In Search of Lost Chord [Import] [Original recording remastered]

Track Listings

1. Departure

2. Ride My See-Saw

3. Dr. Livingstone, I Presume

4. House Of Four Doors

5. Legend Of A Mind

6. House Of Four Doors (Part Two)

7. Voices In The Sky

8. The Best Way To Travel

9. Visions Of Paradise

10. The Actor

11. The Word

12. Om

Tracks:

Departure
Ride My See-Saw
Dr. Livingstone, I Presume
House Of Four Doors
Legend Of A Mind
House Of Four Doors (Part 2)
Voices In The Sky
The Best Way To Travel
Visions Of Paradise
The Actor
The Word
Om

Customer Reviews:

A timeless classic.......2007-07-17

It is hard to believe that this record is almost 40 years old, but it is. And it couldn't have aged any better. It still sounds as fresh, creative, and innovative as it did back in the day. The seven-album run that the Moody Blues reeled off from 1967 to 1972 is quite stunning, and opinions are often all over the map as to what their best of those seven is, but in my mind, it is an easy question to answer. With all due respect to the other six albums, all of which are excellent in their own way, as well, the answer for me will always be In Search of the Lost Chord.

Comments on a few favorite songs.......2007-06-06

I am not going to offer up a review of the entire album. There are MANY talented folks here who have done a much better job of it than I ever could hope to, so what's the point? I'd just like to offer up my 2 cents on my favorite songs from this great Moody Blues work.

First off is John Lodge's classic, feel-good rocker 'Ride My See-Saw'. (This tune and 'I'm Just a Singer' frequently trade places as my favorite Moodies song). I might as well admit it right now: I am a HUGE John Lodge fan and he is my fave Moody. That will become glaringly apparent if you read any more of my Moody Blues product reviews. Am I the least bit biased towards this living legend? Not at all! While I am not totally sure of the exact meaning of the lyrics, on the surface RMSS seems to be rife with double entendres and sexual innuendo, at least that's what I've read many times. But knowing of JL's deep religious beliefs, I strongly guess that that's not the case at all. This song is just plain fun to listen and sing along to. John and Justin's great guitar work ain't none too shabbily showcased either. RMSS is John Lodge at his rocking best.

I am also a big fan of Ray Thomas' often overlooked (and in my opinon) under-used talents. His ode to 'Dr. Livingstone' is a cheery, cute song that I could listen to all day long while having a goofy smile on my face. Ray's next offering, 'Legend of a Mind' is a legend of a song, and perfectly shows off this man's awesome vocal skills, not to mention the fact that he can blow the living tar out of a flute. This song has the best series of build-ups (for lack of a better word) and crescendos of any song I have ever heard. (You'll have to over-look the fact that I am not at all musical nor versed in music lingo, so that's the best description I could give. I hope most will understand what I'm talking about). I can literally listen to this song over and over w/o growing tired of it. The subject matter of this song doesn't matter to me one iota. The melody, the beat, the musicianship, and John's fabulous high note harmonies all combine to make this song a pure delight to my ears.

Next on my list is Lodge's 'House of Four Doors'. I'll spare you the details of how great I think this song is. I'll briefly just state that HOFD is hauntingly eerie and beautiful all at the same time. Maybe- just maybe- I could have done w/o 'some' of the sound effects of the creaking door, but hey John didn't ask me for my opinion before including them. It really doesn't affect my overall opinion of this great song. Yes, it's a John Lodge tune, and yes I darn well love it.

I am ending my little synopsis with two songs from the sublime Justin Hayward.(BTW, I like him, too. He's my 2nd fave Moody). Firstly is 'Voices in the Sky'. I have to admit that it took me a while to really love and appreciate this one (I don't exactly know why) but it is a truly lovely song. This song DOES make me wonder what the birds could say to me if they only could. As usual, Justin does a superb vocal and the song fits him and this album really well. But.... my favorite Hayward tune on this record is by far 'The Actor'. In fact, it's one of my all-time favorite songs of his. Both the lyrics and the sound of this song are as timeless today as when JH penned it many years ago. Something in this song really strikes a chord in me. Perhaps it's the fact that we all tend to put on a good front for the world and get caught up in playing our little roles? I heard Justin sing this song live recently and I have to say the man's voice sounds just as good as it did way back when. He truly is a gifted singer, guitarist and performer.

