Customer Reviews

Lovely to See You (Live at the Greek)

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Alongside The Rolling Stones, The Moody Blues are one of the other great British bands to still be going strong after being together for over 40 years. The band's latest live release "Lovely To See You" captures The Moodies in a stunning live performance at Los Angeles' Greek Theatre in June 2005 and is proof that they haven't lost their magic touch at all during their long existance.
This 2-disc set includes many songs that have become immortal classics and fan favorites over the years. Staples such as "Tuesday Afternoon", "The Voice", "Isn't Life Strange", "The Story In Your Eyes", "I'm Just A Singer (In A Rock and Roll Band)" and of course, "Nights In White Satin" are all included here alongside more obscure tracks such as "Steppin' In A Slide Zone", "Talking Out Of Turn", "Higher and Higher" and "The Actor". In fact, the music performed here spans the band's entire career excluding the very early period with Denny Laine.
As for the performance itself, the band was definitely on a musical high during this particular night. Despite the absence of a full symphonic orchestra which has become the norm for The Moodies in recent years, the band still maintains their trademark orchestral sound while letting loose with some raw energy that isn't always apparent on their studio albums. Also of interest is the fact that this is the first live release from The Moody Blues not to feature founding member/flautist/singer Ray Thomas (who retired from the band in 2003). In his place is the brilliant flautist Norda Mullen who despite not being an official band member, still delivers an outstanding performance and effortlessly fills some big shoes left by her predecessor.
Indeed, the rest of the band delivers an equally stellar performance as well.
Besides containing great music, the CD booklet is also fascinating as it includes a track-by-track breakdown as to who played and sang what on each song. There's even a list of each members equipment listed on the back of the CD booklet as well as brief commentary from The Moody Blues themselves on the inside.
With this said, "Lovely To See You" is an outstanding document of The Moody Blues as elder statesmen of classic Rock. The music as well as the concert heard on this album is timeless and even though most of these songs have been released in live form before, it's still highly recommended especially if you're a Moody Blues fan.

After seeing the Moody Blues many times, I have to say they are just getting better. Although this `live' recording has no orchestra, it still brings back the feelings of the older songs. "Lovely To See You" might be an odd choice to open (other than its obvious title), but it is pitch perfect and a great prelude to what is to come. The original sound of the mellotron on "Tuesday Afternoon" and Nights In White Satin" is more like the original than the orchestrated ones. Hayward's voice is in fine tune on great renditions of "The Actor" and "Question". "Higher & Higher' Is a great treat with Graeme Edge giving a chilling rendition exactly like the original. "One Life To Live" was unfortunately not included here, but played at some shows, thunderously. The entire feeling and sound is more of a trip back in time than any of the other live recordings. Ray Thomas is missed here along with "Legend Of A Mind", but the replacement flutist (Norda Mullen) does a remarkable job. They are still the Moody Blues and are strong, tight and psychedelic to this day.

The package includes incredibly detailed information about each song - who wrote it, who played what instrument, even each individual performers list of instruments down to the type and manufacturer. Who knew that Graeme Edge used Zildjian cymbals or that Hayward used a 100-watt Mesa dual rectifier? See what I mean? This is a complete and thorough history!

It's amazing how the Moody Blues can continue to polish their live shows into this time of their lives. They're not kids any more, but they can certainly hold their own in the world of today's music. This band has really made me proud to own this fabulous double CD set, and though I can hardly wait for the companion DVD, even this audio offering is almost as good as being there. The packaging is simply gorgeous, and I love the fact they have included so many details about the band and their instruments. As floutist Norda's debut in a Moody recording, she shines brightly, and really has grown well into her position with these guys. Yes, the Moodies have been forced to evolve by personnel changes, but the quality and the lushness of the sound have never wavered. If you ever enjoyed the Moody Blues at any point in their career, you will not regret picking up these CD's. It's every bit what you might hope it would be, and in many ways, far more. The exquisite sweetness of the soft songs will move you, and the rockers will thrill and excite you and take you back to the early days of progressive rock, with an 'edge' that only today's technology can provide. Take the ride, and leave the driving to the Moodies! You'll be SO glad you did.

I have been a Moody Blues fan since forever, and have seen them in concert a number of times over the years. When I saw this, my first reaction was "what? yet another live album"? The twist this time is that this is just the band, sans symphony orchestra, and thus the first live album of just the band since 1969's "Moody Blues Live + 5".

