Album Information:
Album ID: 10186
About The Moody Blues:
The Moody Blues is a British rock band that formed in Birmingham in 1964. The group originally consisted of Ray Thomas on flute and vocals, Mike Pinder on keyboards and vocals, Denny Laine on guitar and vocals, Clint Warwick on bass guitar, and Graeme Edge on drums.
Their early music was heavily influenced by American rhythm and blues and they gained popularity by playing a mixture of blues covers and original songs with a British twist. Their first hit single was 'Go Now!', which topped the UK charts in 1965.
The band went through a few lineup changes over the years. In 1966, Laine left the band and was replaced by Justin Hayward. The following year, Edge's drumming style changed and he began to use the Mellotron, a keyboard instrument that could simulate orchestra sounds. In 1974, Thomas left the band and was replaced by Patrick Moraz.
The Moody Blues' sound evolved over time, incorporating elements of classical music and psychedelic rock. One of their most famous albums is Days of Future Passed, released in 1967, which featured the London Festival Orchestra and showcased their fusion of rock and classical music.
The band went on to release many more albums, including In Search of the Lost Chord, On the Threshold of a Dream, To Our Children's Children's Children, Every Good Boy Deserves Favour, and Seventh Sojourn. They continued to tour and record throughout the 1980s and 1990s, releasing albums like The Other Side of Life, Sur La Mer, and Strange Times.
In 2018, the Moody Blues were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Today, the band continues to be celebrated for their unique blend of rock, classical, and psychedelic music, and their influence on generations of musicians.
About the album Long Distance Voyager:
Long Distance Voyager is the tenth studio album by the English rock band The Moody Blues, released in May 1981. It is a concept album that tells a story of a personal journey through space and time, exploring themes of love, self-discovery, and the human condition. The album was a critical and commercial success, reaching the top 5 on the US Billboard 200 chart and spawning hit singles such as 'Gemini Dream' and 'The Voice.'
The album opens with 'The Voice,' a haunting and ethereal track that sets the stage for the journey ahead. The song features lush vocals, soaring synths, and delicate acoustic guitar, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that draws the listener in. The next track, 'Talking Out of Turn,' is a more upbeat and radio-friendly tune, with catchy hooks and infectious melodies.
One of the standout tracks on the album is 'Gemini Dream,' a synth-driven pop-rock song with a memorable chorus and a danceable beat. The song was a commercial success, reaching #12 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and #1 on the US Billboard Top Tracks chart. The music video for 'Gemini Dream' features the band performing in futuristic costumes and a spaceship set, adding to the sci-fi theme of the album.
Another standout track is 'Nervous,' a moody and atmospheric ballad that showcases the band's ability to create haunting, introspective music. The song features beautiful acoustic guitar work and haunting vocal harmonies, creating a melancholic mood that lingers long after the song has ended.
The album's closing track, 'Veteran Cosmic Rocker,' is a psychedelic epic that builds to a cacophonous crescendo, showcasing the band's prog-rock roots. The song features distorted guitars, swirling synths, and thunderous drums, creating a sense of chaos and transcendence.
Overall, Long Distance Voyager is a fantastic album that showcases the Moody Blues at their best. The album's concept and theme tie the songs together in a cohesive and compelling narrative, while the band's musicianship and songwriting make each track a standout in its own right. It is a must-listen for fans of classic rock and prog-rock alike.
Members:
The Moody Blues are an English rock band that formed in 1964. Over the years, the band has had several key members. Here are brief biographies of each member:
1. Ray Thomas (1941-2018): Thomas was a founding member of The Moody Blues, and he played flute, harmonica, and vocals for the band. He was born in Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire, England, and he passed away on January 4, 2018.
2. Mike Pinder (b. 1941): Pinder was a keyboardist and founding member of The Moody Blues. He was born in Erdington, Birmingham, England, and he played a pivotal role in developing the band's signature sound. He left the band in 1978.
3. Graeme Edge (b. 1941): Edge is a drummer and poet who also co-founded The Moody Blues. He was born in Rochester, Staffordshire, England, and he has been with the band since its inception.
4. Justin Hayward (b. 1946): Hayward joined The Moody Blues in 1966 as a guitarist and vocalist. He was born in Swindon, Wiltshire, England, and he has been a key member of the band ever since.
5. John Lodge (b. 1945): Lodge joined The Moody Blues in 1966 as a bassist and vocalist. He was born in Erdington, Birmingham, England, and he has been with the band ever since.
6. Patrick Moraz (b. 1948): Moraz was a keyboardist who played with The Moody Blues from 1978 to 1991. He was born in Morges, Switzerland, and he has also played with other notable bands like Yes and The Refugee.
7. Denny Laine (b. 1944): Laine was a guitarist and vocalist who played with The Moody Blues from 1964 to 1966. He was born in Birmingham, England, and he went on to join the band Wings with Paul McCartney after leaving The Moody Blues.
8. Clint Warwick (1940-2004): Warwick was the original bassist for The Moody Blues, and he played with the band from 1964 to 1966. He was born in Birmingham, England, and he passed away on May 15, 2004.
Track List for Long Distance Voyager:
1. 'The Voice' - 5:15 - A classic progressive rock track that features the powerful vocals of Justin Hayward and the signature keyboard sound of Mike Pinder. The song's lyrics explore the concept of self-discovery and the search for purpose in life.
