MOODY BLUES

In Search Of The Lost Chord (reissue, 1968)

Expanded 50th-anniversary fivedisc edition of a psych classic

They may have since fallen into rank unfashionability, but back in 1968 The Moody Blues were tuned-in, turned-on acid-head favourites and

In Search of The Lost Chord was the conceptual soundtrack to many a mind-expanding trip. Indeed, the entire record was carefully constructed as the perfect accompaniment to a lysergic adventure, beginning with the heady, euphoric rush of “Ride My See-Saw” and proceeding through the portal-opening Mellotron fantasies of “House Of Four Doors”. We’re

“speeding through the universe” on “The Best Way To Travel” prior to finally coming back down again via the gentle sitar-and-flute ambience of “Visions Of Paradise” and “Om”. Expressed like that now, it may sound pretentious. But if you were there at the time and had access to decent LSD, it was a record that came trailing clouds of Technicolor glory. Set aside your prejudices, and it still does – even without the hallucinogenics.

Extras: 8/10. New and original stereo mixes, various other alternate mixes, a 5:1 surround mix, a five-track John Peel session from the month the album was released, a DVD of contemporary TV performances and a 76-page booklet.