Drummer reacts to "Procession" & "The Story in Your Eyes" by The Moody Blues

[@mark-be9mq]

Fantastic, five decades later still Fantastic

[@netuno60]

The kings of Mellotron...

[@mararundell2500]

I'm 72 now. When we were college age on weekends my best friend and I would get elevated and just sit in her room listening to Moody Blues albums for literally hours. So glad you picked up on the historical progression of human communication/music in the Procession part. Your channel will continue to grow - good luck.

[@HXERkYJclMcKLAWwQW]

I’m 69 vibes the same 😊

[@Richard2003]

I have not heard this in a while. Brings back great memories of the early 70s. Starting college, finding my way, meeting the girl of my dreams.

[@billbitterman9487]

I own about 6 Moody's albums but have rarely listened to them over the last 30 or so years. I think I'll be pulling them back out. They were a really great band

[@sciwiz57]

One of the most overlooked and underrated bands of all time. Just listen to Lodge’s bass

[@carlgemlich1657]

How are they overlooked. They sold millions of records, are in the RRHOF, and Justin still tours.

[@robertmoraga1501]

One of the most influential prog pioneers; bringing orchestral sounds, flute flourishes, the mellotron, haunting harmonies, and ethereal arrangements to the fore. The opening two and closing two songs are the strong points on this album. It's a deep rabbit hole, but if you want to do an album in chunks, I'd recommend Days of Future Past to begin. Their breakthrough album and arguably the first true concept album. However, they had seven amazing core albums featuring Mike Pinders moody arrangements and all worth a listen if you love progressive rock. Justin Heyward is an amazing songwriter and a very underrated guitarist. Looking forward to this Lee! Thx!

[@TerryKrysinski]

My fav albums by them are Question Of Balance, Every Good Boy Deserves Favor, and Seventh Soljourn. Which I believe are the last three before they disbanded back in the 70's. T

[@mickell241]

i was lucky enough to see them in concert. amazing. love story in your eyes and legend of the mind. great pick!

[@MrDiddyDee]

The album title is from a commonly used mnemonic used to aid those learning to read musical notation. The phrase incorporates the letters EGBDF, which are the notes, from bottom to top, that sit on the lines .It's accompanying memory aid is FACE, which is the notes that sit in the spaces between those lines. The EGBDF sequence of notes is a recurring motif heard throughout the album. Graeme Edge and Sussex University Professor Brain Groves created the experimental electronic drum kit. They constructed a kit which included five snares, ten tom-toms and a whole octave of bass drums, pre-digital age the drums contained a tangle of wires and transistors. It was highly susceptible to electrical spikes from anything switching on or off, and the drums would be triggered erratically, so any hopes of using it on stage were very quickly dropped.

[@damonhines8187]

Was definitely curious about the source and configuration of the electronic drums, thought synthesized completely perhaps, but the straight scoop is more interesting, involved it seems and much appreciated in any case. Cheers. ✌🏼😊🎶✨️🕊

[@SherryRoberson-zg6kl]

My fav band forever, 71yr old grandma here. 🥰😍😍🥰

[@ksurah]

Same here

[@corawheeler9355]

Love this ... Story In Your Eyes is a favorite

[@dow311]

I forgot how beautiful the album covers are. I have all of the Moody Blues albums somewhere in my house.

[@p-dru2205]

THANK YOU!! I am so glad you did both of these tracks together (shout out to John G for helping to make it happen). I had commented on your reaction to "Departure/Ride My Seesaw" that I thought you would enjoy this. I was barely 16 at the time I got the album and "The Story In Your Eyes" had just become a hit on the radio. And I'll admit - when I first put the album on my sterio and listened to "Procession" I thought to myself "WTF? What have I done?" But once it transitioned into "...Story..." I was hooked. The rest of the album is definitely a worthy listen for really good kick-back-&-be-soothed music. It is absolute poetry put to music. And ever since that first time listening to Side 1 of the album, every time the radio played just the "...Story..." single I felt like something was missing, so powerful was that transition from "Procession" to "...Story..." for me.

[@signal12hvac]

the drummer invented the electronic drum

[@johng.8517]

Thanks for the reaction and shoutout Lee. You got the meaning to Procession real quick. Good call. I've seen them about a dozen times. I bought this album from my brother in the early 70's for a dollar. I liked the cover and then loved the music. He wanted the money to gamble on the horses at Freehold Raceway in NJ where I grew up. The rest of the album is good too.

[@stuBdoc]

Hayward singing, writing, and lead guitar. Notice the title of the album: the UK version of the notes of the treble staff, EGBDF. Here we say "every good boy does fine." As to the first track, all of the Moody Blues Core 7 albums start with an experimental opening track, just to get you thinking.

