DRIFTWOOD

I'm writing this review in memory of Graeme Edge, the drummer of The Moody Blues, who passed away yesterday. In January 2018 we lost another member of the classic line-up, singer-songwriter and flautist Ray Thomas (who hadn't been fully involved in the band's later years, which is a pity in my opinion). I figured out from the words of Justin Hayward that Graeme Edge was an important member whose presence helped the band maintain their activity through the decades. Of course he wasn't a mere drummer; like each member, also he wrote some songs -- although fewer than others -- and served as a vocalist. But onto this single.

Octave (1978) was the first Moodies album in six years. The members had released several solo albums, and Justin Hayward & John Lodge also their collaborative work Blue Jays in 1975. In 1978 times were different, even the persons themselves had changed (most considerably Mike Pinder who had moved to California -- sadly this was the last time he was involved with the group), and it was obvious the band couldn't sound the same as on their halcyon days of 'the classic seven' albums. Let's be straight, Octave IS a weak and lame album with lots of uninteresting songs. I'd say this all-mellow single is slightly on the higher level than the whole album.

'Driftwood' is Justin Hayward's lush, light and romantic ballad in a slow tempo. Not bad at all in that particular song style. Funnily, according to Wikipedia "shortly after release, a promotional video was recorded for Driftwood. The video features Patrick Moraz on the keyboards, although Mike Pinder is playing the keyboards in the actual recording. The song also includes an alto saxophone which is played by session musician R.A. Martin, although Ray Thomas is depicted playing the alto saxophone in the video."

On the B-side is a Ray Thomas song 'I'm Your Man' which is almost equally peaceful and romantic. In one of the Octave reviews it's harshly referred to as "an orchestrated turkey". Well, I actually like it. It's very much in the same vein as Thomas' two solo albums had been. The arrangement works fairly well, and Ray's warm voice sounds as lovely as ever. Admittedly the lyrics are syrupy.

The single spent seven weeks on the U.S. Billboard charts and peaked at No. 59.