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John Lodge

10,000 Light Years Ago

Review by Gary Hill

It’s a safe bet most people reading this review know of John Lodge from his work as part of the Moody Blues. This is his new solo album. I’d have to say that it doesn’t sound a lot like the Moody Blues, except in a few places. Even then, you’d never mistake those for Moody Blues songs. What’s the point of releasing a solo album if it sounds like your band, though? This is quite a strong set. It covers quite a bit of musical territory, too. While it’s not all progressive rock, I’ve included it under prog because we at MSJ consider Lodge to be a progressive rock musician as part of the Moodies.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2015  Volume 2 at lulu.com/strangesound.
Track by Track Review
In My Mind

Roughly the first two and a half minutes of this are purely instrumental. This starts off quite mellow, but builds out to a real rocker. In a lot of ways this song makes me think of Pink Floyd. The guitar sound and general arrangement definitely feel like that.

Those Days in Birmingham
There is a hard edge as this one starts, too. Somehow this feels a bit like The Kinks to me.
Simply Magic
This mellower piece feels more like what you’d expect from Lodge as part of the Moody Blues.
Get Me Out of Here
I can hear a lot of modern Moodies in the mix on this number, too. It’s a catchy cut with some great guitar and accessible vocal hooks. I love the guitar soloing, too. It definitely has a bit of Beatles vibe at times, as well.
Love Passed Me By
Old time music is the order of business here. This is a nice bit of variety.
Crazy
Old school rock and roll makes up this number. It’s energetic and a lot of fun.
Lose Your Love
This mellow tune also feels a bit like Moody Blues music at times. I like the vocal arrangement a lot here.
10,000 Light Years Ago
The opening section, with spoken lyrics, really feels so much like The Moody blues. It grows out to a bit more of a rocker from there. This still feels like it could be a Moodies song, too. In fact, it’s one of the most Moodies-like pieces here. It’s also one of the best songs. That fits, though, since it’s the title track. It’s also a great choice for closer. This is the most complex piece here, too. It works through several movements.
  
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