the early 90’s so they hold a special place in my heart. Thanks for the great show...
I was always more of a metal guy but I got into the Beatles in the mid 80's and that led me to the Moodies and I've loved them ever since. I've got their whole catalog on cd and lp. My list is a lot different. On the Threshold of a Dream (1969) To Our Children's Children's Children (1969) Days of Future Passed (1967) Long Distance Voyager (1981) Seventh Sojourn (1972) Sur la Mer (1988) The Present (1983) A Question of Balance (1970) In Search of the Lost Chord (1968) Every Good Boy Deserves Favour (1971) The Other Side of Life (1986) Octave (1978) Keys of the Kingdom (1991) Strange Times (1999) December (2003) The Magnificent Moodies
Moodies, definitely one of my top ten early 70's bands. Countdown: 10. Octave - Steppin' In A Slide Zone, that's it 9. The Other Side Of Life - Wildest Dreams, title track 8. Every Good Boy Deserves Favor - The Story In Your Eyes, Our Guessing Game, My Song 7. Long Distance Voyager - The Voice, Talking Out Of Turn, 22000 Days 6. On The Threshold Of A Dream - Lovely To See You, Dear Diary, Never Comes The Day, Are You Sitting Comfortably, Have You Heard 5. Days Of Future Passed - Forever Afternoon, Nights In White Satin 4. Seventh Sojourn - Lost In A Lost World, New Horizons, For My Lady, Isn't Life Strange, I'm Just A Singer In A Rock 'n' Roll Band 3. To Our Children's Children's Children - Eyes Of A Child, Out And In, Gypsy, Eternity Road, Candle Of Life, Watching And Waiting 2. A Question Of Balance - Question, And The Tide Rushes In, Don't You Feel Small, Minstrel's Song, Dawning Is The Day, Melancholy Man 1. In Search Of The Lost Chord - Ride My See Saw, Legend Of A MInd, Voices In The Sky, The Best Way To Travel, The Actor, Om, A Simple Game
Fantastic video lads. Makes me want to dig in to the Moodies again. Just put on Children's Children now. That is the one from the classic 7 that I didn't own when I was getting into classic Moodies in late 80s so it never sunk in for me. I saw them live several times in late 80s and into 90s. The classic band was intact apart from departed Pinder. They were a surprisingly muscular live band. The rhythm section of Edge and Lodge were really rocking. It doesn't come through as much on studio albums or live albums. They became my go to music for studying in my first couple years of college. I like long distance Voyager, but otherwise not big on the Moraz synthy period. I just love the mellotron and Chamberlain. I was surprised to see a moodies ranking from Pete, but he continues to surprise and impress me with the breadth of his music taste and knowledge. Not gonna do a full ranking, but here are my tops. 1. On the Threshold of a Dream 2. Days of Future Past 3. In Search of the Lost Chord 4. A Question of Balance 5. Seventh Sojourn. Listening to Children's now it sounds great. It will never have the associtions the others do for me, but it might move into my top 5. The lyrics could be kinda silly sometimes from these guys. Dawn is a feeling, a beautiful ceiling always makes me cringe a bit but they needed a rhyme. The Blue Birds album is also quite nice.
I can remember listening to those 1st seven albums over and over . They always had great lyrics which I appreciated. I am 70 and still listen to them all the time. My sister who has a high CD collection always picks out a Moodies album to listen to before she settles down for the night! I really liked the PBS special in 2000 with A big orchestra. You might check that out on you tube.
I'm 71 and appreciate even more now how wonderful the Moody Blues music is. This applies too with many other bands from that wonderful era, favourite album is TOCCC, just amazing, favourite MB song though is New Horizons from the Seventh Sojourn album.
Thanks for drawing attention to some guys and LP's that I feel are overlooked whenever people talk about '60's music. What strikes me so odd about this is if you talk to people who were at least 13 in 1967(if it makes you feel better, say 16), people who literally grew up in that time, I recall being friends with someone who was always playing(this was in 1976.) The seven LP's from 67-72 are not really like anyone else, and they resonate strongly with the time. Considering this was the global age of rock, the Moody Blues somehow occupy their own pedestal. Everyone a silent word of thanks to Mike Pinder, the keyboardist who helped create and innovate the almighty Mellotron! Consider this-If you were to meet a musically literate person, and they ridiculed the idea of "good vibes," say nothing and walk away. P.S. I remember riding to Sound Warehouse on my bicycle when I was 14, on an ice-cold afternoon in December of 1972 buying "Seventh Sojourn." Worth it!
How did I miss this one? Loved listening to you talk about one of my favorite groups. I think SEVENTH SOJOURN is an amazing record -- every song is brilliant, and you are right about the superb production. The Land of Make Believe has three incredibly melodic sections, and New Horizons might be the best -- surprised you didn't mention that one. Never get tired of listening to it. One of my staples when I go on vacation and need music with me. Saw The Moodies live in the 1980s and they were SO great. Really appreciated your raving about them -- they have been undervalued most of their career. Five talented musicians who fit together like a mystical glove!
This channel is always an education for me, coming from the UK I sometimes feel embarrassed that I never delved into the music of these great bands, better late than never I guess, thanks Pete you are a godsend
Albums that take you back to listening to albums in full, turntables ,gatefold sleeves and Mellotrons. Harmonies second to none and Justin Hayward's voice. Nostalgia mixed with folk whimsy and a shots of unfiltered rock . As for ranking: 1 Question of Balance 2 Seventh Sojourn 3 To our Children's ... 4 Days of future past 5 In search of lost chord
It is supposed to be a recreation of the oldest human cave paintings on To OCCC. Get it!? It is the best one. I agreed with both of your choices. This was the best ranking video video so far. You were talking about the albums as a tactile thing. Several of the LPs' album jackets had a different texture than the average LPs of the years they were released.
I'm always surprised when Every Good Boy is ranked lower than other albums. It was my very first Moodies album and it changed my musical life. It has always felt beyond special to me. Of the rest, TOCCC runs it extremely close followed by Seventh Sojourn. As for individual songs, when I first heard Story in Your Eyes it was like love at first sight, or hearing in this case. From that moment on my love of the Moodies has never waned.
Hi, it's interesting that you said that EGBDF was your first MB album. I've sometimes wondered if your first record from a band can somehow become a favourite, it certainly became the case with me, Pretzel Logic from Steely Dan was my first SD album, The Last Record Album from Little Feat again my first LF purchase, Once Again from Barclay James Harvest, again first BJH buy, alll favourites now. You can see where I'm going with this 😏. But back to the Moody Blues and your comment on EGBDF, it's a great album with some great tracks, how Procession leads into The Story In Your Eyes, just wonderful, One More Time to Live, fantastic song. My favourite track though is After You Came, quite a rocky number this one, love it! Favourite album though is TOCCC, perfect for me, side 2 in particular has some of my favourite MB songs, favourite song of their's is New Horizons from the Seventh Sojourn album.
I have a playlist that plays Days Of Future Passed, In Search Of The Lost Chord, On The Threshold Of A Dream, To Our Children's Children's Children, A Question Of Balance, Every Good Boy Deserves Favour, and Seventh Sojourn from beginning to end (often repeated over and over). To me it's just one looooong, incredible album. I seriously can't pick a favorite. I love them all. I usually listen to (much) heavier music, but at least once a month I have to get my Moodies fix, and when I'm in the mood, nothing else will do.
