The Moody Blues The Magnificent Moodies CD Review
The Moody Blues
The Magnificent Moodies
50th Anniversary Edition
Reviewed by Sharon McDermott
It’s fair to say that to the vast majority of us the mention of The Moody Blues instantly summons the memory of Justin Hayward, he of the sweeping blonde fringe and yearning voice, invoking romantic and pastoral visions within their epic and symphonic masterpiece Nights In White Satin. And I too put my hand up to that limited appreciation of this long-serving British musical institution. But two years before Justin Hayward was even a twinkle in the Moodies eye, they were a hard-gigging beat band from Birmingham banging out pop-infused rhythm and blues. Fronting the band on guitar and lead vocals at this time was Denny Laine, who would go on to spend the entire 1970s as Paul McCartney’s faithful counterpart in Wings.
Like every other British band of the mid-sixties, The Moody Blues were playing catch-up with McCartney’s other band, The Beatles, who were always several steps ahead of the competition in both their songwriting and exploration of musical boundaries. And so it is on this remastered and much-expanded 50th Anniversary re-issue of the Moody Blues 1965 debut album. Within the twelve tracks of the original release, The Magnificent Moodies comprises mostly cover versions (including their No.1 hit Go Now) that fall somewhere between the beat pop stylings of the fab four and the rawer, more soulful rhythm and blues approach of The Rolling Stones. It would be a stretch to say there was anything ‘magnificent’ going on here and aside from the stirring Go Now, it is a fairly standard collection of gutsily delivered beat numbers. That said, this release forms an interesting document that is greatly enhanced by the addition of 15 extra tracks, which cover all the singles and flip sides that were issued during this fledgling period of the Moodies career. The package has been lovingly put together with extensive sleeve notes that include commentary from the band members, press clippings, reviews, photos and old poster art.
Musically, the extra tracks suggest that by 1966 the band were in search of a more adventurous musical direction, but it would not be until the addition of Justin Hayward and John Lodge (as well as Mike Pinder’s marvellous Mellotron keyboard) in 1967 that the band would finally establish its sound and identity. Still, this CD re-issue represents an excellent package for any fans of the band’s early work or those who may wish to find out what Denny Laine was up to before striking gold with Band On The Run.
Track Listing:
THE MAGNIFICENT MOODIES: REMASTERED
1. I’LL GO CRAZY
2. SOMETHING YOU GOT
3. GO NOW
4. CAN’T NOBODY LOVE YOU
5. I DON’T MIND
6. I’VE GOT A DREAM
7. LET ME GO
8. STOP
9. THANK YOU BABY
10. IT AIN’T NECESSARILY SO
11. TRUE STORY
12. BYE BYE BIRD
BONUS TRACKS
13. LOSE YOUR MONEY (BUT DON’T LOSE YOUR MIND)
14. STEAL YOUR HEART AWAY
15. GO NOW! (FIRST VERSION) (PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED)
16. IT’S EASY CHILD
17. I DON’T WANT TO GO ON WITHOUT YOU
18. TIME IS ON MY SIDE
19. FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART (I LOVE YOU)
20. AND MY BABY’S GONE
21. EVERYDAY
22. YOU DON’T (ALL THE TIME)
23. BOULEVARD DE MADELEINE
24. THIS IS MY HOUSE (BUT NOBODY CALLS)
25. PEOPLE GOTTA GO
26. LIFE’S NOT LIFE
27. HE CAN WIN
Rating: 3/5
RRP: £10.95
Available to buy from Cherry Red Records here.
