IN SEARCH OF THE LOST CHORD

Like "Question of Balance" we have a Moodies classic (Ride my see-saw) followed by a "comic"number, this time in the shape of "Dr Livingstone I presume". The album starts off with a Graeme Edge poem "Departure", about which the kindest thing I can say is "it is of its time". Unlike its successor however, this album has a succession of excellent tracks, culminating the Indian-flavoured "Om". There is more than a hint of 60s psychedelic here, particularly in "Legend of a Mind" which name checks drug guru Timothy Leary (check out the "Legend of a Mind" box set reviewed on this site). "Voices in the sky" is a beautiful Hayward number which highlights his voice (one of the best in prog, I would say). The production is also very 1960s, with instruments positioned at the far edges of the stereo spectrum, as was the fashion in those days. The two part epic "House of four doors" which sits either side of "Legend of a Mind" is another great song, divided up by the sound of an opening door. This album is not really a progressive rock album but is a classic of psychedelic pop in a similar way to Sgt Pepper.

The recently reissued version is a two disc set, the first being an SACD/CD hybrid version of the original album and the second consisting of alternate mixes, instrumental versions and some live tracks from the BBC.