yeah socks!!! I saw them last summer at the cape cod melody tent. They blew me away!!! Very full...and you almost feel like you could jump into the music.
A classic if ever there was one Chatty. :)--> They did that one. They're interesting lyrics but very passionate too. I was surprised on that one, because it seems like it would be easy for them to schmaltz it up, it's so dramatic. But it stood on it's own and they gave it the full treatment.
That's cool Wacky. They did a song, "The Actor" which I'd never heard before, do you remember if they did that one? Nice tune. Yeah, the music is so solid and full, and it's cool seeing the bank of synthesizer keyboards onstage, as they're one of the bands that really put the whole synthesizer sound on the map. It's changed so much over the years, everything's so much smaller now. :D--> Plus the two singers added a lot to make the high-high vocal sections strong. People were really into it.
Matilda digs the Moodies? Yeah, that surprised me. James Taylor does that too, within a couple chords sets the whole mood perfectly and everyone's locked in, seats back, cruising. It just kills me how some of their lyrics actually seem to make sense to me now, in one way or another. I didn't quite relate to them at the time, it's surprising how I listen to it now and go "oh, yeah. Yeah!" I have no idea if it's the same intent as the writer but it works for me.
I wouldn't be surprised dmiller. Their lyrics and music always had that "deep" thing going without sounding pretentious. If you get a chance to, see them. It's completely worth it. The basic rhythm section of bass, guitar and drums really holds it together (the second drummer definitely does the 'hard' stuff like on 'Singer in a Rock and Roll band he plays for about 5 minutes doing hard snare and high hat 1/4 note hits full force like a rock marching band), with an added acoustic guitar here and there. I had to admire Justin Hayward, he's not just wearing his guitar and whacking out a tweezey guitar squank here and there and being Mr. Moody, he's doing the music, playing the parts, hitting the beat every song.
Figure, synthesizers have come a LONG way since the Moog, but the density of the early sounds is really strong with new technology. It's a very full sound they're getting.
And I'm amazed - I read online they haven't been inducted in to the R and R Hall of Fame! They're being highly underated, after all the albums they put out and the fact they were in the forefront of the whole "concept album" idea.
Socks: Ray Thomas wasn't there? He was an original who played flute and occasionally sang lead, including 'Legend of a mind' (Timothy Leary's dead). I saw them in '69 on the children's children's children tour and again in 1998. In the '98 show I thought John Lodge's voice had lost a little zip, but Hayward and Thomas were strong as ever. Groups like Yes, Genesis, ELP, etc. owe a great debt of gratitude to the moodies IMO.
I heard in TWI that they were seed maybe and that 'In search of the lost chord' would get you possessed. God, who comes up with this stuff?
No, Ray Thomas wasn't there. Couple years ago I expected to see him in the lineup but they had the same group then as last night - 2 female players, one who played flute and acoustic/electric guitar, she did all the flute parts. Maybe he doesn't tour with them or...? Dunno.
They were definitely on something there for a few albums. :)--> I tried to follow the Lost Chord album a little at the time and couldn't, in a direct way. "Om" seemed like kind of a weak way to end it although it seemed to leave it in the hands of the listener to define the whole business of the 'lost chord' syndrome.
There's a whole mystical side to it, that may be a bad word. Transcendant? Another bad one for some. My conclusion on the process they described was a synthesis, where different elements form to make a new result out of the music.
There's a whole schmatzy 'magic in music' lost chord thing I've read about but in the end I think they've hit on it although maybe not in the ways they've explored in the past. You can see it in their concerts. The net result of the experience you walk away with is more than the performance, although that's a part of it. It's more than the songs, although they're a part too. On their own they're just pieces of music performed. When they're infused with the emotions, thoughts and memories of the people involved there's a final result that's internal and intangible but it's there and that is about as lost a chord as it gets.
What the participants invest in it determines what comes back out to them. I think because the Moody Blues music and lyrics build a situation where that can occur it's more powerful. The lyrics aren't about gettin' booty. Get Booty songs lend themselves toward Booty Gettin', a unique pursuit in it's own right. If you talk about life, searching, meaning, love, things like that, and the participants invest in that it's like a good conversation - stimulating, educational, comforting, inspiring, all kinds of things. You walk away thinking "that was great!" But the conversation is more than the people and the chairs and the coffee, it's what happened between the people. That's the 'magic' of the lost chord deal, to me. You get the impression that's why they're still doing it all these years later, they like that they can create and produce that result between people by adding what they do to the mix.
