Moody Blues: Lovely to See You (2005) Reviews

• A "must have" for a Moodies fan

  
  By A3OYX7WJU2CNB on 2006-02-24
  This DVD is basically the "Set" from the group's 2004 and 2005 tours, give or take a song, so it is very recent and covers the entire Moodies' span from "Tuesday Afternoon" to "December Snow." It's too bad that Ray Thomas isn't with them, but the flute is handled beautifully without him. For a complete concert, this disc may be the best overall. "Red Rocks" seemed to have good energy but in the early part of the concert, they seemed a bit "off," and the audio mix was weak on the vocals. "Hall of Fame" was a little better on the audio mix, but the energy didn't seem to be there and the song list was a bit short. On this latest disc, you get songs that don't appear elsewhere including Graeme's "Higher and Higher" dance, and Justin's "Forever Autumn" rendition. I've bought every Moody Blues DVD I can find, and I think this is the best one of the bunch so far. (And as a bonus, you get a half-hour of interview footage with the 3 remaining Moodies). Picture: A, Sound: A, Content: A-, Performance: A-, Overall: A-
  
  

• A Trip Back In Time! With DTS!

  
  By AWPODHOB4GFWL on 2006-02-14
  The Moody Blues are just getting better. Recorded in June of 2005 at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles, this `live' recording has no orchestra, however, it still brings back the feelings of the older songs. "Lovely To See You" might be an odd choice to open (other than its obvious title), but it is pitch perfect and a great prelude to what is to come. The original sound of the mellotron on "Tuesday Afternoon" and "Nights In White Satin" is more like the original than the orchestrated ones. In fact, it is great to hear the Moody's without an orchestra, proving their sound is just as good as it was in the sixties. Hayward's voice is in fine tune on great renditions of "The Actor" and "Question". "Higher & Higher" Is a great treat with Graeme Edge giving a chilling rendition exactly like the original. In fact, it is hilarious to see Edge do an (`Irish'?) dance gig during the song. Hayward and Lodge remain fairly conservative, as usual and although Ray Thomas is missed, he flutist replacement is amazing (Norda Mullen). She may not have the dramatization of Thomas, but she has stage presence and hits the notes perfectly. The entire feeling and sound is more of a trip back in time than any of the other live recordings. They are still the Moody Blues and are strong, tight and psychedelic to this day. The lights are bright and the backdrop is pure psychedelia.
  
  The DVD includes detailed information about each song, who wrote it, who played what instrument, even each individual performers list of instruments down to the type and manufacturer. Who knew that Graeme Edge used Zildjian cymbals or that Hayward used a 100-watt Mesa dual rectifier? See what I mean? This is a complete and thorough history! AND, it is in DTS 5.1 surround sound!
  
  
  

• The Moody Blues live on: 40 years and still great!!!!

  
  By A1WBYB36ZFS93L on 2006-02-15
  Nothing, not even this DVD, can capture the thrill, the excitelment, the enthusiasm and the joy of actually attending a Moody Blues concert. However, this DVD comes very, very close.
  
  The sound is near perfect!!! I listened to the DTS 5.1 sound. I honestnly did not hear one sour note. The camera angles and shots were superb. They had shots over Graeme's shoulder looking toward the audience. They had many shots of the often overlooked drummer Gordon Marshall. There were many shots of Paul Bliss on keyboards and of Norda Mullen on flute. She is outstanding, in case you haven't seen or heard her.
  
  If anything, they edited out the audience! You could see the crowd standing and clapping and really getting into it, but the crowd noise was minimumized. When I saw the Moodies in November 2005, the standing ovation after "Nights in White Satin" lasted over 2 minutes. On this DVD, it lasts 13 seconds!
  
  No orchestra, no Ray Thomas and the band goes on. Just watching Graeme's performance of "Higher and Higher" makes this DVD a must for your collection. On this DVD, we don't get to see much of the stage show that accompanies the Moodies on tour. They can't capture everything on stage that is happening. That's why you must go see them for yourself!!
  
  As an added bonus, there is a 29 minute interview with John, Graeme and Justin that is not to be missed.
  
  This DVD is a "must-have" for every Moody Blues fan. Whether you were with them in the beginning or joined them along the way of their musical journey, you will not be disappointed.
  
