IN SEARCH OF THE LOST CHORD

This treat was the Moody Blues' follow up to "Days of Future Passed". I often think of it as my favourite but I am such a fan of this enchanting group that I find it exceedingly difficult to single out just one "best" from such a string of great albums."The Moodies" decided to retain the classical instruments from their previous hit album, with one major difference: they would play all the instruments themselves, including cello, oboe, harp, harpsicord, and, for a touch of Indian-flavour, some sitar.

"In Search Of The Lost Chord" is arguably the band's most psychedelic album and it's filled with their euphoric music, which both explores the cosmos and comforts us with emblematic, tuneful bliss. There is a remarkable, youthful enthusiasm in both the music and the lyrics.

"Ride My See-Saw" has a mesmerizing groove, but it's intelligently energetic. "Voices In The Sky," "Visions Of Paradise" and "The Actor" are pure ecstasy, with such heavenly mixes of instrumental textures and heartfelt vocals. I don't find the playful "Dr. Livingstone, I Presume" inferior in any way; in fact it's most delightful and quite inventive too.

"Legend Of A Mind" is as haunting as you could ask for, whilst "House Of Four Doors" is mysteriously beautiful and captivating. This and "Part 2" sandwich "Legend Of A Mind" perfectly. And, how can any Psychedelia-loving soul not find delight in "The Best Way To Travel"? And the meditative "Om" completes this treasure in splendid fashion.

The 60s was a very revolutionary time for music. The sounds on this glorious album were highly original back then, and still are! Nothing sounded like this before the late 60s. The truly creative changes that took place in the short span of eight years from 1965 to 1973 were extraordinary. That was an amazing time period that produced some amazing works of art. This album is one of them, and I cannot recommend it enough to those who love the stuff. Some reviewers call it dated and I guess it is in many ways, but I don't really care, it certainly left a huge impression on me.