Drummer reacts to "Departure / Ride My See-Saw" by The Moody Blues

[@gwwayner]

I'm now 74 but back in the day we were all wacked on LSD listening to Moodies albums; always a good trip! Yeah the harmonies!

[@R01120]

This was an LSD album for sure.

[@p-dru2205]

Yeah, I was going to say instead of a barbershop quartet, it was more like a group of guys sitting in a room passing something that was lit around from person to person ... not that I was ever in that situation. :-)

[@jeffpose2135]

You can drop on any song and won't be disappointed. Their core 7 albums were concept albums, the songs flowed from one to the next

[@davidmckenzie420]

Denny was part of the original group, and left after they did the song "Go Now." Before they became the Moodies you now know. That's Justin Hayward playing guitar.

[@L33Reacts]

Thank you for the info. I guess that's my own fault for not looking up if he was in this or not... lol

[@rogerphillips642]

Denny did his later career with Paul McCartney’s band. RIP Denny.

[@davidmckenzie420]

I have always LOVED this song. I think it was my first favorite of the Moodies. (Right up there with The Story in Your Eyes.) The Moodies are pioneers of Classic Rock, Symphonic Rock, Progressive Rock, early melotron...

[@L33Reacts]

Well this was My first moodies song! And I really dug it. So I'm guessing I'll like the rest of them as well :)

[@pennykloter1614]

​@@L33ReactsIf you really want to lower your blood pressure, listen to the Moody Blues "Nights in White Satin"! Hope you feel better!

[@hopcat500]

Glad you are discovering bands like this! late 60's- 70's music was diverse and abundant!

[@castironchaos]

"In Search Of The Lost Chord" was released in 1967, the year I was born. My Mom was a Moody Blues fan fron the beginning, and I literally heard this album for my entire life. So it definitely has personal meaning to me.

[@samidb2363]

1968

[@glenndespres5317]

The Magnificent 7 1. Nights in White Satin 2. In Search of the Lost Chord 3. On The Threshold of a Dream 4. To Our Children’s Children’s Children 5. A Question of Balance 6. Every Good Boy Deserves Favour 7. Seventh Soujourn

[@tonymilnes396]

Nights in white satin is not an album its a track on "Days of future past"

[@glenndespres5317]

@@tonymilnes396 You caught it. It happens when you get older.

[@mikeeckel2807]

"Ride My See-Saw" was always a highlight of a Moody Blues concert. Mike Pinder was an early master of synthesizers and the Mellotron.

[@L33Reacts]

I cant wait to hear more! See-Saw sold me.

[@jonathanroberts8981]

Pinder worked for the Mellotron company so he knew how to fix his when it broke down.

[@jonathanroberts8981]

And listen closely to how Pinder voices his chords on the instrument. Nobody has done it better (King Crimson’s use probably equals it).

[@scottmcgregor4829]

From there album Days of Future Past and their next 5 classic albums on, all of Their albums were a listening to the entire album kind of experience.

[@NYCOPERAFAN]

The greatest of all time.

[@ViciousTuna69]

Absolutely magical harmonies! ❤

[@erickvermeulen9734]

The Moody Blues will give you a rabbit hole. I remember having a double vinyl album in the seventies with their greatest hits, all great. Questions, I'm Just a Singer in a Rock n Roll Band (you will love the drums), Melancholy Man, and of course the whole album Days of Future Passed. Have fun 🙂

[@p-dru2205]

Lee, thanks for listening to The Moody Blues. When I saw The Moody Blues, Justin Hayward was just. so. easy to watch play the guitar. So many of his contemporaries at the time, and since, give us all kinds of histrionics when they play. But watching Hayward, like watching Clapton, is really easy on the eyes. I liked them when I heard Afternoon and Nights in White Satin, but fell in love on my first listen to the album Every Good Boy Deserves Favour. For a well-spent seven minutes, try listening to the first two tracks from that album. The first, called "Procession," is like a being taken on time-trip from creation to modern times as told by the music used for communication, then at the 4:34 mark there's a 6-second sustained power chord and it goes straight into "The Story In Your Eyes" - just a wonderful Moody Blues type of hit song (this is audio only with the album cover as the picture - kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2eod6yqgpamrq8).