  

• A very blue moody's entry

  
  By AREOQF70GVTMB on 2006-04-19
  HELLO, ANYONE HOME? I WAS OUT THERE is the sixties, the seventies, the eighties, the nineties and right on into the 21st century so I know from what I speak. Most of the songs that almost never change other than a few minor alterations were SCREAMING out in utter silence, WHERE IS RAY? Okay, so we know Ray has retired and no one can ever take his place nor would we ever want someone to do just that. While Norda is sweet, graceful, talented and a beautiful woman, this was NOT the addition or replacement that the Moodies needed the MOST as a contract player. Granted, the two women are good vocalists, but folks listen clearly: "they ain't Ray" and their voices no matter how sweet, change everything no matter how much you refuse to admit it. Once you view this DVD, those among you that are impartial will undoubtedly agree that THE Moodies sound is now officially history. Anyone telling you otherwise is either stone deaf, deluded, an in-house confederate, writing repetitively under multiple pen names or more likely was NEVER around during their heyday to see and hear them to really appreciate and understand the extent of their current, obvious deficiencies. Dear Ray, when you departed from the band, could you not have left some of your magical pixie dust behind to help the others? With the ONLY MAJOR exception of Graeme's magnificent dance routine and intense energy, this DVD should be grateful that I cannot rate it LESS than one star. HOW SAD. I would have loved to ask the two Js', would it have hurt you to gaze upon Graeme ONCE during his stellar performance instead of looking away from him with disinterest? You very kind, well intending people assigning four stars to this DVD are being far more charitable than forthright in expressing your opinions. It is wonderful to be loyal, but even kinder, wiser and more constructive if you rated it ACCURATELY. Otherwise, all we can ever hope to expect is more and more of this low grade sausage factory output. A great disappointment, unlikely to change. Pouring out your love of mediocrity is not going to drive home the feedback that the group NEEDS to hear! As far as the production value of the filming of this "event", it was even worse than the performance.
  
  

• Best of The Moodies DVD's

  
  By A1BLF4HXY1HW2L on 2006-02-22
  This is far and away the best of the Moodies concert DVD's. The picture quality is excellent and as good as I have seen on a concert DVD. The camera work is nicely restrained and you don't get the contstant quick zoomimg in and out and annoying one or two second switches between band members that some DVD producers think is clever. The soundtracks are all well done with the DTS being slightly better than the Dolby 5.1 (but suprisingly only just). Even the stereo sound track is great - try it on Pro Logic or DTS Neo and you will experience a great surround effect. The sound is much cleaner without the orchestral backing that you find on some of the other Moody Blues DVD's. I am unable to come up with a better produced concert DVD in my collection. Whether you are a Moody Blues fan or not you will want to add this one to your collection.
  
  
• Heavy Duty Moody
  By A1GXY3ZCXJWUVQ on 2006-09-25
  I loved 'em when I was younger but thought their newer stuff never held up to the first several albums. This is an amazing DVD and the interview with Lodge, Edge and Hayward is a wonderful addition. My oh my the time has flown by quickly, but their music sounds so fresh and wonderful again on this DVD. It's an especially nice DVD because the lads look so comfortable together and appear to really be enjoying themselves. All the classics are here. For any Moodies fan from long ago, this will re-kindle the love for their music. A Highly Recommended DVD.
  
  
• First rate release - Dig Graeme Edge!
  By A15BSHYHVEBX3T on 2006-02-27
  This is the strongest DVD I have seen of this band (and I have most of the other releases). They have returned to the sound and instrumentation of their halycon days on this release. The group has been strengthened by the addition of several new players (the two female voices a real plus). Two standout tracks which make this set a "must have" are 1. The Actor: a beautiful gem from the Lost Chord album and 2. Higher and Higher: I just love Graeme Edge when he goes "over the edge" - turning this cut into some sort of psychedelic/celtic swami meets Lord Buckley rave up! A real hoot!! All the hits are here. Great sound and video. My recommendation: buy it!!
  