"Lovely To See You" (2 CDs, 20 tracks, 105 min.) is in essence a greatest hits live album, and that of course is what the fans want. All the classics are here. CD1 (9 tracks, 43 min.) is not bad, with tracks like "Tuesday Afternoon", "The Voice" and "I Know You're Out There Somewhere". But CD2 (11 tracks, 61 min.) is so much stronger, starting off with a cover of Jeff Lynne's "Forever Autumn" (from the "War of the Worlds" album), a rocking "Your Wildest Dreams", "Higher and Higher" (with drummer Graeme Edge singing lead vocals on his own composition), and then of course the last 4 songs, which define what the Moody Blues have become: "I'm Just a Singer (In a Rock & Roll Band)", "Nights in White Satin", "Question" and the closer "Ride my See-Saw". Just irresistible.

One of the reviewers here complains about the sound quality on this album and that the Moody Blues sound like a "garage band". Has that person listened to the same album as I have? The sound is lush and pristine throughout the album. Does the band break new ground with this release? Of course not, but that isn't the point. This album may be a bit cheesy, but who cares. It is entertaining and enjoyable from start to finish.

Can this group get any better? No matter how many times they perform together and whether or not they have an orchestra with them, the Moody Blues produce consistent joy with their music. Many groups get so tired of their own music that it shows in their live performances. Not so the Moody Blues. This CD set is a real winner, sonically, performance wise.

It is kind of odd, but including 1992's " Live at Red Rocks", The Moody Blues with this double CD have now released three "live" albums, and only two studio albums since that time, with one of these being a Christmas album. There are also personnel changes, as Norda Mullen replaces retired and original Moodies member Ray Thomas, and plays flute and sings background vocals. Also, Bernie Barlow (Bernie in this case is a female) assists on keyboards and background vocals. As usual, Paul Bliss contributes his wizardry on keyboards, Gordon Marshall supplies extra percussion and shares the stage with long-time Moodies members Justin Hayward on lead guitar/vocals, John Lodge on bass guitar/vocals, and original member Graeme Edge on drums. Unlike the previous two live album releases ("Red Rocks" and "Hall Of Fame") the twist this time is the Moodies chose to perform this concert WITHOUT an orchestra backing them, virtually challenging the group to display their "raw" energy as strictly a legendary rock-and-roll band, and the end results for the most part do not disappoint.

There are some neat surprises here, with this seven member ensemble performing some Moodies material that is seldom performed on stage, or at least have not been pulled out of the vast storehouse of Moodies music and done live in many years. Those classics include "The Actor" from "In Search Of The Lost Chord", "Are You Sitting Comfortably" from "On The Threshold Of A Dream", "Higher And Higher" from "To Our Children's Children's Children", "Steppin' In A Slide Zone" from "Octave", "Talking Out Of Turn" from their #1 album "Long Distance Voyager", and Justin Hayward's solo hit "Forever Autumn" from Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of "The War Of The Worlds". Of course, also performed in this set are those more familiar classics we have all come to know and love, with "Nights In White Satin" topping the list.

There are some weak spots, however. On "Higher and Higher" and "I'm Just A Singer (in a Rock And Roll Band)", the cymbal crashes from the drummers are a bit distorted and overmodulated, somewhat drowning out the rest of the instrumentation and lead vocals. It's downright painful to my listening ears! "I'm Just A Singer" is also performed a shade too fast, and with the distorted cymbal crashes, the vocals and instruments become muddled, turning the classic hit into a mushy mess. The ending vocal harmonies on "Isn't Life Strange" are somewhat shaky, as though the group REALLY IS in search of the lost chord. And toward the end of the show, Justin Hayward and John Lodge's vocals sound somewhat strained and fatigued on "Question" and "Ride My See Saw".

What keep these "veteran cosmic rockers" going when long ago they could have hung up their instruments? I doubt it's the money, but more likely, that despite their age (Justin Hayward, the YOUNGEST of the three remaining members of the Moodies turns a whopping 60 this October 2006) they still very much enjoy performing for their devoted legions of fans. The fans love them, and the Moodies return that love...its a mutual admiration I sense here. That's my feeling. I just hope the band isn't hurting their chances for their rightful perch in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, an honor for which they are LONG OVERDUE.

It's nice to finally get a full Moody Blues concert on CD(s), and even more so to get one that has a few songs played that haven't been released on other recent live recordings. Another big difference here is the absence of the orchestra. I loved the tours with the orchestra, but it's good to hear them again without that enhancement too. They really don't need it as they're a full rock and Roll orchestra on their own. In fact I think some of the versions of songs here that have appeared elsewhere on other live recordings are superior versions. That's not to say that it's perfect. There are a couple of tunes that sound like they could have used a bit more enthusiasm, but most of them are performed and sung as if this band were still in their twenties. Hayward especially sounds great on The Actor and Are You Sitting Comfortably?. It's easily one of their best live recordings.