Started listening to them after KIWSatin, then bought all of the next 5 albums without listening to them, never disappointed. To Our C'sC'sC, then Question of Balance head the list. Their music has never dated.
you did it again Pardo and Co....I've always thought of MB as more or less a cure for insomnia I've binged some of those easy releases and am now a Moody Blues fan...wonderful, sweeping melodies
My ranking : 1) Seventh Sojourn 2) A Question Of Balance 3) On The Threshold Of A Dream 4) To Our Children's Children's Children 5) Every Good Boy Deserves Favour 6) In Search Of The Lost Chord 7) Days Of Future Passed 8) Octave 9) On Boulevard de la Madeleine (1967 compil. with tracks from 64-67 not on album) 10) Sur la mer "Solo" album : Blue Jays (Hayward & Lodge) Thanks for this great video !
Ahhhh The Moodies. My third favorite band after The Who & Jethro Tull. The first 7 albums are called The Core 7. And the they were recorded over 5 years. There r are too many comments I could make it’s overwhelming. So, here r a few. There is no London Festival Orchestra. They made it up. It was all session musicians. They recorded separately & until the initial playback no one had, not even the band had heard the album in full. Everyone was speechless so they played it again. Nights was written by Hayward when he was 19 in about 10 minutes. The guys weren’t impressed until Pinder chimed in w the Mellotron. Hayward once said no one ever looked at his left hand & I agree. He only played what was needed. His acoustic playing is his forte. His voice unmistakable. The Voyage was my fave song until I heard Story. My favorite album is Threshold, though there so very many other great songs. The Actor, Gypsy, Watching & Waiting. I could wax poetic endlessly. You really need to listen to these on original vinyl to appreciate them. Artwork was extremely important to them. The invented the gatefold to highlight it. (And clean weed) LOL The Core Seven Art was done by one artist whose name I forget. The are phenomenal live and kept getting better over time. Their Swan Song was playing Days straight thru. Epic. They’re done now because of health issues w their drummer. Check out Hayward’s solo show. Fantastic. Much Mellower than John’s & tho I like John’s-seen twice-Hayward’s knocks it out of the park. Sooo many stories. Take a ride thru YT. 😊 One more thing to consider The Moodies were druggies to the max. Ridiculous amounts of weed & acid.
I grew up with the Moody Blues and I've never thought of ranking the albums. Their classic period is a perfect progression from Days of to Seventh Sojourn and i often just listen to them in order. After that, there's many great highlights but not the overall cohesion necessarily. I think their Christmas Album has some beautiful gems (December Snow, Yes, I Believe) and the Hayward/Lodge tune, Blue Guitar, is a perfect non-Moody-Moody Blues song. Let me also say the album covers pale on CD, and only truly show off their glory as gate folds. So let me give it a go: 1. Seventh Sojourn (my first Moody album) 2: To Our Children's Children 3: Threshold of a Dream 4: In Search of a Lost Chord, 5: Every Good Boy 6: A Question of Balance 7: The Present 8: Long Distance Voyager 9: the Other Side of Life 10: ??? here it becomes a toss up. Many albums with many fine features. Above my pay grade to rank.
I only own the classic 7. Love each of them, regardless of ranking. 1. Seventh Sojourn 2. In Search of The Lost Chord 3. Days of Future Passed 4. To Our Children's Children's Children 5. Every Good Boy Deserves Favour 6. On The Threshold Of A Dream 7. A Question of Balance.
13. Sur La Mer 12. Magnificent Moodies/Go Now 11. Other Side of Life 10. Octave 9. The Present 8. Every Good Boy 7. Long Distance Voyager 6. Question of Balance 5. In Search of Lost Chord 4. To Our Children's Children 3. Seventh Sojourn 2. Days of Future Passed 1. On the Threshold of a Dream
I have been a Moodie' fan since the mid 60s when they had a hit with "Go Now", but at that time they were more blues than what we might call art rock or prog rock. My choice for the #1 album is also "To Our Children's Children's Children" with my VERY favorite song on it...."Watching and Waiting". That song was my impetus to learning how to play keyboards. I still get goosebumps when I hear it. A truly beautiful, sensitive, well-written song.
I think it says something about a band's quality and consistency that there are so many different personal top 10's on view in the comments below. If you have to categorise the Moodies I think their first 4 albums after Justin and John joined the group were proto-prog and their sound and stellar success (On the Threshold of a Dream was a no.1 album here in the UK) would have persuaded groups like Yes and Genesis to take up that symphonic rock sound and head into even more progressive realms. My MB's top 7 consists of the classic 7 and as Pete often says the order can change from week to week but LDV is also a good album at 8, Octave has its moments at 9 and the Present is at 10 and incidentally "Blue World" from that album was their last top 40 singles chart entry in the UK and was in my opinion being their last top drawer semi-rocker. Incidentally one of the things about the classic 7 are that the early ballads for want of a better word are not soppy or cliched. Take that wonderful song "The Actor" from Lost Chord an example you referenced, which is full of flute, atmospheric 'tron, subtle acoustic guitars and pitch perfect vocals. They also rocked slightly more often than a casual viewer of this ranking might expect - it's a shame one of their best songs "Simple Game" doesn't appear on the classic 7 albeit the Four Tops of all people took their version of it in to a UK no 3. Unfortunately I hold their music from the Other Side of Life onwards in less esteem only because overall it's a little too poppy and indeed sappy at times for my personal taste and while being the Moodies there are inevitably one or two good songs in there as albums they don't do it for me..
I have only heard two albums with them, In Search Of The Lost Chord and Long Distance Voyager, but I like them both a lot. Atmospheric in the former and pretty solid in the latter
I have everything the Moody's have recorded, I can't recollect ANYTHING the Moody's have recorded were poor songs. I the MORE you listen, the MORE you love them..hi from Australia stay safe during this VIRUS CRISIS bye for now .
My opinion: 1.Seventh Sojourn 2.Days of Future Passed 3. A Question of Balance 4.To Our Children's... 5.Threshhold 6.Lost Chord 7.EGBDF // Days of Future Passed marries two concepts; a single day and a human life. It starts with birth (sunrise) and then childhood. "Balloons flying, children sighing. What a day to go kite-flying." Then comes early adulthood: Peak Hour (prime of life) and the sounds of working and hectic responsibilities. Afternoon and Twilight Time are midlife and later adult years leading to retirement. Finally, the goal is to die after a well-lived life in the company of loved ones (particularly a lifelong partner i.e., spouse). I am 40yo, a big fan since 1990 playing vinyl records at age 9, have seen Moodies live and Hayward solo. For much of my life Moodies were my #1 favorite band - certainly no lower than top 3. To me, Lana del Rey captures a similar atmospheric, lush, melancholy vibe. Thanks for the discussion & video.
My favorites: 1. To Our Children's Children's Children (Watching and Waiting, Gypsy, Out and In, Eternity Road) 2. A Question Of Balance (Question, How Is It We Are Here?, The Tide Rushes In, Tortoise and Hare, Melancholy Man) 3. On The Threshold Of A Dream (Never Comes The Day, Have You Heard/The Voyage, Dear Diary, Send Me No Wine) 4. In Search Of The Lost Chord (The Actor, Ride My See-Saw, Legend of a Mind, House of Four Doors, Voices In The Sky) 5. Every Good Boy Deserves Favour (The Story In Your Eyes, Our Guessing Game, One More Time To Live, My Song, Nice To Be Here) 6. Days Of Future Passed (The Day Begins, Dawn Is a Feeling, Another Morning, Tuesday Afternoon, Nights in White Satin) 7. Octave (Steppin' In A Slide Zone, Had To Fall In Love, Driftwood, One Step Into The Light, The Day We Meet Again, I'm Your Man) 8. Seventh Sojourn (Lost In A Lost World, You And Me, I'm Just A Singer) 9. Long Distance Voyager (The Voice, Gemini Dream, In My World, Painted Smile) 10. The rest.