Musically though they do some very nice things. Like that song "Somewhere", it's a got a classic killer rock hook that kicks, you could do it in 10 different styles, it's universal basic stuff. But there's a wonderful little counter melody that runs behind the lyric melody that's so simple it's perfect. You could play a 100 different ideas for that chorus, hear that one and say "that's it". And around that are a couple of piano sprinkles the brighten it up even more. Everytime they hit that chorus the audience responded. Some wafting transient, floating along lightly to it, others pumping their arms and getting' down. Right there I could feel it, the result of a great musical performance anytime anywhere - an entire audience involved, each in their own way. The "chord" was the whole room. Rockin' :)-->
We saw them a few years ago at the USF Sundome. They had a nice-sized orchestra on stage with them. I think I recall someone telling me that they used local orchestras for their concerts - sending them the music well before-hand. I thought that was great.
I'm trying to get Green Day tickets for April 18th here in Tampa. My daughter thinks it's hysterical. She's learning Beatles songs on guitar and I'm learning Green Day songs on mine... what's wrong with that picture???
A few weeks back, I watched a DVD of their concert they did at Red Rocks, Colorado with a full symphony (think it was done late 80s maybe). What a fantastic concert! I have always been a fan, but never have seen them live. Gotta say, if you've never seen them live, this DVD really captures the "heart" of the live performance. Very well done.
quote: The net result of the experience you walk away with is more than the performance, although that's a part of it. It's more than the songs, although they're a part too. On their own they're just pieces of music performed. When they're infused with the emotions, thoughts and memories of the people involved there's a final result that's internal and intangible but it's there and that is about as lost a chord as it gets.
You even experience it watching it (tho I'm sure live is much, much better). The shots of the audience (generations of folks) reliving or experiencing for the first time - - you really experience that magic with them.
And the percussion guy was awesome....a show within a show.
Really took me back. I got goosebumps with "I Know You're Out There Somewhere" and the entire audience singing - - definitely something special at a live performance and lots of memories being exchanged.
PP&M! Sweet! They've got some stuff that's like...aaaah. Very nice.I'd like to hear more about that!
j, wanted to add - I was on the Moody Blues site and it gives the websites for band members, think they call the second drummer "the one on the right". :)--> He really does work out. I had to smile seeing Graeme Edge at times, of the original band. He's playing his stuff be he has moments when he pauses and thumps his bass pedal and then comes back in. And we saw them in a fairly small venue, and they may have been more relaxed, it certainly seemed so. I mean, they got a standing ovation from most of the crowd for just walking out. So they were amongst "friends" :D--> . He looks fit enough for his age and demeanor but the sound they're getting owes a lot to the percussion sound with both drummers.
They looked like they were having a good time, we were fortunate enough to have close seats, 4th row back, right side of the floor. They certainly appeared to be down to earth about the whole thing, almost sheepish at the fact that they got huge ovations after most of their songs.
Socks, don't know if it's avail. online, as I watched a friend's dvd.
Yes, there are two women on the dvd who do backup vocals and dance in the background.
Wow, you guys had great seats. Funny on the dvd, the audience shots are so great, young kids and old farts like us (;)--> singing along to every song. Definitely they were among friends.
You'll enjoy the dvd - - great production and sound - - well worth the cost.
Thanks for the links, Socks. Cool site. I checked out their retail list and they have two DVDs for the Red Rocks concert ("A Night at Red ROcks")- - a one and a two disc set, so looks like you can order them direct.
I juat visited that section, browsed a bit. Now I also did a search at Amazon.com and they've got used "like new" copies selling for about 10 bucks. That I can deal with. The wif' bought me a baseball cap after the concert, and it was 25.00, which doesn't make me feel bad as I see that's the price they're going for at the site. Stiff price, but it's a cool hat. Next month, I'm going to get the DVD off Amazon. Su-wheet!
cool socks my friend... I saw them somewhere around '90 in Atlantic City... sat about 8 feet from the stage (in one of the casinos)... kinda gave me chills...
on another note... socks, shegotjohn... and others who appreciate music... I have one word for you... "Redwalls"
They're a band of early twentysomething guys out of Chicago... and their music and vocals will remind you of early Beatles and early Dylan... definitely worth a listen...
I'm looking at Blockbuster online for the video. They have four to choose from.