  
• Barely appealing
  By A2Y7LDJOMRNIUG on 2006-04-14
  Same-old-same-old recycled fare with a few additions. Just what the Moodies need, another compilation piece. Yawn. The only worthwhile offerings included 'Higher & Higher' with an energetic Graeme, whom I haven't seen move about like that since the 60's, plus the bonus interview of the three remaining members, sans make-up. As far as the quality of the shooting, it was high school direction and photography at best. Most footage was sloppy and 95% of it was of Justin. First time Justin appeared the least bit interested in his performance (as he has for the past twenty or so years looked like he was just punching a proverbial clock with a let's-move-on-to-the-next-venue-and-get-that-over-with-as-well attitude) while John seemed bored. As a loyal, die-hard fan of 40 years it brings me no comfort to enter this harsh criticism. This is the one time that I can say without hesitation, the guys are no longer aging like fine wine.
  
  
• Still Playing Great
  By A2058UZR5TU9GY on 2006-06-05
  I was reluctant to buy this DVD after reading the reviews posted here by Rob, Steve, and Rick. I'm a huge fan of the band, I've seen them several times, with an orchestra, without, inside, outside, in the sun, and in the rain. Hey, these guys always came through. And they come through here, again, and I tried really hard to be critical
  
  Do I miss Ray Thomas? Sure, who wouldn't? He's an original member and they'll never play Legend of a Mind again unless he is there to sing it. But, he retired and it's not their fault, so let's stop whining about any perceived missing energy or the need of pixie dust. These guys are hitting their 60 year mark, and they're starting to look it, but they aren't playing like it. Tell you what, another London band, the Rolling Stones, may be light years ahead in popularity, hit singles, disc sales, and make $100 million more touring, but the Moody Blues sing and play better in concert. The band plays solid as always, the supporting cast is excellent and I looked hard to see if Justin was purposely singing off-key or if John appeared bored. Didn't see it. Watched it again, didn't see it.
  
  The set is filled with most of the standards, but it's a treat to see and hear the boys play The Actor, Talking Out Of Turn, December Snow, Are You Sitting Comfortably, and Higher and Higher (which is the highlight of the concert). I'm glad I bought this DVD, it's great to see the band play a recent concert without the backing orchestra. They don't need one.
  
  I highly recommend buying this DVD.
  
  
• Aging well and sounding swell
  By A3G2FOCKZ5J8AL on 2006-02-19
  A recent concert, unknown flutist, and songs not always
  re-visited in concert, the boys still reach down into their hearts and soar into our souls. Good quality sound and a truly receptive audience make this a disc worth listening to. It's almost a moment lost in space as they once more twing the heart strings of thier fans and encourage us to lip sync the lyrics. Almost a new chapter in their seemingly eternal sojourn, it will simply make you feel good to listen.
  
  
• Lovely to See....
  By A27P25LH7I2IFN on 2007-12-31
  Great HD-DVD version of one of their concerts from a couple years ago. As good as being there. Saw them twice this year in concert including Radio City Music Hall. HD-DVD could be better then actually being there. Also a good interview with the Moody's on the HD-DVD.
  
  Highly recommend!
  
  
• Enjoy It While She Lasts
  By AEGV73F8P8XHY on 2006-02-17
  This DVD is truly a magnificent production. I listened in DTS and it's like being there. The current line-up of talent is truly amazing, but with all of the software gimmicks available, it hurts sometimes to see your favorites at the mercy of a drum machine or a sampler or a voice enhancer. Having sat in wonder at concerts long ago when guitars were allowed to go out of tune, the mellotron went haywire, the sound system went out. The band worked to keep it together, kept playing, kept singing. I guess that won't be allowed to happen anymore. This DVD is worth the price many times over. The cd of this show is worthless. Great musicians, enjoy it, keep the faith.
  
  
• top shelf
  By A19BL7WML2J999 on 2006-03-09
  Even if you are not a big Moodies fan, this dvd is a must.The video is the clearest,crispest, and flat out the best I've seen.It is about as close to HD as you'll find in DVD format! The audio is also top shelf.
  
  
• Just like being there - Superior!
  By A21GKYKPAHXA6D on 2006-03-11
  On Tuesday, 2/28/06, I saw the Moody Blues live for the first time in concert. Purchased this DVD at the concert. This is as close to "being there" as you can get - the crisp video close ups of everyone are especially wonderful as are the closeups of the guitar playing by Justin & John. They can jam...It brought back many wonderful memories, of times before childrens, childrens, children...There is a BIG problem with this DVD...once you buy it-you will "get nothing done" - you will want to watch it, and re-watch it, and watch it again. It's truly incredible! Suggest you buy the CD, too that way you can at least get "Something done," while you're listening to them.
  
