Moody Blues – This Is The Moody Blues 12" Vinyl 2LP Album

UK Pressing on Threshold Records

Album cover of 'This Is The Moody Blues' (1974). The artwork features a surreal design with seven stacked album covers forming a staircase against a dreamy, cosmic sky. Each album cover is a past release by The Moody Blues, leading up to the top, where 'Days of Future Passed' is partially visible. The background consists of deep blue hues and soft, white clouds, enhancing the celestial feel.

"This Is The Moody Blues," presented on a 12" Vinyl 2LP Album in its UK Pressing, stands as a testament to the band's illustrious career. Featuring white labels adorned with purple text, this export version adds a distinct touch to the collection. A compilation of the band's iconic tracks, the album showcases The Moody Blues' musical evolution and timeless hits. With a nod to their UK roots, this pressing becomes a cherished piece for collectors and fans alike, encapsulating the band's legacy in a vinyl masterpiece.

"This Is The Moody Blues" Description:

In the heart of the 1970s, amidst the vibrant tapestry of rock's evolution, the Moody Blues graced the music scene with their iconic double LP compilation, "This Is The Moody Blues." Released in 1974 as a UK pressing, the album encapsulates a pivotal era of musical exploration, artistic expression, and a hint of controversy.

Historical Context: A Glimpse into the '70s

The 1970s was a decade of transition for rock music, with artists experimenting with diverse sounds and styles. Prog rock, a genre characterized by complex compositions and instrumentation, was gaining momentum. The Moody Blues, who had already established themselves with their psychedelic and symphonic rock anthems, were perfectly poised to embrace this new wave of creativity.

Musical Exploration: A Kaleidoscope of Sounds

"This Is The Moody Blues" is a curated collection of the band's most beloved tracks, showcasing their signature blend of rock, folk, and orchestral elements. From the hauntingly beautiful "Nights in White Satin" to the whimsical "Ride My See-Saw," the album traverses a spectrum of emotions and musical textures. Each song is a window into the band's artistic journey, revealing their growth as composers and performers.

Controversies and Artistic Freedom

While the album was largely embraced by fans and critics alike, it wasn't without its share of controversies. Some purists felt that the omission of certain fan favorites from the band's earlier catalog was a missed opportunity. However, others appreciated the compilation's focus on the band's more recent material, highlighting their ongoing musical evolution.

Production & Recording Information
Album Packaging

This 12" LP vinyl music record comes comes in a Fold Open Cover (FOC), which is also also known as a Gatefold cover. The inner pages of this album cover contain a collage of photos of the Moody Blues band-members.

Sleeve Printed in England by Robert Stace.

Producer(s):
  • Tony Clarke - Producer
Sound & Recording Engineers:
  • Adrian Martins - Sound Engineer
  • David Baker - Sound Engineer
  • Derek Varnals - Sound Engineer
Photography:
  • David Rohls - Photography
  • Pete Jackon - Photography
  • Nick Massey - Photography
  • David Wedgbury - Photography
  • Kippa Agency - King Records, Japan - Photography
  • AB Elektra - Photography
  • Ethan Russell - Photography
Music Genre:

Progressive Rock, Psychedelic Rock, and Art Rock

Label & Catalognr:

Threshold – M B 1/2

Media Format:

Record Format: 2x 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 460 gram  

Year & Country:

1974 Made in UK

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Question 5:39
  2. The Actor 4:11
  3. The Word (Poem) 0:51
  4. Eyes Of A Child 2:34
  5. Dear Diary 3:47
  6. Legend Of A Mind 6:37
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. In The Beginning 2:06
  2. Lovely To See You 2:35
  3. Never Comes The Day 4:39
  4. Isn't Life Strange 6:32
  5. The Dream (Poem) 0:52
  6. Have You Heard (Part One) 1:23
  7. The Voyage 4:08
  8. Have You Heard (Part Two) 2:08
Tracklisting Side C:
  1. Ride My See Saw 3:32
  2. Tuesday Afternoon 4:04
  3. And The Tide Rushes In 2:54
  4. New Horizons 5:06
  5. Simple Game 3:18
  6. Watching And Waiting 4:21
Tracklisting Side :
  1. I'm Just A Singer (In A Rock And Roll Band) 4:11
  2. For My Lady 3:54
  3. The Story In Your Eyes 2:45
  4. Melancholy Man 5:05
  5. Nights In White Satin 4:33
  6. Late Lament 2:33
High Resolution & Quality Photos
Front Cover Photo Of Moody Blues – This Is The Moody Blues ( UK Pressing )
Album cover of 'This Is The Moody Blues' (1974). The artwork features a surreal design with seven stacked album covers forming a staircase against a dreamy, cosmic sky. Each album cover is a past release by The Moody Blues, leading up to the top, where 'Days of Future Passed' is partially visible. The background consists of deep blue hues and soft, white clouds, enhancing the celestial feel.