1. The Moody Blues:
This video contains three performances by the band the Moody Blues that were recorded at different times for German television. "Bye Bye Burd," "I Really Haven't Got the Time," and "Nights in White Satin" are the songs performed. There are snippets of performances from other bands like Procol Harum, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and Rick Wakeman.
2. Moody Blues: Legend of a Band(1990):
a documentary which looks back at the band's history, and includes video clips and performance footage of some of the group's best songs. Selections include "Nights In White Satin", "Question", "I'm Just A Singer (In A Rock and Roll Band)", "Tuesday Afternoon", "The Story In Your Eyes", and many more.
3. 20th Century Masters: The Moody Blues(2004):
home-video collection features five music videos shot while the band was enjoying a new surge of popularity in the 1980s. 20th Century Masters: The Best of the Moody Blues includes the songs "Your Wildest Dreams," "I Know You're Out There Somewhere," "The Other Side of Life," "Running Out of Love" and "No More Lies."
4. Moody Blues: A Night at Red Rocks with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra(1992):
The Moody Blues, with the help of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, performs some of the biggest hits of their career at the spectacular Red Rocks venue on this video. Among the eighteen songs performed during the concert are "Nights In White Satin", "Your Wildest Dreams", "Lovely to See You", and "Tuesday Afternoon".
You know what - thanks for a reply, but I'm a member of Blockbuster online video renting, & I think I'll just add these four to my list. However, if any of these ring a bell, let me know. I'd like to experince the live concert feel you talked about, jardinero.
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ChattyKathy
Yeah they're SWEET.
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Wacky Funster
yeah socks!!! I saw them last summer at the cape cod melody tent. They blew me away!!! Very full...and you almost feel like you could jump into the music.
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MATILDA
A real time machine...the music catapults you back to that time or feeling in a chord or two.
Oftentimes it is a nice little visit, again and again.
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dmiller
Aren' they pozzezed by deebil spirits, and didn't someone, somehwere, a long time ago tell us to avoid folks like that?
I envy you Socks -- I've never heard em live. One of these days, one of these days ...
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socks
A classic if ever there was one Chatty.
:)--> They did that one. They're interesting lyrics but very passionate too. I was surprised on that one, because it seems like it would be easy for them to schmaltz it up, it's so dramatic. But it stood on it's own and they gave it the full treatment.
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socks
That's cool Wacky. They did a song, "The Actor" which I'd never heard before, do you remember if they did that one? Nice tune. Yeah, the music is so solid and full, and it's cool seeing the bank of synthesizer keyboards onstage, as they're one of the bands that really put the whole synthesizer sound on the map. It's changed so much over the years, everything's so much smaller now.
:D--> Plus the two singers added a lot to make the high-high vocal sections strong. People were really into it.
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socks
Matilda digs the Moodies?
Yeah, that surprised me. James Taylor does that too, within a couple chords sets the whole mood perfectly and everyone's locked in, seats back, cruising. It just kills me how some of their lyrics actually seem to make sense to me now, in one way or another. I didn't quite relate to them at the time, it's surprising how I listen to it now and go "oh, yeah. Yeah!" I have no idea if it's the same intent as the writer but it works for me. 
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socks
I wouldn't be surprised dmiller. Their lyrics and music always had that "deep" thing going without sounding pretentious. If you get a chance to, see them. It's completely worth it. The basic rhythm section of bass, guitar and drums really holds it together (the second drummer definitely does the 'hard' stuff like on 'Singer in a Rock and Roll band he plays for about 5 minutes doing hard snare and high hat 1/4 note hits full force like a rock marching band), with an added acoustic guitar here and there. I had to admire Justin Hayward, he's not just wearing his guitar and whacking out a tweezey guitar squank here and there and being Mr. Moody, he's doing the music, playing the parts, hitting the beat every song.
Figure, synthesizers have come a LONG way since the Moog, but the density of the early sounds is really strong with new technology. It's a very full sound they're getting.
And I'm amazed - I read online they haven't been inducted in to the R and R Hall of Fame! They're being highly underated, after all the albums they put out and the fact they were in the forefront of the whole "concept album" idea.
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johniam
Socks: Ray Thomas wasn't there? He was an original who played flute and occasionally sang lead, including 'Legend of a mind' (Timothy Leary's dead). I saw them in '69 on the children's children's children tour and again in 1998. In the '98 show I thought John Lodge's voice had lost a little zip, but Hayward and Thomas were strong as ever. Groups like Yes, Genesis, ELP, etc. owe a great debt of gratitude to the moodies IMO.
