Moody Blues - Question of Balance Super-Audio CD

Question of Balance songs Recorded live at the Fillmore East, New York, New York on March 12-13, 1971. Originally released on Capricorn. Ultradiscs are mastered from the original master tapes using Mobile Fidelity's proprietary mastering technique, then plated with 24-karat gold and housed in a stress-resistant lift-lock jewel box. The original Fillmore East album is one of the finest live documents of the rock era, capturing the original line-up of one of the '70s' tightest outfits before they were cruelly robbed of Duane Allman and Berry Oakley. Taken from five 1971 performances at New York's fabled Fillmore East, the extended and effortlessly melodic workouts of "In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed" and "Whipping Post" still have the power to rivet and move. On display here is the Allmans' fabled chemistry at its finest. The band not only rocks, it rolls, swings, and stretches out in exploratory, jazzy passages. The dual guitar interplay of Duane Allman and Dickey Betts glides effortlessly over the propulsive rhythm section of Oakley and twin drummers Jaimoe and Butch Trucks, while Greg Allman's powerful blues voice and melodic keyboard work provides the icing on the cake. Though the later-released THE FILLMORE CONCERTS presents these songs in their original entirety, AT FILLMORE EAST, with its seamless edits of multiple performances, may be the superior recording. It highlights all the glint and sparkle of what still ranks among the best jamming committed to record. The Allman Brothers Band: Gregg Allman (vocals, piano, organ); Duane Allman (guitar, slide guitar); Dickey Betts (guitar); Berry Oakley (bass instrument); Jai Johanny Johanson (drums, congas, timbales); Butch Trucks (drums, timpani). Personnel: Berry Oakley (bass guitar); Jaimoe Johnson (drums, congas, timbales). Recording information: The Fillmore East (03/12/1971/03/13/1971). Photographer: Jim Marshall . Arranger: The Allman Brothers Band. The Allman Brothers Band: Gregg Allman (vocals, piano, organ); Dickey Betts (guitar); Duane Allman (guitar, slide guitar); Berry Oakley (bass); Jai Johanny Johanson (drums, congas, timbales); Butch Trucks (drums, timpani). Additional personnel: Thom Doucette (harmonica).

Question of Balance CD music Though this 1971 release was issued at a time of enormous commercial success for the Moody Blues, EVERY GOOD BOY DESERVES FAVOUR contains some of the band's most adventurous music. The band had recently discovered the Moog synthesizer, and its presence is felt on much of the album. The opening "Procession" instantly sets this collection's experimental course, landing like a spacecraft among reams of cascading synthesizer before evolving into a soundscape of cricket chirps, thunderclaps, and tribal chanting. The next three minutes contain one of the most cathartic sonic explorations the band has ever put forth. Other standout tracks include "After You Came," which features tessellated vocal layering and bluesy guitar work; "Emily," a song that John Lodge wrote for his daughter; and the rapturously symphonic "You Can Never Go Home." Rich, complex, powerful, and beautifully produced, EVERY GOOD BOY DESERVES FAVOUR brings together all of the Moody Blues' best qualities in one album, standing as the culmination of their fine '60s work, and the standard-bearer for the music to come. Import-only SACD/Hybrid pressing. 2007 digitally remastered digipack edition of this 1971 classic featuring the original stereo mix and the 5.1 Surround Sound mix plus added tracks along with an expansive booklet containing sleeve notes and rare photographs. Features two previously unreleased tracks: 'The Story In Your Eyes' (Original Version) and 'The Dreamer'. 11 tracks total. Decca. Contains 2 Bonus Tracks. The Moody Blues: Mike Pinder (keyboards); John Lodge (bass instrument); Graeme Edge (percussion); Justin Hayward , Ray Thomas. Personnel: Justin Hayward (vocals, guitar); Ray Thomas (vocals, flute, harmonica, percussion); Michael Pinder (vocals, keyboards); John Lodge (vocals); Graeme Edge (drums). Audio Mixer: Paschal Byrne. Audio Remasterers: Justin Hayward ; Paschal Byrne; Alberto Parodi. Recording information: Tollington Park Studios, London, England (11/04/1970-11/09/1970); Wessex Studios (11/04/1970-11/09/1970). Photographer: Barry Plummer.

