This live DVD showcases the Moody Blues in a 2005 performance. Some of the songs feel stripped down here, while others are more like the original recordings. The thing is, in some ways I like the stripped down renditions better. It’s not because I really enjoy the song more that way, but it lends a new understanding. It’s easy to think of the Moody Blues as an orchestral (whether real orchestra or synthesized version) outfit and forget that they wrote great songs. Without a lot of added layers the songwriting really shows through. The powerful vocal performances stand out, too. For that reason, I think it’s cool that some of the music (particularly the opening piece) are performed without a lot added layers. It helps you to really appreciate the talent of the band. This is a rather intimate performance with a lot of talking between songs and it really showcases a group of musicians who are passionate about their music.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2011  Volume 4 at lulu.com/strangesound.