[@L33Reacts]

I grew up with every good boy deserves fudge lol but yeah I noticed it in the title EGBDF

[@L33Reacts]

I hope I get to hear the rest! This was An amazing start.

[@shirleybhs9zd6li5i]

Funny that this is now considered Prog music. Back in the late 60's & early &70's we called this tripping music, but we were all high, so there's that. Whatever we call it , it's great music, so big thanks John G for the pick. And glad you're feeling better Lee. Blessings all.

[@mickell241]

we were all high.... tune in, turn on, drop out... it was a great time!

[@shirleybhs9zd6li5i]

@@mickell241 Indeed😄

[@StevenMichals0812]

It was just cool music. We were high too.

[@mickell241]

@@StevenMichals0812 still being played 60 years later. how cool is that? we were high and so were the musicians......

[@StevenMichals0812]

@mickell241 I saw them play live about 10 years ago. They sounded great.

[@Coquinagirl]

“an embarrassment of riches” 👌🏼❤️🙂 Some Moody Blues I’ve never heard. So neat. Cosmic beginnings to driving rock. music from rocks 🙂 Thank you, John G. and Lee!

[@warrenbutson349]

Story in Your eyes so short but it rocks and so much going on great guitar from Justin

[@steveyoung2317]

Floyd, Yes, blue's Great prog rock. Wish concept albums could be still relevant

[@glenndespres5317]

Thank you John G and Lee! Moodies all day!! Yes, it was a progression of creation through the ages up to current times. Procession!

[@reneelyons6836]

Art Rock at it finest!!

[@stillstanding8286]

I saw these guys live for the first time (of 6 total) in 1972 during their “Seventh Sojourn” tour and they were spectacular. They had the fullest sound of any band that I’ve ever heard live in my 50 plus years of concert going. This is a rabbit hole that you should continue to explore.

[@wpollock1]

I love that album best

[@charlesclifton1006]

Very cool to see you giving this music a listen. At 74 years old I was young when this Album was released and now, hearing it again, the magic is still there. I bought all of the early Moodies albums (English released vinyl) after visiting the Moodies office in Cobham, Surrey - never played them and they are in pristine condition. Thanks for doing this.

[@nanlewis]

Man...I haven't listened to this in many years. Still so powerful and beautiful! Gonna have to pull this album out!❤❤❤

[@JerryCarr909]

Great music to get your head tight back in the late 60’s

[@stevenginsburg4990]

I have always absolutely adored this album. Congrats, Lee, on reaching 30k!!

[@kweile4339]

Procession comes back later on the album and expands. Still sticks in my head...

[@poptart4260]

L33 , you dig the 60 s tunes more then the people in the 60 s , they were more confused

[@EchoesDaBear]

GREAT reaction Lee! The Story In Your Eyes has LONG been a favourite of mine - especially being one of the biggest bangers in the Moodies catalogue! And it's ALL Hayward for vocals (Pinder has a deeper register). I remember getting this album - and was entranced with Procession - what a way to present the 'history' of music! Such a natural (and awesome) segue into Story...prepare to ROCK! I highly recommend checking the entire album! I started humming & singing the following song...Our Guessing Game. More Moodies! Cheers!

[@Linda-y9h]

Cavemen were definitely rock n rollers. ❤😂

[@Richard2003]

On the radio it started with the music part.

[@davidmckenzie420]

I LOVE these songs.

[@Matt_Katt]

In Search of the Lost Chord will forever be a go to for me. It’s truly an under appreciated psychedelic masterpiece.

[@jml-rj5re]

Masterful. And the Bonus tracks on CDs are as good as anything the Moody Blues ever did.

[@jerrypost9651]

Definitely continue with the album, Lee. It's a masterpiece, highlighting the songwriting abilities of each of the members. One brilliant track after another. 😁

[@julianbarber4708]

True innovators.

[@paulnixon9861]

Mike Pinder's "My Song" which closes this album is fabulous, one of his best.

[@Atom-56]

Just a fabulous album.

[@keithwright1621]

Admit it. They rocked it!

[@scotstevens5263]

Justin Hayward on vocals and lead guitar

[@johnyarusso4953]

My favorite Moodies song is You can never go home on side 2 of this album. Very underrated. Those are electronic drums by the way. Invented by their drummer way before anyone.

[@TobiasSmith-u9b]

My favorite Moody Blues song!

[@donnakubiski5572]

I don't own this album so I have never heard the first song, but "The Story In Your Eyes" is my favorite Moody Blues song. I saw them in concert on a double bill with Chicago at the Poplar Creek Music Theater in Hoffman Estates, IL back in 1992. I bought their tour shirt and I still have it. Excited to hear your reaction.