I heard in TWI that they were seed maybe and that 'In search of the lost chord' would get you possessed. God, who comes up with this stuff?
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socks
No, Ray Thomas wasn't there. Couple years ago I expected to see him in the lineup but they had the same group then as last night - 2 female players, one who played flute and acoustic/electric guitar, she did all the flute parts. Maybe he doesn't tour with them or...? Dunno.
They were definitely on something there for a few albums.
:)--> I tried to follow the Lost Chord album a little at the time and couldn't, in a direct way. "Om" seemed like kind of a weak way to end it although it seemed to leave it in the hands of the listener to define the whole business of the 'lost chord' syndrome.
There's a whole mystical side to it, that may be a bad word. Transcendant? Another bad one for some. My conclusion on the process they described was a synthesis, where different elements form to make a new result out of the music.
There's a whole schmatzy 'magic in music' lost chord thing I've read about but in the end I think they've hit on it although maybe not in the ways they've explored in the past. You can see it in their concerts. The net result of the experience you walk away with is more than the performance, although that's a part of it. It's more than the songs, although they're a part too. On their own they're just pieces of music performed. When they're infused with the emotions, thoughts and memories of the people involved there's a final result that's internal and intangible but it's there and that is about as lost a chord as it gets.
What the participants invest in it determines what comes back out to them. I think because the Moody Blues music and lyrics build a situation where that can occur it's more powerful. The lyrics aren't about gettin' booty. Get Booty songs lend themselves toward Booty Gettin', a unique pursuit in it's own right. If you talk about life, searching, meaning, love, things like that, and the participants invest in that it's like a good conversation - stimulating, educational, comforting, inspiring, all kinds of things. You walk away thinking "that was great!" But the conversation is more than the people and the chairs and the coffee, it's what happened between the people. That's the 'magic' of the lost chord deal, to me. You get the impression that's why they're still doing it all these years later, they like that they can create and produce that result between people by adding what they do to the mix.
Musically though they do some very nice things. Like that song "Somewhere", it's a got a classic killer rock hook that kicks, you could do it in 10 different styles, it's universal basic stuff. But there's a wonderful little counter melody that runs behind the lyric melody that's so simple it's perfect. You could play a 100 different ideas for that chorus, hear that one and say "that's it". And around that are a couple of piano sprinkles the brighten it up even more. Everytime they hit that chorus the audience responded. Some wafting transient, floating along lightly to it, others pumping their arms and getting' down. Right there I could feel it, the result of a great musical performance anytime anywhere - an entire audience involved, each in their own way. The "chord" was the whole room. Rockin'
:)-->
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Hope R.
We saw them a few years ago at the USF Sundome. They had a nice-sized orchestra on stage with them. I think I recall someone telling me that they used local orchestras for their concerts - sending them the music well before-hand. I thought that was great.
I'm trying to get Green Day tickets for April 18th here in Tampa. My daughter thinks it's hysterical. She's learning Beatles songs on guitar and I'm learning Green Day songs on mine... what's wrong with that picture???
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Wacky Funster
LOL...better than rap Hope
;)-->
No sox...I don't remember "the actor" one...
I'd go again in a heartbeat if they come again this summer...
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socks
I'd love to see them with an orchestra Hope. The sound must be awesome.
Green Day, seen them a few times locally. Good band, pretty simple stuff. Loud. Real loud. Loud loud.
:D--> Right up there with The Who and Pearl Jam.
Wacky, if you see them again I'd love to hear about it!
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jardinero
Funny you should start this thread, Socks.
A few weeks back, I watched a DVD of their concert they did at Red Rocks, Colorado with a full symphony (think it was done late 80s maybe). What a fantastic concert! I have always been a fan, but never have seen them live. Gotta say, if you've never seen them live, this DVD really captures the "heart" of the live performance. Very well done.
You even experience it watching it (tho I'm sure live is much, much better). The shots of the audience (generations of folks) reliving or experiencing for the first time - - you really experience that magic with them.
And the percussion guy was awesome....a show within a show.
Really took me back. I got goosebumps with "I Know You're Out There Somewhere" and the entire audience singing - - definitely something special at a live performance and lots of memories being exchanged.
Sigh.
J.
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socks
That's cool jardinero. That sounds like a great way to spend an evening. I'll look around for that DVD, any idea if it's sold online?
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MATILDA
...yep, Moody Blues, diggeroo.
And on the other foot, I saw Peter, Paul, and Mary in concert last April...quite a difference, but the trip was the same.