We can tip our collective hats to L.S.D. for enhancing the writing, performing and production of the "Classic Seven." Outside of Stevie Wonder's "Fabulous Five" in the 1970s or the Beatles' releases from the mid to late Sixties, there isn't a more incredible body of work accomplished in a succession of albums numbering over five, in history.
To our children's.... my favourite Moodies album too. It was in the 80s when I heard it for the first time. It made me appreciate Ray Thomas' contribution a lot more than I had previously.
Thank you for doing the Moody Blues. Before King Crimson, before Yes, or Jethro Tull, they were my first favorite band. With their lovely, autumnal melodies, they were the band that explored the possibilities of album-length story telling. A great choice - thanks!
1) In Search of the Lost Chord 2)Days of Future Passed 3)To Our Childrens Children's Children 4)On The Threshold of a Dream 5)A Question of Balance 6)Seventh Sojourn 7)Every Good Boy Deserves Favour 8)Long Distance Voyager 9)Octave 10)The Present
I am thankful that I got to see the Moody Blues in concert on the Long Distance Voyager tour. A fantastic show. Their live versions of every song were very powerful. Even Driftwood, a song I had previously discounted, got a super majestic treatment. " Voyager" was a good album, too, I was exciting to see them make such a great "come back" so to speak.
Pete you ROCK!! It's my favourite and I dared not guess you would name it!. This album exceeds all others in taking you to another place, which is why I listen to them. I saw them three times in the eighties and always wondered how it would be to see them during this period.. Great stuff, man.
Great show Pete. Like you, for years I was a kind of a casual Moodies fan. For some reason, last year I decided to deep dive their catalog and finally after 50 years, I have a better appreciation for them. As a matter of fact, they’ve been my COVID-19 go-to band.
For me: 1. In Search of the Lost Chord, 2. Days of Future Passed, 3. Long Distance Voyager. I put Voyager higher because it was the first Moody Blues album I really got into. I knew their past hits (Nights in White Satin, etc.) from the radio of course, but, when I decided to really get into their music, Voyager had just been released, so it was the obvious album to begin with. So, that one has a real personal connection to me (as all music should).
My top 7: *1)* The Present (I hate *Sitting at the Wheel* single but love everything else on it) *2)* Long Distance Voyager *3a)* This is The Moody Blues - first compilation album (best songs of the top 7. *3b)* Time Traveller (5 disc compilation box set) *4)* Days of Future Passes *5)* Seven Sojourn *6)* Sur la Mer *7)* The Other Side of Life
Top 7 1 On The Threshold Of A Dream 2 Days Of Future Passed 3 Seventh Sojourn 4 In Search Of The Lost Chord 5 A Question Of Balance 6 To Our Children's Children's Children 7 Every Good Boy Deserves Favour As a big time Moody Blues fan, this was tough. Every one of these albums are excellent.
Great video, Pete. The MBs have always been one of my favorite bands, and I first saw them in OKC in '78 on the _Octave_ tour. It was a great show, but I'll admit that I was disappointed in not seeing Pinder; Moraz was a bit spotty at that point, but with hindsight, Moraz did a good job considering the circumstance (much like when he took over for Wakeman in Yes)...and Moraz certainly came into his own on later albums. Anyway, so many great albums from these guys, but I'll have to say that _To Our Children's..._ is still my fave. BTW, Pete, don't look at "Gypsy" as being "in the middle of the album"...it was the beginning of side 2 ;) I'll also add that I didn't realize how inventive Lodge was with his bass until the CD remasters came out and I could actually hear his playing as compared to the muddy vinyl mixes. As far as the "classic 7", I would have to rank _Seventh Sojourn_ last as my #7. I dunno, it always just seemed dark and too short for me. Fans should definitely check out the _Blue Jays_ album that came out in '75. It's a Moody Blues album that wasn't.
I was studying for my Year 12 certificate (Higher School Certificate, for entry into university/college). We all studied in a common room, very intense, very stressful. Someone would often play Seventh Sojourn, and it was so soothing and melodic. It's remained a favourite memory for that reason. I listened again a few years ago, after 40y, and it's still magnificently majestic. What an album. Thanks guys.
Ranking Moody Blues albums: 1. In Search of the Lost Chord 2. Seventh Sojourn 3. Days of Future Passed 4. Long Distance Voyager 5. To Our Children’s Children’s Children 6. On the Threshold of a Dream 7. Strange Times 8. A Question of Balance 9. Every Good Boy Deserves Favour 10. The Present 11. December How many groups have released 11 great albums? Can skip these 5: 12. Octave 13. Other Side of Life 14. Sur le Mer 15. Go Now/Magnificent Moodies 16. Keys of the Kingdom
My brother purchased the recently released Long Distance Voyager and that was my first introduction to the Moody's. A few years later his best friend lent me Caught Live + 5, and I discovered Legend of a Mind. By the next couple years I owned the super 7 and in 1988 I saw them live with Patrick Moraz at the Wolf Trap venue near DC. My first ever rock concert where I was a full-fledged fan of the band. That is why it will always be my best concert experience ever. Great show guys!!! Keep 'em coming.
My favorite MB album is To Our Childrens Childrens Children. I smoked a lot of hash and listened to it with quality headphones back in the day. I don't smoke hash anymore but I still listen to it.
I once asked one of my best friends what was his favorite Moody Blues album, and after a moment's thought he looked at me and said "whichever one I'm listening to at the time" a remarkably insightful comment I still think of often. To me, The Moody Blues have been such a big part of my life. I remember the first time I heard Tuesday Afternoon playing on a car radio as it drove by in 1967 and immediately thinking "what was that"? I soon bought DOFP and knew I had found something new and special that touched me in a way no music ever had before, and I am from a musical family (Dad was a concert pianist and classical composer). Three years later, in college, friends introduced me to Children's and Questions, and my life changed forever (and I brought Days home to play for my Dad). They made the world a better place, and taught this somewhat sheltered and naive 18 year old a different way of looking at life, and how to view and treat other people. Graham's The Balance still gives me goosebumps "when we knew hurt or felt fear, it was because we were not understanding" and gave me a new sense of morality and compassion to explore, leading me to look at others a different way. Today, Children's remains my very favorite masterpiece, a seamless symphony made up of exquisite movements and incredible transitions, from the classic explosive Higher and Higher to Ray's whimsical Floating to Justin's haunting Never thought I'd live to be a hundred, then a million, and the incredible Watching and Waiting, not to mention John Lodge's Eyes of a Child Part 2, which to me has always been like lightning in a bottle. I've seen them countless times, met the band more than once (my son got to meet Justin Hayward one on one just the three of us when he was 5 years old and I'll never forget how sweet Justin was to him, just like you'd expect from his gentle and loving songs and lyrics (Raised on Love). These are special people. They changed my life, and millions of others. I credit them with helping me become the person I wanted to be, always asking questions and making us think, but never telling us what to do, leaving so much to our own interpretations. Justin, John, Graham, Ray, and Mike, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am "MoodyStew"
I couldn’t have said it better!
Always wanted to meet them, not sure what I would say. I have been lucky enough to see them on the 25th anniversary and 50 anniversary tours. The 25th with the full orchestra - amazing!!!
To Our Children's Children's Children is my favorite. Used to listen to that album a lot when I was a student.
Great album. My personal favorite as well.
This is the album that introduced me to the Moodies. I didn't realize it at the time I put it on the turntable, but I started on side 2. "Gypsy" was what greeted my ears, and I was hooked!
when I was a kid I really didn't "get it." Now, some thirty years later, Children's Children's... is my absolute number one favorite album of all time. (and I mean of a genres. like Lateralus, from Tool, Bowie's Earthling, and NIN Downward are all up there in the top ten.) But when it gets down to it, this is the album I want to hear right before I leave this earth. Like, yeah, I'm good now. Peace! ✌️
Agreed !!!!