Well, I guess I'm just about through telling y'all (I'm from the South, after all) about my favorite songs from ISOTLC. I hope this "review" makes someone want to go and listen to these songs (or the entire album) anew- or better yet- hear them for the very first time. Either way, I do hope you enjoy!

My personal favorite.......2007-04-15

I own 14 Moody Blues albums and this is my favorite one . The band's ability to learn 37 different instument including Mike Pindar's mastery of the mellotron is remarkable all in and of itself . The album contains my favorite Moody Blues song , Voices In The Sky . While this album never received the critical acclaim that was given to Days Of Future Passed , it was more like the other 5 concept albums . Yes , the material is some what dated , but , this is the begining of the art rock era . Any one who likes the band should own this .

almost perfect moody blues album! 4.75 stars.......2007-03-19

Though it doesnt contain a song like the epic beautiful "nights in white satin" the Moodies second album from 1968 is their most pyschedelic and solid album of their career. This album segues nicely into a track by track tour of what the end of pyschedlia and the beginning of progrock sounded like. There isnt really a song i dislike and this fits in nicely with the best of the post summer of love albums. Lots of flute mellotron sitars and instruments played by the band themselves. Lost chord is a very strong followup to days of future passed and exceeds it in material for me. Great acoustic guitars and truly great singing all mingled in with LSD musical interludes( though apparantly without drugs). A few moments recall early Pink Floyd late Beatles etc but the Moody Blues were a special band for a time-1967-1972 in my humble opinion. Their first three albums are all excellent but this is the one to get. This one seems heavily influenced by George Harrison Ravi Shankar- with most of the album flaoting by a in a mellow transcendental state. Great for evening listens sunday mornings and for contemplation.

House of 5 incredible musicians and songwriters.......2007-01-30

Locked in a studio for a few weeks, the Moodies come up with an "orchestral" sounding album. It's a little dated at times, but it's wonderfully spacey and good.

Average customer rating:

The Best When They were a Quintet
2006 DELUXE VERSION, BUT NOT HYBRID...?
The sound I have heard in your hello
Awesome
SACD vs. MFSL

In Search of the Lost Chord
The Moody Blues
Manufacturer: Ume Imports
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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To Our Children's Children's Children
On the Threshold of a Dream
Days of Future Passed
Question of Balance
Every Good Boy Deserves Favour

ASIN: B000E8NQU4
Release Date: 2006-04-18

Tracks:

Departure
Ride My See-Saw
Dr. Livingstone, I Presume
House of Four Doors, Pt. 1
Legend of a Mind
House of Four Doors, Pt. 2
Voices in the Sky
Best Way to Travel
Visions of Paradise
Actor
Word
Om

Tracks:

Departure [Alternate Mix]
Best Way to Travel [Additional Vocal Mix]
Legend of a Mind [Alternate Mix]
Visions of Paradise [Instrumental Version]
What Am I Doing Here? [Original Version]
Word [Mellotron Mix]
Om [Extended Version]
Simple Game [Justin Hayward Vocal Mix]
King and Queen
Doctor Livingstone I Presume [#]
Voices in the Sky [#]
Thinking Is the Best Way to Travel [#]
Ride My See Saw [#]
Tuesday Afternoon (Forever Afternoon) [#]
Simple Game [Single 'B' Side]

Album Description

2 CD set. After helping lay the groundwork for concept albums and progressive rock with 1967's orchestra-enhanced suite Days Of Future Passed, the Moodies retrenched for the follow-up. They abandoned the orchestra but kept their sound as rich as before by playing a multitude of instruments themselves, including everything from sitar to cello to oboe. At the time, it was remarkable enough for these instruments to appear on a rock record, much less to be played by the band itself. The string-laden conceptual pieces of Days were replaced by shorter, more concise songs that leaned more toward Beatlesque pop and displayed a pronounced Eastern influence. In Search Of The Lost Chord is the most exotic, trippy album in the Moodies' catalog. Polydor. 2006.

