Martin A Hogan | San Francisco, CA. (Hercules) | 04/20/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This gem from 1971 includes some of the Moody Blues best works. The stand-out cut for this hybrid SACD is the amazing, "Procession", in which the Moodies attempted to document the progression of music through the years. In stereo, it was always a revelation, but in surround sound the original quadraphonic mix is reproduced with exquisite clarity and definition. The song literally dances around the room. The entire album exudes new life through this new mix - however, the center speaker does not emit sound; only the four individual speakers (left and right front and left and right rear), plus the subwoofer. The unreleased bonus tracks are a welcome surprise, with the original version of, "The Story In Your Eyes" at an extra half minute added. It's more of a `free' mix towards the end sounding more like a tight `jam'. The Hayward/Thomas addition of "The Dreamer" is a pleasant song and this is the first time it has been available. Note that the bonus tracks are in stereo only; an unexplained mystery on an album mixed for multi-channels. Also note that the bonus song, "After you Came" listed on the booklet does not exist on the CD - a major faux-paus!
Please note that all Moody Blues Hybrid SACD's do not reproduce the front central channel - a result of the original quadraphonic tape mixing"
There's More...(We Hope) !!
Steven Bray | 04/14/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love this recording, and it's (at least) twice as good in Quadraphonic ! Thank you, Polygram ! If you're a Moodies fan, BUY IT ! 'Nuf said-you know you're getting a gem here...But you might not know this---- Where's the SACD re-issue in 5.1 of "Blue Jays" by Justin Hayward and John Lodge ? Still to come ? and soon (I hope) ? We need to make some noise, fellow fans...BECAUSE-It was briefly available as a Quadraphonic 4 channel reel-to-reel tape, just as all the Moody Blues albums through "Seventh Sojourn" except "Magnificent Moodies" (1st LP) and "In Search of the Lost Chord" (3rd LP) were. Well, ALL the Moody multi-channels have been re-issued as SACDs, so where's the re-issue in 5.1 of "Blue Jays" ? THIS ALBUM WAS THE BEST MULTI-CHANNEL RELEASE by ANY artist I'VE EVER HEARD ! Also, Ray Thomas' "From Mighty Oaks" was a matrix-encoded Quadraphonic LP record release, so there should be some discrete master tapes of that in the vaults, too...Let's hope we see SACD re-issues of both of these wonderful 'solo' releases, as well !"
Great Moodies Sound, Bonus Track Issue
JD Junior | 04/13/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The "EGBDF" remaster is as pleasing as the previous Moody reissues. However, there is an extra bonus track, "After You Came", listed in the booklet. This track is not listed on the outer sleeve, and is not on the CD. Otherwise this reissue would rate a 5."
The Moodies in Surround
airguitar1 | South Colby, WA United States | 09/14/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I think a lot has been written about the compressed sound of these SACD Surround Mixes, and for the most part, they are correct. But... I'm one person that is glad that I own this SACD. Even with the flaws mentioned from above, I'm glad that at least someone took the time to release these fine gems to the public. Could they have done a better job on the remastering? You bet. But it could've been worse.
If you enjoyed EGBDF when it was originally released, and you have the SACD equipment to enjoy the surround sound version of this fine album, by all means go out and get it. I would recommend any and all of these Moody Blues SACD releases. Ah, the memories come flooding back. And this time in wonderous surround sound."
Every good boy deserves favour
Lindsay S. Maynard | Sydney Australia | 07/09/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"in the 1960's and early 1970's the moody blues were in a league of there own for inspired, inticate and creative popular music. This album continued the high standard of there earlier albums. This album in SACD is superb and the standard of production is stunning and lends itself brilliantly to this remastering technology. It sounds as if the band is present and performing in front of you."