[@kathyrizzi8754]

Denny joined the band Wings, with Paul McCartney, so he had a great career!👍💜 This song by The Moody Blues is fantastic!👍👏👏👏💜

[@gregpusczek4473]

brilliant

[@sjd5750]

Denny was a founding member of the MB's, but didn't stay very long. after which he was a founding member of Paul McCartney's band, Wings..In fact, he died 50 years to the day of their release of their album "Band on The Run." Their third studio album.

[@sdholmess]

The Moody's are icons of prog rock. Starting with Days of Future Past their first seven albums are Timeless gems have a great journey my friend ✌️😎

[@glenndespres5317]

Won’t lie to you Lee. When I was in high school and just out, my two favorite bands were Yes and the Moody Blues. Only one of these bands had the honor of being the first music to reach my ears after taking my first acid trip. That was the Moody Blues. Album was On The Threshold of a Dream. I was holding my friends guitar, kind of noodling and waiting for something to happen. Then I looked down the neck…..and it went on, like forever. Showtime! Then when all is voyagers we’re in agreement, we put on Threshold. The deed was done and now this band is in my DNA. You’re correct, their first seven albums (the Magnificent Seven) have no real breaks between songs. So a full album listen is best if you can find the time. These guys were tight with Timothy Leary and actually wrote a couple of songs about him. One is on this album. Called Legend of a Mind. But it MUST be listened to sandwiched between House of Four Doors Parts 1 and 2. And just a note: Moody Blues with Denny Laine are completely different band than Moody Blues with Justin Hayward and John Lodge. The latter version is responsible for the Magnificent Seven albums. Side two of Lost Chord is a start to finish experience. Trust me.

[@L33Reacts]

I will for sure be listening to some of those 7 albums. Just from this track alone, I could feel how special these guys were. I can hear it. I can feel it. I am def gonna keep going. It sounds like you had a hell of a younger years my friend. So did I.... so the fuck did I... lol

[@procopiusaugustus6231]

Threshold of a Dream was my go to tripping song. I get flashbacks just listening to it.

[@jazzmaan707]

Denny left the Moody Blues before the Moody's hit it BIG. The Moody Blues had 4 lead singers in the band, until they broke up after their 7th Sojourn album, when Mike Pender left the band. You need to check out their Live Concert at Royal Albert Hall, with the London Symphony behind them. They will blow you away.

[@HarlandJamesNelson]

This was from the Moody Blues' 3rd album In Search of the Lost Chord in 1968. Denny Laine was a founding member of the Moody Blues in 1964. He left the group in 1966 later joining Paul McCartney and Wings in 1971. He was with Wings for 10 years.

[@stofffpv3128]

I was a teenager just gettng into LSD when this came out, properly spiritual enlightment

[@Pcrimson1]

When I was young, I used to like to take a trip every now and then. Legend of a Mind will always be a favorite for me. It brings back so many memories...or maybe not?

[@thomaskowalcky4553]

This song was always the encore at their live shows...

[@waynecox3958]

Denny spent 10 years with Paul McCartney and Wings.

[@puncht37]

Denny was with Wings,[ Paul McCartney] also.

[@L33Reacts]

I'll have to check them out. I've heard the name everywhere.

[@z-man2343]

The Moodies were pioneers of the "concept" album, where one track transitions to the next without pause. Their earlier stuff (this album as a great example,) is a mix of rock, classical, English folk, and psychedelia backed by complex musical arrangements and ethereal vocals/harmonies.

[@L33Reacts]

I'm definitely gonna finish this album up. I enjoyed the sound and vibe they were going for here. I also love concept albums, so this is perfect lol

[@ryanr5319]

Great call! Ride My See-saw is favorite of theirs.

