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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On the Threshold of a Dream
Import, Extra Tracks, Remastered, Hybrid SACD
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Editorial Reviews
Moody Blues ~ On The Threshold Of A Dream
Product details
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
- Product Dimensions : 4.94 x 0.39 x 5.7 inches; 2.88 Ounces
- Manufacturer : Ume Imports
- Item model number : 2071201
- Date First Available : July 27, 2006
- Label : Ume Imports
- ASIN : B000E8NQUE
- Number of discs : 1
- Best Sellers Rank: #262,100 in CDs & Vinyl (See Top 100 in CDs & Vinyl)
- #362 in Baroque Pop
- #2,787 in Classic Psychedelic Rock
- #4,455 in Progressive Rock
- Customer Reviews:
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4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
1,127 global ratings
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Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 6, 2007
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Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on August 9, 2010
When the original seven albums by the MB's were released I was in my teens and they were favorites of mine and most of my friends(especially the first four). This album, and To Our Children's Children's Children were high water marks that delivered on the promise of the previous two albums. Beginning with A Question of Balance, I was beginning to lose some of my initial enthusiasm, and one hearing of "Procession" on EGBDF, was enough to convince me that they had become far too deep for their own good. I've never liked the single from Seventh Sojourn ("Singer in a Rock 'n' Roll Band") because it sounded like they were phoning it in. Another reason for my growing distance was that I was now in college and had convinced myself that my tastes were now more sophisticated and refined. Thankfully, I got over that stage pretty quickly when I realized that what one listens to does not define character, but by that time I had sold my MB albums and saw no reason to revisit them. Until recently, I just viewed them as a low grade progressive-lite group, in the same league as Yes and Genesis. While both of those groups have done some wonderful music, they have also been responsible for some incredibly indulgent claptrap. Honestly, no offense meant to fans, because even my all-time favorites like the Kinks, The Who, Stones, (and many others) have been guilty of this, but I'm more indulgent there because I tend to listen to progressive rock with a more critical ear. I've just never been a huge fan except for the whole Canterbury Era and King Crimson.
Awhile ago I picked up an SACD version of To Our Children's...and was pleasantly surprised. Yes, the surround mix is nice, even though it's actually a quad mix, but as much as I enjoy 5.1, it was the album itself that impressed me. We often throw the baby out with the dishwater, and I'm sure guilty of that. Threshold is pretty much a pleasure from beginning to end. Actually, it is the beginning that still makes me cringe, as it has not aged well at all, but the second that "Lovely To See You" comes spilling out in a swirl of sound, I felt like I'd re-connected with an old friend. I'm not going to make any judgments on the mastering, as I'm only qualified in saying that it's never sounded so crisp, but then again, I haven't heard it since the 1970's. It's been re-released several times since then, and I haven't heard any of those mixes. You'll need a player that recognizes SACD to get the surround mix. As the album continued, most every song still kind of reminded me of patchouli oil but I can't criticize it for being part of a particular time warp. In the wrong mood, this stuff could still make me wince a bit, but overall, if you've avoided them for years like I did, you might be pleasantly surprised. Not every song is great, but none are horrible, and the kiss off of "Have You Heard" is still psych classic. I have to admit that after a session with this album, I feel the need for something with a bit more substance (and bite) but that doesn't detract from my enjoyment anymore.
At this rate I'm going to have to go back and pick up Days and Chord, because even though this is somewhat of a guilty pleasure, it's one I'm glad to get re-acquainted with. Hands down though, the one to get first is still Children's Children. So now, I guess I have to go back and give Yes and Genesis a fair listen. Someday.
Awhile ago I picked up an SACD version of To Our Children's...and was pleasantly surprised. Yes, the surround mix is nice, even though it's actually a quad mix, but as much as I enjoy 5.1, it was the album itself that impressed me. We often throw the baby out with the dishwater, and I'm sure guilty of that. Threshold is pretty much a pleasure from beginning to end. Actually, it is the beginning that still makes me cringe, as it has not aged well at all, but the second that "Lovely To See You" comes spilling out in a swirl of sound, I felt like I'd re-connected with an old friend. I'm not going to make any judgments on the mastering, as I'm only qualified in saying that it's never sounded so crisp, but then again, I haven't heard it since the 1970's. It's been re-released several times since then, and I haven't heard any of those mixes. You'll need a player that recognizes SACD to get the surround mix. As the album continued, most every song still kind of reminded me of patchouli oil but I can't criticize it for being part of a particular time warp. In the wrong mood, this stuff could still make me wince a bit, but overall, if you've avoided them for years like I did, you might be pleasantly surprised. Not every song is great, but none are horrible, and the kiss off of "Have You Heard" is still psych classic. I have to admit that after a session with this album, I feel the need for something with a bit more substance (and bite) but that doesn't detract from my enjoyment anymore.
At this rate I'm going to have to go back and pick up Days and Chord, because even though this is somewhat of a guilty pleasure, it's one I'm glad to get re-acquainted with. Hands down though, the one to get first is still Children's Children. So now, I guess I have to go back and give Yes and Genesis a fair listen. Someday.
6 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on November 2, 2022
Love the old Moodys. This one is a classic. Sadly, while the recording is clean, it presents a stereo soundstage about 3" high. A modern remastering could open that up a lot, but only if the original tapes are still pristine. So enjoy the music, but know that it's a 60s recording put on CD with 80s technology, so it's kind of flat. And if you aren't an audiophile with a big expensive system, none of that matters a bit.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on September 26, 2022
NOTHING TO SAY... A TRUE CLASSIC..MAYBE THEIR BEST
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Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 27, 2022
I purchased my first Moody Blues album....Days of Future Past in 1968 at the ripe age of 17. I then purchased each Album through Seventh Sojourn as they were released.. in 1969 I purchased Theshold and Children’s Children’s Children. I played them through my Dual 1218, Pioneer 440 and Koss headphones I was aural heaven. I have always taken care of my vinyl. However my 50+ year old copies along with Japanese and U.K. import copies purchased in 79-85 are getting tired. CD reissues were always muddy and not worth buying
With the purchase of Threshold of a Dream I’m half way through refreshing my Moody albums. Each is a 2017/18 Polydor reissue. Each album’s sleeve, art work, insert, etc is true to the original release. Just as important the sound of each is better than the original with dead quiet background. The art and technology of mastering and pressing vinyl has improved and the reissues take advantage of the advances to bring the music full circle.
The Moody’s Their music, and lyrics helped open my eyes, ears, and mind. Listening to them Today brings back memories and just as importantly still opens my ears and mind.
With the purchase of Threshold of a Dream I’m half way through refreshing my Moody albums. Each is a 2017/18 Polydor reissue. Each album’s sleeve, art work, insert, etc is true to the original release. Just as important the sound of each is better than the original with dead quiet background. The art and technology of mastering and pressing vinyl has improved and the reissues take advantage of the advances to bring the music full circle.
The Moody’s Their music, and lyrics helped open my eyes, ears, and mind. Listening to them Today brings back memories and just as importantly still opens my ears and mind.
5 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries
Ian Gordon
5.0 out of 5 stars
A classic
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on January 11, 2019
OK, so its nearly 50 years old, but I think that this is still a brilliant album. There is a certain atmosphere about this album which I love. I still have the original vinyl, and the CD version which I bought in the 1980's, but this version tops the lot. There are 9 bonus tracks which include extended versions, alternate mixes and even 4 songs which were recorded for special radio broadcasts. There are no weak tracks in my opinion. Would highly recommend this album.
9 people found this helpful
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Mr. R. L. Daniels
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not quite faithfully reproduced sleeve.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on February 9, 2019
5 stars for the music as ever but little bit of a shame that the supposedly faithfully reproduced sleeve wasn't quite that so 4 instead. I have an original which shows that it should be laminated with a stapled booklet inside the gatefold sleeve. Minor point in a sense but they have managed to get the 'Question of balance' flip gatefold accurate and the 50th anniversary 'In search of the lost chord' sleeve with it's laminated single card front gatefold with correct opening for the record right so why not this. Puts me off buying the 'EGBDF' vinyl in case it lacks the textured sleeve of the original. Sorry Mr Picky I'm afraid.
6 people found this helpful
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mr john jack
5.0 out of 5 stars
THE DREAM BEGINS IT"S MAGNIFICENT VOYAGE
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on March 12, 2015
I Have Just Purchased This Album Once Again ...But This Time It Is The 180 Audiophile Edition Released By Music On Vinyl ,
I Already Own The Original Stereo Album - Released April 1969 By Deram And Also The C.D Edition With Bonus Tracks Released In 2008
And So I Now Have This New Remastered Edition From 2010, I Just Love It, Great Sound And So Clear , Great To Hear The Different Sounds Of The Instruments That I Cant Remember Hearing So Clearly On The Original...But Now Thanks To This Vinyl Edition I Can Hear Everything
FANTASTIC, I Have Always Loved ON THE THRESHOLD OF A DREAM Anyway, It Is One Of My Favorites From The Moody Blues,
The Standout Tracks For Me Are , LOVELY TO SEE YOU, HAVE YOU HEARD, SO DEEP WITHIN YOU, THE VOYAGE.
