IN SEARCH OF THE LOST CHORD

I have a long history with The Moody Blues, although I'm just now coming around to them. My father was a very strict authoritarian, and music was more or less prohibited, unless I wanted to listen to classical music only. I do remember, however, that he liked two bands (as much as he denied it): The Beatles and The Moody Blues. I can still remember him saying, "The Moody Blues have always been better than The Beatles" whenever someone would rave about the latter. So, I grew up hearing "Nights in White Satin", but, as so often happens with sheltered pastor's kids, I didn't like it simply because my father did.

Fast forward a couple decades, and my curiosity has been aroused. After listening to the masterpiece that is "Days of Future Passed", I pursued other albums by The Moody Blues. "In Search of the Lost Chord" is one of these, and I find that I love it almost as much as the aforementioned masterpiece and also "Every Good Boy Deserves Favor". This particular album is incredibly mysterious, as it not only abandons the orchestral structures of "Days of Future Passed", but it also dwells upon Gnostic ideas of secret knowledge that all of mankind is pursuing: a secret knowledge that leads to salvation and existential peace.

One of the most common comments on this album is its "dated" sound. I find that this one reason I love it! It is SUCH an album from the free love period, and I appreciate it as such. Also, it's no more dated than Genesis or King Crimson or Yes. With the wondrous soundscapes created by the mellotron, "In Search of the Lost Chord" delves into various world musics and combines them with, yes, the pop of that era. To me, that is extremely progressive.

This album is markedly darker than their previous work, as it starts with a throbbing, sweating introduction (Departure) that begins the journey into discovery. It launches itself into a few pop songs that are catchy and fantastic, such as "Ride my See-Saw" Soon, we arrive at the "House of Four Doors" suite that has "Legend of the Mind" smack dab in the middle. This track is amazing. Nothing more needs to be said, but I can't help but go on. It's pop chords give way to illustrious flute exercises and a bright darkness that penetrates the haze. The rest of the suite and the second half of the album are full of surreal sounds and excellent depictions of mankind's search.

Finally, we arrive at the last two songs, "The Word" (a poetic interlude) and "Om", the final destination of inner transcendence. While some may find these tracks cheesy, I find them profound, celestial, and important, if you pay attention.

"In Search of the Lost Chord", then, is a wonderful album of new sounds (for the band) and philosophical inquiry. Man searches for the light, and he pursues the natural harmony that is within him, though I believe that this generic spirituality is not the ultimate answer. It is, however, a fascinating experience with much to learn embedded in a vibrant, organic musical journey. The Moody Blues deserve so much more attention.

4.5 stars