[@L33Reacts]

I really enjoyed it! It seems like divine fate that Iistened to them yesterday. I didn't even know Mr.Laine had passed away. I went back and added an intro saying rest in peace after the video had been completed because I didn't know whilw recording.

[@Jack-D-Ripper]

I was 12 years old when I first heard this song on the radio and really enjoyed it. Great to hear it again and one so young enjoying it!

[@debbieplato5107]

I love the Moody Blues and got to see them in concert back in the 80's. This whole album is fantastic! Myles Goodwin the lead vocalist from the Canadian band April Wine also just passed. Could you please react to Roller (official music video) by them. They were another excellent band from the 70's and 80's. Cheers

[@ge0rgeharris218]

Dennys was in what we can call the first incarnation of the Moody Blues! Dennys would go on to work in Paul McCartney Wings with McCartney Wife Linda! He was a very good guitarist! RIP Denny.

[@L33Reacts]

Ahhh I've heard of Wings before... so many bands lol. But only through a movie.

[@marascusbomm]

Great choice. This album is a trip & you will be transported. 5 songwriters & singers in the band & every track is quite different from the last.

[@signal12hvac]

try their song Procession story in your eyes for a trip through musical history

[@reneelyons6836]

So sad about Denny. Rock in Peace.

[@L33Reacts]

Amen... I am going to listen to a track with him on it. I thought he was on this one. But i was mistaken.

[@reneelyons6836]

That's cool. Honestly, you seem like a really, really good guy. You didn't even know. I didn't know until I watched your video. And I've seen them in concert. ☮💟

[@L33Reacts]

@@reneelyons6836 I appreciate that thank you. I am very hard on myself for some reason lol

[@reneelyons6836]

Agreed!! Stop that. 🤣 Have a good day Lee.

[@yes_head]

As others have said, this is from the Mk II Moodies lineup, after Denny had left. His replacement was Justin Hayward, who IMO was a step up as a singer and songwriter, although good old Denny (RIP) went on to fame and fortune with Paul McCartney and Wings in the 1970's, so he did OK. That "1950's" vocal sound (1960's to my ears; 1950's would be doo wop or the Kingston Trio) is partly the multi-part harmony arrangement as well as the heavy use of echo (reverb). In 1968 there weren't a ton of effects available, and most of it was done by manipulating the basic recording equipment they used at the time. I think the earliest fuzz boxes were coming out around this time, but for this album they probably just pushed the amp volume up until the guitar distorted. And glad you're curious to check out the full album. IMO this and To Our Children's Children's Children are the best of the 'classic 7' run of LPs. The band during this period are sometimes labelled 'proto-prog', because they established a sound and instrumental formula that was repeated by a bunch of 70's prog bands like Yes. The Moodies were very successful throughout the late-60's/early 70's. They even tried to sign up King Crimson to their own label in 1969 (that's how successful they were at the time.) KC declined, because they were worried their debut album would be given "the Moody Blues" sound, as represented here.

[@shemanic1]

Great stuff, another world in the Moody Blues tunes. Please try " Questions" next or "Tuesday Afternoon"

[@jellyrollnorton]

A groovy classic. Hard to not move when hearing it.

[@coolmantoole]

Denny Lain helped found the Moody Blues but not was with the group when they were famous. He was replaced by Justin Haywood who became the main lead vocal for the group.

[@ikshields]

Remember the Moodys were (are) a British band - the vocal harmonies have far deeper historic roots than any American barbershop or ‘50’s stuff. These guys grew up hearing (possibly even singing) Medieval and Renaissance choral music in churches, and surrounded by a long tradition of English folk songs and music hall tunes. Like the Beatles, Yes, Supertramp, Led Zeppelin, and many others over the years, these Brits are steeped in harmony in a way Americans can only admire. Beautiful stuff. Thank our lucky stars for the British Invasion! 😍🇬🇧👍🏻

[@alaincelos476]

7:26 Mike Pinder did développed a gadget instrument ( a keyboard for home only using) the mellotron in what would became the progressiv music,main signature,color with too Ray Thomas ' flûtes uses ,precussors never equalled!!