  
• Long Live The Moody Blues
  By A2VPFY4DF5284N on 2006-07-01
  I just can't understand some of the bitterness and vinegar over the best Moody's offering since"Red Rocks".This is a great performance,especially Justin Hayward who sings beautifully through the whole show and Norda Mullen whom obviously can't sing like Ray but plays his flute parts much better than he could have done in his latter days with the band,particularly her inspired rendition(in duet with drummer Gordon Marshall who trades the sticks for the flute) on "Are You Sitting Comfortably".
  
  There is definetely a great band feeling to this concert and the audio and video is really good with great mixes on all three formats(stereo, Dolby and DTS).
  
  For the overly nostalgic of the "7" era,try "Caught Live +5" CD from 1968, with the great mellotron man himself,or the "Isle of Wight" festival DVD on wich they perform a rare live version of "Nights in White Satin" in 1970.
  
  
• Blue Ray vs. HD
  By A1OOZELCIEDBGT on 2008-01-30
  In regards to the Blue Ray comment, personally, I don't care for Sony - their politics (totally botched SACD also) and especially ANY of their consumer products. Having said that, I'm hopping off the "yet another new digital format" fence and will be purchasing a Toshiba HD machine & Love To See You HD VERY soon.
  
  
• their best DVD ever....but still not that good of a show...
  By ATRUKHR9SPZMR on 2006-03-14
  I am a huge Moody Blues fan....and therefore I've owned every DVD release they have put out. This is by far the best effort on DVD they have ever released. I am disappointed they didn't bother to incorporate some orchestral backing on a couple of their bigger oldies....
  
  Justin Hayward's singing still lacks passion as in every other live show I've watched him perform...he appears as though he is just singing the routine tracks for the fans out there....collecting his paycheck and going on to the next venue.
  The sound quality is much better on this DVD than any of their previous concerts, however it still lacks the clearity that I found watching ELO's latest DVD release.
  
  All in all...a decent version of one of their live events....but not the overblown masterpiece some of the reviewers make this DVD out to be!
  
  I'm just keeping it honest here....if you love the Moody Blues...you are going to enjoy this new DVD release.
  
  
• Lovely to see the Moodies again
  By A249ABS7O1L907 on 2006-03-17
  This was a warm and personal performance by the ageless Moodies. They performed many of their hits plus a few additional songs from the past and present that added to the overall beauty of the concert. Justin Hayward still has a great voice and can play some mean guitar licks when he has to; John Lodge's voice is in fine form and he's always been a great bass player; and Grame Edge may be the best 60+ drummer in the world. Norda Mullen (flute), Gordon Marshall (percussion), Paul Bliss (keyboards) and Bernie Barlow on (backing vocals and keyboards) add a richness to the sound their with their contributions.
  
  
• Moody Blues Circa 2005 An Absolute Timeless Treasure for the Ages!
  By A628Z7KW8EWKD on 2006-05-12
  This current line-up puts on an exciting and energetic performance that the past band memebers would certainly be proud of. Funny how times change and some things just stay the same.
  Forty years later its as refreshing as the first day you heard it... Who'd a thunk?
  
  To the reviewers who are not so positive, I hear theres a new internet radio station for you... three weeks of moody blues and one week of rag time, you should definately check it out.
  
  
• A lovely concert
  By A3OEPPOUC7PCHO on 2006-07-06
  Having seen the Moodies in Kansas City in November of 2005 as a gift from my other half, all I have to do is to close my eyes and it is like I am there again. It was virtually the same program. A wonderful set!! Old favorties and rarely played oldies.. The Actor was soul moving. I do miss Ray's beautiful baritone voice but Norda can play the flute very well. Every Moodies DVD has a must have performance. Red Rocks had The Other Side of Life, Albert Hall had English Sunset. Have seen the Moodies 3 times now and the DVD's bring it all back. As Ray said in the Albert Hall concert, burn one for me. The only negative was the sometimes distored and blurry audio quality. But at other times it was awesome.
  