Agreed ... I remember when I bought this 1970.
You never listen to just one song on this album, you have to listen to the whole album!
On The Threshold Of A Dream is the most underrated album of their catalogue and maybe one of the most underrated albums of all time in my humble opinion. I really love it! I used to have a very early vynal pressing of it in pretty good condition too!!!
I had the vinyl when it came out and now have the CD. My favourite song is, Are You Sitting Comfortably.
The voage and Have you heard are my favorites.Just love the harmonies
Yeah my parents had it when I was born, in '72. And as soon as I could talk, I had them play records for me. I know every note of Threshold and To Our Children's Children's Children
Was my 1st girlfriend favorite album as well as a number of other people I knew as well.
Just listened to this album on my way home from work just now.
In My opinion I always thought of the Moody Blues as the very core of progressive rock. The Styles, The themes. Pushing the boundaries of what popular music was thought to be at the time. "Progressing" rock and rolls very structure in a most creatively ingenious dynamic. Very progressive indeed.
The seven albums are a way of life and inspiration for me. Never a day passes by without listening to their music. From Frank Zappa & the Mothers to The Dubliners, I love the lot, music is my life, my inspiration and my comfort. R.I.P. my two heroes, Graeme Edge/Ray Thomas.
YES! The Moody Blues! The core 7 are the best and after Mike Pinder left the sound changed and it was never the same.
About that sound change.
'And if the band your in is playing different tunes, i'll see you on the dark side of the moon'.
Pink Floyd.
Pinder defined their sound to me along with Ray Thomas. The whole is always more than the sum of the parts.
Brilliant stuff. Their music really needs to be heard as albums.
I agree. Especially the early albums.
ps, I am not sure why they left out" Keys to The Kingdom" " Sur La Mer" " Strange Times" and the Christmas album. were they that bad ?
1. Seventh Sojourn 2. To Our Children's... 3. Days of Future Passed 4. A Question of Balance 5. Blue Jays (okay, I cheated). 6. In Search... 7. EGBDF 8. Octave 9. On the Threshold... 10. Long Distance Voyager
The Moody Blues are my favorite group (The Doors are second). The first time I ever hears them was at a party in high school where Tuesday Afternoon was playing . I still remember that moment. I love that song. Later, they got me though college. I'd sit down to study looking forward to the music while I studied, and eventually I'd get so involved in some math proof that an hour later I would realize that the music had stopped; repeat over and over.
Justin Hayward is such a great songwriter and singer, but everyone in the group had an important role. I was at a concert several years ago, and a man behind me kept yelling loudly, over and over, "THE POEM! THE POEM! DO THE POEM!". Since then I've had a special appreciation for Graham Edge's spoken word contributions.
My favorite songs of theirs include Tuesday Afternoon, Night in White Satin, New Horizons, Land of Make Believe, Driftwood, I Know You're Out There Somewhere, Your Wildest Dreams, The Voice, Eternity Road, Gypsy, The Story in Your Eyes, etc..... gosh, there are so many great ones!
Enjoy!
Yes = they are my favorite hands down! Justin is amazing the MB's are incredible and unmatched!
1 Seventh Sojourn 1972
2 On the Threshold of a Dream 1969
3 A Question of Balance 1970
4 Every Good Boy Deserves Favour 1971
5 Long Distance Voyager 1981
6 In Search of the Lost Chord 1968
7 Octave 1978
8 To Our Children's Children's Children 1969
9 Days of Future Past 1967
10 The Present 1983
I only like Days of Future past for the two great songs. As an album, not much to my taste.
Pretty close to my list, though they can certainly very in favor of what I'm listening to at the time.
It didn't sell as well as the other albums, but for me and many Moody Blues fans the best album by far is "To Our Children's Children's Children".
I also have to mention "Blue Jays". Not exactly a Moody Blues album, but arguably better than the group albums.
"Long Distance Voyager" best of the Moraz albums.
Long Distance Voyager was the last Moody Blues album that I really thought was a "total" Moody Blues album. "Talking Out of Turn" is my favorite song on that album.
Naw man, Octave was the last Moody Blues abum. Once Pinder left they became a different band.
Talking Out of Turn is my favorite tune.
Right before the pandemic started I was at a record store and picked up this Moody Blues last Voyager for $2. Really good album and I love listening to it when I need to have something really calm in my life. Actually I was listening to it just a few days ago.
It ended with _The Present_ for me. There's still nothing on there that's as schmaltzy as anything from their subsequent albums.
Totally agree. After Long Distance Voyager, I stopped buying.
Thank you guys for ranking the studio albums: Moody Blues.🎤🎸🎵🥁
If the Moodys areng prog neither are the Beatles.
In Search of the Lost Chord is my favorite album!
My ranking:
1. To Our Children's Children's Children
2. In Search Of The Lost Chord
3. On The Threshold Of A Dream
4. Days Of Future Passed
5. Seventh Sojourn
6. A Question Of Balance
7. Every Good Boy Deserves Favour
8. Octave
9. Long Distance Voyager
10. Sur La Mer
pretty much what i have,,i think i may have LONG DISTANCE higher but removing....what,,,i have no idea
Life long fan of the Moodies. To me, they are like a comforting blanket or jacket you use when times get tough or dark. No other band hits me quite like they do.
@@jasonshort1437 agreed,,,but its the first 6 or 7,,,last really good one was LONG DISTANCE,,albums leading up to their 80s and beyond pop stuff with some exceptions of course
For me, #1 is Balance. Then Children’s. After that, of the top seven, it’s hard to rank them, maybe Sojourn higher. Then for 8, 9, 10, I like Octave a lot, The Present and Long Distance Voyager. Octave higher than the other 2.
I'm 80years old, and A CONFIRMED COSMIC ROCKER, go Moodies
GREAT band. For every Moodies fan, I think there are 999 potential fans who haven't yet heard them. They're wonderful people, all love. Bridging rock, psychedelia, Moog, Mellotron and orchestration that calls you back over the years into a wonderful world of optimism, inclusion, great vibes... An open invitation. Great job spreading the word, guys.
To Our Children’s Children’s Children is by far my favorite. It plays like one long piece, sustaining that haunting mood created partially by Pinder’s passing tones. After Childrens: Lost Chord, Threshold, EGBDF, Question, Days, Seventh Sojourn. I might have put Days higher on the list (I especially love “Nights”), except that the album is so logical, tangible, grounded-whereas the others are mysterious, magical, hard to put one’s finger on just what makes them work. Everything after the Classic Seven: I hear some nice tunes but for me it’s a different band.
The Moody Blues are phenomenal. Caught them few years back doing the Days Of Future Past live with orchestra in Toronto 🤘. Love Question Of Balance and Every Good Boy... records
Great vid as usual Pete. Moodys were the very first prog band in my eyes. Very important in the scheme of all things Prog. Thanks Pete
Outstanding catalog, many great songs and albums. To our children's children's children one of my favorite albums ever. Eternity Road awesome or side 2 on the lp. great show.
I concur Randy ...
First of all - THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for tackling the discography of THE MOODY BLUES.
My first exposure to their music was via an 8-Track tape of "To Our Children's Children's Children". I was instantly transported to another place with the lush melodies and atmosphere. It wasn't until when I was much older that I heard the album in its vinyl version. The song order of the 8-Track was much different (and admittedly a jarring experience). But a great album nevertheless.