[@ronbeck201]

This reminds me of listening to Art Bell back in the 90s. Wanna take a ride? Call Art Bell.

[@rogerthomas169]

I think you should react to the Moody's Question

[@ballhawk387]

Pretty sure the guitar sound was simply a Fender Telecaster or Gibson ES335 plugged directly into a Vox AC30 amp cranked up pretty well. Hard to beat the tone of an AC30, which The Beatles also used from about '63 though '66.

[@richgaluppo4417]

RIP Mike Pinder

[@signal12hvac]

the mighty Moody Blues! the 1st 7 albums are all considered concept albums and should be listened too in their entirety. 16 total studio albums leaves a lot of music to dive into

[@silvertube52]

Yes, but by first of course you mean "Days of Future Passed" not "The Magnificent Moodies" featuring Denny Laine.

[@signal12hvac]

@@silvertube52 yes from Days on. the line up after Lodge and Hayward joined are the Moodies most everyone is familiar with. thx for info, i should have been more specific

[@hoppers13]

Thanks for that, Lee. I’m old enough to have bought Denny’s single Go Now back in 1965 and I dug it out yesterday to remember Denny and it’s still great. As for SeeSaw, you have GOT to check out Bongwater’s cover version with Fred Frith (of Henry Cow) going nut job on guitar. Hope you’re feeling better soon.

[@paulehney4581]

Mary Travers my friend. Funny Norman Lear just passed as well. If you bought the single in 65 then ya know where I'm coming from.

[@ShiverHinge]

LOVE Frith! Live Love Larf Loaf is a great collab album.

[@hoppers13]

My new friend, I’m a very old man and was lucky enough to play on the same bill as Gong and Henry Cow in those blissful days before the commercialism of free and beautiful music.

[@Bob.L.Shirley]

Welcome to the Moodies! Shame it had to coincide with such a sad event. Good suggestion before to check out that 7 album streak - I'd also point you to the album Bluejays which features Justin Hayward and John Lodge from the Moodies. Later in the band's career, there's also a connection to a keyboardist you may have heard of - Patrick Moraz. Nothing like another rabbit hole to jump down, eh, bud?😂

[@brianvernon249]

Glad this dude got into the R&R HoF. Sad part is who he was a part with. He should be known as the “other guy” from Wings. In stead, moody blues of Go Now. Ansley Dunbar on repeat.

[@JonHammerHeart]

That 50's sound you are referring to is most likely the large Plate Reverb unit used on vocal tracks back then; the only type of 'pro' reverb there was at the time. Also, to keep it in perspective, there weren't hundreds of mic companies back then so most artists were using the same mics like the Neumann U87. Technology has had a huge impact on all music and has helped to shape the 'soundscape' that we hear.

[@imamymay]

Listen to "Legend of a Mind" one of the Moody Blues best.

[@jimmayors2315]

Consider that many of Moody Blues albums are considered more "concept albums", than just an album. Moody Blues were the birth fathers of that genre. The melding of classic sci-fi poetry into music too, this one referencing the Greek story of Icarus

[@puncht37]

I like lost chord the most of all Moody albums. Check the rest of this thing out.

[@elizabethrogers8306]

Denny Laine left the Moody Blues about 1966. He joined Paul McCartney in creating Wings. Laine was replaced by Justin Hayward, a multi award winning writer and performer. Ride My See Saw was written by bassist John Lodge and vocals by John Lodge, Justin Hayward, Ray Thomas and Mike Pindar.

