TO OUR CHILDREN'S CHILDREN'S CHILDREN

'TOCCC' is a concept album, about space travel, and the possibilities it presents for future generations. What makes this album one of the best Moody Blues offerings, is the way the classic formula of acoustic guitar, Mellotron and Haywoods vocals comes together so well. I had felt that on some of the previous albums, and indeed on some that followed, that the overall feel of the album was marred by moments of banality. 'TOCCC' doesn't seem to suffer for this.

'Higher and Higher' is a great opener, complete with the sound of a rocket taking off at the beggining. Apparently the band had acquired a tape from NASA for this, but it didn't work in the studio for some technical reason. The band resolved to emulate the sound themselves. I'm not convinced about the poetry that sits on top of the music on this track, but the guitar part, and the energy of the song do make for an exhilerating opener. 'Eyes of Child 1' is a simple beautiful song, opening with swathes of harp, and setting the scene for a fine perfomance from Justin Hayward. 'Floating' is one of the Moodies 'silly' songs IMO, and seems to pull the feel of the album back to 1967, which is probably not something that needed to happen. It smacks of Beatles psychedelic playfulness, and I think breaks up the thoughtful atmosphere, so far achieved.

'Beyond' is a great instrumental, with some fine Mellotron moments from Mike Pinder. This track has a real 60's sci fi TV program feel to it. It breaks frequently and the spaces between the sections are filled with wonderful, well produced ambient noises. Should be listened to in a dark room! 'Out and In' once again dates the proceedings slightly, but not in such a negative way as 'Floating'. Pinders performance and an excellent chorus save the day. The psychedelia here is more thoughtful than playful, which suits my taste. 'Gypsy' 'Eternity Road' and 'Candle of Life' represent a run of unbroken excellence! Three consistently good songs, with memorable choruses and soaring Haywood vocals. The albums draws to a close with a wonderful continuity, you'd expect from any good concept album. The George Harrison-esque 'Sun is Still Shining' loses me a little, but floats nicley into a reprise of 'I'd never thought I'd live to be a million' A slightly different arrangement and lyric to 'I'd never thought I'd live to be a hundred' earlier on the album.

This drifts perfectly into 'Watching and Waiting' one of my all time favourite Moody Blues songs. 'W&W' is an example of just how perfect the Moodly Blues could be. Haywards trembling, tearful vocals are complimented by some wonderful lyrics:

"Soon you will see me, cause I'll be all aroind you, but where I come from I cant tell. But dont be alarmed by my fields and my forests There here for only you to share"

For me the words evoke someones soul becoming part of the nature, and achieving immortality in another way than that suggested hinted at throughout the rest of the album.

In the case of most of their albums, the Moody Blues never quite got there for me. There are moments of monumental beauty and musical genius, and passages of what sounds like lazy mediocrity. 'TOCCC' is a strong 4 star album. Very good stuff.

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