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  | DEEP PURPLE ~ HARD ROAD: THE MARK 1 STUDIO RECORDINGS 1968-69
PARLOPHONE 825646337415 (Barcode: 825646337415) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1968 - 1969 Released: 2014
This wonderful Box Set includes the expanded and remastered versions of the first three albums by the seminal British band Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist: "Shades Of Deep PurpleFind albums with this title", "The Book Of TaliesynFind albums with this title" and the eponymous "Deep PurpleFind albums with this title". Recorded between May 1968 and March 1969, i.e. in just ten months (!), these are some of Rock and Prog cornerstones of epic proportions, seldom given their due as far as influencing future generations of Rock and especially Prog musicians in the decades to come. The Mark 1 lineup consisted of vocalist Rod EvansFind albums by this artist, guitarist Ritchie BlackmoreFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jon LordFind albums by this artist, bassist Nick SimperFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist, who all contributed as songwriters, although obviously most of the group´s material was created by Lord and Blackmore. On those three albums the band played mostly their own music, but also arranged, quite dramatically one must admit, songs by other songwriters, like John LennonFind albums by this artist / Paul McCartneyFind albums by this artist (twice), DonovanFind albums by this artist, Joe SouthFind albums by this artist, Billy RobertsFind albums by this artist, Neil DiamondFind albums by this artist and others. All three albums were produced by the legendary British produced Derek LawrenceFind albums by this artist.
This Box Set includes both the original mono and stereo mixes (on separate CDs) of the first two albums and the stereo version of the third album. All five CDs are expanded by a plethora of bonus tracks, which include album outtakes, alternate takes, single edits, etc. all of which are studio recordings. For radio (i.e. live in the studio) recordings of the Deep Purple Mark 1 the fans should look up the excellent double CD album entitled "The BBC Sessions 1968–1970Find albums with this title", which collects all Mark 1 BBC recordings on the first CD.
It is also worth remembering that although the next Deep Purple album would be recorded by the Mark 2 lineup with vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist and bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist, musically it belongs very much to what the Mark 1 lineup was doing on the third album, which included elaborate orchestral arrangements. The appropriately titled "Concerto For Group And OrchestraFind albums with this title" album, a pioneering and unprecedented merger of a Rock group with a Symphonic Orchestra, was a direct result of the work initiated on the third album and is a true closure of the Mark 1 chapter. The fifth album however, "In RockFind albums with this title", was a completely new story and came as a reaction to the release of the Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist debut album in early 1969, which also prompted the personnel change from Mark1 to Mark 2. That album embedded Deep Purple´s role as a defining element of the Hard Rock / Heavy Metal genres and Rock music in general.
I often wonder why the role of Deep Purple Mark 1 is almost completely ignored by the Prog snobs. Even under the populist definition of Prog as an amalgam of Rock (electric instruments and rhythmic patterns), Classical (extended melodic and harmonic themes) and Jazz (improvisation), Deep Purple Mark 1 are the essence of Prog, much more so that say early YesFind albums by this artist, GenesisFind albums by this artist and other pretenders to the Big Five. By the same token the roles of other Deep Purple Mark 1 contemporaries, like NiceFind albums by this artist, Moody BluesFind albums by this artist and several others, are similarly completely overlooked, which is a pity to say to say the least. Prog was not just born one day with Robert FrippFind albums by this artist being struck by lightening…
This is an essential piece of history of the formative years of Rock and a beautiful example how great music remains untouched by time and perhaps even gets better in time. I can´t imagine a music library, which does not include these classic recordings, so now is the time to repent and remedy.