[@silvertube52]

The Denny Laine era was a very different band. Denny Laine left and Justin Hayward and John Lodge joined. The band sound changed dramatically, from blues to psychedelic proto-prog. Their next album with Hayward and Lodge was the ground breaking Days of Future Pasted, a concept album with songs representing the parts of a day. It was unique for the use of orchestrated transitions between songs, but also extensive use of the Mellotron (keyboard instrument of pre-recorded sounds, mostly strings). The albums that followed tried to keep the psychedelic creativity going. Their producer, Tony Clarke, engineered the albums so each song flowed into the next without a silent gap, as they did with the orchestral transitions on Days of Future Passed. Back in the late 60's and early 70's, we hippies would get stoned and spend the whole night listening to Moody Blues albums. Yes their albums should be heard as one continuous piece. You MUST listen to Days of Future Passed, and it would be best to hear it all in one sitting.

[@raymondregis6219]

My friend brought this in to kindergarten. I'm not sure I remembered the music but the cover really got my attention. I think it had just come out - tells you how old I am. Moody Blues were folky- pop - psychedelic rock. All 5 member wrote and 4 of them sang lead.

[@L33Reacts]

Kinderarten?? Damn you starred young Ray! I was listening to barney in kindergarten. And my dad and mom's band. Lol

[@ericanderson8886]

Moodies were there at the beginning of prog rock. Their Days of Future Passed is one of the first concept albums and the beginning of a seven album run of amazing prog music.

[@Robert-tj3qq]

It was about Love in turbulent times back then... It's time today to kill off evil and be Free

[@scottfarley3644]

The 60's suck and so did their kind of irresponsible freedom.

[@IvorPresents]

Classic group. Pre Prog. Mix rock and theme albums. I like Days of Future Past. saw the live many times at the Fillmore East. NY.

[@Lightmane]

I saw The Moody Blues in concert twice. Fun concert. Love Ride My See-Saw. They have a lot of fun songs. Enjoy, but I'm looking forward to you checking out my D&D story : )

[@joelliebler5690]

You are want to react or listen to their first 7 albums. They were the start of pre/progressive rock.Now add Story In Your Eyes, NeverComes The Day, and Question to your reactions or listening list!

[@L33Reacts]

Sweet thank you for the suggestions Bro. I will definitely be listening to more. I really dug this.

[@kathyrizzi8754]

Justin Hayward replaced Laine back in 1967, made the Moodies a lot better/ w John Lodge who sings falsetto in their songs.👍

[@paulehney4581]

I've saw the Moody Blues about as many times as I have seen Yes. (Yeah I kinda like them !)Laine was awsome on guitar, you may want to check out some of his work with another band as well. Days of future Passed by the Moody Blues is a definite listen to the entire album deal. The Beachboys and The Association are two bands in particular noted for this type of vocals . From the 50s throughout the sixties you see parts of what is Prog emerging, it was a seesaw!

[@z-man2343]

Except that Denny Laine left the band in 1965, way before this album, or even Days of Future Past, were produced. That's Justin Hayward on guitar.

[@L33Reacts]

Yeah I didn't realize that till the video premiered this morning. My apologies.

[@paulehney4581]

@z-man2343 Go now I have always associated with MB. Then I went into the whole album thing with dofp

[@paulehney4581]

@@z-man2343 I've been trying to point Lee towards Wings for some time now.

[@paulehney4581]

@L33Reacts I forgot to .mention Go Now for the ties to the MBs. Denny played in many bands he was a talent! I'm so old I have always tied him to the moodies

[@oldmanghost219]

OKAY Moody Blues. Warning ... there is a song you need to do the right studio version... Nights In White Satin/Late Lament. Be sure Late Lament is attached. It is the poem at the end and it is cut off in some studio versions and is not attached in any live version.

[@L33Reacts]

Ok I will remember that when we get to that track. Thank you my friend!

[@truthteller6129]

The whole album is a trip. Not suggesting you trip while listening… but many did. 😂

[@L33Reacts]

I might just do that... I honestly need a trip more then ever.