subota, 21.11.2009.
The Moody Blues - December (2003)
It was inevitable that The Moody Blues would produce a Christmas record. Why it took this long is the mystery. The group's classical music underpinnings have always been ripe for the Christmas canon and on December they add to it with their own contributions. "Don’t Need A Reindeer" is a remarkably sweet little pop song that proves Justin Hayward can still write what sounds like a hit. A fair amount of orchestration shades the rest of the CD, as the band arranges and adds lyrics to a Bach piece (here called "In the Quiet of Christmas Morning") while also taking on "In the Bleak Midwinter," "When A Child Is Born," "White Christmas," and the John Lennon/Yoko Ono classic, "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)." In the same vein, though less cheerful, John Lodge pens a melancholy meditation on the horrors of the Mideast in 2003. While he’s no John Lennon and December is uneven at best, for Moody Blues fans it will be like finding the lost chord...Martin Keller
I normally don't listen to Christmas music too early in the season for fear of tiring of it too soon. I adore The Moody Blues, but was reluctant to go right out and purchase this CD as I've done with their music in the past. A friend of mine surprised me by sending a copy in the mail as a gift. The words that come to mind upon first listen are "refreshing" and "sincere." "Don't Need A Reindeer" is such a catchy, bouncy opener that has several hooks that just play through your head all day. "December Snow" is another favorite of mine, showcasing Justin Hayward's mind-blowing talent for writing such poignant ballads. Though the remaining Moody Blues can handle the harmonies quite well, I do miss Ray Thomas' full, rich baritone that I've loved all these years. As for the flute-playing, Norda Mullen does a marvelous job on this recording, and in concert for the last year. I echo the sentiments of those who regretted there not being more original tunes on the CD. I've read an interview where Justin stated that adding more "covers" was the idea of the record company rather than their own. I also agree that this is a CD that is not exclusive of the holiday season. I think this is a positive thing, though. I'm going to enjoy listening to this great offering from my favorite band well into the new year!..D. Johnson
Codec: mp3
Bitrate: 320 kB/s
Size: 97 MB
Genre : Symphonic Xmas Rock
2000mustangs
Tracklist:
01. Don't Need A Reindeer 4.01
02. December Snow 5.11
03. In The Quiet Of Christmas Morning (Bach 147) 2.51
04. On This Christmas Day 3.40
05. Happy Christmas (War Is Over) 2.37
06. A Winters Tale 4.28
07. The Spirit Of Christmas 4.53
08. Yes I Believe 4.21
09. When A Child Is Born 3.34
10. White Christmas 3.08
11. In The Bleak Midwinter 3.27