:)-->
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socks
PP&M! Sweet! They've got some stuff that's like...aaaah. Very nice.I'd like to hear more about that!
j, wanted to add - I was on the Moody Blues site and it gives the websites for band members, think they call the second drummer "the one on the right".
:)--> He really does work out. I had to smile seeing Graeme Edge at times, of the original band. He's playing his stuff be he has moments when he pauses and thumps his bass pedal and then comes back in. And we saw them in a fairly small venue, and they may have been more relaxed, it certainly seemed so. I mean, they got a standing ovation from most of the crowd for just walking out. So they were amongst "friends" 
:D--> . He looks fit enough for his age and demeanor but the sound they're getting owes a lot to the percussion sound with both drummers.
They looked like they were having a good time, we were fortunate enough to have close seats, 4th row back, right side of the floor. They certainly appeared to be down to earth about the whole thing, almost sheepish at the fact that they got huge ovations after most of their songs.
Curious - do they have the "2 women" on that DVD?
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jardinero
Socks, don't know if it's avail. online, as I watched a friend's dvd.
Yes, there are two women on the dvd who do backup vocals and dance in the background.
Wow, you guys had great seats. Funny on the dvd, the audience shots are so great, young kids and old farts like us (
;)--> singing along to every song. Definitely they were among friends.
You'll enjoy the dvd - - great production and sound - - well worth the cost.
J.
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socks
that sounds like the audience I was in jardinero!
:D-->
I gotta check that DVD out. Here's the Moody Blues site if you haven't visited.
This page goes to the "Higher and Higher" online magazine, and has links to other sites maintained by or for the band members.
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jardinero
Thanks for the links, Socks. Cool site. I checked out their retail list and they have two DVDs for the Red Rocks concert ("A Night at Red ROcks")- - a one and a two disc set, so looks like you can order them direct.
J.
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socks
I juat visited that section, browsed a bit. Now I also did a search at Amazon.com and they've got used "like new" copies selling for about 10 bucks. That I can deal with. The wif' bought me a baseball cap after the concert, and it was 25.00, which doesn't make me feel bad as I see that's the price they're going for at the site. Stiff price, but it's a cool hat. Next month, I'm going to get the DVD off Amazon. Su-wheet!
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Tom Strange
cool socks my friend... I saw them somewhere around '90 in Atlantic City... sat about 8 feet from the stage (in one of the casinos)... kinda gave me chills...
on another note... socks, shegotjohn... and others who appreciate music... I have one word for you... "Redwalls"
They're a band of early twentysomething guys out of Chicago... and their music and vocals will remind you of early Beatles and early Dylan... definitely worth a listen...
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Tom
jardinero,
"A few weeks back, I watched a DVD of their concert they did at Red Rocks, Colorado..."
What was the name of the DVD? I'd love to get my hands on it.
Tom
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Tom
I'm looking at Blockbuster online for the video. They have four to choose from.
1. The Moody Blues:
This video contains three performances by the band the Moody Blues that were recorded at different times for German television. "Bye Bye Burd," "I Really Haven't Got the Time," and "Nights in White Satin" are the songs performed. There are snippets of performances from other bands like Procol Harum, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and Rick Wakeman.
2. Moody Blues: Legend of a Band(1990):
a documentary which looks back at the band's history, and includes video clips and performance footage of some of the group's best songs. Selections include "Nights In White Satin", "Question", "I'm Just A Singer (In A Rock and Roll Band)", "Tuesday Afternoon", "The Story In Your Eyes", and many more.
3. 20th Century Masters: The Moody Blues(2004):
home-video collection features five music videos shot while the band was enjoying a new surge of popularity in the 1980s. 20th Century Masters: The Best of the Moody Blues includes the songs "Your Wildest Dreams," "I Know You're Out There Somewhere," "The Other Side of Life," "Running Out of Love" and "No More Lies."
4. Moody Blues: A Night at Red Rocks with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra(1992):
The Moody Blues, with the help of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, performs some of the biggest hits of their career at the spectacular Red Rocks venue on this video. Among the eighteen songs performed during the concert are "Nights In White Satin", "Your Wildest Dreams", "Lovely to See You", and "Tuesday Afternoon".
You know what - thanks for a reply, but I'm a member of Blockbuster online video renting, & I think I'll just add these four to my list. However, if any of these ring a bell, let me know. I'd like to experince the live concert feel you talked about, jardinero.
Tom
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