THIS IS THE MOODY BLUES

An excellent introduction to the classic Moody Blues sound. The core-7 albums are so even that they could have sparked off many similar compilations but this selection seems to be perfect. It flows very well, as if it was a regular album, and some segues (e.g. "And the Tide Rushes In" to "New Horizons") significantly add to the value of the songs themselves.

There are slight (but sometimes crucial, and always for the better) differences in the mixes. "A Question of Balance" features a choir-free opening, which emphasizes Hayward's brilliant rhythm guitar playing, and re-organizes the tension within the song. "Legend of a Mind" boasts a better timing of Thomas' flute touches, and definitely more logical coda. In "Have You Heard Part 2", extra acoustic guitars bars make the end of the "Voyage" less abrupt. "The Actor" gains on conciseness, while "Watching and Waiting" benefits from more prominent vocal harmonies. The only disappointment is the cutting of "Dear Diary's" final couplet ("somebody exploded an H-bomb today/ but it wasn't anybody I knew"), thus making the closing poem undeservedly ridiculous.

I envy anyone still about to begin the Voyage. This album is the best way to start.