Question of Balance buy CD music This is a DTS CD, which features DTS 5.1 Surround Sound technology and is playable on a DTS-capable 5.1 Surround Sound system. While the Moodies were never exactly a rocker's delight, SEVENTH SOJOURN, the seventh recording with the post-Denny Laine lineup, is perhaps their most ballad-heavy album. Ironically, the album's biggest hit, which would become one of the group's signature songs, was the uncharacteristically uptempo "I'm Just a Singer in a Rock and Roll Band." Elsewhere, appearances are equally deceiving; interpersonal tensions had developed in the band to the point where there wouldn't be another Moody Blues album for six years, but the album is full of slow, romantic musings, not signs of strife. As usual, it's Justin Hayward, he of the silky voice and heart-on-a-sleeve lyricism, who excels at all this romantic balladry, his contributions being the most melodic and affecting. John Lodge's aforementioned "I'm Just a Singer" is far and away the most energetic tune, but it closes the album and doesn't disturb the contemplative mood. Ironically, though the band was coming apart, they were also reaching new heights. Keyboardist Mike Pinder had traded in his Mellotron for its more sophisticated cousin, the Chamberlain, which provided an improved overall sound on SEVENTH SOJOURN. Import-only SACD/Hybrid pressing. 2007 digitally remastered digipack edition of this 1972 classic featuring the original stereo mix and the 5.1 Surround Sound mix plus added tracks along with an expansive booklet containing sleeve notes and rare photographs. Features four previously unreleased tracks: 'Isn't Life Strange' (Original Version), 'You And Me' (Beckthorn's Backing Track), 'Lost In A Lost World' (Instrumental Demo) and 'Island'. 12 tracks total. Decca. Digitally remastered by Steve Fallone (Polygram Studios). All tracks have been digitally remastered. Contains 4 Bonus Tracks. Recorded at Tollington Park Studios, London, England. Recorded at Tollington Park Studios, London, England. Originally released on Threshold (7). Includes liner notes by John Reed. Audio Remasterers: Justin Hayward ; Paschal Byrne; Alberto Parodi. Recording information: Beckthorns (01/??/1972-02/14/1973); Decca Studios Tollington Park (01/??/1972-02/14/1973); Decca Studios, Tollington Park, London, England (01/??/1972-02/14/1973); Tollington Park Studios, London, England (01/??/1972-02/14/1973). Photographer: Barry Plummer. The Moody Blues: Mike Pinder, Justin Hayward, Ray Thomas, John Lodge, Graeme Edge.

Question of Balance album for sale Originally released on Deram (1035). Includes liner notes by John Reed. Where this album's predecessor IN SEARCH OF THE LOST CHORD dipped deeply into Eastern-flavored psychedelia, THRESHOLD is more of a straightforward rock record. Things open up experimentally enough, with a spoken-word vignette over electronic drones, but this leads straight into one of the Moodies' poppiest, most up-tempo songs, "Lovely to see You," which would remain a concert favorite for decades. Even notoriously theatrical flautist/vocalist Ray Thomas keeps his eccentricities in check on his effective ballad "Dear Diary." Keyboardist Mike Pinder takes a surprisingly lascivious vocal turn on the anomalous, leering rocker "So Deep Within You." Justin Hayward provides the lion's share of ear-tickling moments with pretty folk-rock tunes such as "Never Comes the Day" and "Are you Sitting Comfortably," while the most adventurous piece "Have you Heard/The Voyage" extends over three discrete tracks, featuring complex instrumental passages and lush harmonies. THRESHOLD doesn't come off as an attempt to cater to the mainstream, it's just a more song-based, less exotic recording than its predecessors. Digitally remastered by Steve Fallone (PolyGram Studios). Includes liner notes by David Lymonds and Lionel Bart. Additional Tracks Audio Remasterers: Justin Hayward ; Paschal Byrne; Alberto Parodi. Liner Note Author: David Symonds. Recording information: Decca Studio One, West Hampstead, England (01/14/1969-02/23/1969); Decca Studio One, West Hapstead (01/14/1969-02/23/1969); Decca Studio One, West Hampstead, England (01/14/1969-04/02/1969); Decca Studio One, West Hapstead (01/14/1969-04/02/1969). Photographers: Terence Abbott; David Wedgbury; Barry Plummer. Unknown Contributor Roles: Graeme Edge; John Lodge; Michael Pinder; Ray Thomas. The Moody Blues: Mike Pinder, Justin Hayward, Ray Thomas, John Lodge, Graeme Edge. Additional personnel: Pete Jackson (triangle).