Customer Reviews:

The Best When They were a Quintet.......2007-07-10

The Moody Blues were a rock and roll band who expanded its range. However they have become one-dimensional without the songwriting of Mike Pinder, Ray Thomas and Graham Edge. Ride My See-Saw, House of Four Door, Legend Of A Mind all of this variety made the Moody Blues a Dynamic group. Not that Justin Hayward did not have a strong part to play in the sound, with strong songs. But it is something definitely missing in the new sound of the Moody Blues

2006 DELUXE VERSION, BUT NOT HYBRID...?.......2007-06-15

I just received this Deluxe 2 CD set from a reputable seller, but there is no mention
of it being a Hybrid SACD anywhere in the package. The sound is excellent, but if
you want the H-SACD version you might want to inquire with the seller first.
The editorial review above states that this set is from Polydor. My version is
Deram/Decca. Copyright 2006 Decca Music Group Ltd. A Universal Music Co.

The sound I have heard in your hello.......2007-06-13

Okay, yes this seems to be a stereo only SACD but in my humble opinion, it has never sounded better and I know the MFSL versions as well as just about every other version out there. Having grown up around this album, I can honestly say that there are things on here that I've never even noticed before. The echo that Tony Clarke uses on here gives this album an almost ghostly feeling that really comes through on this version. the backing vocals on Voices In the Sky sound like a heavenly cosmic chior. Justin's acoustic has never come across better than it does on this version but really the same can be said for every thing else. Ray's flute on Visions Of Paradise reminds me of light drifting through the cosmos. One of my all time favorite Moodies songs, the Actor sounds so clean and the drums are so crisp that I think I've fallen in love with it all over again. the bonus disc is a wonderful addition and I'm glad that they aqdded Michael's A Simple Game as this was the only problem with the original version of the album as it was only a single B side to one of the songs here. It's also nice to hear Justin try it although Mike's is the keeper. The two outtakes that originally appeared on + 5 actually fit better here What Am I Doing Here and King And Queen have never sounded better. the live stuff is wonderful. It's a shame that the SACD format has gotten such a bad rap with some as I myself would love to see other artists and bands put out more SACD's. Imagine SACD albums by artists like King Crimson and Traffic.

Awesome.......2007-04-11

Wow! I can hardly wait to purchase the others in this series. Listening to classic Moodies "is the best way to travel." My "astral plane" is still flying!

SACD vs. MFSL.......2006-08-15

I'll never give a Moody Blues album from the classic era less than four stars, and this week this one is my favorite. The music is a solid 5, with one less star for the remastering. A lot of people ask me about the difference between the Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab masters and the SACD versions of the Moody Blues CDs. I have essentially every version so I have compared them extensively. (Yes, I'll even compare them for friends. Sometimes.) The first thing I noticed on this was the over-compression someone else commented on. Yes, the world has gone mad. The MFSL versions have spatial imaging that puts the SACD versions to shame. The pristine tonality makes the music come alive, especially if you've only heard the "remastered" CD versions (Remastered=Compressed in most cases - to make it play "louder"). I purchased the SACD versions for the extra tracks primarily. If you don't mind paying a premium price for used CDs I recommend the Mobile Fidelity versions, but any Moody Blues CD is wonderful.

Average customer rating:

The Moody Blues start playing around with their Mellotron
Progressive and Artistic
One of the best rock/pop experiments ever made
Why This Is A Classic And Gold CD.

