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This album truly is an absolute work of art. Others here have offered up fantastic reviews of this album, so I am only going to briefly comment on the songs that struck a particularly strong chord with me, whether good or bad.
I can honestly say that out of the thirteen tracks, there is only one that I really don't care for: 'Dear Diary'. Who knows, maybe I might learn to love this song someday, and if I do change my mind, then I will most definitely alter my negative review. But right at this moment, it's the one and only song that keeps this album from being a perfect 10 in my book. Usually- and with good reason- I am such a fan of Ray Thomas' work, but this song does absolutely nothing to present this man's awesome vocal abilities in a favorable light. Perhaps if he had sang it differently, ie in his normal vocal tone, it would most assuredly have been a great song. The tune, melody, and lyrics are quite good actually. It's the "way" that Ray sings it that turns me off- sorry Ray. (I still love and miss you, dear sir). Ray does redeem himself very well on 'Lazy Day', a sweet little ode to the peaceful times to be had on an English Sunday afternoon. It's not an intricate or deep song by any means but it has its merits.
Now on to the awesome Mr. Hayward's ballads: Justin's 'Lovely to See You' is a concert staple/favorite for a very good reason: it's a truly lovely, understated song that just makes you plain feel good! 'Never Comes the Day' is one of my favorite Justin penned/lead vocal songs. I had heard it often described as being slightly weird, the lyrics "but you WILL love me tonight" in particular. Perhaps I'm a little slow but I just don't get that feeling from this song. To me, this song is about a man in love who is honest enough to admit that there's "stuff" hidden inside of him that isn't pretty, may be hard to love, and perhaps should be kept hidden. This could be speaking of any of us, myself included. Another reason for me to admire this song: John's background vocals. Any time (on the same song) that he can sing that fab falsetto AND he and Justin can sing harmony is an oh-so-good time to be had by my eager ears. In rounding out Hayward's songs, I have only one word to adequately describe "Are You Sitting" (co-written by Ray) MAGICAL!!
What to say about my dear John's two songs: 'Send Me No Wine' is a great, catchy tune, albeit a MUCH too short one(why oh why John?) This one has a decidely country feel, flavor, and sound to it. This little gem could have come straight out of Nashville in the late 1960's and been right at home here in the Southern United States. This is truly something so very different from anything I've ever heard from him, though he still rocks it out as well. I believe John's songwriting muse short-changed him on this album, as his next great offering 'To Share My Love' is a much too brief song as well. "Makes me feel good" is how Lodge starts this ditty and it does make me feel quite good indeed to hear it, even though Pinder leads most of the vocals on this one. It;s still a good little song but I wanted to hear more. John's rocking bassline is excellent as is Graeme's accompanying drum beat. Love ya Lodgie!
Rounding out my favorites on OTTOAD: Mike Pinder's 'Have You Heard/ The Voyage'(I consider the two to be one song). I will freely admit that I am not a huge Pinder fan, but I HAVE to give the man his much-deserved props. This is, bar none, his best song EVER and it is an absolute pleasure for me to listen to it. The man has a way with words, not to mention his unsurpassed skills on every keyboard instrument known to mankind. He will forever be the Mellotron king. His voice ain't altogether half bad either. What I appreciate the most about this song is that fact that ALL of the Moodies awesome skills and talents as musicians are on pristine display here. I have only seen one "live" (it was a video, sadly) performance of HYH/TV and it quite frankly blew me away, just in seeing how passionately and ferevently the guys played their respective instruments. Oh man, what I wouldn't give to have seen this live "back in the day". If God would grant me the opportunity to go back in time to see only ONE vintage Moodies performance, it would be this song! Graeme Edge's often overlooked drum work is an absolute marvel to see and hear. Ray's flute solos have never been played with such understated zeal. Pinder is so very passionate on the piano and organ, or is it just the Mellotron? Regardless, the man has never sounded better. John's very dirty, low-down, funky, hard-driving (did I use enough adjectives?) bass work is just stellar, especially when played in unison with Edge's drum- truly a treat for the senses! The guys make me tired just watching them play, at what is at times, a frenetic pace. Can you tell that I dearly love this song?!
In closing I'd like to say that this is an album that the Moody Blues can and should be VERY proud of. It is truly a masterpiece created by the minds, hands and voices of five incredible men who are all living legends and supremely talented at their craft. If you don't already have it, get it- TODAY!
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