My top ten:
1. To Our Children's Children's Children
2. Seventh Sojourn (my first purchase of a vinyl album of THE MOODY BLUES.
3. Days of Future Past
4. In Search of the Lost Chord
5. Long Distance Voyager
6. On the Threshold of a Dream
7. Every Good Boy Deserves Favour
8. A Question of Balance
9. Octave
10. The Other Side of Life
I agree that To Our Children's Children's Children is their best - it's a mysterious and profound album. I've been listening to the Moodies for many, many years and it took me a while to get it because Days of Future Passed and others are so strong, but they absolutely came up with a phenomenal album in To Our Children's Children's Children
I remember my older sister had the Children's album on vinyl and I used to sneak it into my room to listen to it.
Love this band. Of the big 7, here is my list.
1. Days of Future Passed
2. Seventh Sojourn
3. To Our Children’s Children’s Children
4. In Search of the Lost Chord
5. Every Good Boy Deserves Favour
6. On the Threshold of a Dream
7. A Question of Balance
My ranking of the classic 7
1. Days of Future Passed
2. To Our Children’s Children’s Children
3. Seventh Sojourn
4. In Search of the Lost Chord
5. A Question of Balance
6. Every Good Boy Deserves Favour
7. On the Threshold of a Dream
The song Ride my See Saw. The tone on the Telecaster is something else.
Through the Vox AC-30. Pure tonal bliss.
1 on the threshold of a dream
2 lost chord
3 days of future passed
4 every good boy
5 question of balance.
Something like that for me, followed by Seventh Sojourn and finally TOCCC.
My list exactly.
Very close to my ranking. Threshold is for me the most consistent set of songs even if there isn't the one standout.
Gypsy and Watching and Waiting are fabulous from For our Children's Children's Children. Yep. No one sounded like the Moody Blues.
EGBDF is an incredible album. One of my favourites of the Classic Seven.
I agree with Pete's number one spot. Lost Chord is pure adventure. Thanks for a great discussion by two guys who love their music and respect the Moody Blues.
My intro to Moody Blues was ON a Threshold of a Dream, then I discovered their other great albums. But, and it's hard to rank them, I still put Threshold of a Dream as my number one.
When I was a young kid / NIGHTS in WHITE SATIN kind of scared me. Very eerie / creepy for a 5 yr old kid. Sounds crazy/ I know. Now/ I love it !!!
I get that. I had a similar experience with Yes' Relayer. I first heard it when I was nine and I only liked To Be Over, the other two tracks frightened me. Then I went back to the album a year later and started loving the whole album.
I didn't really care for much when I first heard it, but I started getting into it more when I got older.
Did you play it backwards?
When I was in elementary and Jr high I wanted nothing to do with the Moody Blues - didn't like Nights in White Satin or Tuesday Afternoon but then in high school (mid 80s) I heard Ride My See Saw for the first time and loved it along with a few other tunes they done - a while later I listened to the words to Nights and I could relate - now I like a lot of their work - funny how your tastes change
@@drppr76 Yes, it certainly is. I've gotten into several groups now that I didn't like when I first heard them.
Gypsy off Caught Live + Five is my absolute favorite Moody Blues moment. It is completely mind blowing till this day!
I love the warbling Mellotron on that live version.
It’s absolute proof that the Moodies could rock with the best of them.
Thank you pete for highlighting the wonderful moody blues!! You both were absolutely spot on with your analysis, just brilliant, bless you both👍😊
The Present was the first Moody Blues album I ever got... birthday or Christmas (forget which!) 1983. Forty years ago! Incredible. Just got it again on CD. I love it. I can't understand why it is not highly rated. Great songs. Great performances. Blue World is a classic. Patrick Moraz brought a lot to the band and it's sad how it ended for him. Long Distance Voyager is another favourite.
For decades I had been lobbying the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame to induct the Moody Blues based on the groundbreaking "Days Of Future Passed" album. It finally paid off a few years ago. It's not only their best album, but one of the top 10 best albums of all-time.
That's the album that the critics raved about before dropping them, but I don't think it's near their best. Lots of filler orchestral parts.
My 3 favorites have always been (in no particular order):
In Search of the Lost Chord
A Question of Balance
Every Good Boy Deserves Favor
Hey Pete,thank you for doing what you do!You've opened my ears to lots of,previously,unheard music.The Moodies are a criminally underappreciated band.Not much bombast and flair in their music.But lots of great songwriting and instrumentation,usually very subtle.Not many bands had 4 vocalists that were all solid as leads.Their first 5 albums were ahead of their time.Nobody was playing stuff like that.
Thanks for this list! The Moodies always seemed incredibly underrated IMO.
Yes, they are vastly underrated and overlooked. Was so glad to see them get into the Rock and Roll HOF!
Ride My See Saw Dr. Livingstone, Legend of a Mind, Voices in the Sky The Actor, House of Four Doors - just tons of great tracks on In Search of the Lost Chord - a few proggy moments.
Really terrific video, thank you Pete and John. I can rmember when I first heard 'On the Threshold of a Dream' on vinyl. Those spacey/dreamy sounds on the record lead-in/lead-outs, just fantastic.
Thank you for doing this I waited so long for this, here are my rankings:
16. December
15. Strange Times
14. The Magnificent Moodies
13. Keys of the Kingdom
12. The Present
11. Octave
10. Sur La Mer
9. The Other Side of Life
8. Long Distance Voyager
7. Every Good Boy Deserves Favor
6. Seventh Sojourn
5. To Our Children's Children's Children
4. On The Threshold of a Dream
3. A Question of Balance
2. In Search of the Lost Chord
1. Days of Future Passed
Thank You for your time and passion putting this list together........
After Ponder left. They became The Muddy blahs.
After Pinder left the y became the Muddy Blahs.
After Ponder left they became the Muddy Blahs.
the true Masters of the craft. i listen to the Moodies every day
Good stuff! I'm a big Moody's fan and really enjoyed this segment. Thanks!
The Mike Pinder era Moody Blues (post Denny Laine) are by far my favorite group of all-time! My ranking is as follows; #1- Every Good Boy Deserves Favour, #2- Seventh Sojourn, #3- To Our Children's Children's Children, #4- A Question of Balance, #5- Days of Future Passed, #6- On the Threshold of A Dream, #7- In Search of the Lost Chord, #8- Octave, #9- Long Distance Voyager, #10- The Present. In America 'Seventh Sojourn' was a #1 seller, and its predecessor, 'Every Good Boy Deserves Favour' peaked at #2. Then they went on a hiatus, when arguably they were the #1 group in the world. They even topped the annual Playboy poll as top group which proves that adults really liked them. The album 'Octave' was filled with music they were not all crazy about (some solo stuff, with overdubs). I recommend the re-mastered cd's because they were 'constructed' like the original albums where one track bleeds into the next, the way a true concept album should. Also, some of the bonus tracks such as "Lost in a Lost World" and "You and Me" (extended instrumental version) on the re-mastered 'Seventh Sojourn' is worth the price of repurchasing).
My favorite among those bonus tracks is the original/extended version of Isn't Life Strange, especially the instrumental middle section.
In 1976 I was 11 yrs old and that's when I started listening to my parent's 8 track tapes they had of the moody Blues, and love them ever since.
Really appreciate you guys taking this time out to assess my favourite band. I agree with your selections in the order you choose...and Gypsy and Eternity Road are high on my list of favourite MB songs. The mellotron is so prolific on their earlier works...it could be no other way.
Saw them live three times great live band perfect summer night outdoor concert experience. Lot’s of excellent underrated albums well done enjoyed the show.
Pete....thanks for doing a Moody Blues show. I commented awhile back on the fact that believe or not I bought my first Moody album in Vietnam in 1969. I was an MP at Camp Enari near Pleaku and there was a small PX on the base and I bought “In Search of the Lost Chord” on the strength on the album cover alone and I loved it. When I came home I became a huge fan. Saw them in concert several times and took my Son to see them in the early 90’s so they hold a special place in my heart. Thanks for the great show...