Around 1975 in Colorado Springs, KKFM-FM would play Nights In White Satin as their sign-off song. During my summer vacation from school, I listened regularly. This began my journey as a fan of the Moody Blues. The release of "Lovely to See You LIVE" is a welcome addition to the treasure of Moody Blues memories.
The CD spans their triumphs from the 60s, 70s, 80s right through to last year's "December" release. True fans will delight in first time live performaces on CD like Higher and Higher and The Voice. The latter was of special interest to me as that song was the first song done in concert to support the Long Distance Voyager tour in the 1980s. The Seattle Coliseum vibrated at the intro keyboard part which this CD captures very well. While retired members like Ray Thomas are sadly missed the core group of Justin Haywood, John Lodge, and Graeme Edge are excellent and supported with a talented crew of new comers. Bernie Barlow, keyboards and vocals, in particular has released an outstanding solo album that I enjoy listening to frequently. All in all the band sounds great and the CD has moments that are unique and welcome to the collection. Can't wait for the next tour!

I had this DVD in a non-Blu-ray format. Was it worth the upgrade? Yes!

Since the 1980s, the Moody Blues live on stage is where the band remains consistently satisfying. Not to mention where they have been the most "progressive" (i.e., orchestral shows and the like). This live set maintains that fact. Justin Hayward recently commented that this release more or less is representative of where the Moody Blues are at today, and I totally agree. And I must say that I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this set in light of Ray Thomas' departure and the disappointing "December" album. Perhaps my expectations were lower and therefore, not an obstruction.
Stripped of the orchestras which served them well throughout the 1990s, the Moodies sound surprisingly vibrant and committed here. Hayward and John Lodge are in fine voice (considering their ages), and the entire ensemble doesn't seem afraid to crank up the volume (A problem I noticed on several of their orchestral shows in the 90s). I'm not sure if Hayward's guitar has rocked this hard on a Moodies live release since "Caught Live+ Five."
Another treat veteran acts can supply in concert is the odd rarity or "seldom played album track" that can make things interesting. (Witness the wealth of "closet classics" Elton John supplied for his 60th birthday concert, as well as David Gilmour dusting off Pink Floyd's "Echoes" for his recent solo tour.) The Moodies have been doing this since the 90s, and "Lovely To See You" continues the tradition. Sure, "The Actor" and "Talking Out of Turn" have been in and out of their setlist for the past fifteen years, but it is nice to have them preserved for posterity here. "Forever Autumn" is the real surprise with tour vets Gordon Marshall and Paul Bliss backing Hayward in a lovely performance of this lovely tune. I wonder if Jus had to twist Lodge's and Edge's arms to do this one, or if the other guys now just accept "...Autumn" as part of the Moodies' canon. If so, could it be possible to expect "This Morning," "Saved By the Music," or "Blue Guitar" somewhere in the Moodies set sometime in the future? A little acoustic "Blue Jays" interlude wouldn't be too much to give would it, fellas?
Anyway, "Higher and Higher" keeps the surprises coming, making one wonder why we didn't hear this one live more in the 80s and 90s. The performance here is truly searing, with Jus venturing into Steve Howe territory. "Are You Sitting Comfortably?" is the final surprise, giving tour flautist Norda Mullen a chance to display her chops. Of course, it doesn't substitute for a proper, and most importantly UNcut, version of "Legend of a Mind" with Ray, but it will have to do, and given the performance here, I can live with it.
Yes, we've heard the war-horses before on several past live releases, but "Tuesday Afternoon," "Steppin' In a Slide Zone" (which actually makes its first live album appearance here), and "The Voice" never fail to get the foot thumping. I've always thought "The Other Side of Life" live was superior to the album version, and always incredible in concert, though I wish the band would see fit to start performing the ENTIRE song again (ditto: "The Voice"). And, of course, what Moodies fan wouldn't think they were getting short-changed if "Nights..." and "I'm Just A Singer..." weren't on a live release?
In the end, this set gives me hope that Hayward, Lodge and Edge (and company), can still deliver the goods. As we all know, "nothing changes...and nothing stays the same..."
The only way the Moodies could top this live set would be a special CD/DVD of a one-off reunion with Ray and Mike Pinder at the RAH for a performance of "Days of Future Passed" in its entirety with the LSO. Well, if the Floyd can do it, why not the Moodies?