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | GENESIS ~ FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION (EXPANDED EDITION)
EDSEL 721 (Barcode: 740155172121) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1967 - 1968 Released: 2005
Debut album by the British Prog legends GenesisFind albums by this artist, who were just teenagers barely out of high school at the time this music was recorded. Vocalist / lyricist Peter GabrielFind albums by this artist, blessed with a unique voice and theatrical delivery way beyond what could be expected from a youthful lad and his mates keyboardist Tony BanksFind albums by this artist, guitarist / bassist Mike RutherfordFind albums by this artist, guitarist Anthony PhillipsFind albums by this artist and drummer John SilverFind albums by this artist delivered a masterpiece of early Prog, which in retrospect (and I know this sounds like a blasphemy) overshadows everything they did later. This concept album, which presents the Biblical story covered by 13 songs, is full of great melodies, clever lyrics and heartfelt delivery. Although the band had no experience performing live before this music was recorded, the album was carefully produced and the orchestral arrangements, done with great taste, were just perfect for the music and solidified the album, hiding whatever shortcoming were there as a result of lack of experience by the band. The resulting music sounds somewhat similar to early Moody BluesFind albums by this artist orchestral extravagancies, but is completely original and sounds today as good as it did at the time. My problem with future Genesis releases is mainly due to the fact that the band, and especially Gabriel, would constantly indulge in ego trips and completely lose self-restrain, which resulted in watering good musical ideas with extensive passages, which contributed nothing of essence (exactly as another Prog legend YesFind albums by this artist). Therefore I love this album more that anything they recorded later. This expanded edition adds a whole additional CD of material, which includes the demos recorded before the album, pre-album singles and album outtakes – in short a goldmine of additional material. This is an absolute must to every Prog fan!
| | | CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | MOODY BLUES ~ A QUESTION OF BALANCE (EXPANDED EDITION)
THRESHOLD 9837706 (Barcode: 602498377062) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2006
6th album by the magnificent Moody BluesFind albums by this artist. After delivering 4 sublime and intensely complex concept albums the group decided to come up this time with a selection of songs, which could provide an easier basis for their live performances, as the elaborate songs on their previous albums were difficult to reproduce live on stage. This approach led to the creation of a much rockier album than anything else they recorded previously, but being what they were it was as good as anything else they ever did. The use of the Mellotron is less dominant this time and the guitar is more prominently featured. All together another timeless classic (yes I know I repeat myself, but what else can I say in this case…). The new edition adds never previously heard bonus tracks and a crystal clear remastered sound, including the SACD 5.1 mix. Essential!
| | Updated: 26/05/2019Posted: | CD 1 Digipak SACD Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | MOODY BLUES ~ DAYS OF FUTURE PASSED (DELUXE EDITION)
DERAM 9832150 (Barcode: 602498321508) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1967 Released: 2006
If there ever was an album that epitomizes the meaning of Progressive Rock this is it! This magnificent new edition of the timeless classic receives the proper treatment at last – almost 40 years after its creation. This is the 2nd album by the Moody BluesFind albums by this artist, recorded in 1967. The group existed a few years before this album was recorded and even scored a huge hit with the song “Go Now” in 1964, which was the basis for their first album (Go Now!Find albums with this title in US and The Magnificent MoodiesFind albums with this title in UK), but at that time the group was playing an entirely different kind of music, namely Rhythm And Blues – typical of scores of other UK groups at the time. The release of this epic work came as a huge surprise, considering the revolutionary (at that time) approach to making music – a marriage of Rock and Classical music, ergo the basis of Progressive Rock. (BTW a similar story applies to another Prog giant – GenesisFind albums by this artist – with their debut album (From Genesis To RevelationFind albums with this title) foretelling very little as to their next album – TrespassFind albums with this title). As mentioned before, this album has everything that defines Prog: it features a Classical Orchestra (The London Festival OrchestraFind albums by this artist) and a Rock group, it is a concept album, the songs are several minutes long, etc., etc. The sheer audacity of placing a Rock group and a Symphony Orchestra in the same recording studio was unthinkable earlier on and considering how well it works is a piece of musical magic. Of course the songs are majestic, with “Nights In White Satin” safely placed at the pantheon of all-time classics. This new edition adds an entire CD of previously never heard material, both studio and live (BBC), which of course is a revelation, considering how long it was kept in the vault and how great it is. The new remasters are pristine and sound better than anything recorded these days and the SACD 5.1 mix is stunning. This is an absolute classic and a must in every record collection.
| | Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: | CD 2 Digipak SACD Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | MOODY BLUES ~ EVERY GOOD BOY DESERVES FAVOUR (EXPANDED EDITION)
THRESHOLD 9845506 (Barcode: 602498455067) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2007
7th album by Moody BluesFind albums by this artist and their 6th opus in four years, which means they were able to produce a new masterpiece every 9 months in addition to almost non-stop touring, surely a most grueling task, which was already creating many internal pressures and conflicts between the band members. However, on the outside everything seemed to be perfect and the Moody Blues managed to sustain the image of a perfect and unstoppable music-making machine. With five songwriters in the band there was never a shortage of new material and the flow of creative powers was simply outstanding. The band also looked constantly to improve and extend their (already magnificent) sound, using newly available versions of the Mellotron and Moog synthesizers. The overall sound becomes even denser, with vocal harmonies and overdubbed instrumental parts creating layers of sound with a dramatic effect matched by no other contemporary group. The material is, as usual, a mixture of beautiful ballads and rocky numbers, all perfectly executed, which withstand the test of time beautifully and remain a classic. The new edition adds never previously heard bonus tracks and a crystal clear remastered sound, including the SACD 5.1 mix. Essential!
| | | CD 1 Digipak SACD Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | MOODY BLUES ~ IN SEARCH OF THE LOST CHORD (DELUXE EDITION)
DERAM 832147 (Barcode: 602498321478) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2006
3rd album in which the Moody BluesFind albums by this artist undertake the impossible task to follow up their previous album, which became an instant absolute classic. Very few rock groups managed to accomplish this, but they surely are one of those few. The group decided to relay on their own strength this time and did not involve an orchestra. Instead they initiated the use of the Mellotron, which proved to be an ample replacement in the hands of Mike PinderFind albums by this artist. The melodies are as beautiful and eloquent as ever, with the group members using a wide array of instruments to enrich the sonic textures. There is of course a distinct psychedelic influence present, not surprising as the album was recorded at the peak of the psychedelic period, but the Moodies turn those influences into something uniquely their own. This new edition adds an entire CD of previously never heard material, both studio and live (BBC), which of course is a revelation, considering how long it was kept in the vault and how great it is. The new remasters are pristine and sound better than anything recorded these days. This is an absolute classic and a must in every record collection.
| | | CD 2 Digipak SACD Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | MOODY BLUES ~ LIVE AT THE BBC 1967-1970
DERAM 602498472026 (Barcode: 602498472026) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1967 - 1970 Released: 2007
This is a collection of BBC Radio recordings by the seminal British Prog group The Moody BluesFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten radio sessions, two TV sessions and a concert, which cover the material included on the three albums by the group on the DeramFind albums on this label Records label: "Days Of Future PassedFind albums with this title", "In Search Of The Lost ChordFind albums with this title" and "On The Threshold Of A DreamFind albums with this title" and two albums on their own ThresholdFind albums on this label Records label: "To Our Children`s Children`s ChildrenFind albums with this title" and "A Question Of BalanceFind albums with this title", altogether forty one tracks on two CDs. All the songs bar one were written by the group´s members.
Following a relatively brief flirt with Pop and the release of their debut album "The Magnificent MoodiesFind albums with this title", the group switched to writing their own material and soon became one of the pioneers of British Progressive Rock and Psychedelia, creating a series of seven magnificent groundbreaking albums between 1967 and 1972. Their music was always deeply melodic and at the same time cleverly sophisticated, using the developing recording techniques to create multilayered epic works, often using Classical Music influences and orchestration combine with advanced use of early synthesizers and electronics.
