I tend to think of them as symphonic/psychedelic AND progressive, at least from 67-72. King Crimson just took it further musically.
"Improvisation is not an excuse for musical laziness" - Fred Frith
"[...] things that we never dreamed of doing in Crimson or in any band that I've been in," - Tony Levin speaking of SGM
It's probably a question that would've been asked to them in the 90's anyways
MIL, I don't know what age you are, but your comment seems to lack a bit of historical clairvoyance and perspective, maybe due to a substantially younger age
It may appear that way to you today, but back in 67, them, The Nice, Procol, and a few more were at the cutting edge of groundbreaking rock (not a newly-created rock genre, if I may precise mu thought)...
I'd say that until at least Threshold, these guys were groundbreakers (only The Beatles had their own record label by that time)... While I still like FOCCC, I tend to think they just repeat the tried and proven formula until 7S from Threshold onwards.
Their influences are clearly felt in FGTR, and Family seems to be the most obvious one (and I never heard much Bee Gees influences in that record, except maybe in JK's production
exactly... them, Procol and The Nice... but this is a bit of a revisionist stance, since as early as 67, no-one ever used the tag prog rock... the word used for psych and art rock back then was also underground rock - which sounds very misleading, since TMB and Whiter Shade of Pale were anything but underground, because of their massive commercial success.
Art Rock, certainly (and this can encompass anything anyways)... prog and proto not existing back then. not sure I hear enough "folk" in their music to make "folk rock", though
TBH and to my ears, the symphonic label would only really apply to DOFP...
This...
my music collection increased tenfolds when I switched from drug-addicts to complete nutcases.
I felt Moody Blues were more Symphonic than any other description. For example several of the French Symphonic Prog bands of the 70's were a mixture of acoustic oriented European Folk with mellotron and the Moody Blues had this quality, maybe it feels too obviously dated when listening to their music to acknowledge any detail. Originally labeled Art Rock , their composition expressed an artistic quality in the late 60's and a bit off beat as they appealed to the underground hippie movement in the U.S. The panning effects from right speaker to left seemed to impress people . The storytelling and concept of the album.
New interview with Graeme Edge where he talks about the current tour where they are playing "Days of Future Passed" in its entirety, his recovery from a stroke and why they are done making new music:
http://villagenews.com/entertainment...y-blues-album/
I didn't realize Graeme had a stroke last year. Glad to hear he's recovering.
It would be nice if they assigned someone to write an article who actually knows something about the band. This is a pretty sophomoric piece, but the coverage is still welcome. (Based on the comments, he even had "Knights in White Satin," as the title of the timeless track. Really?)
"The White Zone is for loading and unloading only. If you got to load or unload go to the White Zone!"
been slowly getting into them past few months and just grabbed some discounted tickets to see em when they come by in a few weeks.
still not totally sold on them but I am looking forward to seeing them live (even knowing it will not be up to the classic era likely)
Are Mike and Ray making any appearances with them this summer? I can't imagine anyone else singing their songs from Days of Future Passed.
Good point, but everything I've heard says they are not part of this tour. Whoever goes, let us know how they addressed that "issue"...
Mike Pinder hasn't had anything to do with the Moody Blues since just after they finished recording Octave. His departure was by all counts quite acrimonious. He hasn't expressed any interest in getting back together with them. I doubt he's even gone to one of their concerts since he's been out of the band. On the Classic Artists DVD, he says - and I paraphrase - "Why would I want to go and see them? It would be like going to watch another man make love to my ex-wife."
Ray Thomas has several serious heath issues, the most pressing of which is inoperable prostate cancer, which he's been treated for since 2014. According to Wikipedia, since he has received treatment, his cancer has been in remission.
saw them last night. no mike or ray. another odd thing about the full album playback was that during the orchestral bits they all just kinda stood there.
sorta feels like they shoulda gone all out and got a orchestra sure it would have been more expensive but its is the 50th. it is a shame that they did all those orchestra shows back in the 90s when ray Thomas was still there and they never thought to do a full album playthrough (maybe coulda lured pinder out for a one off too back then).
still fairly enjoyable evening and I am glad they are doing something unique was looking at some of their setlists over the past few years and seemed like they had gotten into a bit of a rut so some fresh songs is nice. was also kinda surprised nervous from long distance voyager was played a album track from the 80s. although they didn't play Gemini dream or other side of life which kinda disappointed me being a bit more into the 80s stuff overall as a moraz fan.
I think I would see em again given the opportunity though I don't think I would drive quite as far as I did for this one.
side note once again accosted by a older person this one even more outrageous than usual
annoying old lady walks up and looks over my shoulder as I am on my phone 30 minutes before the show starts (I am alone cause my girlfriend did not feel like taking the long drive)
old lady: phones what a strange thing
me (knowing what is happening): polite nod trying to not engage
several seconds of silence
her: does that help you enjoy the show?
me: the show has not started yet.
she laughs and walks off
really? I know many on this board are somewhat older than me so please if you see someone young at your show be happy that music of that era can still reach young people not mad about the fact that we lead our lives slightly different than you do. if you want to engage with us ask how we got into the band or something don't try and act like some sort of superior fan just cause you were alive when they released the classic albums.
rant over.
So, how do you define "old lady." I want to see if my old lady fits the category.
Anyway, glad you enjoyed the show. Did they sound good?
"The White Zone is for loading and unloading only. If you got to load or unload go to the White Zone!"
Pinder and Thomas sang quite a few tracks on the original Days Of Future Passed (the bridge of 'Dawn Is A Feeling', 'Another Morning', 'The Sun Set', 'Twilight Time'). As such a 'play it in full' job without them doesn't have much purpose IMHO.
feel like she was pushing 70 though like I said I didn't really look at her cause I didn't want to get involved and then maybe say something ruder if it went on longer. most 40-50 year old folks are fairly well versed in phones given the number of people taking videos I saw.
sounded good. they have a good set of backing musicians it is kinda odd actually watching Graeme edge cause he doesn't really play much so that is kinda sad but if he is happy can't criticize too much.
lodge and Hayward sounded solid though like I said I am a fairly new fan so can't speak too well on that sort of thing.
Bookmarks