The Quadrangle

Issue date: 9/7/05 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Just when psychedelic music was reaching its peak, a new musical style was coming of age. In the late 1960s, the progressive rock era was just beginning. With bands like The Beatles, The Beach Boys and The Byrds evolving their musical styles, classic rock and psychedlia were on a crazy train to a progressive era of greatness. Taking elements from classical music to classic rock, and lyrical elements from poetry and myth, progressive was an evolutionary leap for music. The stage was set for a showing of unimaginable power and magic, making an impact that would forever be engrossing and influential for decades.

The Moody Blues second album, In Search of the Lost Chord, is one of the first landmark moments in the age of progressive rock and roll. From start to finish, this mystical album is absolutely phenomenal and compelling. Unlike their first album in many respects, this album shows a completely different side to the band. Famous songs such as "The Night: Nights in White Satin" and "Tuesday Afternoon" made their debut on the first success, "Days of Future Passed" from the post "Go Now" Moody Blues. Changing their formula almost completely for "In Search of the Lost Chord," the experimentation proved to be absolutely amazing and perfect. Like most progressive bands experimenting at the time, the music here is all about feeling and routes. In Search of the Lost Chord flows together almost as one entire story. Most songs tie together on the album, having no break between them. The musicianship is unbelievable, and the sense of melody put forth by lead singer Justin Hayward is extremely moving.

The previous Moody Blues had used an orchestra for almost every song on "Days of Future Passed." In Search of the Lost Chord has absolutely no orchestra, rather a Mellotron to replace it. This is used by Mike Pinder for great synthesizer effects to add the mystical fantasy feel of each song. Any orchestra related instrument used here (flute, cello) was mostly learned very quickly and in simple thought. That simplicity, added to the amazing structure of each song, had melded together to make one of the greatest albums of the progressive age. Any fan of the extremely popular Pink Floyd should take this album into light and may enjoy it greatly. Pink Floyd could be used as the prime example for progressive rock, with their famous "Dark Side of the Moon," considered as the "gateway" for most newcomers. In Search of the Lost Chord is a lost classic, which is true for most progressive albums, still respected by many as one of the most powerful albums from one of the greatest bands of the early 1970s. The album sparked three hits out of the twelve found. "Ride My See-Saw," "Voices in the Sky," and "Legend of a Mind" were all key markers in making the Moody Blues huge all over the world.

In Search of the Lost Chord is a real landmark in musical history. It has been said they were "In search of themselves," being the actual meaning behind the albums title. With such a great sense of melody put forth by every member, The Moody Blues had absolutely found their niche. The next five albums produced by them would spark a ton more hits, and slate the band as an epic progressive favorite. Anyone even remotely interested the early sound of bands like Pink Floyd, Barclay James Harvest, or Genesis should pick this album up instantly. A great effort to set The Moody Blues off for the creation of five more epic albums in the 70s, In Search of the Lost Chord is a gem.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools