Moody Blues

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I am a Moody Blues fan and have been for many years. I believe that their legacy is often overshadowed by many more popular bands; but they do have an enduring legacy.  They were the first band to use full orchestra on the totality of their album, Day of Future Past, 12/1967.  This album was the first concept album.  The idea is simple, a series of songs that each portray musically and lyrically a part of the day.  There second album is also a concept album. Sgt Pepper's is often lauded as the first, but what is the concept. Is it the death of the Beatles, a criticism of the media, Life sucks?  Sure the songs have meaning but their is no concept to the album.  Where as George Martin dabbled in the mellotron for the intro of Strawberry Fields and Harrison used sitar for Norwegian Wood and Within You and Without You, The Moody Blues fully integrated these sounds into the band.  The Mellotron would come to define prog in Crimson and Genesis, the two quintessiantial early prog bands. So two of the most important aspects of prog, the concept album and the use of exotic instruments, were fully championed by the Moody Blues.  Brian Eno was a Moody Blues fan.  His work in ambiant music with Fripp, Talking Heads and Harold Budd comes right out of their work. (never mind U2)

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ken4musiq Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: January 14 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 446	Topic: Moody Blues Posted: January 24 2006 at 17:41
	I am a Moody Blues fan and have been for many years. I believe that their legacy is often overshadowed by many more popular bands; but they do have an enduring legacy. They were the first band to use full orchestra on the totality of their album, Day of Future Past, 12/1967. This album was the first concept album. The idea is simple, a series of songs that each portray musically and lyrically a part of the day. There second album is also a concept album. Sgt Pepper's is often lauded as the first, but what is the concept. Is it the death of the Beatles, a criticism of the media, Life sucks? Sure the songs have meaning but their is no concept to the album. Where as George Martin dabbled in the mellotron for the intro of Strawberry Fields and Harrison used sitar for Norwegian Wood and Within You and Without You, The Moody Blues fully integrated these sounds into the band. The Mellotron would come to define prog in Crimson and Genesis, the two quintessiantial early prog bands. So two of the most important aspects of prog, the concept album and the use of exotic instruments, were fully championed by the Moody Blues. Brian Eno was a Moody Blues fan. His work in ambiant music with Fripp, Talking Heads and Harold Budd comes right out of their work. (never mind U2)

roaryg Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Groupie Joined: August 11 2005 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 73	Posted: January 24 2006 at 21:28
	It is generally acknowledged that Sgt. Pepper's changed rock music and will be remembered as a historically important album long after we are all gone. Many musicians of the time have commented how stunning and eye-opening the album was, and it was after Sgt. Pepper's that prog really started to take off, mainly because the Beatles used their pop music success to make new musical directions acceptable to fans and critics. Who cares if the concept wasn't as simple as Days of Future Past or they didn't use a mellotron. I like the Moodies too but I think Sgt. Pepper's is a stronger, more memorable album. Concepts and mellotron are nice, but don't define prog. If I remember correctly Pink Floyd was doing prog in the early 60s as an underground band while the Beatles and the Moodies were doing commercial pop stuff. Zappa and Tangerine Dream also did nice prog in the 60s without mellotron, I'm sure there are others. Edited by roaryg
	Tim FM, Nash the Slash, Camel

Peter Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: January 31 2004 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 9669	Posted: January 24 2006 at 22:13
	*Moody blues:* *She goes runnin' to the shelter of her "mother's little helper"....*
	"And, has thou slain the Jabberwock? Come to my arms, my beamish boy! O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!' He chortled in his joy.