[@EchoesDaBear]

Highly recommend checking each of the first 7 albums in entirety! Every Good Boy is a fantastic listen! And yes, Story is a spectacular song - fave of mine too!

[@grahamharley4895]

Pioneers. Never heard the weird one, but 'Story in your Eyes' always a favourite.

[@kowindsurf1590]

thanks for reacting to one of my faves by the Moodys

[@Richard2003]

Congrats Lee on 30K !!

[@jessicalee7119]

You mentioned the drums ~ ~ ~ ~ I found this info. Early in the 1970s, MOODY BLUES DRUMMER GRAEME EDGE CREATED THE FIRST ELECTRONIC DRUM EQUIPMENT. Electronic drums didn't become widely used or a standard instrument in both commercial and home recording studios until the 1980s,

[@Atom-56]

The Moody Blues, in the 1960s were the first band in the UK to, use a mellotron, emulating an orchestral sound on their timeless, concept albums…….hencethe start of symphonic/prog rock. Smoked many joints, listening to this .😉

[@jasonralph4286]

One of my favorites after the 10 Billion Butterfly sneezes on Higher. My band days are 60 years gone by and I'm trying to remember the tuning significance of E,G,B,D,F? This song really builds in a great way!

[@lisarainbow9703]

"Every Good Boy Deserves Favor" is a pneumonic device to help music students remember how to read the lines on a musical staff in sheet music.

[@davidmooney2512]

It's the beginning and works through time

[@dow311]

One of my favorite song is called The Stage.

[@julianbarber4708]

Justin Hayward on vocals, mainly. They took a giant leap forward when Justin joined the band.

[@keithwright1621]

They do a killer live version with the London Philharmonic. on KZbin. You should check it out.

[@barrymuller5131]

I thought the same kind of progression you were expressing. Another song like “Story in Your Eyes” is “I’m Just a Singer in a Rock and Roll Band.” I think the early part is part of creation like the Earth being formed from the firmament.

[@333wheeler]

Probably the most trippy album they recorded. As you will discover if you delve into it further. " I know you're out there somewhere" is one the most ear worm songs they released. Its from a much later album.

[@kenlawless7247]

The history of mankind told with a couple of words.

[@sharondavid-melly1498]

from the ashes we can build another day

[@HRConsultant_Jeff]

I always loved the artwork on this album cover and I recall exactly where I was when I bought it (to add to my Moody Blues collection). It has been years since I heard this song. Of course it gave us The Story in your Eyes and Nice to be Here among others but I particularly liked this opening track which hits all of the centuries of music in a couple of minutes.

[@jameswillhour427]

🥰🥰🥰

[@chrisjenkins6120]

EGBDF those 5 notes open Procession. Every Good Boy Deserves Favor. The Moody Blues had 7 concept albums. This one opens with those 5 notes.

[@chrisy8989]

My favourite Moodies album.

[@jimfrederick3907]

The whole album is one giant experience.

[@ChristyAbbey]

EGBDF is the weakest of the classic seven, yet still awesome. Go for it!

[@jpmnewyork]

Wow. Not owning the album, I knew "The Story in Your Eyes" but I don't think I've ever heard "Procession" -- at least, not all of it. Wow.

[@yes_head]

Reaction channels have oddly avoided The Moody Blues. I have a feeling there's some kind of "they sound old" stigma, but that just doesn't square with how popular and influential they were back in the day. This isn't my personal favorite album of theirs -- in fact it might be my LEAST favorite from the classic 7 period. But at least with "The Story in Your Eyes" you get a solid piece of Justin Hayward pop rock songwriting. It was typical for some kind of conceptual thing kick off MB albums from this period. I remember hearing "Procession" as a teenager and geeking out about how they were going through the entire history of music in one instrumental. And no, they pretty much clung to their 60's sound right up until 'Seventh Sojourn' in '72. By the time this album came out they'd simplified their studio creations in order for them to be played live, although Mike Pinder (RIP) never did transition to the more modern keyboards that were arriving in the 70's. Sure, they'd dabble with the Moog in the studio, but you never saw him bring one on tour. Or even a Hammond organ for that matter. My recommended MB albums are 'To Our Children's Children's Children' and 'In Search of the Lost Chord'. After that I'd go with 'A Question of Balance' and 'On the Threshold of a Dream', and lastly 'Seventh Sojourn' and then this album. I think you already listened to "Days of Future Passed', but if not that should go toward the beginning because it really established the stylistic and sonic template for the Moodies' entire run of 60s/early 70's albums (although they had to quickly pivot to making albums without an actual orchestra, hence the heavy use of Mellotron.)