The album cover of "This Is The Moody Blues" (1974) is a visual journey through the band's iconic discography. The artwork presents a surreal and almost cosmic arrangement, depicting seven Moody Blues album covers stacked like ascending steps, creating a staircase into the sky.

At the top, partially visible, is "Days of Future Passed", its fiery orange and yellow hues radiating a psychedelic warmth. Below it, *On the Threshold of a Dream* emerges in deep blues and whites, giving way to *To Our Children's Children's Children*, bathed in a sepia-like glow. The iconic "A Question of Balance" follows, its dynamic rocket imagery breaking through the monochrome darkness, hinting at the existential themes within. The lower steps display "Every Good Boy Deserves Favour", a subtle, hazy blue, and at the base, the almost faded "Seventh Sojourn", its presence barely discernible, as if dissolving into the cosmic abyss.

The background is a deep blue sky, speckled with soft, dreamlike clouds that drift through the scene, reinforcing the ethereal, transcendental nature of the band's music. The album title, "This Is The Moody Blues", is elegantly inscribed at the top in a classic serif font, almost floating in the celestial backdrop.

The artwork mirrors the band's signature blend of symphonic rock, poetic lyricism, and introspective, often otherworldly themes, making it a fitting visual companion to their sound.

Photo Of The Back Cover Moody Blues – This Is The Moody Blues ( UK Pressing )
Back cover of 'This Is The Moody Blues' (1974). The design features a deep blue night sky with soft, drifting white clouds and a crescent moon in the upper left corner. The tracklist is centered in white serif font, arranged into four sides, listing classic Moody Blues songs. A small 'Threshold' logo appears near the moon, and the producer credit for Tony Clarke is at the bottom.

The back cover of *This Is The Moody Blues* (1974) continues the celestial, dreamlike aesthetic of the front cover. The background is a deep midnight blue sky, fading slightly lighter towards the horizon, creating a vast and infinite atmosphere. Wisps of soft, white clouds drift serenely across the expanse, adding to the ethereal quality of the scene.

In the upper left corner, a delicate crescent moon glows faintly, near which the *Threshold* logo is subtly placed, floating like a distant beacon. The logo consists of a stylized blimp, its vintage airship-like design evoking a sense of exploration and adventure, perfectly in tune with The Moody Blues’ progressive and introspective musical themes.

The album's tracklist is elegantly presented in the center in a white serif font, divided into four sides, each listing key tracks from the band's catalog. Songs like *Nights in White Satin*, *Tuesday Afternoon*, *Question*, and *Ride My See-Saw* stand out as timeless classics, their titles evoking the band's signature blend of symphonic rock, poetic lyricism, and cosmic wonder.

At the bottom, production credits acknowledge Tony Clarke, the legendary producer behind much of The Moody Blues’ most celebrated work. An additional note references the orchestral contributions of *The London Festival Orchestra*, reinforcing the album's grand, immersive soundscape.

The overall composition of the back cover mirrors the band's sonic journey—expansive, contemplative, and deeply atmospheric. Like a portal into another dimension, it invites the listener to step beyond the clouds and into the boundless dreamscape of The Moody Blues.

Photo of the left inside cover
Left Inside gatefold of 'This Is The Moody Blues' (1974). A black and white collage featuring candid and performance shots of the band. Images include live concerts, studio sessions, casual moments, and group portraits. The band members, including Graeme Edge, Justin Hayward, John Lodge, Mike Pinder, and Ray Thomas, are captured in various settings, showcasing their musical journey and camaraderie.

The left inside gatefold of This Is The Moody Blues (1974) presents a striking black and white collage, immersing the viewer in the band's history through a collection of candid, on-stage, and behind-the-scenes photographs.