  
• Awesome performance of "Are you sitting comfortably"
  By A2ASIT0JYIGHTA on 2006-12-27
  The Moody Blues have released several concert DVD's. This is the fourth one I have seen, and while it does not feature the orchestra's seen in "Night at Red Rocks" or "Live at Albert Hall", it is an amazing concert all the same. The flautist and pianist who replace the two retired Moody Blues members (Whose names escape me) are also in fine form. Just watch "Are you sitting comfortably" in surround sound and watch this amazing flautist at work, she is simply brilliant.
  
  Unlike the "Live at Albert Hall" DVD, the tracklisting here is much longer, and there is a resonably good coverage of songs from the early days to later days (although more from the early days would have been good). Justin's voice is beautiful, and he does a nice version of "Forever Autumn". Other highlights of this concert include "The voice" and "Tuesday afternoon".
  
  You'd be surprised how many people out there only know the Moodies for "Nights in white satin". But they are so much more than that. Check out this DVD and discover the magic of my all-time favourite band. God bless them.
  
  
• Disappointment.
  By A3DJAX2M1MIITV on 2006-04-19
  Graeme rocked the show with his gyrations and his brief Flatlyesk jig as part of his "Higher and Higher" show stopper, despite what appeared to me as Jus deliberately and defiantly singing off key. Just my impression, you draw your own conclusion. Graeme's performance was the only worthwhile source of energy out of the entire menu of twenty tracks. Their NIWS was the worst rendition these ears ever heard. I believe the word `botched' applies. This DVD will definitely cause tears to flow in you have a faithful Moodies' heart - unfortunately for all the wrong reasons. These are not the Moody Blues from the days of old. There were times when Justin and John just couldn't find their melodies. The two contracted lovelies, N and B have good talent but they only made Ray's baritone absence all the more conspicuous. Who ever thought they could fill his void and save that once unique Moodies sound? Go ahead, buy a copy and enjoy the single track I mentioned, but be forewarned that the quality of their performance was hands down substandard. And I might add a heart breaker for the faithful who know MB potential from days of future long since passed.
  
  
• Almost As Good As Being There
  By A48PCR0PUOHWV on 2006-06-04
  I had the good fortune of being in the audience the evening this concert was filmed at the Greek Theatre in Griffith Park in LA. I can honestly say it was one of the best Moodies' concerts I've experienced and I've been to quite a few. This DVD is almost as good as being there and is a lovely memory of a wonderful evening.
  
  
• NO...It's Lovely to see YOU!
  By A2HDBDFX1SJ516 on 2006-03-03
  No really, I can't say how great it is seeing this excellent concert (from one of my favorite bands) now, after all these years, with everything in such fine form. I saw them a few times back then (late 70's, early 80's), and this seems at least as good believe it or not. The sound quality is unbelievable and has very good production quality, not hyper or annoying, and shows hands often during guitar leads, etc.
  
  Ray Thomas and Mike Pinder (or Patrick Moraz, another HUGE presence in the Moodies) are not at this one unfortunately, but the musicians filling in do a very fine job, especially Norda Mullen (out front filling some big shoes - excellent flautist/multi-instrumentalist and singer). I guess it takes 2 keyboardists to handle Mike's or Patrick's parts well...and a second drummer (he's been around awhile and really adds to the music) helps out, in a good way, but the overall performance is stunning and the songs are performed beautifully. People must carry on, I'm sure Ray doesn't mind.
  
  This is a class act that functions like a well-oiled machine, lovingly bringing back a hefty chunk of the classics and the nuances within those songs we all enjoy hearing. Nearly all are highlights! Hearing Higher and Higher without moving into Eyes of a Child and the rest of Chidren's Children was painfull though! Same with the other old albums, hearing one or two songs only is tough! They do a great job, better than any other recorded MB's show I've seen, go ahead and compare this to Red Rocks and Montreux (the other ones I have). They are always professional and controlled (goes with the Moody Blues territory - this isn't a jam band like the Grateful Dead, not to say that wouldn't be fun), and here they are showing tons of passion for their great music. Justin's voice is BETTER here than many performances I've heard.
  