I was always more of a metal guy but I got into the Beatles in the mid 80's and that led me to the Moodies and I've loved them ever since. I've got their whole catalog on cd and lp. My list is a lot different.
On the Threshold of a Dream (1969)
To Our Children's Children's Children (1969)
Days of Future Passed (1967)
Long Distance Voyager (1981)
Seventh Sojourn (1972)
Sur la Mer (1988)
The Present (1983)
A Question of Balance (1970)
In Search of the Lost Chord (1968)
Every Good Boy Deserves Favour (1971)
The Other Side of Life (1986)
Octave (1978)
Keys of the Kingdom (1991)
Strange Times (1999)
December (2003)
The Magnificent Moodies
With the Moodies, there's no wrong answer :)!
You do know your Moodies Metal Head!
Moodies, definitely one of my top ten early 70's bands. Countdown:
10. Octave - Steppin' In A Slide Zone, that's it
9. The Other Side Of Life - Wildest Dreams, title track
8. Every Good Boy Deserves Favor - The Story In Your Eyes, Our Guessing Game, My Song
7. Long Distance Voyager - The Voice, Talking Out Of Turn, 22000 Days
6. On The Threshold Of A Dream - Lovely To See You, Dear Diary, Never Comes The Day, Are You Sitting Comfortably, Have You Heard
5. Days Of Future Passed - Forever Afternoon, Nights In White Satin
4. Seventh Sojourn - Lost In A Lost World, New Horizons, For My Lady, Isn't Life Strange, I'm Just A Singer In A Rock 'n' Roll Band
3. To Our Children's Children's Children - Eyes Of A Child, Out And In, Gypsy, Eternity Road, Candle Of Life, Watching And Waiting
2. A Question Of Balance - Question, And The Tide Rushes In, Don't You Feel Small, Minstrel's Song, Dawning Is The Day, Melancholy Man
1. In Search Of The Lost Chord - Ride My See Saw, Legend Of A MInd, Voices In The Sky, The Best Way To Travel, The Actor, Om, A Simple Game
You better go back and listen to Octave again. Driftwood?????
rubicon1983 - ...and “The Day We Meet Again”. A brilliant track!
Fantastic video lads. Makes me want to dig in to the Moodies again. Just put on Children's Children now. That is the one from the classic 7 that I didn't own when I was getting into classic Moodies in late 80s so it never sunk in for me. I saw them live several times in late 80s and into 90s. The classic band was intact apart from departed Pinder. They were a surprisingly muscular live band. The rhythm section of Edge and Lodge were really rocking. It doesn't come through as much on studio albums or live albums. They became my go to music for studying in my first couple years of college. I like long distance Voyager, but otherwise not big on the Moraz synthy period. I just love the mellotron and Chamberlain. I was surprised to see a moodies ranking from Pete, but he continues to surprise and impress me with the breadth of his music taste and knowledge. Not gonna do a full ranking, but here are my tops. 1. On the Threshold of a Dream 2. Days of Future Past
3. In Search of the Lost Chord
4. A Question of Balance
5. Seventh Sojourn.
Listening to Children's now it sounds great. It will never have the associtions the others do for me, but it might move into my top 5. The lyrics could be kinda silly sometimes from these guys. Dawn is a feeling, a beautiful ceiling always makes me cringe a bit but they needed a rhyme. The Blue Birds album is also quite nice.
To Our Children's Children's Children - hands down their best.
My favourite too, just love it!
One of the best Anthologies:This is the Moody Blues. Was a great taster on the Core albums.
I can remember listening to those 1st seven albums over and over . They always had great lyrics which I appreciated. I am 70 and still listen to them all the time. My sister who has a high CD collection always picks out a Moodies album to listen to before she settles down for the night! I really liked the PBS special in 2000 with
A big orchestra. You might check that out on you tube.
I'm 71 and appreciate even more now how wonderful the Moody Blues music is. This applies too with many other bands from that wonderful era, favourite album is TOCCC, just amazing, favourite MB song though is New Horizons from the Seventh Sojourn album.
Thanks for drawing attention to some guys and LP's that I feel are overlooked whenever people talk about '60's music. What strikes me so odd about this is if you talk to people who were at least 13 in 1967(if it makes you feel better, say 16), people who literally grew up in that time, I recall being friends with someone who was always playing(this was in 1976.) The seven LP's from 67-72 are not really like anyone else, and they resonate strongly with the time. Considering this was the global age of rock, the Moody Blues somehow occupy their own pedestal. Everyone a silent word of thanks to Mike Pinder, the keyboardist who helped create and innovate the almighty Mellotron! Consider this-If you were to meet a musically literate person, and they ridiculed the idea of "good vibes," say nothing and walk away. P.S. I remember riding to Sound Warehouse on my bicycle when I was 14, on an ice-cold afternoon in December of 1972 buying "Seventh Sojourn." Worth it!
For those of you interested, Moody Jill and Coloradream have some great videos of Moody Blues songs with some scenes that are just beautiful
Moody jill is awesome
You are right!
Seventh Sojourn is my favorite. I bought it when i was 15 and my mom and sisters all loved it.
How did I miss this one? Loved listening to you talk about one of my favorite groups. I think SEVENTH SOJOURN is an amazing record -- every song is brilliant, and you are right about the superb production. The Land of Make Believe has three incredibly melodic sections, and New Horizons might be the best -- surprised you didn't mention that one. Never get tired of listening to it. One of my staples when I go on vacation and need music with me. Saw The Moodies live in the 1980s and they were SO great. Really appreciated your raving about them -- they have been undervalued most of their career. Five talented musicians who fit together like a mystical glove!
This channel is always an education for me, coming from the UK I sometimes feel embarrassed that I never delved into the music of these great bands, better late than never I guess, thanks Pete you are a godsend
Albums that take you back to listening to albums in full, turntables ,gatefold sleeves and Mellotrons. Harmonies second to none and Justin Hayward's voice. Nostalgia mixed with folk whimsy and a shots of unfiltered rock . As for ranking:
1 Question of Balance
2 Seventh Sojourn
3 To our Children's ...
4 Days of future past
5 In search of lost chord
It is supposed to be a recreation of the oldest human cave paintings on To OCCC. Get it!? It is the best one. I agreed with both of your choices. This was the best ranking video video so far. You were talking about the albums as a tactile thing. Several of the LPs' album jackets had a different texture than the average LPs of the years they were released.
Oh, I've been waiting for this!
You hit it on the head with being in the right mood or head space to delve deep into their catalog. Every few years I'll give them a listen.
I'm always surprised when Every Good Boy is ranked lower than other albums. It was my very first Moodies album and it changed my musical life. It has always felt beyond special to me. Of the rest, TOCCC runs it extremely close followed by Seventh Sojourn. As for individual songs, when I first heard Story in Your Eyes it was like love at first sight, or hearing in this case. From that moment on my love of the Moodies has never waned.
Hi, it's interesting that you said that EGBDF was your first MB album. I've sometimes wondered if your first record from a band can somehow become a favourite, it certainly became the case with me, Pretzel Logic from Steely Dan was my first SD album, The Last Record Album from Little Feat again my first LF purchase, Once Again from Barclay James Harvest, again first BJH buy, alll favourites now. You can see where I'm going with this 😏. But back to the Moody Blues and your comment on EGBDF, it's a great album with some great tracks, how Procession leads into The Story In Your Eyes, just wonderful, One More Time to Live, fantastic song. My favourite track though is After You Came, quite a rocky number this one, love it! Favourite album though is TOCCC, perfect for me, side 2 in particular has some of my favourite MB songs, favourite song of their's is New Horizons from the Seventh Sojourn album.