In Search of the Lost Chord
The Moody Blues
Manufacturer: Mobile Fidelity
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

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Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
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On The Threshold Of A Dream
Every Good Boy Deserves Favour
Seventh Sojourn
Days of Future Passed
Question of Balance

ASIN: B000000ISI
Release Date: 1993-04-06

Tracks:

Departure
Ride My See-Saw
Dr. Livingstone, I Presume
House Of Four Doors
Legend Of A Mind
House Of Four Doors (Part 2)
Voices In The Sky
The Best Way To Travel
Visions Of Paradise
The Actor
The Word
OM

Customer Reviews:

The Moody Blues start playing around with their Mellotron.......2005-05-31

After "Days of Future Passed," with its fusion of progressive rock and the London Festival Orchestra the Moody Blues provided more of the same, only different (i.e., a Mellotron instead of the full symphonic orchestra since Decca did not want to pay for another one despite the success of the aforementioned previous album). On their 1968 release "In Search of the Lost Chord," the songs are shorter and manage to involve both pop and Eastern influences. "Ride My See-Saw" could be one of the best Hollies song never done by the Hollies. However, the exception that proves the rule here would be "Legend of a Mind," the song that causal listeners think is called "Timothy Leary" or "Timothy Leary's dead," or something along those lines:

Timothy Leary's dead.
No, no, no, no,
He's outside looking in

Now that Timothy Leary is not only dead but really, most sincerely dead listening to "Legend of a Mind" from is a different experience. Leary died in 1996 and his remains were cremated and lauched into the final frontier along with those of "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry. The song is associated with the psychadelic period of the Sixties, although it is hard to imagine why given that the lyrics are full of unqualified praise for Timothy Leary and his astral plane:

He'll take you up, he'll bring you down,
He'll plant your feet back firmly on the ground.
He flies so high, he swoops so low,
He knows exactly which way he's gonna go.

Ray Thomas wrote "Legend of a Mind" and also "Dr. Livingston I Presume," the other song on the album that makes acid trips sound like a good idea, in that delightfully eccentric way that make the British so endearing. You keep wanting to suspect that there is something tongue-in-cheek going on here, but, no the group seems to be earnest in its adoration as the CD's new notes by the band members. No wonder the Moody Blues were so popular with the counter-culture. Add to this the Eastern influences that pop up at the end of the album in "Visions of Paradise" and "Om." Things get a little self-indulgent on this album, but the experimentation pays off big time with their next effort, "On the Threshold of a Dream."

In 1968 the Moody Blues, which is a much better name than El Riot & the Rebels, consisted of Justin Hayward (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, 12-string guitar, sitar, harpsichord, piano, Mellotron, bass, percussion, tablas); Mike Pinder (acoustic guitar, cello, autoharp, harpsichord, Mellotron, piano, bass); John Lodge (acoustic guitar, cello, bass, tambourine, snare drum, background vocals); Ray Thomas (C flute, alto flute, soprano saxophone, background vocals); and Graeme Edge (piano, drums, timpani, tambourine, tablas). The point of detailing all this instrumentation is to evidence that the level of experimentation here was at least the equal of what the Beatles were doing during their legendary "Sgt. Pepper" period (and Jethro Tull only had one flute). The result was that "In Search of the Lost Chord" made it to #23 on the Billboard chart. There were two singles released, "Ride My See-Saw" made it to #61 and "Never Comes the Day" only got to #91 (A pair of Justin Hawyard songs, "Voices in the Sky" and "The Actor," were both released in the U.K. as singles), and to make sure everything is dotted and crossed, the cover art was by Phil Travers.

Progressive and Artistic.......2005-04-03

Many rock groups have been described as "progressive" during various times in their careers. To truly understand the definition of progressive rock, put yourself in 1968 listening to this album for the first time. The Moody Blues surpassed the Beatles with exquisitely complex orchestrations, using instruments that often were (and are) played only in obscure classical presentations. The lyrics are often incredibly spiritual without being denominational and without offending any specific denomination, a difficult feat in any era.