  As for the songs - Question kicks ass, I'm Just a Singer rocks the house, Story in Your Eyes, The Actor and The Voice are totally beautiful, Higher & Higher is spot on! Are You Sitting Comfortably? kicks...Newer songs like Forever Autumn, Lean on Me and December Snow are nice additions, melodic, mellow and nicely done. I could go on...!
  
  I don't have any criticisms really (could show the screen visuals more), although I wish it was twice as long so more could have made it in...still, THIS IS A VERY GOOD EVENING OF MOODY MUSIC - YOU WILL BE ON THE THRESHOLD OF A DREAM WHEN THE FINAL SONG PLAYS! A fantastic show for Moodies fans, you will watch this one many times! By the way, the interview is an interesting glimpse!
  
  What more could be expected from these guys 40 years later? This band is an excellent, worldwide representation of British ingenuity and spirit...when will the recognition be forthcoming? They should be in the R' n R' Hall of Fame at least. Knighthood doesn't seem too far of a stretch, so many excellent songs, more concerts than most, and a legacy of timeless music. The Moodies deserve respect. Open your ears and TURN IT UP!
  
  
  
• One of Best Live Moody Blues Concerts!
  By A2MCQ2BII3OO29 on 2006-03-27
  I have attended a number of Moody Blues concerts since 1992 and I saw them last year live doing the set on this DVD. They were GREAT and this DVD is GREAT! The sound quality is outstanding, the video is excellent, and the performance is one of their best! I recommend this DVD to present fans of the Moody Blues and anyone who is interested in seeing a truly legendary band knock your socks off!
  
  
• I love this concert video
  By ATXGAWFZAYEKT on 2006-03-28
  If you are a long time fan of the moodies, this video is like
  a present given by the moodies to you for being faithful.
  Even at a now venerable age, all the lads are white haired - they can still sing and play with the same emotion,technical ability, and most importantly, with the same enthusiam of their younger days. I first started listening to the moodies in the late 60's, when I came across an album, "days of the future passed", in a record bin in a small record shop somehwere in the panhandle of florida. They have been with me ever since, through the good and the not so good.
  Norda Mullen replaces Ray, who retired about 3 years ago, but don't worry - Norda is sort of a musical wonderwoman. Vocals, flute, strings, guitars - this woman can play anything.
  It was especially neat to see Graeme dancing a little jig
  on the stage during one of his songs. If you have ever liked the moodies - buy this. It is superb.
  
  
• Wow!!! Amazing for a bunch of old guys!!!
  By AZIS52283MSC8 on 2006-04-18
  Moody fan or not, you should own this DVD. This band has been playing for 40!, yes 40 years and sounds better than ever. Justin, John and Graeme are masters at what they do! Norda Mullen is a wonderful addition to the band. Her flute playing is remarkable, she sings well and her guitar playing is great. The audio and video quality of this DVD is the best non HD I've seen yet. Buy it!! Enjoy it!!!
  
  
• All the music you will ever need
  By A1NYL2QSJT90LV on 2006-05-19
  It wonderful to hear the concert tour the band did in 2005. The power of the musicians in the band really comes thru in this CD. I did not miss the orchesta at all. The band selects some great tracks from many of their albums playing something for everyone. My only disappointment was they did not do one of my favorite songs from the Blue Jays album, I DREAMED LAST NIGHT. Oh well, maybe next tour.
  
  
• It's good but...
  By A1GDO7BM18TLCZ on 2006-08-16
  I love The Moody Blues. They are my absolute most favorite band. I saw them live on this tour and when I saw this DVD and the live CD I snapped them up. The show is fantastic.
  
  When Ray left the band that left some big shoes to fill but Norda does a fine job on flute and vocals. My one problem was the blonde. Her voice at times overpowered Justin's and she sang off key.
  
  Paul and Gordon were fabulous as always. The Moodies are lucky to have such talented backing musicians and I hope to see them touring together for years to come.
  
  
• Worth the money you'll spend
  By A2SYSR6PA3GKZT on 2006-11-11
  I haven't purchased many music DVD's, so I'll leave the technical aspects to those more qualified. However, I was quite pleased with the performance from a musical standpoint. I've been a fan for 35 years and was worried that their voices would have deteriorated over time. I'm pleased to say they still sound great. If you like the Moody Blues, you'll enjoy Lovely to See You.
  
  

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