2. 'Talking Out of Turn' - 7:20 - A slower, more reflective track featuring the soothing vocals of John Lodge. The song's lyrics deal with the difficulty of expressing oneself honestly and the need for open communication in relationships.
3. 'Gemini Dream' - 4:09 - A catchy, upbeat track that features a memorable synth riff and a chorus that is sure to get stuck in your head. The song's lyrics describe the excitement of new love and the feeling of discovering a kindred spirit.
4. 'In My World' - 7:17 - A haunting ballad that showcases Justin Hayward's distinctive voice. The song's lyrics are introspective, exploring the speaker's feelings of isolation and the yearning for connection with others.
5. 'Meaningless' - 3:57 - A soulful, bluesy song that features the powerful vocals of John Lodge. The song's lyrics explore the speaker's frustration with the meaningless distractions of everyday life and the search for deeper meaning.
6. 'Running Water' - 3:22 - A breezy, guitar-driven track that features a cheerful melody and catchy harmonies. The song's lyrics describe the simple pleasures of being close to nature and the peacefulness of a quiet stream.
7. 'Gypsy' - 3:34 - A lively, upbeat song that features an infectious melody and a driving beat. The song's lyrics describe the freedom and wanderlust of a traveling musician.
8. 'Never Comes the Day' - 4:43 - A melodic, introspective track that features Justin Hayward's powerful vocals and poetic lyrics. The song's lyrics describe the speaker's struggle with self-doubt and the fear of failure.
9. 'Candle of Life' - 4:13 - A poignant ballad that showcases the Moody Blues' signature harmonies. The song's lyrics explore the universal themes of love, loss, and the fragility of life.
10. 'Bohemian' - 8:28 - A sprawling, epic track that incorporates elements of classical music and features the band's trademark orchestration. The song's lyrics describe the joys and struggles of a life devoted to art and creativity.
Discography for The Moody Blues:
Here is the complete discography for The Moody Blues, including all albums, singles, and other releases in chronological order:
Albums:
1. The Magnificent Moodies (1965)
2. Days of Future Passed (1967)
3. In Search of the Lost Chord (1968)
4. On the Threshold of a Dream (1969)
5. To Our Children's Children's Children (1969)
6. A Question of Balance (1970)
7. Every Good Boy Deserves Favour (1971)
8. Seventh Sojourn (1972)
9. Octave (1978)
10. Long Distance Voyager (1981)
11. The Present (1983)
12. The Other Side of Life (1986)
13. Sur la Mer (1988)
14. Keys of the Kingdom (1991)
15. Strange Times (1999)
16. December (2003)
17. An Introduction to The Moody Blues (2004)
18. Lovely to See You: Live (2005)
19. Live at the BBC: 1967-1970 (2007)
20. Caught Live + 5 (2008)
21. The Lost Performance: Live in Paris '70 (2010)
22. TIMELESS FLIGHT (2013)
Singles:
1. 'Steal Your Heart Away' / 'Lose Your Money' (1964)
2. 'Go Now!' / 'It's Easy Child' (1964)
3. 'Boulevard de la Madelaine' / 'This Is My House' (1965)
4. 'From the Bottom of My Heart' / 'And My Baby's Gone' (1965)
5. 'Everyday' / 'You Don't (All the Time)' (1965)
6. 'Stop!'/ 'Thank You Baby' (1966)
7. 'Fly Me High' / 'Really Haven't Got the Time' (1967)
8. 'Love and Beauty' / 'Leave This Man Alone' (1967)
9. 'Nights in White Satin' / 'Cities' (1967)
10. 'Tuesday Afternoon' / 'Another Morning' (1968)
11. 'Voices in the Sky' / 'Dr. Livingstone, I Presume' (1968)
12. 'Ride My See-Saw' / 'A Simple Game' (1968)
13. 'Never Comes the Day' / 'So Deep Within You' (1969)
14. 'Watching and Waiting' / 'Out and In' (1969)
15. 'Question' / 'Candle of Life' (1970)
16. 'Melancholy Man' / 'The Afternoon: Forever Afternoon (Tuesday?)' (1970)
17. 'The Story In Your Eyes' / 'My Song' (1971)
18. 'Isn't Life Strange' / 'After You Came' (1972)
19. 'I'm Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)' / 'For My Lady' (1972)
20. 'Emily's Song' / 'King and Queen' (1973)
21. 'Blue Guitar' / 'Eternity Road' (1975)
22. 'Driftwood' / 'The Land of Make-Believe' (1978)
23. 'Steppin' in a Slide Zone' / 'I'll Be Level With You' (1978)
24. 'The Voice' / '22,000 Days' (1981)
25. 'Gemini Dream' / 'Painted Smile' (1981)
26. 'The Other Side of Life' / 'Candle of Life' (1986)
27. 'Your Wildest Dreams' / 'Is This Heaven?' (1986)
28. 'I Know You're Out There Somewhere' / 'Miracle' (1988)
29. 'Say It With Love' / 'Bless the Wings (That Bring You Back)' (1988)
30. 'Highway' / 'Forever Now' (1991)
31. 'English Sunset' / 'This is the Moment' (1999)
Other Releases:
1. Go Now! (1965) - EP
2. The Moody Blues #1 (1965) - EP
3. This Is The Moody Blues (1974) - Compilation
4. A Night at Red Rocks with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra (1993) - Live Album
5. Hall of Fame (2000) - Compilation
6. Gold (2005) - Compilation
7. Playlist Plus (2008) - Compilation
8. Timeless Flight - Box Set (2013) - Compilation