This album was a follow up to the ground-breaking "Days of Future Passed" album, and set the expectations for all future Moodies albums. So many groups get into a groove, and keep playing that groove endlessly and monotonously. The Moodies made seven concept albums in a row, none of which was identical. Most were only similar in that they had elements of fantasy, science fiction, and hope for a better world and a better life. The expectations for each Moodies album was (and continues to be): what unusual thing are they going to try to do this time?

In this album they played with using instruments to achieve various effects, such as the doors opening on the "House of Four Doors", and the combination of instruments on "Om" that evokes a feel of India without being Indian. The use of the sitar on this album is one of the best in a rock album.

This album ranks as one of my all time favorites. There is no need to evaluate individual songs because they are all very good. This album deserves to be ranked with albums such as "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and Led Zeppelin's Runes or ZOSO album.

In some ways you may consider this album as a peak for the Moodies; their subsequent albums are continually compared to "Days" and to "The Lost Chord." Fortunately the Moodies have never been disheartened by the unexpected success of their first two albums, and have kept on making more music.

If you are new to the Moodies, you will find this album to be one of their best. However, you will find that even an "average" Moodies album is better than the "best" of many other groups. Typical criticism of a Moodies' album comes from comparison to other Moodies' albums, because it is difficult to compare the Moodies to other groups.

If you like this album, you may also enjoy "To All Our Children's Children's Children," "On the Threshold of a Dream" and "Every Good Boy Deserves Favour." Each of these is similarly experimental, with varying degrees of success.

Regardless of your feelings toward this album, it helped defined progressive rock as a genre with the few other progressive rock groups of the late 60s and early 70s, and will always hold a special place for those who looked for the next evolution of rock music beyond the Beatles.

One of the best rock/pop experiments ever made.......2002-01-29

Being from my favorite group from all time, I can't be objective with this record. But anyway to listen to it is to understand how far they got in making incredible modern music mixed with classic and traditional influences from many places and times in the world and mixing as well a very moving and dinamic, young nature with a vital and deep sense of spirituality.

After the grand experiment with a symphonic orchestra of 'Days of Future Passed' the Moody Blues and the producer Tony Clarke lock themselves in the studio in 1968 to create a magnificent musical expedition across the mind. 'Legend of a Mind' is maybe the highest point flute player Ray Thomas has ever reached as a songwriter. The part with of the flute solo leaves you standing naked in the middle of a field embracing nature with your open arms, and the intense ending leads you through a speed-of-light journey across your dreams and feelings.

'Visions of Paradise' is the song that maybe has put in the highest point the intention George Harrison founded of mixing psychodelic 60's rock with Indian traditional music. The voice harmonies really make you see paradise in front of you as you ever dreamed it was. 'Voices in the Sky' is a splendid, fresh and delicious chant to nature and simple joy. 'Om' is one of the superb tunes full of universal spirituality keyboardist Mike Pinder created, ending the album with perpetual choir voices ascending to the sky.

Every song in this album has a life in its own and is a world in itself, and they're also a standard for all pop/rock music created later. So, it's five starts without a doubt. A masterpiece of symphonic rock.

Why This Is A Classic And Gold CD........2001-07-09

This is one of the groups finest pop-psychodelia recordings. Incorporating sound effects like creaking doors, explosions and everything a 1960's mellotron could do, this experience is as close to an acid trip one could have (if one ever did).

"Ride My See-Saw" is a standard concert encore and "Dr. Livingstone..." soars from simple pop rock to fast paced rock 'n roll with enough bridges and changes to satisfy any mind. "Voices In The Sky" is Justin Hayward's beautiful ballad contribution and "The Actor" is nothing short of plaintive, soul-searching love angst. The harmonies are incredible.

