Kevin's Watch

I grew up with a wide range of musical influences...classical,big band and jazz from my parents, southern rock from my oldest brother, psychedelic rock from my second brother, and pop rock from brother number three. Being the baby, I absorbed it all and appreciated the many wonderful artists I was exposed to. However, when I finally discovered the Moody Blues at the tender age of 10...I was hooked. Sneaking into brother # 2's room and playing his albums was forbidden....yet I couldn't help hijacking his Seventh Sojourn album...and probably scratching the heck out of it. And I completely fell in love with this band.

When I grew up I never missed an opportunity to see the band in concert and even now though only three of the original band members still tour, they never fail to draw a big and appreciative audience.

I can't pick a favorite song but everyone who loves rock and roll knows Nights in White Satin. Justin Hayward gets a huge ovation for this song....some of them lasting as long as 5 minutes.

My daughter, Sydney has followed in my footsteps and, even though she's only 20, she attends concerts with me now. Olivia, my 16 year old likes them, too...and has introduced some of her friends to the music....everyone always says, "Hey I like that song but I didn't know who did it."

So, does anyone else share my passion for the Moody Blues???? Probably not....but they're worth a listen every now and again!

Welcome to Vespers, Kim.
Glad you found your way here.

I've only seen the Moody Blues once, and that was back when Patrick Moraz was playing with them.

I love their older albums, but I think my favorite is Every Good Boy Deserves Favor, with the track One More Time to Live being my favorite on that. Not that I dislike the hits, oh no. I just really resonate with that one song...

The Story In Your Eyes is probably my favorite, though Ride My See-Saw and Question are right up there.

I never thought that Moraz quite fit...if you know what I mean...So hard to replace Pinder who was such an innovator.

If you haven't heard December Snow....which is quite recent...I highly recommend that you give it a listen.

I've always been partial to You Can Never Go Home, Gypsy (of a strange and distant time) and Had to Fall (in love with you)... And some of their newer stuff is good....unfortunately....when Ray retired several years ago they no longer play his songs in concert...and some of his compositions were superb...

If you ever get a chance to see them live I suggest you go...they put on a great show....even though, let's see, Justin is the youngest and he's 62! He's in much better shape than Keith Richards!!!!!

One of my favorite albums of theirs is Long Distance Traveler... though I lost it Oh well, at least I still got Threshold of a Dream.

Also, I'd just like to verify that Days of Future Passed is better on vinyl then it is on CD... as in there is a noticeable difference, and vinyl is better.

Haven't seen them in concert, though I might if given the opportunity (so when I go to Las Vegas )

I totally agree with you. I love my original albums, but I don't have a turntable. And I was so mad when everything converted because I have some rare imports that are totally irreplaceable. I guess I need to get one of those gadgets that turns your albums into CD's. I replaced all of them with CDs but I miss the albums.

I soooo wish I could see them in Vegas again. That's the farthest I've ever traveled to see them and it was a Christmas present from my boss. A friend of mine already had tickets so I went out and we went to all the shows. It was a great trip...I had never been to Vegas before. Fun, Fun, Fun.....They are touring this spring but no date for Vegas. I have it from a very good source that they will be back, though, before the end of the year...probably Vegas will be put on the schedule then. You should go!!!

Hmmm.... March 27 in Pennsylvania... I may have just found out what I'm doing during Spring Break!

GO! You won't regret it...
Let's see...Gordon Marshall is the other guy on the drums as Graeme isn't fit enough to handle the exertion all alone....great guy, Gordy! I wish Paul Bliss was still on keys...he's great. But I've heard that he won't be with them this spring....a shame, Paul is one of the nicest guys in the world and he's been with them since Moraz left. Nora Mullins will be playing Flute and she is GREAT! Very talented woman. She takes all Ray's parts. And then, of course, Justin, John and Graeme. Graeme is still a scream. If they haven't changed the set list he will be doing Higher and Higher. What a showman he is, always a crowd favorite. Then there will be another woman on keys, but I don't know which one yet. A little different from the old days but still well worth the price of admission. So GO!

Love the Moody Blues but I've never seen them live. If you're a big Moody Blues Fan, and don't already own it, I would highly recommend picking up "Blue Jays" by Justin Hayward and John Lodge. It's a fantastic album with lots and lots of Moody's Blues flavor to it. Here's the link:
www.amazon.com/Blue-Jays-Justin-Hayward ... 038&sr=1-1

hehe....already own it along with all the solo endeavors of the other band members. I also have every other "Best Of" releases I can think of along with "Caught Live + 5" which I like very much.

I recently went to the taping of Lyrics and Legends in Nashville to see a live taping of Justin Hayward singing his best tunes. That was great...Sydney and I were on the front row so I guess we'll be on TV. The other 2 artists were good as well, especially Matt Scanell from Vertical Horizon....he was fantastic. It was fun watching them do a TV show...not what I expected.

I got to see them once about 5 years back. Graeme Edge played (I don't think he was touring with them that year but he lives close to Tampa and showed up for that date). They're coming back here on March 4, but I'm not going to be able to make it this year, I'm afraid. Too bad, I really enjoyed seeing them.

Ooo...

I think Hyperception is considering having us go to the Tampa show, if we can get the funds together for tickets and a rental car for the trip down. The van probably won't make it there and back in one day...

I'm sorry DANdeLion. You would have loved it.

Menolly, go if you can and give the guys a big Hello from me.

Here is a video from their last tour taken by a good friend of mine from California...Melani. It's Driftwood by Justin.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfGRYYKr-Pc

Nice song, KC. And the video picture is also crystal clear!

Do you like this song of the same title?

Driftwood Travis. My favourite song of 2006

Yeah, Krazy Kat...good song and I like the video!

Here's another....Never Comes the Day...Live.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=XreaT3kKVGw

I love Driftwood, I usually cry a little bit when I hear it, especially if my state has been a little altered, if you know what I mean...

I think.
I think I am.
Therefore I am.
I think.



Loved the MB as a teen, got burned out, didn't listen for years, tried it recently and thought they sucked but heard "Stepping into a Slide Zone" a few weeks ago and fell in love again.

High Lord: Of Course you are my bright little star!

I like Stepping in a Slide Zone myself...but John's ability to write isn't as good as Justin's. And I like the stuff they did back when Pinder was part of the group better than when he left....although I love some of their newer stuff...overall the quality was better with Pinder.

danlo.....I know exactly what you mean....wink, wink, nudge, nudge...SAY NO MORE![/url]

Menolly, Dam-sel and I saw the Moodies here in Seattle a couple weeks ago. Great show; the only quibble I had was that they dropped the last verse of "I Know You're Out There Somewhere."

Edge did "Higher and Higher" as expected, recited "Late Lament", and was his usual gonzo self behind the drum kit. Lodge is still a peacock. Hayward may have been feeling a bit off, but still sang and played well.

For me to listen to the Moodies without getting impatient, I've got to be in just the right mood. When that mood hits, then I can appreciate a lot of their repertoire. One of my favorite Moody Blues songs is "Tuesday Afternoon".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPLWBhNW3FM