1968 - February: The Moody Blues “Days of Future Passed”

What the Riff?!?

One of the earliest examples of a prog rock record was Days of Future Passed, the second studio album by The Moody Blues. Originally a rhythm and blues band, The Moody Blues were in difficult financial straits when they convinced the record company to combine their music with orchestral elements and interludes in a single album. The group recorded much of their sessions first, then provided these to conductor Peter Knight, who directed the London Festival Orchestra (the house orchestra for Decca Records) in arrangements and orchestral interludes.

The Moody Blues for this album are Justin Hayward on guitar, piano, and vocals, John Lodge on bass and vocals, Mike Pinder on keyboards and vocals, Ray Thomas on flute, piano, and vocals, and Graeme Edge on drums and vocals.

Days of Future Passed is created as a concept around a day in the life of "an everyday man." It begins with a track appropriately entitled "The Day Begins," and concludes with a piece labeled "The Night," which we know as "Nights in White Satin," and "Late Lament."

The album was somewhat successful when first released, but would climb in popularity over a long period of time, particularly on the growing strength of "Nights in White Satin" on FM radio in the U.S. It would eventually peak on the album charts at number 2 in the U.S. - in 1972!

Brian takes us on this day trip.

Dawn: Dawn Is a Feeling
Keyboardist Mike Pinder wrote this song, the first track sung after the Instrumental overture and spoken recitation. As the name implies, it represents the start of the day.

Lunch Break
Bassist John Lodge sings lead on this song which he also wrote. The fast pace is suggestive of the hectic period of lunch hour on a business day. The song has an orchestral introduction which was recorded separately from the rest of the track.

Tuesday Afternoon
Also known as "Forever Afternoon" or "Forever Afternoon (Tuesday?)", the song was originally intended to be named "Tuesday Afternoon" but was changed for the album. It was released as "Tuesday Afternoon" when released as a single. Justin Hayward wrote the song in Lypiatt Park on a (you guessed it) Tuesday afternoon.

Nights In White Satin/Late Lament
Hayward composed this hit at the age of 19 in Belgium, inspired by a gift of satin bedsheets given by his girlfriend. The song is about a yearning love from afar. The strength of this song would provide the success for both the album and The Moody Blues as a whole. Late Lament was written by drummer Graeme Edge, and is recited by keyboardist Mike Pinder. This is the only album track on which the band recorded with the London Festival Orchestra rather than separately.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Won't You Be My Neighbor? (the main theme to the children's series Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood)
The television series starring Fred Rogers debuted nationally this month.

STAFF PICKS:

Tomorrow by Strawberry Alarm Clock
Bruce starts us off with a psychedelic and sunshine pop group out of Los Angeles. This song is the first single off the group's second album, "Wake Up...It's Tomorrow." It would hit number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100, and would be their second and final top 40 hit. "But right now I am with you, and together we can make it through."

Hey Baby (They're Playing Our Song) by The Buckinghams
Rob's staff pick continues in the sunshine pop genre with a band out of Chicago. This is off their album "Portraits," and made it to number 12 on the charts. "Sunshine Pop" is rooted in easy listening and "advertising jingles." The Buckinghams got their name in an attempt to channel some of the success of the British Invasion. They had 5 top 40 hits in 1967.

Nobody But Me by the Human Beinz
Wayne brings us a well-known cover originally performed by The Isley Brothers. There are over 100 "no's" in this song and 47 "nobody's," making it quite literally a quite negative song. While this would be the only entry into the top 10, it would become a staple of Fraternity parties from then on.

Sunday Mornin' by Spanky & Our Gang
Brian features Elaine "Spanky" McFarlane as lead woman for the band. Spanky & Our Gang had a number of hits in the 60's. This sunshine pop song peaked at number 30 as a single, and preceded the album by several months.

COMEDY TRACK:

Here Come the Judge by Shorty Long
This funky novelty song was inspired by a skit on Rowan & Martin's "Laugh In," and was Long's biggest hit, rising to number 4 on the charts.

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