But Also The Rest Of The Tracks Are Brilliant, I Have A Soft Spot For , ARE YOU SITTING COMFORTABLY And Lazy Day And Also DEAR DIARY, Also John Lodge Tracks SEND ME NO WINE, TO SHARE OUR LOVE , Are Also Superb ( wait a minute ...i think iv just listed all of the tracks here) OH YES There Is Also JUSTIN"S - NEVER COMES THE DAY (personal favorite) And THE DREAM....As Well As - IN THE BEGINNING ...Aww Heck I Think You Get The Idea....Brilliant Album, Fantastic Songs , Great Vocals, Wonderful Music...Ok Ok I Will Stop Now
Sorry, Just One Last Thing I Must Say.....BUY IT BUY IT BUY IT ...ahem Sorry
I Already Own The Original Stereo Album - Released April 1969 By Deram And Also The C.D Edition With Bonus Tracks Released In 2008
And So I Now Have This New Remastered Edition From 2010, I Just Love It, Great Sound And So Clear , Great To Hear The Different Sounds Of The Instruments That I Cant Remember Hearing So Clearly On The Original...But Now Thanks To This Vinyl Edition I Can Hear Everything
FANTASTIC, I Have Always Loved ON THE THRESHOLD OF A DREAM Anyway, It Is One Of My Favorites From The Moody Blues,
The Standout Tracks For Me Are , LOVELY TO SEE YOU, HAVE YOU HEARD, SO DEEP WITHIN YOU, THE VOYAGE.
But Also The Rest Of The Tracks Are Brilliant, I Have A Soft Spot For , ARE YOU SITTING COMFORTABLY And Lazy Day And Also DEAR DIARY, Also John Lodge Tracks SEND ME NO WINE, TO SHARE OUR LOVE , Are Also Superb ( wait a minute ...i think iv just listed all of the tracks here) OH YES There Is Also JUSTIN"S - NEVER COMES THE DAY (personal favorite) And THE DREAM....As Well As - IN THE BEGINNING ...Aww Heck I Think You Get The Idea....Brilliant Album, Fantastic Songs , Great Vocals, Wonderful Music...Ok Ok I Will Stop Now
Sorry, Just One Last Thing I Must Say.....BUY IT BUY IT BUY IT ...ahem Sorry
7 people found this helpful
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Dale
4.0 out of 5 stars
One for the fans
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on February 11, 2012
I bought this album on the basis that The Moody Blues were ground breaking Prog rock musicians. Well that's what I got. A ground breaking prog rock album. But I have not yet decided whether I like it.
I can hear shades of many great 70s prog albums in here, it clearly showed others the way to go.
They interlace recorded speech and sound effects with the music in the way perfected by Pink Floyd a few years later, but somehow the music is still 1960s pop and the two do not work together.
I do wonder whether part of my reservation is because the recording technology was not able to capture their ideas. I'm not sure, but you can identify when it was recorded from the eq; if it had been recorded five years later this would probably not be the case.
So why have I given it four stars?
Well I think a few dozen listenings may just reveal its brilliance.
But at the moment I'm still not sure whether it's great or garbage.
I can hear shades of many great 70s prog albums in here, it clearly showed others the way to go.
They interlace recorded speech and sound effects with the music in the way perfected by Pink Floyd a few years later, but somehow the music is still 1960s pop and the two do not work together.
I do wonder whether part of my reservation is because the recording technology was not able to capture their ideas. I'm not sure, but you can identify when it was recorded from the eq; if it had been recorded five years later this would probably not be the case.
So why have I given it four stars?
Well I think a few dozen listenings may just reveal its brilliance.
But at the moment I'm still not sure whether it's great or garbage.
2 people found this helpful
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Barclaycard
5.0 out of 5 stars
one of there earliest and best
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on August 8, 2021
Bought this to play on my cd players, already have original vinyl. Moody Blues fans should definitely have this. It sums up the times I grew up in and brings back so many memories. For those younger generations don't dismiss this as it message is so true today.
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