In retrospect the achievements of The Moody Blues have but a few equals as far as contemporary Popular music is concerned and the music they created at the time seems to be unmatched by almost anything done since as far as expanding the musical horizons is concerned.
The live snippets of their music captured on this album thanks to the BBC open-mindedness and liberal approach to documenting the music being created regardless of its popular appeal, is a time capsule of quality and ingeniousness, which we can only admire today and perhaps set as an example, although with little hope of it being followed anytime soon. Brilliant stuff!
| | Updated: 26/05/2019Posted: 26/05/2019 | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | MOODY BLUES ~ ON THE THRESHOLD OF A DREAM (EXPANDED EDITION)
DERAM 832153 (Barcode: 602498321539) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2006
4th album and the first album the Moody BluesFind albums by this artist really had time to prepare for, as the recording of their previous album (In Search Of The Lost ChordFind albums with this title) was squeezed between grueling touring schedules. Not willing to use an orchestra, they fully utilized (and in many respects invented) the (then) new instrument – the Mellotron – played by Mike PinderFind albums by this artist. Pinder used the Mellotron for the first time on their previous album, but here he really got the grip of the full potential of the instrument, creating new sound vistas previously unimaginable. The original idea of the album was to present two different “sides” of the group, split between the two sides of the LP: on side A they placed a set of more “rocky “ songs and on side B the more complex, lyrical ones, which turned out to be their best to date. It seems the Moodies were unstoppable at creating one masterpiece after another at the time and the combination of great composers and excellent musicians worked as a magic formula. This magnificent new edition adds a set of fascinating bonus tracks, all previously unheard and a new pristine remastered sound, with the SACD 5.1 mix based on the original 1972 Quadraphonic release. Another timeless classic and a must.
| | | CD 1 Digipak SACD Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | MOODY BLUES ~ SEVENTH SOJOURN (EXPANDED EDITION)
THRESHOLD 9845507 (Barcode: 602498455074) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1972 - 1973 Released: 2007
8th album by Moody BluesFind albums by this artist and their 7th opus (as suggested by the title). By the time this album was recorded the band had behind it five years of grueling schedule of non-stop touring and recording, which basically created a complete burnout of everybody’s energies. Nevertheless they still managed to produce yet another masterpiece this time, but it will take 6 years to make the next Moody Blues album (OctaveFind albums with this title – the last album as a quintet) and their glory days were definitely over. Of course the public was unaware at the time of the situation and the group’s (temporary) disintegration came as total surprise. The album includes all the essential Moody Blues ingredients to make it a classic: a great mixture of fabulous songs, some romantic ballads and other up-tempo rockers and rich instrumentation with layers upon layers of sound. Justin HaywardFind albums by this artist, Mike PinderFind albums by this artist, Ray ThomasFind albums by this artist, John LodgeFind albums by this artist and Graeme EdgeFind albums by this artist will stay forever in our minds as creators of cutting-edge music and the seven classic albums constitute one of the mightiest musical achievements of the era. The new edition adds never previously heard bonus tracks (among them the only track recorded in 1973 as part of the failed effort to start the next album) and a crystal clear remastered sound, including the SACD 5.1 mix. Essential!
| | | CD 1 Digipak SACD Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | MOODY BLUES ~ THE MAGNIFICENT MOODIES
REPERTOIRE 5077 (Barcode: 4009910507728) ~ UK ~ Classic Pop
Recorded: 1964 - 1966 Released: 2006
1st album by British group Moody BluesFind albums by this artist, which documents their activities before they turned into a legendary outfit, which pioneered Psychedelic and Progressive Rock at its most beautiful and sophisticated diversity, shortly after this music was recorded. Although they played at the time classic British Pop and Rhythm And Blues, as did countless of their contemporaries, in retrospect it is fascinating to listen to the seeds of their amazing collective talents. In every respect this music is far better than most of the other stuff produced at the time, full of amazing melodies, great vocal harmonies and superb instrumental work. If you are too young to remember this music from the time when it was being played on the radio, this is a great opportunity to get to know it, over 40 years later, as it lost nothing of its original magnificence.
| | Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | MOODY BLUES ~ THE POLYDOR YEARS 1986-1992
POLYDOR 602537894147 (Barcode: 602537894147) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1986 - 1992 Released: 2014
This is a reissue / archival Box Set presenting the music recorded by the seminal British Pop / Rock band The Moody BluesFind albums by this artist between 1986 and 1992. The group enjoyed an enormous, both artistic and commercial, success between 1967 and 1972, with a stream of seven brilliant and innovative albums. A period of concentrating on solo projects between 1974 and 1977 ended, when the band reunited and released an album in 1978 followed by founding member vocalist / keyboardist Mike PinderFind albums by this artist leaving the band for good. The remaining four founding members: vocalist / guitarist Justin HaywardFind albums by this artist, vocalist / bassist John LodgeFind albums by this artist, vocalist / drummer Graeme EdgeFind albums by this artist and vocalist / multi-instrumentalist Ray ThomasFind albums by this artist were joined by ex-YesFind albums by this artist Swiss keyboardist Patrick MorazFind albums by this artist. They released two further albums for DeccaFind albums on this label, until the label was bought by PolydorFind albums on this label, where the story of this Box Set begins.
This Box set includes the remastered and expanded versions of the four albums The Moody Blues released on Polydor: “The Other Side Of LifeFind albums with this title” (1986), “Sur La MerFind albums with this title” (1988), “Keys Of The KingdomFind albums with this title” (1991) and finally the live album “A Night At Red RocksFind albums with this title” (1993) recorded in 1992 with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, expanded to two CDs. Also included is a live CD “The Other Side Of Life Tour”, as well as a DVD of “A Night At Red Rocks” and another DVD with the documentary “The Other Side Of Red Rocks” and finally a vinyl single – altogether six CDs, two DVDs and a vinyl single, a hardcover book with essays and photographs - quite a package indeed.
Although the music produced by The Moody Blues during this period is often dismissed by fans and critics alike, this is completely unjustified. They retained four of their founding members with their brilliant vocal harmonies and incredible songwriting talents and although the keyboards work by Moraz bears many of the dreaded 1980s synthesizer sound characteristics, it can be accepted as part of the time’s ambience.
Overall, this Box Set is an incredible time capsule and a loving tribute to one of the greatest Classic Rock bands of all time. It offers a remarkable opportunity to re-discover (or simply discover) this chapter in the band’s activity and witness a process of musician that are able to age well and remain productive. I had an unexpected fun to listen to this music, a joyous ride indeed!
| | Updated: 27/09/2021Posted: 27/09/2021 | CD 9 Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | MOODY BLUES ~ TO OUR CHILDREN`S CHILDREN`S CHILDREN (DELUXE EDITION)
THRESHOLD 9832156 (Barcode: 602498321560) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2006
5th album and perhaps their grandest “magnum opus” of all. With layers upon layers of overdubbed instruments and vocals the resulting sound is truly monumental. Superb songwriting, as usual, produced some of the most interesting compositions the group ever recorded. Although a great artistic success, this album was perhaps a bit “before its time” for many Moody BluesFind albums by this artist fans at the time of its release. The album was released on the Moodies own record label, called ThresholdFind albums on this label, which was created to enable them more artistic and economic freedom. This new edition adds an entire CD of previously never heard material, both studio and live (BBC), which of course is a revelation, considering how long it was kept in the vault and how great it is. The new remasters are pristine and sound better than anything recorded these days and the SACD 5.1 mix (based on the original 1972 Quadraphonic release) is stunning. This is an absolute classic and a must in every record collection.
| | Updated: 26/05/2019Posted: | CD 2 Digipak SACD Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
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