MOODY BLUES/DAYS OF FUTURE PASSED DML 707 (-67) UK MONO

Moody Blues is one of those bands I drop for long periods and then suddely embrace 100%. I've never been much for "Magnificent Moodies", which is an ok r&b album but as from another band. The MB adventure takes off here and for the next five years six albums would serve about the same buffet - blending well written melodies with front line experimenting, groovy lyrics and heartfelt performance. Even if you recognize the disposition from time to time the melodic variations and developing ideas on recording and arrangements makes every single LP sound brand new. This first in line with the new style has also been called the first progressive and symphonic pop album and even seen as the one that created those genres. Don't know about that, but clearly remember how fresh it sounded back then. It wasn't the first concept album and symphonic orchestras had been used in pop/rock context before. Still the way they did it combined with the beautiful melodies made it special. Favorite track - "The Afternoon". Production credited to Tony Clarke, who at this time had no education in classical music. I guess a lot of the handeling was due to arranger and cunductor Peter Knight (1917-85), already 1967 an oldtimer with experience from fifties and early sixties recordings. I've seen debate if this mono is a fold or not. It sure sounds true mono to me - perfectly balanced and all comes through open and beautiful, far from the damp impression of the "In Search Of The Lost Chord" mono which is an obvious reduction. By 1978 the original tapes were worn out and the entire album re-mixed in stereo, so the only way to get the first stereo version today is by pre-1978 vinyl and for mono you have to find issues like this. First US on main Deram (DE 16012/DES 18012). Premiere UK mono had ridged label, a few mispressed with red "stereo" colour instead of brown, and thin laminated cover. (MBÅL*)(DÄRR*)