[@thomasmcintosh390]

A fun and fairly easy song to learn on guitar.

[@davidrauh8118]

The intros to their essential seven albums always set up the trip you were going to take musically and lyrically. People never counted them as a real rock n roll band, but that's not true they could certainly rock hard at their leisure. Their beautiful melodies and harmonies always threw the purists who wanted every song raw and loud. Excuse my taste is a bit wider than that.

[@jml-rj5re]

Great album. In Search of the Lost Chord, To Our Children's Children's Children, Seventh Sojourn are my favorite Moody Blues albums. Like Steely Dan or Stevie Wonder, there are tons of deep tracks.

[@newodkin]

STORY...is my favorite Moodies number but I saw them twice, once in the late '70s and again in the mid-80s, but they DIDN'T PERFORM IT LIVE!!

[@ShiverHinge]

Lovely To See You

[@warrenfoil6851]

Nice Pink Floyd reference! That was my first exposure to PF, 1969ish.

[@bartholomewswarmkrunsh3859]

Procession hints at the songs One More Time To Live and My Song , the powerhouse tracks on this great album. You Can Never Go Home is a personal fave.

[@martinmorris5997]

From my city of Birmingham (UK), well before Black Sabbath, and around the time of Spenser Davis Group come the highly underrated Moody Blues. They basically started Prog music on their own in 1967, well before the 1969’s version of King Crimson who were highly influenced by the Moody’s sound, and other early English 70’s bands like Yes and Genesis who took the genre elsewhere. Moody’s are the original and who were inspired no doubt by the Beatles Revolver, as up until then (1966) they were a rhythm and blues band with Denny Laine (Wings) as their lead vocalist.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Great pick.

[@rogervondrasek5677]

You need to listen to the whole album. All of the songs on their albums were blended together because they wanted people to listen to them as a whole. My favorite on the album was Nice to be Here. If you've ever wondered what a daffodil sounds like, give it a try.

[@oldmanghost219]

"Procession" & "The Story in Your Eyes" WOW !!! I never thought anyone would know to do these 2 together. When the album came out I was advised to hear them together as ...Procession ...is a great lead in to ... The Story In Your eyes... You will never find a live version of it this way. AND since you can find it this way on KZbin others agree.

[@MisterWondrous]

The procession of music of which the several species sing, continue on through their big 7. The folks down at the agency really seem to like the Mellotron sounds. Very spacy. Transcendent.

[@John-d5d9v]

You should comment on how cool the album cover is

[@tonydagostino6158]

All those sounds and the percussion in Procession are sampled in the Mellotron, a tape-based instrument combined with a synthesizer

[@will-x9c]

Justin Hayward could really shred when he put his mind to it. If Progression was updated to today it would include hip-hop, then they'd have to rename it "Regression". The Moody's had a huge and devoted following but to me they always strove too hard for The Profound. Not that there's anything wrong with that

[@HXERkYJclMcKLAWwQW]

The beginning interlude the notes played ; E - G- B- D-F

[@KevyNova]

Please listen to more Moody Blues! I just found your channel and subscribed.

[@lindachrisman915]

Years before electronic drums

[@jimbrown868]

Lee: Check out the video version of "I'm Just A Singer In A Rock N Roll Band." Incredible drumming!!

[@FairDealDan]

Compared to Yes ELP Genesis Giant Crimson PFM this is like when your 5 year old brings home a drawing from kindergarten and you say WOW! and use a magnet to hang it on the refrigerator...But I admit ITS CUTE!!! And hey, I'm having good time listening to it.... So that says...uh...something?

[@L33Reacts]

Lmao 🤣

[@Matt_Katt]

Everything has its place. The Moody Blues had their own unique thing and comparing them to the bands you listed is simply a waste. It doesn’t work like that.

[@FairDealDan]

@@Matt_Katt You know that's what was trying to say...when I was 18 I would make fun of people for listening to this amateurish crap, but now In have really good memories about those times and I actually like it. Let's face it I guess when we are 18 we are so sure we're smart but we are all idiots. Why I placed so much emphasis on "technical" stuff is MY problem, yet one can't deny the bands I mentioned ARE in different league

[@garyporter1702]

Oops... maybe I was wrong about electronic drums. I thought it was keyboards.

[@garyporter1702]

No electronic drums back then.

[@brianvernon249]

The story in your eyes & Classical Gas sound too similar. Like Classical Gas sounds like the instrumental version of the Story in your eyes.

[@dougreed2257]

No it doesn't really😮 there are only so many notes,chords ,progressions etc, something will ALWAYS sound like something,but your comparison is a bit of a stretch i feel!!