Dvorák: (The) Jacobin [SACD]

Advantages: Foretold their development and their record label
Disadvantages: Perhaps not of immediate appeal but it will draw you in

...as separate entities. 16 has an alternative voice part by Ray Thomas. 19, 20 were recorded live for John Peel's programme "Top Gear" from February 1969. 21, 22 were a session recorded for the BBC programme "The Tony Brandon Show" in April 1969. THE TECHNOLOGY As before I now have copies of both versions of this album in my collection. The disc is a dual layer hybrid CD. The universally accessible layer contains the Stereo CD mix. I have to admit that even this version played into the inputs of a Dolby 5:1 capable amplifier produces a remarkable clarity of sound and a pleasing three dimensional ambiance to the performance. My current equipment, a Denon 2800 player, is not equipped with SACD circuitry. The SACD layer has the version from the 1972 quadraphonic master tapes remixed into a full surround sound output. I have my SACD... Read review

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Advantages: Excellent all-round Moody's album
Disadvantages: Short by modern standards but recompensed by additional material

...I have to admit that my first view of the Moody Blues playing 'live' was on BBC television's "The Lulu Show" back in 1970 when they performed the title track of this album. I had of course experienced their previous studio offerings and was well versed in the Moody sound. "Question of Balance" remains a firm favourite from their early years and is a good introduction to their musical style. It also demonstrates the distinctive vocal styles of each of the group. The lyrics are less "acid" than some offerings but still plumb the depths (the "Whats", the "Whys") of man's condition in life. "Question of Balance" was the Moody Blues fifth studio album and recorded in 1970. In 2003 Universal Music embarked on a project to re-master all five of these early Moody Blues albums from the original tapes using modern production techniques... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Original, psychedelic, distinctive Moodys sound, an extra hour of music
Disadvantages: The album without the extras is rather short

...of the source of the tracks on the bonus disc. AVAILABILITY IN SEARCH OF THE LOST CHORD - The Moody Blues (1968) Deluxe Edition (2006) - Two disc set Hybrid SACD DERAM 983214-7 Amazon.co.uk £12.99 CONCLUSIONS I have to admit that the Moody's have been one of my favourite two bands since the 1960s but I hadn't listened to these early releases for many years. Overall this is a more substantial and deeper album than 'Days'. Perhaps it should feel dated given its age and influences but in many ways I was pleasantly surprised it does not. It deserves an audience and will repay you with an understanding of the roots of the group. If you haven't listened to the Moody Blues then this is an ideal place to start. Is the new version worth the extra money (the old CD is still available)? Yes it is. Funnily enough (having bought one anyway... Read review

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