I have a playlist that plays Days Of Future Passed, In Search Of The Lost Chord, On The Threshold Of A Dream, To Our Children's Children's Children, A Question Of Balance, Every Good Boy Deserves Favour, and Seventh Sojourn from beginning to end (often repeated over and over). To me it's just one looooong, incredible album. I seriously can't pick a favorite. I love them all.
I usually listen to (much) heavier music, but at least once a month I have to get my Moodies fix, and when I'm in the mood, nothing else will do.
Me too.
Started listening to them after KIWSatin, then bought all of the next 5 albums without listening to them, never disappointed. To Our C'sC'sC, then Question of Balance head the list. Their music has never dated.
you did it again Pardo and Co....I've always thought of MB as more or less a cure for insomnia
I've binged some of those easy releases and am now a Moody Blues fan...wonderful, sweeping melodies
Hey rocco - glad you became a fan - they are one of my favorite bands
My ranking :
1) Seventh Sojourn
2) A Question Of Balance
3) On The Threshold Of A Dream
4) To Our Children's Children's Children
5) Every Good Boy Deserves Favour
6) In Search Of The Lost Chord
7) Days Of Future Passed
8) Octave
9) On Boulevard de la Madeleine (1967 compil. with tracks from 64-67 not on album)
10) Sur la mer
"Solo" album :
Blue Jays (Hayward & Lodge)
Thanks for this great video !
"Deep" lifts Sur la mer for me. A great song.
My favorite Moody Blues album? Easy. The last one I listened to . . . #Legends
Ahhhh The Moodies. My third favorite band after The Who & Jethro Tull. The first 7 albums are called The Core 7. And the they were recorded over 5 years. There r are too many comments I could make it’s overwhelming. So, here r a few. There is no London Festival Orchestra. They made it up. It was all session musicians. They recorded separately & until the initial playback no one had, not even the band had heard the album in full. Everyone was speechless so they played it again. Nights was written by Hayward when he was 19 in about 10 minutes. The guys weren’t impressed until Pinder chimed in w the Mellotron. Hayward once said no one ever looked at his left hand & I agree. He only played what was needed. His acoustic playing is his forte. His voice unmistakable. The Voyage was my fave song until I heard Story. My favorite album is Threshold, though there so very many other great songs. The Actor, Gypsy, Watching & Waiting. I could wax poetic endlessly. You really need to listen to these on original vinyl to appreciate them. Artwork was extremely important to them. The invented the gatefold to highlight it. (And clean weed) LOL The Core Seven Art was done by one artist whose name I forget. The are phenomenal live and kept getting better over time. Their Swan Song was playing Days straight thru. Epic. They’re done now because of health issues w their drummer. Check out Hayward’s solo show. Fantastic. Much
Mellower than John’s & tho I like John’s-seen twice-Hayward’s knocks it out of the park. Sooo many stories. Take a ride thru YT. 😊 One more thing to consider The Moodies were druggies to the max. Ridiculous amounts of weed & acid.
Phil Travers - Moody Blues (album cover artist)
I grew up with the Moody Blues and I've never thought of ranking the albums. Their classic period is a perfect progression from Days of to Seventh Sojourn and i often just listen to them in order. After that, there's many great highlights but not the overall cohesion necessarily. I think their Christmas Album has some beautiful gems (December Snow, Yes, I Believe) and the Hayward/Lodge tune, Blue Guitar, is a perfect non-Moody-Moody Blues song. Let me also say the album covers pale on CD, and only truly show off their glory as gate folds. So let me give it a go:
1. Seventh Sojourn (my first Moody album)
2: To Our Children's Children
3: Threshold of a Dream
4: In Search of a Lost Chord,
5: Every Good Boy
6: A Question of Balance
7: The Present
8: Long Distance Voyager
9: the Other Side of Life
10: ??? here it becomes a toss up. Many albums with many fine features. Above my pay grade to rank.
I only own the classic 7. Love each of them, regardless of ranking.
1. Seventh Sojourn
2. In Search of The Lost Chord
3. Days of Future Passed
4. To Our Children's Children's Children
5. Every Good Boy Deserves Favour
6. On The Threshold Of A Dream
7. A Question of Balance.
13. Sur La Mer 12. Magnificent Moodies/Go Now 11. Other Side of Life 10. Octave 9. The Present 8. Every Good Boy 7. Long Distance Voyager 6. Question of Balance 5. In Search of Lost Chord 4. To Our Children's Children 3. Seventh Sojourn 2. Days of Future Passed 1. On the Threshold of a Dream
Nice list Jim. Seventh Sojourn is very underrated
Only "to our children's children.." knows the moon
I have been a Moodie' fan since the mid 60s when they had a hit with "Go Now", but at that time they were more blues than what we might call art rock or prog rock. My choice for the #1 album is also "To Our Children's Children's Children" with my VERY favorite song on it...."Watching and Waiting". That song was my impetus to learning how to play keyboards. I still get goosebumps when I hear it. A truly beautiful, sensitive, well-written song.
to our children's children & seventh sojourn are my faves.
Saw the Moodies in '93. They were spot on. Absolutely amazing!!
Totally awesome concerts - I've been to 3 of them!
So did I. Same year. They really were spot on.
I think it says something about a band's quality and consistency that there are so many different personal top 10's on view in the comments below. If you have to categorise the Moodies I think their first 4 albums after Justin and John joined the group were proto-prog and their sound and stellar success (On the Threshold of a Dream was a no.1 album here in the UK) would have persuaded groups like Yes and Genesis to take up that symphonic rock sound and head into even more progressive realms. My MB's top 7 consists of the classic 7 and as Pete often says the order can change from week to week but LDV is also a good album at 8, Octave has its moments at 9 and the Present is at 10 and incidentally "Blue World" from that album was their last top 40 singles chart entry in the UK and was in my opinion being their last top drawer semi-rocker.
Incidentally one of the things about the classic 7 are that the early ballads for want of a better word are not soppy or cliched. Take that wonderful song "The Actor" from Lost Chord an example you referenced, which is full of flute, atmospheric 'tron, subtle acoustic guitars and pitch perfect vocals. They also rocked slightly more often than a casual viewer of this ranking might expect - it's a shame one of their best songs "Simple Game" doesn't appear on the classic 7 albeit the Four Tops of all people took their version of it in to a UK no 3. Unfortunately I hold their music from the Other Side of Life onwards in less esteem only because overall it's a little too poppy and indeed sappy at times for my personal taste and while being the Moodies there are inevitably one or two good songs in there as albums they don't do it for me..
I have only heard two albums with them, In Search Of The Lost Chord and Long Distance Voyager, but I like them both a lot. Atmospheric in the former and pretty solid in the latter
Carl Hult you don’t know what you’re missing.
I have everything the Moody's have recorded, I can't recollect ANYTHING the Moody's have recorded were poor songs. I the MORE you listen, the MORE you love them..hi from Australia stay safe during this VIRUS CRISIS bye for now .
What i would give to here them all for the very first time!... you should take advantage of the opportunity
My opinion: 1.Seventh Sojourn 2.Days of Future Passed 3. A Question of Balance 4.To Our Children's... 5.Threshhold 6.Lost Chord 7.EGBDF // Days of Future Passed marries two concepts; a single day and a human life. It starts with birth (sunrise) and then childhood. "Balloons flying, children sighing. What a day to go kite-flying." Then comes early adulthood: Peak Hour (prime of life) and the sounds of working and hectic responsibilities. Afternoon and Twilight Time are midlife and later adult years leading to retirement. Finally, the goal is to die after a well-lived life in the company of loved ones (particularly a lifelong partner i.e., spouse). I am 40yo, a big fan since 1990 playing vinyl records at age 9, have seen Moodies live and Hayward solo. For much of my life Moodies were my #1 favorite band - certainly no lower than top 3. To me, Lana del Rey captures a similar atmospheric, lush, melancholy vibe. Thanks for the discussion & video.
