[.ca] Moody Blues:Hall of Fame-Live

From Amazon.com:
With graying baby boomers becoming key underwriters of viewer-supported television, a staid Public Broadcasting System grudgingly acknowledged the existence of rock & roll in the 1990s. The Moody Blues, via their somewhat heavy-handed, 1993 concert video A Night at Red Rocks, were among the first Woodstock generation acts to end up in constant rotation during affiliate pledge drives. The band's PBS follow-up, Hall of Fame, is an improvement overall. Taped at London's Royal Albert Hall early in 2000, the Moodies' more freewheeling performance this time mixes satisfying selections from their catalogue of hits from 1968 to 1972 with a few Top 40 entries released in the late '80s ("I Know You're Out There Somewhere," "Your Wildest Dreams"). The sheer pleasure of watching the core quartet of Ray Thomas, Justin Hayward, John Lodge, and Graeme Edge ease their way into Mellotron masterpieces from Days of Future Passed, as well as the trippy curiosity of "Legend of a Mind" and the dizzying pop mutations of "Ride My See-Saw," is a study in grace. Backed by the once-fictional London Festival Orchestra (credited as a key musical collaborator on Days), the band eschews grandiosity for a pointed but delicate yearning, and whips up its typically stately tone of cosmic romanticism. The frenzied joy of a mixed-age audience brings smiles to the Moodies' faces and a sometimes-unexpected vigor to their vocals--catch Ray Thomas's booming "Welllll!" during every chorus of "I'm Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)"--which helps to make this program a treat to watch repeatedly. --Tom Keogh

Great Music and Production:
The Moody Blues put on a great concert. The song selections have a nice flow. If you like their music, having this in your collection will be a plus. My three year old is always asking for the Blues to be played. I have not gotten tired of listening and watching this show. And if you know anything about three year olds, you have an idea of how much I have played this concert.

Could Have Been Longer:
Somewhere in the nineties the Moody Blues decided they would turn from large outdoor venues to classical indoor music halls. It was a grand idea and works well for anyone who has seen them in a smaller arena. What better place than the Royal Albert Hall? There are some great moments, mostly from the older songs, "Nights In White Satin" and "Question" with the great string arrangements. However, "Haunted" and "Words You Say" just don't scream Moody Blues like the classics. It's a nice grouping of songs from all stages, but the set is far too limited for a large scale DVD collection. The group has done some very long sets ("Moody Blues At Red Rocks") and although the setting is far more intimate, there just isn't enough. The sound quality is very good, but not great and they do strive terribly hard to reach those notes, but are easily forgiven. They've been at this for over forty years. They have given the world a nice concert, but 'nice' just doesn't seem to be enough anymore. I really wanted to see and hear more with this great event. Sorry - no extras on this DVD, unfortunately.

Super high quality performance, sound and production:
If you have ever enjoyed the Moody Blues music, buy this disc. If you've never heard of them, this is a great place to start. The 5.1 surround sound quality is fantastic.In fact it's the best I've heard on any concert dvd. I play it again and again. I wish they would do similar live event dvds of the Moodys 7 classic albums. This music is timeless. This show, like Red Rocks, is dominated by the great Justin Heyward. Personally I would have liked to hear a little more of John Lodge and Ray Thomas.

Excellent !!:
This was much better than I expected. A full orchestra added significant value. 30+ years of their music captured here. This one is a keeper.

A Moody Goody:
When the credits started rolling I was asking "Is that all?" The Moody's always leave me wanting more..(sigh). "Legend of a mind" is worth the price alone. "Nights in white satin" will leave you breathless. Justin Hayward seems to pour every ounce of sorrow felt into his signature song. People will always say, "Well, I just like the "Old"Moody Blues." Fair enough. Their original songs were the ultimate in progressive rock (to me) but their new songs keep them around and their fans young and old still buying those CD's. If you've loved the moody's from the beginning or are just coming aboard this is a good investment. In between my being able to attend a live concert, sometimes it may be years, I like to pop this one into the player and enjoy a private viewing. It's like being on the front row. Hold on for an amazing journey.