Zed And Two Noughts, A [Digipak] [Remastered] - Zoo Orchestra

Advantages: The first Moody Blues concept album. Is this what started prog rock?
Disadvantages: Perhaps a little dated - but it is 40 years old!

...in a quite childlike way. The orchestra takes up the theme of the later part of the track leading to 4. Lunch Break *** The orchestral introduction again typifies the 60s film score writing but ushers in the rocker 'Peak Hour' from John Lodge accompanied by the other members of the band on descant vocals. Synthesisers, chiming guitars and driving drum refrains begin to hint at the Moodys 'Wall of Sound' of the future. There are also mystical overtones that foretell other albums. 5. The Afternoon ***** Two songs here led by Justin Hayward's 'Forever Afternoon (Tuesday?)' This has a plaintive verse with a haunting synthesiser accompaniment given a rhythmic up beat chorus. Again the tone is reflective of the human condition and taking pleasures and enjoyment as they are presented. This leads to the John Lodge song 'Time To Get... Read review

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

...the USA. It is of interest to compare and contrast it with its predecessor 'Days Of Future Passed' ('Days') where the group was accompanied by a symphony orchestra. There are some aspects that are developed to a greater extent: the wall of sound, the clear diction, the distinctive vocals and the harmonies. There are other aspects which have moved away from the purely classical sound. 'Lost Chord' is a part conventional, part experimental album. It was engineered for the Deramic sound system and in many ways is a better demonstration disc than 'Days'. I bought the vinyl at a time when I had a quadraphonic adapter (remember those?) for my Leak stereo amplifier. This consisted of a small box that allowed some signal to be passed to two rear mounted speakers. It was nothing in comparison with the 5 + 1 and Home Cinema systems of today. I well... Read review

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Advantages: Technically advanced, melodic, powerful, well produced
Disadvantages: No CD Inlay (Small pickup)

...This late 2006 release follows in the footsteps of Metallica (S&M). The Digipak contains 3 discs. Disc 1 is just the band, Disc 2&3 includes the Octavarium Orchestra. I would recommend this album based on the following- - It is technically advanced - Great melodies and harmonies - A slightly different apporach to Progressive Metal - using complex rhythms and melodies, with an Orchestra. The pack does not come with a CD inlay/cover which I found a bit disappointing - like to look through when listening. This is only a minor pickup however - the music is brilliant. John Petrucci peforms well throughout the album - varying his guitar solos slightly (improvisation). Innocence Faded (Disc 1 Track 6) brings back the old school Dream Theater sound that never gets boring. The epic track Octavarium on Disc 3 - 27 minutes long... Read review

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