Question of Balance CD music The Moodies were a prolific lot in the late '60s. This, the post-Denny Laine lineup's fourth album, was the second to be released in 1969. It was the group's most mature, fully realized effort to date, arguably surpassing even the milestone DAYS OF FUTURE PASSED in its elegance and vision. The Moodies were always capable of both songcraft and experimentalism, but this was the first time they combined them both successfully. Mike Pinder's dramatically arcing mellotron is the perfectly complement to the group's lush vocal harmonies, which are colored by rich acoustic guitar textures. Things open on a mind-bendingly psychedelic note with the electrical storm of "Higher and Higher," but soon the waters calm. Justin Hayward's brief acoustic ballad "I Never Thought I'd Live to be a Hundred" is among the band's loveliest tunes, and it leads into "Beyond," an ambitious instrumental that is the Moodies at their most progressive. Throughout the album, the mixture of winningly melodic balladry, poignant folk-rock and ambitious prog-rock leanings combine for what is one of the Moody Blues' most satisfying albums. Additional Tracks; Deluxe Edition All tracks have been digitally remastered. The Moody Blues: Graeme Edge, John Lodge, Ray Thomas, Justin Hayward, Mike Pinder. Engineers: Derek Varnals, Adrian Martins, Robin Thompson. The Moody Blues: Justin Hayward , Graeme Edge, John Lodge, Mike Pinder, Ray Thomas. Audio Mixer: Derek Varnals. Audio Remasterers: Justin Hayward ; Alberto Parodi. Recording information: BBC Paris Theatre (07/??/1969-12/17/1969); Decca Studio One, West Hampstead, England (07/??/1969-12/17/1969). Photographers: Derek Varnals; Barry Plummer. The Moody Blues: Justin Hayward, Mike Pinder, John Lodge, Ray Thomas, Graeme Edge.

Question of Balance buy CD music After helping lay the groundwork for concept albums and progressive rock with 1967's orchestra-enhanced suite DAYS OF FUTURE PASSED, the Moodies retrenched for the follow-up. They abandoned the orchestra but kept their sound as rich as before by playing a multitude of instruments themselves, including everything from sitar to cello to oboe. At the time, it was remarkable enough for these instruments to appear on a rock record, much less to be played by the band itself. The string-laden conceptual pieces of DAYS were replaced by shorter, more concise songs that leaned more toward Beatlesque pop and displayed a pronounced Eastern influence. Graham Edge's short spoken-word pieces provide a properly arty framework for the Moodies' blend of swooping mellotron, haunting flute, and rich, multi-tracked harmonies. The slightly Hollies-ish "Ride my Seesaw," one of the band's strongest rockers, is a highlight. Flutist/vocalist Ray Thomas provides the quirky Britishness so essential to '60s UK pop-rock with his music-hall-on-acid number "Dr. Livingstone I Presume." The soaring harmonies of "Legend of a Mind" work in praise of Timothy Leary and his "trips to astral planes." IN SEARCH OF THE LOST CHORD is the most exotic, trippy album in the Moodies' catalog. Includes liner notes by John Reed. Includes liner notes by Tony Clarke. Additional Tracks; Deluxe Edition Originally released on Deram (711). The Moody Blues: Justin Hayward , Graeme Edge, John Lodge, Mike Pinder, Ray Thomas. Personnel: Justin Hayward (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, 12-string guitar, sitar, piano, harpsichord, Mellotron, bass guitar, tabla, percussion); Michael Pinder (vocals, acoustic guitar, autoharp, cello, piano, harpsichord, Mellotron, bass guitar); John Lodge (vocals, acoustic guitar, cello, bass guitar, snare drum, tambourine); Ray Thomas (vocals, flute, alto flute, soprano saxophone); Graeme Edge (vocals, piano, drums, tabla, tambourine, timpani). Audio Remasterers: Justin Hayward ; Paschal Byrne; Alberto Parodi. Recording information: Decca Studio Number One, West Hampstead, England (01/13/1968-10/12/1968); Decca Studios, West Hampstead, London, England (01/13/1968-10/12/1968). Moody Blues: Justin Hayward (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, 12-string guitar, sitar, harpsichord, piano, Mellotron, bass, percussion, tablas); Mike Pinder (acoustic guitar, cello, autoharp, harpsichord, Mellotron, piano, bass); John Lodge (acoustic guitar, cello, bass, tambourine, snare drum, background vocals); Ray Thomas (C flute, alto flute, soprano saxophone, background vocals); Graeme Edge (piano, drums, timpani, tambourine, tablas).