Such a great show this one. Thanks, folks.
My favorites:
1. To Our Children's Children's Children (Watching and Waiting, Gypsy, Out and In, Eternity Road)
2. A Question Of Balance (Question, How Is It We Are Here?, The Tide Rushes In, Tortoise and Hare, Melancholy Man)
3. On The Threshold Of A Dream (Never Comes The Day, Have You Heard/The Voyage, Dear Diary, Send Me No Wine)
4. In Search Of The Lost Chord (The Actor, Ride My See-Saw, Legend of a Mind, House of Four Doors, Voices In The Sky)
5. Every Good Boy Deserves Favour (The Story In Your Eyes, Our Guessing Game, One More Time To Live, My Song, Nice To Be Here)
6. Days Of Future Passed (The Day Begins, Dawn Is a Feeling, Another Morning, Tuesday Afternoon, Nights in White Satin)
7. Octave (Steppin' In A Slide Zone, Had To Fall In Love, Driftwood, One Step Into The Light, The Day We Meet Again, I'm Your Man)
8. Seventh Sojourn (Lost In A Lost World, You And Me, I'm Just A Singer)
9. Long Distance Voyager (The Voice, Gemini Dream, In My World, Painted Smile)
10. The rest.
We can tip our collective hats to L.S.D. for enhancing the writing, performing and production of the "Classic Seven." Outside of Stevie Wonder's "Fabulous Five" in the 1970s or the Beatles' releases from the mid to late Sixties, there isn't a more incredible body of work accomplished in a succession of albums numbering over five, in history.
I would add the Kinks from Face to Face through Muswell Hillbillies to that list. Another amazing run.
@@catsofsherman1316 Yep
Thank you guys for looking into one of the greatest bands albeit not so popular.
To our children's.... my favourite Moodies album too. It was in the 80s when I heard it for the first time. It made me appreciate Ray Thomas' contribution a lot more than I had previously.
Thank you for doing the Moody Blues. Before King Crimson, before Yes, or Jethro Tull, they were my first favorite band. With their lovely, autumnal melodies, they were the band that explored the possibilities of album-length story telling. A great choice - thanks!
1) In Search of the Lost Chord
2)Days of Future Passed
3)To Our Childrens Children's Children
4)On The Threshold of a Dream
5)A Question of Balance
6)Seventh Sojourn
7)Every Good Boy Deserves Favour
8)Long Distance Voyager
9)Octave
10)The Present
I agree. Core 7 all are great but "In Search" has no waste.
Have loved the Moodies since I heard Story in Your Eyes … top 3 albums are 1) Every Good Boy. 2). In Search. 3). To Our Chidren
That song started me on my journey to the band. Got all their albums, saw them multiple times, met a few of them.
I am thankful that I got to see the Moody Blues in concert on the Long Distance Voyager tour. A fantastic show. Their live versions of every song were very powerful. Even Driftwood, a song I had previously discounted, got a super majestic treatment. " Voyager" was a good album, too, I was exciting to see them make such a great "come back" so to speak.
Pete you ROCK!! It's my favourite and I dared not guess you would name it!. This album exceeds all others in taking you to another place, which is why I listen to them. I saw them three times in the eighties and always wondered how it would be to see them during this period.. Great stuff, man.
saw them in 86 and again in 99 - fantastic - Ray's energetic performance of Legend of a Mind was a highlight
Great show Pete. Like you, for years I was a kind of a casual Moodies fan. For some reason, last year I decided to deep dive their catalog and finally after 50 years, I have a better appreciation for them. As a matter of fact, they’ve been my COVID-19 go-to band.
Beautiful music. What a great band!
For me: 1. In Search of the Lost Chord, 2. Days of Future Passed, 3. Long Distance Voyager. I put Voyager higher because it was the first Moody Blues album I really got into. I knew their past hits (Nights in White Satin, etc.) from the radio of course, but, when I decided to really get into their music, Voyager had just been released, so it was the obvious album to begin with. So, that one has a real personal connection to me (as all music should).
My top 7:
*1)* The Present (I hate *Sitting at the Wheel* single but love everything else on it)
*2)* Long Distance Voyager
*3a)* This is The Moody Blues - first compilation album (best songs of the top 7.
*3b)* Time Traveller (5 disc compilation box set)
*4)* Days of Future Passes
*5)* Seven Sojourn
*6)* Sur la Mer
*7)* The Other Side of Life
“To Our Children’s Children’s Children” is also my favorite, followed by “Long Distance Voyager,” then “Days Of Future Passed.”
Top 7
1 On The Threshold Of A Dream
2 Days Of Future Passed
3 Seventh Sojourn
4 In Search Of The Lost Chord
5 A Question Of Balance
6 To Our Children's Children's Children
7 Every Good Boy Deserves Favour
As a big time Moody Blues fan, this was tough. Every one of these albums are excellent.
Great video, Pete.
The MBs have always been one of my favorite bands, and I first saw them in OKC in '78 on the _Octave_ tour. It was a great show, but I'll admit that I was disappointed in not seeing Pinder; Moraz was a bit spotty at that point, but with hindsight, Moraz did a good job considering the circumstance (much like when he took over for Wakeman in Yes)...and Moraz certainly came into his own on later albums.
Anyway, so many great albums from these guys, but I'll have to say that _To Our Children's..._ is still my fave. BTW, Pete, don't look at "Gypsy" as being "in the middle of the album"...it was the beginning of side 2 ;)
I'll also add that I didn't realize how inventive Lodge was with his bass until the CD remasters came out and I could actually hear his playing as compared to the muddy vinyl mixes.
As far as the "classic 7", I would have to rank _Seventh Sojourn_ last as my #7. I dunno, it always just seemed dark and too short for me.
Fans should definitely check out the _Blue Jays_ album that came out in '75. It's a Moody Blues album that wasn't.
Saw the Moody Blues in the 70's. They closed the show with Ride My See Saw. A great concert.
In search of The Lost chord ...is so good!
Could be better including A SIMPLE GAME
I was studying for my Year 12 certificate (Higher School Certificate, for entry into university/college). We all studied in a common room, very intense, very stressful. Someone would often play Seventh Sojourn, and it was so soothing and melodic. It's remained a favourite memory for that reason. I listened again a few years ago, after 40y, and it's still magnificently majestic. What an album. Thanks guys.
Ranking Moody Blues albums:
1. In Search of the Lost Chord
2. Seventh Sojourn
3. Days of Future Passed
4. Long Distance Voyager
5. To Our Children’s Children’s Children
6. On the Threshold of a Dream
7. Strange Times
8. A Question of Balance
9. Every Good Boy Deserves Favour
10. The Present
11. December
How many groups have released 11 great albums?
Can skip these 5:
12. Octave
13. Other Side of Life
14. Sur le Mer
15. Go Now/Magnificent Moodies
16. Keys of the Kingdom
My brother purchased the recently released Long Distance Voyager and that was my first introduction to the Moody's. A few years later his best friend lent me Caught Live + 5, and I discovered Legend of a Mind. By the next couple years I owned the super 7 and in 1988 I saw them live with Patrick Moraz at the Wolf Trap venue near DC. My first ever rock concert where I was a full-fledged fan of the band. That is why it will always be my best concert experience ever. Great show guys!!! Keep 'em coming.
My favorite MB album is To Our Childrens Childrens Children. I smoked a lot of hash and listened to it with quality headphones back in the day. I don't smoke hash anymore but I still listen to it.
You're right about Threshold having no hits but at least In the Beginning/Lovely to See You gets classic rock play. Nothing is played from Children's.