MOODY BLUES
Moody Blues - Days of Future Passed (50th. Anniversary Deluxe Edition) (2 x CD's)
This 2CD/DVD deluxe set includes the full original 1967 stereo mix, which is being released on CD here for the first time. Due to a damaged master tape of the original mix, the album had been remixed in stereo in 1972 and since then it is this later mix, which has been used on all CD reissues. Now that technology allows for the original master to be repaired, the album can be fully represented on CD1 of the set for the first time. This new set also includes a 5.1 surround sound mix derived from the original 1972 Quad mix. Additionally, the DVD comprises previously unreleased video footage of the band performing three key tracks from the album at MIDEM on 24th January 1968, eight weeks after its release. One of the first albums to fuse rock music with an orchestra, Days of Future Past is regarded as one of the albums that gave birth to Prog Rock.
Days of Future Passed is the second album and first concept album by English prog rock band The Moody Blues, released in November 1967 by Deram Records. With its fusion of orchestral and rock elements, it has been cited as one of the first examples of progressive rock. The album was recorded at a time when the Moody Blues were suffering financial difficulties and lack of critical and commercial success. Their parent label, Decca Records offered them a chance to record a stereo LP that combined their music with orchestral interludes. They decided to compose a suite of songs about the life of everyday man, with the group and orchestra mostly playing separately and mixed together. It was a moderate success upon release, but following steady radio airplay, particularly of the hit single "Nights in White Satin", it became a top ten US hit in 1972. It has since been listed among the most important albums of 1967 by Rolling Stone. (Wikipedia)
Days of Future Passed was an outstanding technical achievement for its time. The record label Deram wanted to show off its new studio recording techniques by having The Moody Blues record a Dvorák symphony in this "Deramic Stereo Sound" process, which The Moodies did not want to do. Instead, new comers Justin Hayward and John Lodge wrote an incredible Day-In-The-Life concept idea of celebrating the day itself--Dawn, Afternoon, Twilight, and Nighttime. Then Peter Knight wrote the symphonic score to these pop tunes to underscore the Moody Blues' original songs, using the London Festival Orchestra. The result was a lush sounding, extremely innovative pop album, which blew the minds of critics and fans alike. Now we can hear the beautifully remastered album in all its glory, with the inclusion of extra tracks that complement the making of this album (the 1968 singles recorded with the newcomers Hayward and Lodge a few months before the actual recording of this album). The flow of this album is unlike anything recorded in that year--even "Sgt. Pepper..." had not reached this level of sound and concept. The only album that matches this idea first brought to our ears by The Moddy Blues is Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon recorded five years later--the penultimate concept album, which almost entirely matches the "A Day in the Life "concept created by the brilliant Moody Blues. The fade in of the gong versus the thumping heartbeats, and the reprises of melodies on both albums certainly are not coincidental. The Moody Blues took the concept approach and created one of the most fantastic sounding albums in the year when 4 track recording was standard, and singles were more important than albums. Days of Future Passed is the one album everyone who loves the concept format in pop should have. (Amazon)
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Track list
CD1
1. The Day Begins
2. Dawn: Dawn Is A Feeling
3. The Morning: Another Morning
4. Lunch Break: Peak Hour
5. The Afternoon
6. Evening
7. The Night
8. Long Summer Days
9. Please Think About It
10. Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood - BBC Saturday Club Session
11. Love And Beauty - BBC Easybeat Session
12. Leave This Man Alone - BBC Easybeat Session
13. Peak Hour - BBC Easybeat Session
14. Nights In White Satin - BBC Dave Symonds Session
15. Fly Me High - BBC Dave Symonds Session
16. Twilight Time - BBC Dave Symonds Session
CD2
1. The Day Begins
2. Dawn: Dawn Is A Feeling
3. The Morning: Another Morning
4. Lunch Break: Peak Hour
5. The Afternoon
6. Evening
7. The Night
8. Tuesday Afternoon - Alternate Mix
9. Dawn: Dawn Is A Feeling - Alternate Version
10. The Sun Set - Alternate Version
11. Twilight Time - Alternate Vocal Mix
12. Fly Me High - Mono Mix
13. I Really Haven't Got The Time - Mono Mix
14. Love And Beauty - Mono Mix
15. Leave This Man Alone - Mono Mix
16. Nights In White Satin - Single Version / Mono Mix
17. Cities - Mono Mix
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Track list
CD1
1. The Day Begins
2. Dawn: Dawn Is A Feeling
3. The Morning: Another Morning
4. Lunch Break: Peak Hour
5. The Afternoon
6. Evening
7. The Night
8. Long Summer Days
9. Please Think About It
10. Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood - BBC Saturday Club Session
11. Love And Beauty - BBC Easybeat Session
12. Leave This Man Alone - BBC Easybeat Session
13. Peak Hour - BBC Easybeat Session
14. Nights In White Satin - BBC Dave Symonds Session
15. Fly Me High - BBC Dave Symonds Session
16. Twilight Time - BBC Dave Symonds Session
CD2
1. The Day Begins
2. Dawn: Dawn Is A Feeling
3. The Morning: Another Morning
4. Lunch Break: Peak Hour
5. The Afternoon
6. Evening
7. The Night
8. Tuesday Afternoon - Alternate Mix
9. Dawn: Dawn Is A Feeling - Alternate Version
10. The Sun Set - Alternate Version
11. Twilight Time - Alternate Vocal Mix
12. Fly Me High - Mono Mix
13. I Really Haven't Got The Time - Mono Mix
14. Love And Beauty - Mono Mix
15. Leave This Man Alone - Mono Mix
16. Nights In White Satin - Single Version / Mono Mix
17. Cities - Mono Mix
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Big Moody Blues fan, here - so thank you for this special edition, Butter, and for "Lost Chord" as well. But... fifty years???
ReplyDeleteMe too . Actually 52 years now.
DeleteI don't think there is an album in their catalog that I don't like. Great sound on headphones.
Cheers
I second the motion, sir... although I haven't given much of a listen to the "bookends" - "The Magnificent Moodies" and "December". Here again is a musical act that grips the soul as much for its outlook/atmosphere, as its skillful voices/instruments, as segments of my life and heart it's soundtracked. Thanks again for sharing!
DeleteMuch appreciated. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, copacetic47.
DeleteCheers
ZIPPY SHARE NO LONGER IS AVAILABLE~LOVE THE MUSIC
DeleteHi bbtdog,
DeleteNew link established, Tested and working.
Cheers.
The link seems to be down. Any chance of a re-post? Please and thank you, Ron
ReplyDeleteHi Ron37.
DeleteNew links established, tested and working.
Cheers.
Fantastic. Thanks so much. This is such a great release!
Delete