If you didn't tell a Moody fan who wasn't aware of it, they'd swear it was the 'Lost Moody Blues Album,' the one that was left unreleased and got away. And for all the critical brickbats that have always been aimed at the Hayward/Lodge edition of the Moodies, it should be noted that it's not just their way with melodies or the romanticism and 'cosmic' import of their lyrics that have kept them going all these years. Truth is, both men--the anchors of the group--are ace musicians as well. This is a fact proven time and again in concert, but something that can get lost in the elaborate studio mixes, since each tends to be either too subtle, or go a bit overboard with the flash as the song would dictate. A shame, because Hayward, while not a brilliant technician, has to be the most underrated guitarist in history who can shift from rhythm to lead, from loud to soft and back again, in the rock field (IMO) There may be better axemen out there, but to this day he has so much passion and love for his music (and I think, his loyal fans) that he just keeps on pushing a bit harder every tour.
Ironically, BLUE JAYS was not a bridge between the Mach II Moodies and the more trendy, bombastic (with Pat Moraz) band to come, but in a way, the relaxed and subdued end to the previous incarnation (even if they did reunite for the fitful if fascinating OCTAVE).
ED