Tracks:

Departure
Ride My See-Saw
Dr. Livingstone, I Presume
House of Four Doors
Legend of a Mind
House of Four Doors, Pt. 2
Voices in the Sky
Best Way to Travel
Visions of Paradise
Actor
Word
Om

Customer Reviews:

The Moody Blues start playing around with their Mellotron.......2005-05-31

Progressive and Artistic.......2005-04-03

One of the best rock/pop experiments ever made.......2002-01-29

Why This Is A Classic And Gold CD........2001-07-09

Tracks:

Departure
Ride My See-Saw
Dr. Livingstone, I Presume
House Of Four Doors
Legend Of A Mind
House Of Four Doors (Part 2)
Voices In The Sky
Best Way To Travel
Visions Of Paradise
Actor
Word
Om

Average customer rating:

In Search Of The Lost Chord

Manufacturer: Afka
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000003XVA
Release Date: 1996-09-01

Average customer rating:

Progressive Rock Refined
The Moody Blues start playing around with their Mellotron

In Search of the Lost Chord
The Moody Blues
Manufacturer: Mobile Fidelity
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Classic Rock | Imports | Stores | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00006HBBL
Release Date: 1968-01-01

Tracks:

Departure
Ride My See-Saw
Dr. Livingstone, I Presume
House of Four Doors
Legend of a Mind
House of Four Doors, Pt. 2
Voices in the Sky
Best Way to Travel
Visions of Paradise
Actor
Word
Om

Customer Reviews:

Progressive Rock Refined.......2005-10-17

Many rock groups have been described as "progressive" during various times in their careers. To truly understand the definition of progressive rock, put yourself in 1968 listening to this album for the first time. The Moody Blues surpassed the Beatles with exquisitely complex orchestrations, using instruments that often were (and are) played only in obscure classical presentations.

This album was a follow up to the ground-breaking "Days of Future Passed" album, and set the expectations for all future Moody Blues albums. Many groups get into a groove and keep playing that groove endlessly and monotonously. The Moody Blues made seven concept albums in a row, none of which was identical. Most were only similar in that they had elements of fantasy, science fiction, and hope for a better world and a better life. The expectations for each Moody Blues album was (and continues to be): what unusual thing are they going to try to do this time?

In this album they played with using instruments to achieve various effects, such as the doors opening on the "House of Four Doors", and the combination of instruments on "Om." The use of the sitar on the song "Om" is one of the best in a rock album.

This album ranks as one of my all time favorites. There is no need to evaluate individual songs because they are all very good. This album deserves to be ranked with albums such as "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and Led Zeppelin's Runes or ZOSO album. In some ways you may consider this album as a peak for the Moody Blues; reviewers frequently compare their subsequent albums to "Days" and to "The Lost Chord." Fortunately the Moodies have never been disheartened by the unexpected success of their first two albums, and have kept on making more music.

If you are new to the Moody Blues, you will find this album to be one of their best. However, you will find that even an "average" Moody Blues album is better than the "best" of many other groups. Typical criticism of a Moody Blues album comes from comparison to other Moody Blues albums, because it is difficult to compare the Moodies to other groups. If you like this album, you may also enjoy "To All Our Children's Children's Children," "On the Threshold of a Dream" and "Every Good Boy Deserves Favour." Each of these is similarly experimental, with varying degrees of success.

Regardless of your feelings toward this album, it helped defined progressive rock as a genre with the few other progressive rock groups of the late 60s and early 70s, and will always hold a special place for those who looked forward as rock evolved beyond the Beatles.

A final caution regarding this particular version; this version is the "Japanese" release, and there are less expensive variations available. I suggest that you seek those versions, including a gold version, rather than this version.

The Moody Blues start playing around with their Mellotron.......2005-05-09

Music Review:

Music Review

Music Review

1. Departure
2. Ride My See-Saw
3. Dr. Livingstone, I Presume
4. House Of Four Doors
5. Legend Of A Mind
6. House Of Four Doors (Part Two)
7. Voices In The Sky
8. The Best Way To Travel
9. Visions Of Paradise
10. The Actor
11. The Word
12. Om