The collage consists of numerous photographs, each capturing a different facet of The Moody Blues' journey. At the top left, the band is seen performing on stage, dressed in classic late '60s and early '70s rock attire, deeply immersed in their music. Below, close-up shots of the band members—Justin Hayward, John Lodge, Graeme Edge, Mike Pinder, and Ray Thomas—offer a more intimate look at their expressions, showcasing the intensity and emotion behind their performances.

Several images depict moments of camaraderie and relaxation: the band members reclining together in casual settings, chatting, and sharing laughs. Some photos highlight them in recording studios, absorbed in their instruments and equipment, emphasizing their dedication to their craft. The presence of keyboards, guitars, and mixing consoles reinforces the symphonic and progressive elements that define their music.

At the bottom left, a large image of Justin Hayward captures him mid-speech or mid-performance, a moment of expressive engagement. To the right, a serene outdoor photograph contrasts with the high-energy performance shots, showing the band in a more reflective and personal light. A striking bearded portrait of one of the members at the bottom right adds a final touch, grounding the composition with a sense of maturity and wisdom.

On the left side of the image, the album title, This Is The Moody Blues, is printed vertically in bold, followed by the names of the band members—Graeme Edge, Justin Hayward, John Lodge, Mike Pinder, and Ray Thomas—creating a structured introduction to the visual narrative.

The combination of these images forms a mosaic of The Moody Blues' evolution, blending electrifying stage presence with quiet introspection, ultimately encapsulating the spirit of a band that shaped the landscape of progressive and psychedelic rock.

Photo of the inside cover
Inside gatefold of 'This Is The Moody Blues' (1974). A black and white photographic collage featuring the band in live performances, casual settings, and studio moments. Includes images of band members singing, playing instruments, interacting with fans, and relaxing outdoors. The right side contains production credits and the Threshold Records logo.

The inside gatefold of This Is The Moody Blues (1974) unfolds into an expansive black and white collage, capturing a wide spectrum of moments from the band's illustrious career. The layout is an eclectic mix of live concert shots, candid personal images, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, offering an intimate portrait of The Moody Blues.

On the left side, large images depict electrifying live performances—band members on stage, deeply engrossed in their music, guitars in hand, and microphones poised. The intensity of the performances is evident in their facial expressions, while spotlights illuminate their silhouettes against vast, adoring crowds. A panoramic view of a massive concert audience reinforces the band's monumental presence in the rock scene.

Scattered throughout are close-ups of the individual band members—Graeme Edge, Justin Hayward, John Lodge, Mike Pinder, and Ray Thomas—each captured in various moods. Some images show them mid-performance, eyes closed in concentration, while others present casual moments, with relaxed smiles, sunglasses, and laughter among bandmates.

Several studio shots reveal glimpses into the recording process, with members adjusting sound equipment and engaging in discussions, emphasizing the craftsmanship behind their symphonic sound. Other images showcase the band outdoors, including a peaceful shot of the members standing in a barren landscape, evoking a sense of reflection and camaraderie.

On the far right, text detailing the album's production credits is neatly aligned, listing the photographers, sound engineers, and record label details. The Threshold Records logo appears at the bottom, reinforcing the album’s official branding.

This vibrant photographic tapestry encapsulates the essence of The Moody Blues—visionary musicians whose presence transcended the stage, leaving an indelible mark on the world of progressive and psychedelic rock.

Photo Side One Moody Blues – This Is The Moody Blues ( UK Pressing )
High Resolution Photo #5 Moody Blues – This Is The Moody Blues Vinyl Record
Photo of Side Two Moody Blues – This Is The Moody Blues ( UK Pressing )
High Resolution Photo #6 Moody Blues – This Is The Moody Blues Vinyl Record
Photo of Side C
High Resolution Photo #7 Moody Blues – This Is The Moody Blues Vinyl Record
Photo of Side D
High Resolution Photo #8 Moody Blues – This Is The Moody Blues Vinyl Record
FEATURED THE MOODY BLUES VINYL RECORDS

MOODY BLUES - The Moody Blues Story ( NL Pressing )

Thumbnail Of MOODY BLUES - The Moody Blues Story album front cover

Decca 6641 913 , 1978 , Netherlands

is a two record-set with a collection of Moody Blues songs up to 1978.

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Moody Blues – This Is The Moody Blues ( UK Pressing )

Thumbnail Of Moody Blues – This Is The Moody Blues ( UK Pressing ) album front cover

Threshold – M B 1/2 , 1974 , UK

This is the UK export version and has white labels with purple text.

Learn more